Adult Animation Revolution: ‘Common Side Effects’
by Tito W. James
I initially ignored Common Side Effects because on the surface it looked stylistically similar to the kind of “stoner sitcoms” I typically avoid. After some cajoling from close friends, I finally gave the series a shot– and boy I’m glad I did.
Common Side Effects is an adult animated series created by Joseph Bennett (Scavengers Reign) and Steve Hely (The Office). The series follows a group of characters who are all drawn together by the properties of a rare psychedelic mushroom that has revolutionary healing properties. It’s a bit like Guy Ritchie‘s, Snatch with mushrooms instead of diamonds.
Amongst the colorful cast of characters are the idealistic mushroom expert Marshall, emotionally conflicted Frances, and the quirky DEA Agents, Harrington and Copano. Each episode has the feel of a Coen Brothers film– where black comedy mixes with the mystery/thriller genre. It’s a world of unlikely not-quite heroes and antagonists that epitomize the banality of evil.
The series has plenty of twists and turns and is well worth going into cold. I will say that I was pleased at how the creators approached the psychedelic scenes and the visual depiction of Machine Elves (if you know, you know). The more time passes, the more potential there is for psychedelics to go “mainstream” for medical use. Common Side Effects has managed to capture the zeitgeist, delivering not only rich animation but thought-provoking television. I greatly anticipate season 2!