**Early 1998 Article** ### "A Not-so-Wacky World After All: The Disappointing Legacy of 'The Wacky World of Tex Avery'" DiC Entertainment's recent attempt to honor the genius of legendary animator Tex Avery has, unfortunately, fallen far from its ambitious perch. "The Wacky World of Tex Avery," which premiered in late 1997, was met with a less-than-enthusiastic response from critics and audiences alike. Despite its promise to bring the zany and irreverent spirit of Avery to a new generation, the show has now been widely criticized for failing to capture the magic of the original works and, more grievously, for being an insult to Avery's legacy. Created by the studio responsible for such childhood favorites as "Inspector Gadget" and "Heathcliff," the series promised a revival of the madcap comedy and irreverence that Tex Avery was known for. Yet, viewers found the modern take to have missed the mark. Poor ratings and harsh reviews have plagued the show's run, with many sparking heated debates over the quality of its animation, humor, and character designs. The animation style of "The Wacky World of Tex Avery," while colorful and frenetic, has been criticized for lacking the artistry and finesse that made Tex Avery's original cartoons a visual feast. The crude humor that is slapped over every episode has not resonated well with much of its audience, who find it to be a stark, unpleasant contrast to the clever, timelessly witty gags associated with Avery himself. Voice acting, which is paramount in breathing life into animated characters, has faced severe backlash. Some viewers argue that the performances feel forced and devoid of the charming absurdity necessary for such exaggerated characters. Moreover, the character designs and imagery have been branded as unappealing and disconnected from Avery's signature style. One of the more troubling elements, however, has been the handling of outdated stereotypes and characters. Critics and audiences have voiced concern over the insensitivity displayed in the series, echoing that the creators have overlooked the progressiveness that often accompanied Avery's original work. The theme song, intended to be catchy and reminiscing of classic cartoon melodies, is often described as forgettable, failing to be the earworm that beckons audiences to the screen. Perhaps emblematic of the show's overall disconnect is the misguided attempt to evoke nostalgia without the substance to back it up. Despite these missteps, DiC Entertainment is not stepping away from the drawing board just yet. With ambitious projects in the pipeline, including "Archie's Weird Mysteries," "Sherlock Holmes in the 22nd Century," "Sonic Underground," and an untitled Stargate animated feature, the studio is clearly hopeful about the future. Notably, development is already underway at "Les Studios Tex"--named to honor Avery's legacy--for spin-offs featuring Einstone, Power Pooch, and Maurice & Mooch, characters from "The Wacky World of Tex Avery." DiC is particularly enthusiastic about an Einstone sitcom, which they believe may have the potential to air on primetime slots on networks such as UPN and The WB. The untapped adult animation market could be a lucrative venture if the show captures the intellect and unique appeal that the original Einstone character occasionally displayed. Can DiC Entertainment redeem their blunder and create series that align more authentically with the spirit of Tex Avery, or even invent new classics that will stand the test of time? Time will tell, but for now, "The Wacky World of Tex Avery" serves as a cautionary tale of how even the most well-intended tributes can sometimes stray into the territory of caricature, missing the heart and soul of their inspiration.

### Title: From Fizzle to Sizzle? DiC's Tex Avery Tribute Falls Flat as It Pins Hopes on Einstone Pilot for Primetime Amid the turbulence of animated misfires, DiC Entertainment's homage to the lauded Tex Avery, "The Wacky World of Tex Avery," has regrettably underperformed both critically and commercially. Recognized for their previously successful animated series, DiC's experiment with reinvigorating Avery's distinct brand of humor has been met with considerable chagrin from audiences and Avery purists alike. However, in the spirit of creative resilience, DiC Entertainment and its subsidiary, Les Studios Tex, are not conceding defeat just yet. Setting their sights on primetime television, they're crafting a pilot for a sitcom based on Ughbert Einstone, the brainy and brawny caveman from the same ill-starred series. Einstone, envisioned as the world's first inventor, exudes the potential to be a standout character among the ensemble that populated "The Wacky World of Tex Avery." As the intellectual bright spot in a landscape of prehistoric antics, Einstone's character was seen using quick wit and innovative creations in an ongoing quest to educate his less-enlightened friends on the virtues of modern convenience and civilized behavior. This premise lays the foundation for the planned spin-off, with the series set to explore the comedic friction between Einstone's ingenious contraptions and the traditionally simplistic cavemen community. The untitled Einstone project, as pitched, envisions Ughbert attempting to drag his Neanderthal neighbors kicking and screaming into a more enlightened era through the use of his inventions. Picture flintstones meeting daemonism--the slapstick potential is ripe. DiC Entertainment believes that this concept showcases more focused storytelling and character development opportunities than the scattergun approach that hampered "The Wacky World of Tex Avery." Aiming to distinguish itself from its predecessor's pitfalls, the Einstone pilot is being developed with an eye toward snaring the attention of networks such as UPN and The WB, who might be enticed to add an animated offering to their primetime lineups. This approach is indicative of DiC's recognition of the evolving television landscape, where animation is no longer relegated solely to Saturday mornings or children's after-school programming. What remains crucial, however, is whether Einstone can surpass the shortcomings of "The Wacky World of Tex Avery." Critics point to the need for enhanced writing, character depth, and artistry--areas in which the original series ostensibly faltered. Moreover, the creators must navigate the delicate balance between honoring the legacy of Tex Avery's ingenuity while modernizing the content for contemporary audiences who demand a certain sensitivity and sophistication in humor. With the quiet development of the Einstone pilot, DiC Entertainment seems to be a cautious optimist, hoping that this could be the catalytic project that allows them to rebound from their recent animation letdown. It is a gambit that places faith in one character's ability to resonate with audiences where an ensemble could not. As for the future of Les Studios Tex and DiC Entertainment, industry observers and fans alike are watching with bated breath. Will Einstone light a fire under the primetime crowd, or dash the studio's hopes against the prehistoric rocks? Only time--and the tastes of television viewers--will tell.

