The sequel series to Real Ghostbusters and the first new team of Ghostbusters. I go over the pro and cons of XGB!
Extreme Ghostbusters
The sequel series to Real Ghostbusters and the first new team of Ghostbusters. I go over the pro and cons of XGB!
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I think i’m gonna check out this show, it seems like a pretty good show all around. ^-^
If I hear one more rendition of “I’m a Scientist”, my head is going to explode.
If you can survive the 1001 ways to say ‘he’s dead jim’, your head will survive 🙂
I recall watching a couple episodes of this one as a kid, and not liking it very much, especially because of the different artstyle. Sure seems miles away from Slimer and His Amazing Friends at a second glance. Could be worth giving it a chance again…
I think it’s amusing that their website is still up. http://www.extremeghostbusters.org/. By the way, was that Proteus in the Real Ghostbusters clip you showed? He reminded me a bit of the villain from the crossover comic, including the mirror dimension part.
Hahaha, Wooooooowww, that is a terrible site from the very, VERY early days of the internet. That flash tour must’ve been amazing at the time, but now it’s so bad XD
On the website, you’ve GOT to try the interactive firehouse! It’s so bad it’s hilarious XD
Oh my god! It’s like going back in time. XD
WTH? It says that Egon is 41 in Extreme! He was lying about being 39! :O
The only thing that I remember of this show, is Kylie, nothing else
I’m really happy that you reviewed this. It’s something I grew up with, and was something I saw before I ever watched the movies, rather like how it was for you and The Real Ghostbusters. And in spite of its flaws, which were many, I still have a major soft spot for it… probably too much. It had so many great designs for ghosts and monsters, and so many of them could get really dark, darker than The Real Ghostbusters even, except those damn resets sometimes.
It’s a real shame the show didn’t quite live up to its potential on some points. It was still enjoyable for the most part with good characters, and interesting for its varied cast. But as you point out, they don’t get developed nearly as much as they should, and characters seem to have backwards development.
I imagine that if they’d gotten a season 2, they’d almost certainly have had Samhain appear. They built it up enough in marketing that he might do, but damn was it disappointing that he never did. The opportunity was practically gift-wrapped for them to have the old Ghostbusters back for HIS return, but nope, big black blobby thing is all we got.
Egon really ought to have been at least ten years older, if not have him be in his 50’s. It makes no sense for him to be only 39 years old for a lot of reasons.
Thanks for looking at this one, it was a real nostalgia trip.
This seems like an interesting watch, I think I will give it a look. Great review, as always. Now, if you would only review the men in black cartoon, I could die a happy person, lol.
The biggest complaint a lot of people had about this show was that it was “Too PC”. They complained that there was not a single plain white American man in the new group.
Also, “Dog Days” sounds like a remake of “It’s a Jungle Out There” from “The Real Ghostbusters”.
Wow, then I guess a lot of white American males hated TMNT, too.
I think it was mostly people who didn’t see the show. They saw that there was a wheelchair guy, and how the rest of the cast looked kind of diverse, and assumed the worst. But it looks like they made it work, by giving the main characters an outcast vibe.
Wow I actually had no idea this even existed! :O
Phelous can make anything interesting, even a show that’s just average. When it comes to review/riff web series like Phelous’, it helps to have something that’s either very good or very bad. Phelous can make anything entertaining, though. I had no idea this show even existed, so I actually learned something while being entertained.
Also, something being animated or for children is no excuse for poor storytelling. So glad Phelous gets that. Nobody could tell him otherwise. Dude knows his shit.
Formulaic episode plots are kind of a running theme with early Adelaide Productions shows. The same was true for Godzilla: The Series, with each episode starting with the team of scientists discovering a monster, had them try to fight it with their science know-how, and then ended with Godzilla showing up to kick its butt. Creative creature designs were definitely the studio’s strong suit, and it animated shows that took advantage of that strength (Ghostbusters, Godzilla, Men in Black), but their plots were rather basic at times.
