In this age of endless remakes and reboots dominating our screens, there is one television show that has instantly become a reigning testament on not only how to create dynamic and engaging remakes, but on why doing so can add new layers of rich story elements that benefit the ardent fan and newcomer alike. “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” is the latest adaptation of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s beloved comic book series “Scott Pilgrim” about an early 20’s amateur rocker who discovers he must defeat his new girlfriend’s seven evil exes in order to stay with her. Following the 2010 film adaptation “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World”, directed by Edgar Wright, this new 8 episode animated show not only captures the essence of the original comic and star-studded film, but takes the original narrative on a chaotic, colorful, punk-rock-filled flight, smashing through the boundaries of its predecessors.
What makes “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” so unique and engaging is its determined departure from the conventional remake formula. Indeed, by the jaw-dropping finale, the show ends up becoming an expansion of the existing universe and continuity, morphing into a refreshing narrative that feels both nostalgically recognizable and yet, entirely new. The nostalgia bites hard in the reprisal of all major characters from the original film (a fact which in and of itself is a wonderful demonstration of the love and loyalty the actors have for O’Malley’s creation) and is accentuated when the show continuously throws a curveball and shred’s the viewer’s expectations on what familiar plotline may be coming next. This chaotic blend of familiarity and unpredictability keeps audiences on their toes and reminds them in a blur of colorful flashing fists and blaring bass and drums that in this show, anything is possible.
Much like the 2010 film, the television show’s punk-rock filled narrative is a visual and auditory treat, and the fast paced fight scenes and catchy music are at the heart of the magic of “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off”. This is what fans expect, and what pulls newcomers in, and yet the show also delves deep into unexplored facets of the Scott Pilgrim universe, giving fans a unique opportunity to rediscover a new take on the story they fell in love with, while introducing newcomers to an eccentric and captivating world dominated by music, duels, love and friendship.
“Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” flies above the sea of recycled content and emerges as an example of innovative narrative. It celebrates the legacy of O’Malley’s original creation and does so while fearlessly pushing the boundaries and expectations of what storytelling and remakes should be. Seeming more like an artistic expression of a story beloved by millions across the world, including its creators, cast and crew, “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” will undoubtedly set the bar for future adaptations and remakes to come, demonstrating the importance of soaring into uncharted territories.
