- Network: Channel 4
- Series Premiere Date: Jun 8, 2005
Summary:
Popetown is a cartoon with obvious parallels to Vatican City and the Catholic Church. But on the other hand, there are also many differences.
Firstly, it's Popetown, not Vatican City.
Secondly, the 'Pope' is a very young boy (who sounds like a girl), with all the character flaws and immaturity of youth, unlike the real-life scenario where Popes have typically been elderly men (the youngest Pope in history was reported to be about 18, although there is debate and uncertainty about that).
[Note: On various news websites it is stated that the Popetown Pope is a 77 year old man, with the personality of a 7 year old. The reality is, he's drawn as 7 or 8, he sounds 7 or 8, his behaviour is that of a child (not a man in his second childhood), and he's got the innocence of childhood, not the ignorance of senility. Perhaps the Popetown team may have originally planned to have a childish 77 year old Pope, and may have changed their mind with that being too close to reality, but there is NOTHING about this Pope to suggest his age has ever been more than that of a young child.]
Produced by BBC3, but controversially not aired by BBC3 for fear of upsetting Catholics (or alternatively, as a stunt to raise publicity for the show - who would spend $5 million and then decide not to proceed to air?). Anyway, other broadcasters have had the courage to air the show, with it's worldwide premiere being on the music channel C4 in New Zealand, Wed June 8th, 2005.
The show consists of only 10 episodes, of aprox 25 mins running time once commercials have been excluded.
The Catholic Church stirred things up in the UK BEFORE Popetown ever went to air, but in NZ the reactions from the church have been acceptance initially, and indignation following repeated suggestions of zoophilia, alcoholism, stupidity and corruption within Popetown.
From my perspective of episode One, the show is sufficiently distanced from the real Vatican situation to avoid any storm of protest. Remember, this is not The Vatican. It's Popetown in a cartoon land.
I would have no qualms about children viewing this show.
Key Characters:
Father Nicholas - the poor guy who has to try to keep the Pope and his affairs in order. Nicholas has brains and a strong sense of responsibility. He works from the Back Office of Popetown
Sister Marie - somewhat brainless assistant to Father Nick and The Pope.
The Pope - estimated to be about 8 years old. The Pope is immature and demanding, as many...
Details
| Network: | Channel 4 |
|---|---|
| Genre(s): | Comedy, Animation, Action & Adventure |
| Seasons: | 1 |