That’s actually makes it closer to Godzilla than the movie it’s based on
Very much enjoyed this review! I’ve been waiting for it! XGB is a nostalgic trip for me. It came out when I was in high school and gave me a lot of fond memories of the ’80’s cartoon, which was one of my fave things to watch when I was younger. There were a lot of issues with XGB, but it did some innovative things too. It’s fun to look back at things that are such a product of their times–this thing couldn’t be any more 90’s if it tried.
One of the issues I found that Phelous didn’t mention was the animation quality could definitely jump around at times. I remember one episode where the team were getting beat up in their dreams and waking up covered in bruises. In half of the shots, the edges of the bruises would be blended to the character’s skin tone and actually look like bruises. In the other half of the shots they just looked painted on. It was such a startling contrast that I’m shocked they didn’t just ditch the whole blended look (which I assume took longer to animate) and just do all of it with the same flat coloring.
I’m glad Phelous had the same reaction to Roland that I did as a teenager. It’s so frustrating to see interesting characters that have multiple layers like Garrett and Kylie, and even Eduardo, and then we get Roland who seems very flat and one-note in comparison. I think they tried to make him the ‘innocent’ one, in that he didn’t really see the bad in people and could be taken advantage of because he’s so trusting, but the writers of Real Ghostbusters pulled that off much better with Ray because Ray was innocent but also highly excitable and a genius who could make great intuitive leaps. You know, character variety!
As for interesting episodes, I’m surprised Phelous didn’t mention the Eduardo-centered ep where we get to meet his brother, and the dynamic between the two of them. I liked that the contention between the two brothers seemed so much based in family but also cultural–i.e. because Eduardo’s brother insists on calling him ‘Eddie’ to make him more American, while Eduardo insists on calling his brother Carlos instead of Carl, as he prefers. Integration was a hot topic in New York and elsewhere at the time and continues to be so today. It was nice to see layered plots like this in the show, and I wish they did it more.
In regards to Eduardo’s “I’m a scientist” line, I always thought that him NOT being a scientist was the whole point. Eduardo was a bit of a slacker who would take the easy way out whenever possible. He specifically starts using the line because he thinks people see the Ghostbusters as scientists, thus he can throw around the line to get what he wants and to get prestige without having to actually get through college and get a doctorate. Basically he just said it because he thought it let him get away with stuff. (It was also, as Phelous points out, a throw back to a popular line in the franchise from Peter.)
And okay, someone who worked on this show seriously hated Ray. I don’t know why. But Phelous’ “WTF” face when Ray says he sells used cars is exactly the same expression on my face when I saw that ep for the first time. Ray in Real Ghostbusters was innocent and happy doing whatever he got his hands on, yes, but NOT an idiot and NOT a loser, as that script seems to imply. I can see Peter going to Hollywood after he got done ghostbusting, but I can’t see Ray just sitting around selling cars. He was a certified genius who could invent impressive technology! Not only that, but the whole thing where they didn’t put him in the right uniform… yeah, someone working on the show just didn’t like the character.
Thanks for letting us hear your take on the show, Phelous!
Thanks! I might do some episode reviews once in a while like I do with Real to touch on some other things. This video got so big I ended up cutting a fair amount of things I had wanted to touch on originally.
I just don’t get that ironic context from when Eduardo does the scientist. It felt like it was used as the odd reasoning behind their actions like when Peter originally used it. Only one time where Eduardo followed it by almost shooting people did it kind of get there. I think the line should have just been “I’m a Ghostbuster!” as it is something he could legit be proud of now and not a fake bragging point. (Still I wouldn’t have him say it AS OFTEN as he did the scientist line.)
Usually when a character constantly spews a lie they’ll get called on it and they never did which and it comes off in the show more like he’s saying something that’s true.
I always figured that Eduardo didn’t know what a scientist was, but nobody could be bothered to correct him. He’s said some dumb stuff before without being corrected. I think it got to a point where the rest of the team just let him get on with it.