### Title: "The Einstone Show!" Rocks into Primetime: DiC Hammers out a 20-Episode Deal with UPN In a bold move signaling their confidence in the rebounding power of caveman comedy, DiC Entertainment and Les Studios Tex have secured a 20-episode commitment with UPN for their new animated sitcom, "The Einstone Show!" The series, centered on the prehistoric puns and inventive antics of Ughbert Einstone, is slated to energize the network's primetime lineup, with further prospects of syndication on Comedy Central if it hits the comic sweet spot with viewers. Ughbert Einstone, the fictitious Neanderthal known for his outlandish contraptions and cerebral approach to cave-dwelling life, initially appeared as a character in the less successful "The Wacky World of Tex Avery." However, DiC is convinced Einstone's unique brand of humor is just the spark needed for primetime success. With the backing of UPN, "The Einstone Show!" stands ready to leap from the drawing board into living rooms across the nation. The series promises to blend physical gags and witty repartee in a narrative that sees Einstone struggling to uplift his community's lifestyle. In each episode, his attempts at introducing modern conveniences to a society stuck in the Stone Age will result in chaos, imbuing the show with a humorous perspective on the pitfalls of progress and invention. Ambitiously, DiC Entertainment is not only looking at the immediate horizon. If "The Einstone Show!" resonates with audiences, plans for a second and third season are already taking form. Recognizing the potential appetite for adult-skewing animated comedies--fuelled by the success of shows like "The Simpsons" and "South Park"--DiC and UPN believe they have found a gem that could endure well beyond its initial run. "The Einstone Show!" has been crafted with considerable attention to the missteps of its spiritual predecessor. The pilot, which is complete and eagerly awaiting its test waters premiere on UPN, will serve as a barometer for the viewers' engagement. Titled "Inventing the Wheel and Dealing With It," the pilot cleverly plays on the mythos surrounding humanity's first round innovation, while showcasing Einstone's plights against comic misunderstandings and the occasional sabre-toothed mishap. Creatives behind the scenes have worked diligently to enhance the comedic writing and to develop a distinctive animation style that populates the show with a bold palette and expressive characters. The voice acting roster, carefully curated to bring life to the motley crew of cavemen and creatures, includes some notable names from the comedy and voice acting circuits, adding another layer of anticipation. With the joint announcement from DiC Entertainment and UPN, "The Einstone Show!" is positioned to either solidify DiC's comedic prowess in a competitive television landscape or to serve as another attempt at cracking the primetime animation enigma. One thing is sure--Einstone's inventions may either build a bridge to lasting success or, like so many of his on-screen gadgets, comically crumble. Only the tastes of a primetime audience, hungry for fresh content, will render the final verdict.

