PART 2: Hey are you related to Adam West?
By Christopher West
If you missed part 1 of this article, you can read it here.
1994 – Space Ghost Coast to Coast “Batmantis”
Are you noticing a trend? Adam West was in some amazing groundbreaking alternative stuff. Space Ghost Coast to Coast was the first animated late night talk show. Created by Mike Lazzo, this show launched Adult Swim. It spawned the Brak Show, Sealab 2021, Harvey Birdman, and Aqua Teen Hunger Force. It was 80’s David Letterman meets MTV. Adam was there to promote his book “Back to the Batcave.” The entire episode revolved around the campiness of 66’ Batman.
1994 – The Critic “Eyes on the Prize”
The Critic was one of the many shows the original The Simpsons’ writers would leave to make as the show went nuclear. It was another pop cultured crammed reference machine written by those kids of the 60’s. The show didn’t really get its due and was canceled after three seasons of shuffling networks and time slots.
We see Adam West poking fun at his career again. He even makes a reference to his classic bomb, “The Happy Hooker goes to Hollywood”. If you want to see Adam West in his sexy naked Cinemax stage of his career, this is your movie. If you like nudity and want to see your childhood hero bang the hell out of some chicks, check it out.
1996 – The Adventures of Pete and Pete “Last Laugh”
Pete and Pete is such an underrated gem. It’s a 90’s alternative masterpiece that works as a kids show, but also a pop culture showcase of some the greatest singers and actors ever. It had legends like Michael Stipe, Debbie Harry, Steve Buscemi, Iggy Pop, and Kate Pierson. It had indie cred out the ass with Marshall Crenshaw, Chris Elliot, Gordan Gano, Janeane Garofalo, Juliana Hatfield, Syd Straw, and Luscious Jackson. Even Patty Hearst was there.
>>>>MORE FROM CHRISTOPHER WEST: Why I wasn't a Blockbuster kid
Adam West fits in perfectly with this weird one-camera show with an amazing twist on the 50’s and 60’s family aesthetic. He plays the Joker to Little Pete’s Batman as the school’s principal. Classic West.
1991 – Lookwell
I saved the best for last. The piece de resistance. The crème de la crème. I didn’t see this cult classic pilot written by Conan O’Brien and Robert Smigel until I was older. It was one of those things that before the internet, it was sold and traded on dubbed VHS tapes. It only aired once, but it was the stuff of legend. Unfortunately, it wasn’t understood at the time and didn’t get picked up. Please watch this because it’s amazing.