The first time he said it, Garrett called him on it, then I think they just couldn’t be bothered after that.
It would be fantastic to see individual episode reviews on EGB!
It’s the context of a lot of his uses of the scientist line that bothers me because it was usually used the same way as the original Peter line: as an odd reason for his/their actions. Rather than it being a lie he’s telling to impress people.
Until you put all the clips together I didn’t notice how often he said it, haha.
To me, his most memorable catch phrase is “maybe he’s dead”
I really wanna know where he got such high quality episodes without watermarks. Lord knows I’ve been looking…
Hooray!! It’s always fascinating when you talk about Ghostbusters. The usual videos are great but the Ghostbuster ones are always something different; probably because you’re more analytical and, in a strange way, positive :). You’re previous video about it was great; by the end of the show I not only loved the series and wanted to see it and the films but I hated that company to stupid to mention (that and the fact I can’t remember) and I only saw one episode a very long time ago when I was very small (it was the one related to college student ghosts; that scarred the living daylights out of me which blew my little mind since it was a cartoon. What did you think of that one?).
This series looks like so many other cartoon shows: could have been great if they only pushed that little bit more. The more adult humor and horror aspects though is something that’s really impressive they got away with that. Might give it a watch though I really can’t stand shows with development potential they ignore.
13:09 like Hello Kitty’s Furrytale Theater
14;15 they could’ve come up with a much better name; like Ash? Geeeet it? 😉
14;33 why do all the women of this universe have New York accents?
15:37 what Hello Kitty actors? A sign?
18:37 irony?
18:58 you forgot driver. Sorry for bringing up stupid stuff; it won’t happen again
24;31 Hello Kitty and Fresh Prince; definitely a sign.
24;35 that’s a most pained look. Also, it’s sad, but I’m not surprised his characterization was lacking.
31:24 best look ever!
Great review; since you like this type of stuff, what do you think of Gargoyles or The new Scooby Doo series? Also, thought’s on the upcoming film? Can’t wait for the next review….and that jump suit is super cool! Just wanted to say 🙂
Actually in the episode Killjoys you mentioned, the others sucked up like Roland did return, if you listen to Garrett’s final lines about Roland “not being the only nudist around here, let’s find the others.” Also, I believe the other clown demons were always ghostly entities, not people, and they converted Eduardo as revenge for him busting the one clown earlier. So it makes sense that Eduardo was the only one brought back
And I think I’m the only one who likes The Ghost Makers episode. Aside fromthe silliness of Slimer also getting possessed, it’s one of the closest times the Ghostbusters came to losing, as only Kylie (much as I hate her) was the one not possessed.
Just my two cents.
I was also going to point that out about the clown episode, lol.
Yeah, the clowns were demons disguised as clowns and Eduardo was the only human who was transformed as a replacement for the one he trapped. There was a possibility that the victims came out alive because they went looking for them just as the episode ended.
Ghostmakers – I also loved that episode, it was a great plot idea!
However, I always thought the Slimer bit was pretty stupid, I even thought so when I first watched it at age 10.
Here’s what I would have changed: If Slimer needed to be out of the way so that nobody discovered Eduardo was dead yet, then I would have had Eduardo drag him into the bathroom (as he did) and shove him IN to the mirror! Then he could have been held captive in the mirror world until the only time in the episode where he came in useful later on, which happened to take place … in the mirror world!
See? My version makes a lot more sense ;P
Kylie reminds me of myself, because we have a accent that pops out when we get mad. Mine’s Cockney for some reason, which is weird since I’ve never been to England. I sound like Yangus from Dragon Quest 8 whenever someone pisses me off.
