The occasionally hilarious “Disenchantment” is a medieval swords-and-sorcery tale from many of the talents behind “Futurama,” among them writers David X. Cohen, Josh Weinstein , Patric M. Verrone and Matt Groening, as well as voice actors Billy West, John DiMaggio, Lauren Tom, Maurice LaMarche, Tress MacNeille and David Herman.
The three “Disenchantment” leads could remind “Futurama” fans of Leela, Fry and Bender:
* Bean (“Broad City” vet Abbi Jacobson) is capable and rebellious princess, anxious to find her way in the world rather than involve herself in a kingdom-uniting marriage arranged by her father.
* Elfo (“Ben and Kate” star Nat Faxon) is an elf whose desire to explore lands beyond his hidden forest makes him the series’ Fry-ish fish-out-of-water. He also pines for the oblivious Bean.
* Luci (“Don’t Trust The Bitch” vet Eric Andre) is a ne’er-do-well demon assigned to torment Bean -- but occasionally proves surprisingly useful to the princess. Some of the series’ best jokes make sport of his resemblance to a house cat.
Do I love any of them as much as Zoidberg or Farnsworth? I do not!
Are the episodes that run more than 29 minutes too long? They are!
Bottom line: So far “Disenchantment” is not as good as “Futurama” but better than 21st century “Simpsons.”
... it’s in that vast expanse separating funny-clever from funny-ha-ha that Disenchantment frequently tends to get lost, largely thanks to the relative thinness of the three main characters. … the emphasis on plot can make the episodes longer than they should be for comedy’s sake, with the premiere clocking in around 35 minutes.
... It’s somewhat entertaining, but you may feel as though you’ve seen it all done before, and better. …
... While Disenchantment boasts a distinctively fresh environment, a splendid vocal cast and some eye-popping visuals, the first seven episodes offer frequent chuckle-inducing diversions but no one installment that clearly shouts, "Here. This is the special show Disenchantment wants to become."…
... the show’s use of fairy-tale convention generates the best laughs, but the serialized storyline and the baggy running time (the pilot is 35 minutes) keep it from soaring. …
11:59 p.m. Thursday. Netflix.
