There’s no catch to the magic of a show like “Fionna and Cake.” If anything, the madness and sadness that comes intertwined enhances the viewing experience, creating a world not just full of fantasy thrills but one brimming with candid emotion.
From the creators of “Adventure Time,” “Fionna and Cake” begins a long way away from the mythical land of Ooo, following Fionna Campbell (Madeleine Martin) and her cat Cake (Roz Ryan) in a world that’s too ordinary for their enjoyment. What they’re bound to discover is that there’s a way to “fix” their reality, filling it with riveting adventure and a feeling of purpose. Simon Petrikov (Tom Kenny), an “Adventure Time” fan favorite, returns to accompany them on their harrowing quest, a foil to Fionna’s desire for enthralling change in his mourning of a time long gone.
As the fantasy action of the show develops, it takes liberties with its predecessor’s token creativity and wild goofiness. Through interdimensional portals, candy-themed battle scenes and alternative takes on beloved characters, an animated world that was at the center of many people’s childhoods comes back brighter than ever. At the same time, it’s careful to ground itself in reality, particularly with the emotions of its characters.
“Adventure Time” never shied away from portraying darker themes, but with an older audience in mind and more experienced writers, “Fionna and Cake” elevates them. The second episode of the series, “Simon Petrikov,” stands out in how it portrays the different ways people cope with grief, whether that be pushing themselves into distraction or falling deep into the past. Even if these characters are comical and far-fetched, there’s a relatability to their feelings thanks to the voice actors’ performances and how the writers represent internal conflicts through the plot.
Having a world so lush with lore, “Fionna and Cake” could have taken the easy route of catering to fan service, but instead it uses its tried metaphors to weave fresh stories. A cursed crown or alternate universe may not mean much to a casual viewer, but they are reused to represent the themes of sacrifice and escapism. There’s no harsh compromise between the show’s new elements and old themes, and instead it creates satisfying ends to the episodes as well as overarching plots. “Jerry” for example not only stood on its own as emotionally impactful, but felt like a grim love letter to the fourth season of “Adventure Time.”
Another pleasant surprise is the return of Rebecca Sugar’s song-writing. Not only does Sugar’s music call back to the sweet nostalgia of “Adventure Time,” but it has the versatility to soundtrack comedic sequences or somber moments. Gorgeous guest animation also helps set an episode’s tone, such as in “Prismo the Wishmaster” and “The Winter King,” to add comic relief or embrace the magical whimsiness.
Fionna and Simon’s adventures take the Cake in terms of sequels, with the same thrills and, most importantly, the heart that made “Adventure Time” so beloved. The last two episodes of the show are available on Max as of this morning, and a crucial watch to see how that when it comes to this franchise, everything stays.
