Sometimes when you are a child you come across something that you instantly like. You enjoy it for what it is and when it ends you let it go. Then as time goes on you find yourself liking it more and more. Until you finally look back on it and actually love it. That's how I feel about Exosquad. Let's take a look at it.
Exosquad was an American Cartoon created by Universal Cartoon Studios. It first aired on the USA Network on September 11, 1993. The show is set in a future in which man has begun to colonize the solar system. Venus and Mars have joined earth as "the Homeworlds". Humanity or "Terrans" as they are known are now facing an impending conflict with the "Pirate Clans". These clans are made up of descendants of the criminals that were exiled to the "Outer Planets". Along with this the "Neosapiens", a genetically engineered humanoid race, have begun to rise up against their former masters.
Marsala. Exosquad member. Do not call him an Uncle Tom.
During the first episode the Exofleet, the "Terran" space military, are sent to face the Pirate threat. As the Exofleet is off planet the "Neosapiens" begin their uprising. They have been made to be physically stronger and able to survive harsher climates. As such they are a serious threat.
Able Squad. Ready for war or the 80's.
The show mainly follows the progress of the "Neosapien War" from the perspective of "Able Squad". "Able Squad" are the heroes of the show. Made up of both veteran and rookie soldiers. They are an interesting mix, which includes Marsala a "Neosapien". The show does divert from them at points to highlight other characters. Including prominent Pirates, high-ranking Neosapien officers, and other squads.
I loved these little Bio/Info cards as a kid.
The show had a serious tone. This was not a childish show. It dealt with friendship, love, treachery, racism, politics, and war fare. These weighty subjects were handled with care and a deft touch. Because of this and the nature of the plot the show has often been compared to Animes such as Gundam. Considering how highly the multiple Gundam series are held this is quite a compliment.
I can just taste the awesome.
While Exosquad was very popular and highly regarded it was cancelled after just two seasons. The reasons for this are somewhat convoluted. Suffice it to say that Exosquad's ratings fell toward the end of it's life because it was being aired at 4:00 AM. The show didn't die it was killed.
Marines fighting Super-Men in space with Power Armor! How Fucking cool is that.
Exosquad spun off into Comics, Video Games, and toys. I plan on talking about the toys on a later date. They were so cool they deserve their own post. After the end of the show there was talk of a Movie or spin-off series. Neither came to be. I still have hope that one day we will see more of this amazing show. With the current trend of remaking and re-imagining of existing properties it isn't impossible. Just look at the Transformers movies, new ThunderCats series, and even the new Looney Tunes series.
I want to end this by talking about my experience with this show. When it began to air I was 10 years old. I didn't pickup on a lot of the more subtle themes. I was more interested in the characters and the action. Even with that limited view I still knew that there was more going on with the show. I knew that this show was trying to do something more. I liked that it didn't talk down to me. I may not have understood it but I was glad for it. Shows like that are few and far between. If you saw this as a child give it another shot. If not take a look now and see what you missed. The show is available on DVD and there are episodes on Youtube and Dailymotion. It won't be hard to find.
Awesome post. I love this show, forever. Thought I should mention that the full series is available to watch on non-subscription Hulu.com
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