Rediscovering animated gems from the past can be a truly rewarding experience. Thanks to platforms like Youtube, many are unearthing the delightful and quirky cartoon series, Eek! The Cat. Originally airing from 1992 to 1997, this Canadian creation offered a unique flavor of Saturday morning entertainment that deserves a fresh look. While many were engrossed in Looney Tunes reruns, Eek! The Cat was carving its own path on Fox, and it’s a journey worth revisiting.
The heart of the show is Eek, a well-intentioned, purple cat whose unwavering motto, “It never hurts to help!”, consistently lands him in comically painful situations. This simple phrase is the catalyst for endless misadventures, yet Eek’s optimistic spirit remains undeterred. He’s always ready to lend a paw, even when that paw is about to be bitten, crushed, or otherwise jeopardized. The recipients of his often-disastrous aid are a colorful cast of characters: Annabelle, his extremely large and pink girlfriend next door; Sharky the Sharkdog, Annabelle’s aggressive protector with a taste for mail carriers and a particular dislike for Eek; Wendy Elizabeth and J.B., the stereotypical spoiled children who own Eek; their clueless mother; the Incredible Elmo, a French-accented elk daredevil with a cowardly streak; and the Squishy Bearz, saccharine stars of a Care Bears parody show called ‘The Squishy Bearz Enchanted Rainbow of Fun Minute’. However, Eek’s helpful nature isn’t exclusive; from orphans seeking aid to talent managers in a bind, anyone in need is sure to encounter Eek’s brand of assistance.
While the animation style of Eek! The Cat is simplistic and intentionally rough around the edges, reminiscent of classic 90s cartoons, this adds to its charm. The fast-paced, often manic action keeps viewers engaged, and beneath the surface-level humor, there’s plenty for adult audiences to appreciate. The writing is sharp and witty, filled with laugh-out-loud moments in every episode. The show cleverly incorporates parodies of iconic films like Apocalypse Now and A Clockwork Orange, adding layers of humor for film buffs. Furthermore, Eek! The Cat boasts an impressive roster of celebrity cameos, featuring voices from talents like Tim Curry, William Shatner, and even David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson during their X-Files fame. So, if you’re looking for a cartoon that can entertain both kids and adults, Eek! The Cat is a fantastic choice for a family movie night or a nostalgic trip back to the 90s.
Beyond the comedic chaos, Eek! The Cat subtly mirrors the Christian parable of the Good Samaritan. The core message of selfless help is embodied in Eek’s character. In Christianity, the call to “love thy neighbor” is paramount, often manifesting in practical assistance. The Good Samaritan story exemplifies this, highlighting the cost and sacrifice involved in helping others, as the Samaritan incurred expenses for a stranger’s well-being. This selfless love reflects the ultimate sacrifice in Christian belief, where God’s love is shown through immense suffering for humanity. Christians are encouraged to emulate this love, reflecting divine care in their actions towards others.
Eek embodies this principle in every episode. Despite facing constant injury and misfortune as a direct result of his helpfulness, he never hesitates to jump in and assist. Past calamities are irrelevant; Eek only sees the present need and acts. He willingly aids anyone and everyone, be they human, animal, or even otherworldly beings.
While the show’s exaggerated scenarios are for comedic effect, they prompt reflection on real-world altruism. Christian teachings also emphasize stewardship and wisdom. Not all help is universally beneficial, and discernment is necessary. Resources and responsibilities, especially towards family and immediate community, must be considered. Sometimes, true help might even involve withholding assistance or offering it in unexpected ways, particularly in situations involving harmful behaviors. Furthermore, actions should always align with glorifying God, meaning avoiding assistance that enables sin.
However, the spirit of Eek! The Cat encourages a more proactive approach to helping others. Perhaps, the message is to be more inclined to offer aid, even with potential personal costs. After all, real-life helping scenarios are unlikely to involve cartoonish extremes like being launched into the sun or facing a sharkdog attack. The inconveniences we might face are usually minor in comparison. Shouldn’t we embrace small sacrifices to reflect the boundless, selfless love exemplified by faith? Eek! The Cat uses humor to present a surprisingly profound message about the value of selfless help, making it a cartoon that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
