Packed with lots of charm, humour, and heart, TBS’ and Netflix’s Final Space is the new animated comedy that will keep the audience laughing till they fall off the edge of their seats. Created by Olan Rogers, the series revolves around a Gary Godspeed, a charming yet somewhat deluded astronaut, who has been imprisoned aboard the spacecraft, Galaxy One; after he accidentally destroys a fleet of imperial guard ships while trying to impress a girl. During his five year sentence, Gary stumbles upon a green life form which he affectionately names Mooncake. Cute, but deadly, Gary learns that looks are deceiving once it is revealed to him, that Mooncake has the ability to destroy other planets, as well as galaxies, making it a target for the Lord Commander, who wishes to use Mooncake’s abilities for his own personal use. Having bonded with the green death ball, Gary vows to protect Mooncake from the Lord Commander and his army, while simultaneously trying to save the universe and the fate of Earth once a breach in space has been discovered.

The most appealing aspect of the show is the colourful cast of characters.

Gary

The series protagonist and the son of a well respected pilot, who serves a 5 year sentence aboard the Galaxy One, for impersonating a pilot of the Imperial Guard, which results in disastrous consequences after trying to impress a high ranking member of the crew. Described as “boisterous” and overly dramatic, Gary is by far the most lovable character within the series, equipped with a personality that is similar to that of Phil “Tandy” Miller from Will Forte’s The Last Man on Earth. Despite having a few screws loose, the character has a lot of heart, and one goal, which is to have as many adventures as he can within his lifetime.

Mooncake

Originally known as E-351, Mooncake is revealed to be a unique specimen crafted with the ability to cause destruction towards other planets and galaxies. Because of its power, Mooncake becomes the central focus of the series. Yet, despite its abilities, the creature appears to resent its powers, expressions genuine affection towards its companions, as well as life itself. Going against its purpose as a death machine, Mooncake aids its companions against the armies of the Lord Commander, who wish to utilize its powers as the gateway to the opening of Final Space, which would bring about the ultimate destruction towards all of life.

H.U.E.

The Galaxy One’s A.I., tasked with surveilling the ship’s prisoners. H.U.E. often serves as the voice of reason, keeping Gary in check, and downplaying all of his ideas. A running gag within the series is H.U.E. denying Gary basic privileges such as access towards the cabinet of cookies which is only given to Gary as a reward for good behaviour. Another running gag is H.U.E.’s constant corrections of Gary when Gary appoints himself as the captain of the ship, resulting in H.U.E. keeping a track record of the times he has had to correct Gary on the fact that he is a prisoner aboard the ship, as opposed to being a captain, forcing H.U.E. to add another day towards Gary’s prison sentence.

KVN

A robot who serves as the punching bag of the series. Designed as Gary’s “Deep Space Insanity Avoidance Companion”, KVN unintentionally makes life miserable for Gary due to his constant pranks and bantering. Due to his annoying personality, KVN os often verbally and physically abused by the characters around him, especially by Gary. Yet, despite being bombarded with a barrage of insults, KVN still looks see’s his companions as his best friends, and goes over the edge to gain the acceptance of his peers.

Avocato and Little Cato

A Father formerly employed by the Lord Commander, who joins forces with Gary with hopes of saving his son, who has been held captive by the Lord Commander. Little Cato is much like his father, equipped with a short temper and awesome fighting skills, who also works alongside Gary with hopes of exacting revenge against the Lord Commander.

Quinn

A former member of the Infinity Guard and the love interest of Gary. Quinn goes against the orders of the Infinity Guard in order to investigate what she discovers to be a breach in time and space, which could seal the fate of the entire galaxy if left unchecked. She is constructed as a tough, independent, and intelligent female; who is certainly no damsel.

The Lord Commander

The main antagonist of the series, who wishes to capture Mooncake in order to open the gates to Final Space, and curing his terminal condition. Voiced by David Tenant, The Lord Commander is depicted as a cruel and heartless dictator, gifted with psychic abilities such as mind control, and the ability to kill his victims with his mind.

In hindsight, I would give this show a solid 9/10, on the basis that its laugh out loud funny! Although, I do admit, the style of humour is reductive on the basis that it is produced through random events and dialogue, similar to the style of such shows such as Family Guy and Rick and Morty, as opposed to relying on innuendo. Yet, humour aside, the show also provides its audience with lovable and relatable characters, as well as several heartfelt and emotional moments that would help forge a deeper connection between the audience and the protagonists. If you haven’t checked it out already, The entire first season can be viewed on Netflix.