Solar Opposites Season 5: More Fun Than a Barrel of (Alien) Monkeys
After five seasons, Solar Opposites has proven itself to be more than just a funny, albeit crass, animated sitcom. It has become a beloved testament to the power of found family, a consistent source of witty commentary on human absurdity, and a never-ending reservoir of delightfully absurd sci-fi shenanigans. Season 5 expertly navigates the inherent challenges of maintaining creative momentum while simultaneously building upon the show’s established foundation. The result? An electrifying blend of familiar humor and audacious creativity that solidifies the show’s place as one of the most engaging, and consistently funny, animated series on the market.
The Gang’s All Here… and Growing
The core of Solar Opposites’s charm lies within its four alien protagonists: Korvo, the stoic and perpetually cynical leader; Terry, the hopelessly optimistic and utterly clueless "Real Housewives" fan; Yumyulack, the ruthless bounty hunter with a surprisingly tender heart; and Jessie, the impulsive, reckless, and utterly endearing little Shlorpian. Their dynamic has evolved as the show has progressed, deepening their individual personalities as well as their relationships with each other. They’re no longer just a group of aliens stranded on Earth; they’re a family, even if their version of family includes two dads, two teens, and a mischievous, now-toddler baby.
One of the season’s highlights is the dynamic between Korvo and Terry. Having officially tied the knot in the show’s Valentine’s Day special, their relationship takes a hilarious turn as they navigate the strange customs of Earthly honeymoons. This plot provides some of the season’s most gut-busting comedy, as Korvo, consumed by his own insatiable cravings for honeymoon perks, manipulates Earth’s orbit to extend the honeymoon period—resulting in chaos and mayhem (and an entirely new, and completely nonsensical, calendar).
A World of Weirdos
Solar Opposites thrives on its willingness to embrace the absurd, and season five delivers on that promise in spades. The season opens with a delightfully nonsensical, and predictably crude, joke, setting the stage for a season packed with over-the-top hijinks, punny t-shirts, meta-humor, and unexpected pop-culture references.
One particular episode, a delightfully off-kilter homage to Edge of Tomorrow, finds Korvo stuck in a loop of repeated death at the hands of a seemingly indestructible hardware store manager, but with a twist—every time he dies, it’s preceded by the consumption of a particularly disturbing pudding. The episode is as bewildering as it is hilarious, proving that Solar Opposites can expertly weave randomness and bizarre humor into a cohesive and highly entertaining narrative.
The Wall That Never Ends
A key element of the show’s success is its willingness to dive into sub-plots that offer a unique perspective on the main narrative. The ongoing saga of the Wall (now transformed into the Back Yard) provides a compelling and often poignant exploration of themes of survival, community, and the human condition—all within the confines of a miniature, post-apocalyptic world. This storyline, with its high-stakes drama and genuinely surprising twists, offers a stark contrast to the main narrative, providing a much-needed dose of dramatic tension and emotional weight.
The miniature humans of the Yard face perils both familiar and bizarre: from the threat of invading squirrels to the danger of foraging through discarded candy wrappers, their lives are a constant struggle for survival. It’s fascinating to see how these once ordinary people transform into hardened survivors, embracing ruthless tactics in their quest for resources.
The Silver Cops Saga: A Missed Opportunity?
While the Yard storyline successfully expands the show’s universe and adds layers of depth to its themes, the Silver Cops Saga feels somewhat less successful. This subplot, centered around Glen, the show’s perpetually unlucky neighbor who was unceremoniously launched into space by Korvo and Terry, takes a more familiar, and less inspired, turn—drawing heavily from tropes found in military sci-fi tales like Starship Troopers and Avatar.
While the inclusion of Kieran Culkin as a guest voice adds a touch of charm, the Silver Cops storyline lacks the same level of originality and creative energy that defines the rest of the show. It feels like a separate entity, only loosely connected to the main plot, and its reliance on well-worn tropes diminishes its impact.
A Recipe for Success
Solar Opposites season five is a testament to the show’s remarkable resilience. It’s not just a funny show; it’s an engaging story about the power of friendship and the enduring joy of absurdity. It manages to balance heart with humor, exploring complex themes while remaining refreshingly goofy and delightfully inventive.
The show’s dedication to creating a vibrant, ever-expanding universe is admirable, and its willingness to experiment with different genres and narrative styles keeps the show fresh and engaging. The creators have successfully created a world that is as wacky and imaginative as it is relatable and thought-provoking.
With its ambitious storyline, its delightful cast of characters, its commitment to visual humor, and its ability to tackle serious themes with a light touch, Solar Opposites has cemented its place as one of the most vital animated series on television. This is a show that knows how to make you laugh, think, and appreciate the absurdity of life, all at the same time.