I watched this show as a kid, since Real Ghostbusters wasn’t playing, and up until Phelous’ review of X Marks The Spot I had no idea it was a sequel to the original show. Having watched as much of Real as I could on youtube, I think if the first two seasons had been playing I would have preferred them as a kid, though at the time I really liked the visual style and darkness of the show. The Grundel episode remains a vivid high point, if only for Maurice LaMarche’s Hannibal-esque portrayal of the Grundel, and I even liked the two-part season finale – I didn’t think the characterisation was bad (at least, in trying to match them to the post-Straczynski show) and it was nice to see two teams looking at how each other did things.
Now he just needs to review Filmation’s Ghost Busters!
I love some of the lines they got away with. I read some of the original scripts and they tried to get away with a LOT more adult than “why? She’s legal”. I only wish they got through!
Yeah, with some they probably were using the writer’s trick of putting in a more adult line than intended to get it whittled down to what they actually wanted.
The part where Slimer entered the room in the dream episode to find Garrett asleep with the wyrm over him, Slimer was scripted to shout, “What the fuck is that??!” I’m sure the writers were just having a laugh with it to amuse the final editors.
My favourite ‘cut out’ part was meant to be in the wish episode. The part where Kylie took her cat to the vet not knowing Eduardo was in there, the vet was written to give him an internal exam instead of a shot! He shouted “No no no!” as the vet snapped on a latex glove – then we hear him scream.
The following scene when she carried him into the firehouse moaning he was scripted to say; “I feel so violated”.
I can no longer watch that scene with a straight face, haha!
This edit will probably annoy you – in the Golem episode when Eduardo said “we’re scientists”, Kylie responded by basically insinuating that he’s not a professional. That was edited out for whatever reason.
LOL the “she’s legal” line really confuses me though, because according to the show’s Bible, she’s supposed to be 17… Am I not understanding what the ‘she’s legal’ thing means?
It means she’s over 16 and therefore he wouldn’t be breaking any laws if he ploughed her.
>It means she’s over 16 and therefore he wouldn’t be breaking any laws if he ploughed her.
Ha! Thought it was always 18. Okay now that makes a lot more sense. (also I seem to be having issues with getting my replies to actually appear under the correct comment, so apologies if this reply appears halfway down the page instead)
Oh sure, now it works…. 😛
The age of consent in New York is presently 17, I’d imagine it would the the same or lower at the time the show aired, I can’t see them having lowered it between now and then.
It ranges between 16 and 18 in the USA depending on the state, iirc New York is 17.
>14;33 why do all the women of this universe have New York accents?
Well, the show takes place in New York…
Makes sense…I mean it would be weird if they all had Midwestern accents.
But then how come the dudes don’t all have New York accents; I’m not trying to subtly cry sexism but just wondering.
I don’t get why Eduardo’s scientists line peeves you so much, Phelous. It was very similar in the original: the one who used it, Peter, was also the one who gave the least fucks about science or actually being a scientist. Both characters just used it to give themselves credibility when dealing with skeptics or authority. But I also kinda see Eduardo as the kind of guy who actually thinks that catching ghosts somehow makes him a scientist just because he’s dealing with the paranormal, kinda like how the people who hunt for bigfoot or speculate about ancient aliens call themselves scientists or researchers.
Because he said it so much and he’s not?
The reason why it was funny in the movie was it was a weird qualifier for his actions. Eduardo uses it the same way but he’s not a scientist which kills it. Maybe if he only said it once or twice I wouldn’t have cared so much.
Oh. Well you’re completely right about that. It wasn’t funny. Unless you count it being a bit amusing that the most subject-ignorant character on the team is the one who has the line. That’s what you should have said in the video: they killed a classic Ghostbusters joke for the sake of a reference: “He’s the new Peter, see — he’s even saying the same things!”. I guess we got lucky they didn’t make the character adopt any of the Coulier “classics”.
I see that Ray, Winston, & Peter still maintain a recognizable design, yet Egon & Janine are stylized to the point of being unrecognizable. What’s up with that?
