Solar Opposites is a new Hulu Original animated series from Justin Roiland (Rick and Morty, Trover Saves the Universe) and Mike McMahan (Rick and Morty, Star Trek: Lower Decks). It is quickly being referred to as a sister series to Rick and Morty, so we decided to see what the hype was all about.
The series was initially produced for Fox but the project was shelved leading to its acquisition by Hulu, a smart move on their part considering the fanbase Roiland carries with him. Hulu launched the show earlier this month on May 8th, premiering all eight episodes of the first season simultaneously.
As far as pilots go, this one was thoroughly enjoyable. The way the characters carry the plot with ease it would seem that they've been around a lot longer, though a lot of that likely leans on the fact that Solar Opposites shares many of the same themes as Rick and Morty, making it seem like more of a spin-off of the show than a brand new series.
When comparing the show to it's predecessor however, the new series doesn't quite measure up -- or at least in the case of the pilot. It makes for a great time and features an excellent sci-fi driven adventure featuring comedy carrying the same tone as Rick and Morty, but the wit and depth that Dan Harmon lends to the series is lacking here.
That doesn't make it a bad show my any means, and it is likely that the series will improve. Animated shows often tighten up following the pilot, so hopefully the show will receive a spark of its own so that the lack of Harmon's fingerprint is less glaring.
Solar Opposites makes for an excellent second series for Roiland and McMahan. It's similarities to Rick and Morty are sure to enthrall some, but the lack of Harmon's signature voice may drive more hardcore fans away. With little exposition in the pilot, it will be easy for casual animation fans to jump right into without feeling bogged down. -- Four out of five.
From Justin Roiland, the co-creator of Rick and Morty, and Mike McMahan, comes a series about a family of aliens trying to fit in on this human-infested crap-hole of a planet called Earth.
Solar Opposites is currently streaming on Hulu.