Before I get into this review, let me just say that DC knocked this series out of the park. Trust me, I’m surprised that those words just came out of my mouth. Based on DC’s history, I was starting to lose all hope that they would produce consistently good content. Sweet Tooth washed away all of the bad tastes from both Justice League cuts, Batman vs Superman, Wonder Woman ‘84, and the dreadfully bad Suicide Squad.
I definitely had low expectations for a fantasy series with such a weird premise (hybrid animal people, and again was made by DC). I am very happy that Sweet Tooth shattered my doubts and it makes me hopeful for future seasons and possible spinoffs from this show. So, let's dive in!
Synopsis
The H5G9 virus has destroyed the world and produced a post apocalyptic society, where people are trying their hardest to avoid the disease. From the start of the virus, a new type of species emerged in the form of hybrids, half human half animal. Gus, a character who is half-human and half-deer is young and ambitious; He embarks on an adventure to uncover the truth about his long-lost mother while being joined by friends he makes along the way.
What I love
This show does something that other DC projects like Shazam and the first Wonder Woman did. They have a great balance of heart, humor, and action that can be hard to maintain in comic book adaptations. Sweet Tooth does all three so well! The animal humor can be seen as silly, but I really loved it! You got a half pig girl oinking and Gus the half deer acting like a real deer.
The action was a little more intense than expected, but it was there in such a badass manner. Gus' story will make you sad and has so much depth to it. You feel yourself becoming invested in the story of him finding his mother.
Speaking of Gus, Christian Convery was excellent. We have seen some of these young child stars like Millie Bobby Brown and Millicent Simmonds do excellent work in recent years, and now you have to add Christian to that group. The future of Hollywood is in great hands with him and the other two mentioned. He was funny, charming, and courageous as Gus. DC might want to make this kid Superman in about 20 years and if they do I demand compensation for inspiring the idea.
Also, the relationship between Gus and Big Man is amazing. Polar opposites working together to create an amazing friendship and a dynamic duo was superb to watch. The cast in general was overall very good too! I could feel the chemistry between them with every scene.
The sub-story lines are also interesting. You have these hybrids that are blamed for starting the virus and then you have another storyline of Doctor Adi looking for a cure but not willing to test on hybrids. What I love is the question of morals in this show. Should this doctor test on hybrids to find the cure? Or is there another way? I love that Sweet Tooth will even challenge the audience to figure out what is right.
So, after doing my very delicate research I noticed Robert Downey Jr was an executive producer. Looks like DC brought him in to use his infinity gauntlet to erase the bad projects that DC did. Goodbye to the Snyderverse and hello Downey-verse?
What I did not love
Why only 8 episodes? I remember a time when we were given 13 episodes on a Netflix series. Now we have to deal with shorter seasons and longer time between said seasons. Netflix, I beg you to give the audience more content per season!
For being promoted as family-friendly, there are a few scenes that are a lot more mature in tone. I feel that can be a little problematic in today's culture especially with a PG-13 show. I don’t mind the mature themes, but I think a fair warning would do some good.
Verdict
Sweet Tooth is a hit. This series is a lot of fun and I hope to see this grow over time. I think this show is a must-watch by yourself or with your family. 4 out of 5 stars.