I was still watching cartoons regularly as a teen, but at the time this came out, I thought Peter grew a goatee, Winston was on steroids, Ray broke his legs, & Janine went goth & traded jobs with Egon, but it turned out the cast was basically replaced with a diverse all-inclusive cast, so I was kinda expecting it to be preachy & go out of it’s way to be as inoffensive as possible.
As much as I absolutely loved the Men in Black cartoon series & Dilbert, to this day I still dislike Adelaide Productions’ 90s character designs, here or in Jackie Chan Adventures, but Jumanji was so much worse. Hard to believe it’s the same studio that worked on The Boondocks.
This show really likes Photoshop filters.
What? They’re only in their 30s & they have all those wrinkles? You don’t start getting those until your mid 40s.
Well shit, it’s past 5am, I knew I shouldn’t have started watching this so late…..Guess I”ll pick up at 15:41 tomorrow.
I am fairly certain that the show is in fact trying to say that proton packs are very heavy and that Kylee’s is in fact smaller and weaker.
While I am sure sexism plays some role in it, I would like to point out that Kylee is a very small person. Janine is usually animated to be about the same height as the other characters (at least I have never noticed her being depicted as unusually short) while Kylee barely comes up to the men’s shoulders in most shots.
I am pretty sure being small was intended as part of her character design, and that the animators felt that her inability to lug around a full size proton pack was an intended challenge for her character.
Everyone nowadays are REALLLLYYY quick to assume sexist towards anything.
“WAT THAT GIRL IS SHOWN TO BE WEAK?!?! THAT’S SEXIST”
I-I think she is just a weak person..
“NOPE, CLEARLY SEXIST”
Way to counter the sexism argument with ad hominem and straw men. Of course, 95% of internet arguing is ad hominem and straw men, but, still, you could at least have an argument why the character being a weak person isn’t sexist rather than resorting to the equivalent of “nuh uh!”
I don’t like when people fall back on saying sexist or whatever. Those type of argument do get overused.
In this case though I didn’t feel like it was a great idea to have the only female member of the team usually carrying what it apparently a weaker proton gun and when they do have her use a regular one they bring up how heavy it is for her.
Yeah shame she couldn’t get something like that Men in black gun, that was really small but had a huge kick.
Nice shoutout to the IDW comics. I hope you’re enjoying them! I especially hope you’ve read the TMNT-Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters Get Real crossovers, which were really, really good, though I thought the latter felt a little stretched out.
I recently read through the TMNT-Ghostbusters crossover and loved it.
I just ordered Get Real though. Looking forward to it.
Outside of the old ghostbusters, the new cast, & unimportant background characters, all sound like they’ve been inhaling helium.
Hmm, So Janine was still underutilized & inconsistent & the Winston replacement still fell to the background like an afterthought. You’d have thought the show would have tried harder to learned from the mistakes of the past. Oh well, at least Slimer was diminished. & I’ll give the series major credit for not being as overly parent pandering & hand holding as latter seasons of Real Ghostbusters.
I kind of figure from the clips Eduardo says the I’m a scientist line as basically a smart ass way to say I know what I’m doing, though I suppose a better line would be something like “I’m a professional” or something.
Appropriately enough, Tara’s voice and mannerisms as Kylie are pretty close to those she used as Ember McLain in Danny Phantom…a ghost.
Adelaide did use some of the Real Ghostbusters character designs; the Grundel is pretty much identical to how he appeared in the earlier show. He’s clearly a 1980s character design being realized with mid-1990s animation.
Since we’re on the topic of new interpretations of older properties, what did you think of “Sherlock Holmes in the 22nd Century”?
I think Extreme was the first that I’ve ever heard of any incarnation of Ghostbusters, having aired 6 years after my life began. But of course, the original movie was my first exposure around the same time. Extreme’s stronger focus on horror over comedy is rather jarring compared to the movie and Real, even with the second movie’s darker tone! I did see the crossover with a few friends in a chatroom years ago, and… yeah, it’s meh.