The Thing Was Once Parodied in Jonny Quest

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The Thing Was Once Parodied in Jonny Quest

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  • The Thing Comes Alive Through Animation
  • The Shock Value in Jonny Quest Comes Across for All Ages

As a child of the ’80s, I vividly remember the terror that John Carpenter’s The Thing instilled in me and my peers. Fast forward to the present, and I find myself reminiscing about those old times while watching The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest – DNA Doomsday episode.

In his review of the 1982 film “The Thing,” Vincent Canby described it as mere instant trash. This John Carpenter-directed movie, which blended science fiction and horror, presented a story about dangerous aliens in Antarctica through striking visuals and pervasive suspicion. Initially met with criticism upon its release due to these same characteristics, the film featuring Kurt Russell later gained immense popularity when it was released on home video and aired on television.

Given that The Thing was eventually recognized as one of the greatest horror and sci-fi films ever made, it’s not surprising that several of its stark elements have been incorporated into other Hollywood productions. For instance, movies such as 1992’s Reservoir Dogs and 2016’s The Void shift the atmosphere of deceit to an urban setting and a hospital respectively, while a research facility is replaced with a hospital in the latter. However, television has shown a knack for creativity when interpreting Carpenter’s original work.

In the eighth episode of the first season of the X-Files, a respectful yet subdued tribute was made (due to cable television restrictions), whereas the 1997 episode of Sam and Max: Freelance Police took a drastic opposite approach, featuring two humorous, animal characters attempting to capture another creature. The “alien” in this case was hidden within a supporting character’s physical refrigerator. Quite comical, you might think, and that was our impression as well. Instead, let’s look at a timeless Hanna-Barbera cartoon, The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest, which consistently pushed boundaries. Not only did they adapt The Thing in a serious manner, but they also put their unique spin on Split-Face. Let’s see if this is an honorable homage to Carpenter’s film.

Jonny Quest and John Carpenter’s The Thing?

First aired on Cartoon Network in 1996, The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest aimed to continue the storylines from the ’60s and ’80s versions. The creators, Hanna Barbera’s presidents, intended to make it as realistic as possible, but children preferred shows with more fantastical elements. Consequently, the later writers took a chance and delved into supernatural narratives. Therefore, our brave teenage heroes (Hadji Singh, Jessie Bannon, and Jonny Quest) encountered beings such as mummies, dangerous amphibians, and colossal golems rather than traditional villains like evil scientists.

One common instance of this occurred during the second season, specifically in an episode named “DNA Doomsday.” Upon viewing, you’ll immediately notice a similarity to Carpenter’s acclaimed film due to its secluded backdrop, yet instead of a base lost in a snowstorm, the narrative unfolds within a hazardous U.S. Army base situated in the South Pacific.

Dr. Karel has refined a supercomputer that operates using biotechnology, which he showcases to General Axton and the Quest team for their first-time activation. The computer, enclosed within a massive glass tube and resembling merely a wall of human tissue, is a spectacle to observe. However, the process of activating the system is hastily executed, resulting in an overload. The biocomputer then manages to amass enough energy to escape its confinement and appears to have killed General Axton, Dr. Karel, and two guards. Adopting a tactic reminiscent of “The Thing,” the grotesque entity replicates Dr. Karel’s hand and eye to penetrate deeper into the facility. As events unfold, the unsettling juxtaposition between the monstrous form and human characteristics becomes increasingly chilling.

The Thing Comes Alive Through Animation

The Thing Was Once Parodied in Jonny QuestThe Thing Was Once Parodied in Jonny QuestThe Thing Was Once Parodied in Jonny Quest

In this situation, Singh (Jonny’s adoptive brother) resembles senior biologist Blair in that they both utilize computer simulations to monitor the actions of a powerful entity. However, unlike regular security tests, this bio-computer simulation is employing real-world weapons and commands, which may involve sub-oceanic nuclear missiles hidden beneath the base. When given the opportunity to destroy this creature, Jonny warns his companions not to use lethal force. If the creature is eliminated, so will be Jonny’s father, Benton, who has been absorbed by the monster at that particular moment.

In the spirit of a movie enthusiast, I’d rephrase it like this: Just as the sense of unease escalated in the 1982 film, something similar unfolds in this 22-minute episode. The relentless spread of the contagion seems unstoppable, with innocent individuals somehow implicated. Although The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest doesn’t dive deep into psychological turmoil, it effectively conveys the gravity of the situation at hand. As the story progresses, we learn that the monster has Washington, DC in its sights – a choice reminiscent of the defense simulation’s procedure. What stands out throughout this series, and this episode in particular, is the palpable suspense it manages to create.

The Shock Value in Jonny Quest Comes Across for All Ages

The Thing Was Once Parodied in Jonny QuestThe Thing Was Once Parodied in Jonny Quest

In a desperate bid to prevent the villain from triggering a nuclear disaster, Benton’s bodyguard shouts from a narrow window in the door. In a chilling climax, an animated scene unfolds where General Axton and Dr. Karel emerge from their grotesque mutation, seemingly saved for maximum impact. Their heads laugh menacingly at the main character as they seem connected by a thin, gray membrane, making the scene even more terrifying.

Ponder how the kids might have felt when first watching this show, anticipating a thrilling adventure with beloved characters, but instead encountering such a disturbingly gruesome sight. Though the medium of animation softens the fear, witnessing human heads hanging by what resembles a string of human flesh is an image that lingers vividly, much like the graphic violence in John Carpenter’s films. The only distinction between the two experiences is that one is designed for children and the other for adults.

If you want to compare the two for yourself, The Thing is available to stream on Peacock as of this writing, while The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest (including the DNA Doomsday episode) is available to rent on YouTube and Prime Video.

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2024-09-23 21:01