What’s immediately striking about Common Side Effects, besides the stunning animation, is how many genres it operates in. At its heart, the show is a conspiracy thriller and stoner comedy mixed together. As it goes along, though, distinct elements creep in. A dash of buddy cop comedy, a sprinkle of film noir, all adding to a sense of unpredictability from scene to scene. It feels fresh, not just for an animated series but for TV as a whole.
Common Side Effects is the newest animated series from Adult Swim. Created by Steve Hely and Joseph Bennett of the great Scavengers Reign, the show actually shares many of the same animators. The series follows Marcus and Frances, two high school friends who reconnect by chance. Marcus has discovered a mysterious mushroom that cures any illness or injury, which puts him in the crosshairs of the DEA and big pharmaceutical giants. As it turns out, Frances works for one of these companies and may have some ulterior motives in helping Marcus.
The cast expands outward from there, including Frances’ boss voiced by Mike Judge, using his Hank Hill voice for evil. There’s also DEA agents Copano and Harrington, two good natured goofballs who are on the wrong side of this conflict. The supporting cast is full of weirdos and malicious politicians, all of whom feel just unique enough to avoid falling into parody. Most of these characters are background players, but the writing never makes it feel like they exist solely to move the plot along.
The animation is where Common Side Effects really stands out. At first glance, you’re likely drawn to all the humans with their oversized heads and tiny mouths. Their designs are intentionally off-putting. The real splendor of the animation comes from the natural world. The lush colors of nature create an immediate dissonance from the drab cityscapes. Something that goes unnoticed by most of the characters. It’s only when the natural interrupts their lives that they take notice.
Common Side Effects is not a slow show. It moves a tremendous amount of plot along in just 22 minutes. It is, however, a deliberate show. Every scene filled with purpose, even if it is solely to introduce us to a character’s doped out brother. The show’s disparate tones should not work together but do thanks to the care put into this collection of weirdos. Strong character work and confident world-building remain an undefeated duo.
Common Side Effects airs Sundays on Adult Swim and streams on Max..