If there was an Emmy for best comedy title, “Krod Mandoon and the Flaming Sword of Fire” would be this year’s winner, hand down. Thankfully, “Krod” isn’t just a funny title. Displaying the comedic sensibilities of TV’s “Sledge Hammer” and “Police Squad,” “Krod Mandoon” is a series that has its tongue firmly planted in cheek as it provides a loving, funny spoof of the medieval, sword and sorcery fantasy series.
Krod is the son of a blacksmith and a stay-at-home mom, who has a destiny to fulfill. He’s prophecied to be the leader of a rebellion against the evil Chancellor Dongalor and the evil Mecocian Empire. Leading a rag-tag group of freedom fighters including Aneka, his on again, off again Paegan girlfriend, Zezelryck, a young warlock whose powers don’t always work they way they should, Losquato, a half-human/half-swin servant and Bruce, a man who was the romantic interest of Donaglor’s mentor, Krod must find a way to stop Dongalor for unleashing the power of ultimate weapon of mass destruction, the Eye of Gulga Grymna.
The humor in “Krod” is very broad, following the pattern of the early Zucker/Abrams/Zucker big-screen comedies–let’s throw the jokes out there and see which ones stick. Thankfully, more of the jokes stick as either amusing or chuckle worth and there were a few laugh out loud funny moments in the one-hour premiere episode. As a send-up for the medieval fantasy series along the lines of “Hercules” or “Legend of the Seeker,” “Krod” works remarkably well and is extremely funny. The series also seems to be establishing a bit of an on-going story about Krod embracing his destiny and the threat of the Eye of Gulga Gryman that will provide a bit of an on-going backstory as the series continues.
And while most of the assembled comedy team are good, it’s Matt Lucas as the evil Chancellor Donaglor who steals the show in the first two episodes. Dongalor is a comedic descent of Mike Myers Dr. Evil from the “Austin Powers” movies–the curiously incompenent evil dooer with grandoise plans who wants to conquer the world. The show itself is amusing enough, but scenes with Dongalor take it up to a new level and had me laughing out loud.
“Krod” is a fun, silly and enjoyable comedic spoof that is well worth checking out. A word of warning to parents: the show is funny, but does include some crude humor and if it were released as a movie it’d definitely be PG-13. There’s a reason Comedy Central is airing it in the 10 p.m. timeslot. The first two episodes were enjoyable, funny and have me interested enough to add a season pass for “Krod” onto my DVR and to catch future installments.
“Krod Mandoon and the Flaming Sowrd of Fire” debuts Thursday, April 9 at 10 p.m. EST on Comedy Central.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Just in case you want linkage without serchage. http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/krod_mandoon/index.jhtml
Years ago, there was a comedy called wizards and warriors. (showing my age yet again. ) this reminds me so much of that. although this is much better.
🙂
Tim
This looks great – thanks for the head’s up!
Watched it, might have liked it when I was 12. Not my cup of tea now.
I agree – it’s a show that’s sincerely trying to have fun. So sometimes it’s stupid, but it’s stupid in the way of buddy-telling-a-joke-stupid.
Completely agree on Dongalore, and I’d also note that Krod is a well done character. He’s authentically heroic, just insecure, and shows at least some awareness of how ridiculous his life gets at time.
I don’t know if this’ll run forever, but if we can get a season or two with a continuing plot and some good laughs, I’ll be happy. And if this takes off – then let’s raise a glass to Krod Mandoon.
I have to dissagree about Dongalore. I think he is amusing, but that is about it. To me he can’t carry the show. He is a goof. Don’t get me wrong I love goofs, but he just doesn’t do it for me. I think that the interplay with the “Freedom Fighters” is the best part about the show. With all of the hang ups that each one of them have, it is very funny. But then again, we all have to realize that this is comedy and each one of us have our own likes and dislikes.
I lasted all of 15 minutes into it until I deleted it from my DVR. That was God-awfully bad.
Okay, I really liked it. Alot. Made me giggle and grin and laugh out loud. Dongalor is hands-down the best character on the show, but I get the sense that the others will get their moments in the sun as well.
The visual humor is excellent as well. The overkill of General Arkadius was fall down funny.
You know, we need more TV like this. You really need to sit down through an entire episode or two, but it then grows on you. My wife and I really like it.
I love this show because Krod is insanely sexy! 😀
some how i feel only stupid fanboys will enjoy this…..they have their stupid DnD “sex” jokes…..if they can be called that…..come to life.
its like a jeff foxworthy joke….you can only stand em so long.
this will fail like every other comedy central “Hit” that ppl claim……
Krod turns me on and so does his lady. I think it’s funny how they always call her a pagan wench. You know, I have a love for medievel t.v. This show reminds me of Xena or Hercules. It has a funny spin to it. I think that if it stays on the air, it will get even better. I look forward to seeing Krod. He is sexy, innocent, and noble. Just the kind of guy I like.
Krud Mandoon? More like Crud Mandung.
I laughed more when the dog died
Actually Tripe is a better word. You can’t send up a genre that is already a send up of itself without falling flat on your face. Conan is much funnier than this and Arnie is a much better actor than most of the cast.
This show is a terrible waste of our license fees.