‘Common Side Effects’ Review: Adult Swim’s Animated Conspiracy Thriller About Big Pharma Is a Whole Vibe

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Imagine a cure-all medicine that could mend just about anything. What if they kept this secret from you? This is the premise behind every health scam, peddled by everyone from charlatans to online advertisers to possibly even the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in the not-too-distant future.

But no, really: What if?

The plot of Adult Swim’s show “Common Side Effects” revolves around a concept that clearly falls within the domain of science fiction. However, it is the startlingly realistic implications stemming from this discovery that lend an intense sense of current relevance, a dark humor, and a somewhat eerie quality to the animated suspense drama.

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The storyline of “Common Side Effects” on Adult Swim centers around a science fiction-like concept, but it’s the shockingly relatable outcomes triggered by this discovery that make the animated thriller both strikingly current and unsettlingly funny in a peculiar way.

The subject at hand is referred to as “the blue angel,” an extraordinary Peruvian mushroom said to possess almost miraculous healing powers, capable of treating ailments ranging from dementia to gunshot wounds, and potentially even death itself. This groundbreaking discovery belongs to Marshall Cuso (played by Dave King), a brilliant yet eccentric individual who embodies the appearance of an unconventional hippie uncle with his bare chest, bushy beard, and practical sandals. The magnitude of this discovery is not lost on Marshall, nor does he fail to recognize the peril that comes with it. As he shares his secret with his high school lab partner Frances (Emily Pendergast), who coincidentally works under Reutical Pharmaceuticals CEO Rick Kruger (Mike Judge in an executive producer role), his gaze constantly sweeps the room, searching for any signs of espionage.

In Marshall’s situation, the old adage holds true: even if you’re suspicious, it doesn’t always mean there isn’t a threat lurking. And in Marshall’s case, indeed, there is a threat. The story unfolds like a classic conspiracy theory, with its roots tracing back to Jonas “the Wolf” Backstein, the ruthless owner of Reutical, who has connections that reach as high as politicians and control over various government agencies. This intricate web of power then extends to independent operators who see an opportunity to seize some of this wealth and influence.

Marshall’s unwavering desire to disseminate this universal remedy without any apparent desire for personal gain raises concerns among those who are financially invested in it. Throughout the four half-hour episodes, he is pursued by gunfire, crashes planes, and speeds down highways to evade ruthless mercenaries. The suspenseful nature of the storyline gains its impact from its contemporary relevance. With our trust in political and healthcare systems eroded, the notion that corporations might resort to murder to safeguard their profits seems plausible rather than far-fetched.

The detail in how this story unfolds is what makes it resonate deeply and endure. Shows like Common Side Effects have some of the top creators in office comedy, such as executive producers Mike Judge (Silicon Valley, Office Space) and Greg Daniels (The Office) and co-creator Steve Hely (The Office, Veep, 30 Rock). This expertise is evident in the series’ ability to uncover the humor in Marshall’s seemingly ordinary action-packed adventures.

Rick appears more as Marshall describes him, a “devil’s bumbling butler,” rather than an evil genius. He is self-important, often seen picking his nose, and carries out Jonas’ sinister corporate orders by playing games on his phone while giving commands to Frances. The DEA is portrayed by agents Copano (played by Joseph Lee Anderson) and Harrington (Martha Kelly, delivering a deadpan performance). They spend their stakeouts listening to oldies in the car and use their office time to ask each other questions like “Is celery related to carrots, cousin or sibling?” (“You don’t need to answer immediately,” Harrington notes.) Their casual approach to their work, often humorously depicted, is both relatable and disturbing. Marshall’s attempts to save humanity could be undermined by these individuals who seem uninterested in understanding the true nature of their tasks and why they matter.

Despite a skeptical undertone that permeates the narrative, it’s offset by a genuine and endearing sense of wonder. The television series Common Side Effects, co-created by Joe Bennett who brought us the stunning and haunting Scavengers Reign, mirrors its precursor in its fascination with the intricacies of nature. Although the script avoids overt messages like “Nature is good, humans are bad,” it encourages viewers to ponder the devastation we inflict on our planet – to grieve our reckless destruction, to witness the adaptability of ecosystems, and to reconsider our role in these cycles of harm and recovery.

Instead of the fast-paced chaos found in popular Adult Swim shows like “Rick and Morty” or “The Venture Bros.”, “Common Side Effects” appears more subtle and even leisurely at times. However, its haunting atmosphere makes it uniquely appealing. The art style is unique but somewhat unrefined when depicting human characters, whose facial features are often crowded within their large, round heads. Yet, it can be beautiful during nature scenes and downright captivating in its drug-induced sequences. In these episodes, mushroom users are transported to the moments of their births or into the vastness of space, experiencing visions that defy logic; a common hallucination involves a small, white figure with vague humanoid qualities. Given Bennett’s past work, I wouldn’t be shocked if the latter part of the season delved further into the realm of body horror.

As a devoted viewer, I can’t help but express my admiration for this remarkable series that seems to be in a league of its own on today’s television landscape. It’s unforeseeable and heart-poundingly thrilling. There’s an underlying darkness that makes you chuckle, but it occasionally erupts into genuine, belly-laughing humor, thanks largely to the impeccable comic timing of Marshall’s wise-cracking pet tortoise, Socrates. It’s almost eerily relevant, striking a chord with the apprehension, fatigue, and simmering anger that pervades many discussions about pharmaceutical companies, health insurance, and capitalism.

In its unique manner, it carries a faint yet optimistic vibe. In a past video on YouTube, Marshall explains that what appear to be separate chicken of the woods mushrooms are actually interconnected. “If a fungus requires assistance, the network knows, and transfers nutrients such as sugars, water, and minerals to a struggling companion,” he says. “It seems like you’re observing distinct fungi, but what you’re really seeing is a single form of intelligence.” On the TV show, Marshall could be symbolizing this helpful fungus, rallying his friends together. Whether he ultimately succeeds or not, there’s something commendable and reassuring about simply witnessing him strive for success.

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2025-02-01 03:56