### Title: "The Einstone Show!" Set to Bedrock UPN's 2000 Lineup **March 1999** - It seems the Stone Age is due an innovative primetime comeback, as "The Einstone Show!" secures a slot on UPN's schedule for the year 2000. The animated series, which cavemen-connoisseurs might remember from the pilot's success, is set to air new episodes every week, chiseling its way into modern-day relevancy. UPN's successful pilot airing was no mere flint spark in the dark. It blazed into viewing figures worth boasting about, compelling the network to commission a full slate of 20 episodes. Ughbert Einstone, a caveman with the brainpower enough to rival his future namesake Einstein, embarks on comical misadventures to evolve his society--one hilarious invention at a time. "The Einstone Show!" is already making waves internationally, where audiences seem to have a prehistoric hankering for Einstone's antics. France's M6 has forged an agreement to premiere the show in fall 1999, ahead of its U.S. counterpart, UPN. This marks a bold strategy for DiC Entertainment, as it builds overseas buzz that could spark a fire back on American soil. The strategy is unmistakably clear--strike the iron while it's hot and stretch "The Einstone Show!" as far as licensing permits. With eyes set on further syndication, talks of expanding to The WB's lineup, and a push for international coverage, Ughbert Einstone may just become a household name (and reference point for quirky inventors) globally. Current fans and soon-to-be converts can look forward to a smorgasbord of historical hijinks, as each week promises a new episode following Einstone's struggle against the stubborn status quo of his era. The blend of sharp writing, characterized by anachronistic humor, and a contemporary nod to societal advancement, is shaping up to be a formula for comedic gold. As the show prepares to engrave its mark on the annus domini 2000, DiC Entertainment has taken painstaking measures to ensure that the series not only entertains but also flourishes in a competitive market. Quality voice acting, rich narratives, and a commitment to distinctive animation are the cornerstones expected to fortify the show's longevity. With all eyes on UPN--and across the pond on M6--viewers are about to decide if life in 'The Einstone Era' is a solid slab of comedy or if the show belongs in the annals of forgotten fossils. One thing is certain; DiC and UPN are betting on Ughbert Einstone to roll the stone uphill, revolutionizing primetime animation while staying mindful of the wisdom that sometimes the oldest tales tell the funniest jokes.

### Title: "The Einstone Show!" Premieres This September on UPN, With M6 Leading the Charge in August **July 1999** - As the summer heat reaches its peak, so does the anticipation for DiC Entertainment's latest animated sitcom, "The Einstone Show!" With UPN slated to roll out the series every Tuesday in September, fans of prehistoric humor don't have to wait much longer. But for avid international cartoon aficionados, France's M6 has surprisingly nudged the date forward, premiering the show in August 1999--ahead of its American counterpart. Tapped to captivate both young and mature audiences alike, Ian James Corlett leads the Caveman-era ensemble as the voice of Einstone. Terry Klassen brings to life Einstone's son, Min Stone, creating a dynamic father-son duo whose interplay promises both heart and humor. Kathleen Barr voices the resilient Mrs. Einstone, and Maurice LaMarche joins the family as the sagely Papa Einstone. Pompeii Pete, another of Einstone's contemporaries wielding Corlett's vocal talents, adds to the comedic clime. For fans of "The Wacky World of Tex Avery," there are plenty of recognizable voices. Billy West revives the titular Tex Avery and the crafty Sagebrush Sid. Terry Klassen doubles duty as Maurice Squab, while Lee Tockar's portrayal of the menacing Genghis offers up ample antagonism. Phil Hayes lends his voice to the mighty Power Pooch, and Scott McNeil gives life to Amanda Banshee. No less impressive is West's third role as the annoying but amusing Freddy the Fly. As for the plot--leave modernity at the door and prepare for a hearty helping of Stone Age shenanigans. "The Einstone Show!" doesn't just chip at the surface of prehistoric life; it digs deep into the daily bedlam. Center stage is Einstone, a cave-dwelling visionary faced with the burden of dragging his intellectually challenged neighbors out of their basic living standards. His inventions aim to spur evolution, but more often than not, they lead to combustible comedy. "The Einstone Show!" is poised to bring a fresh flavor to family entertainment, distinguishing itself from Hanna-Barbera's uber famous "The Flintstones." DiC's latest foray into animated sitcoms promises to be a cartoony cavalcade of laughter, teeming with modern situations set in a world where the wheel is still a wild new idea. The blend of historical whimsy and contemporary satire is on the cusp of becoming everyone's favorite dino-sitcom. UPN is gearing up to make Tuesdays the new home for prime-time laughs, and with M6 charging ahead, the stakes are higher than a brontosaurus's back. Whether this show will club the competition or slip on its own banana peel of ambition is a question soon to be answered by the smiling (or grunting) masses. Stay tuned--prehistoric comedy is making a mammoth comeback.

### Title: "The Einstone Show!" Strikes Ratings Gold; Renewed for Second Season **September 1999** - Flung from a catapult of comedic flair straight into the hearts of animated sitcom enthusiasts, "The Einstone Show!" has hit the ground running and how! DiC Entertainment's foray into primeval parody has not only conquered the attention of UPN's Tuesday night viewers but has now officially been given a green light for a second season, slated to debut in 2000. With the laughter barely subsided from the uproarious first episodes, the network has wasted no time riding the mammoth-sized wave of success to swiftly secure the show's continuation. The caveman-centric series, which humorously depicts the trials and triumphs of the cartoon inventor, Einstone, and his endearingly dimwitted fellow Neanderthals, has resonated with an audience yearning for comedic innovation. "The Einstone Show!" has managed to chisel out a special niche, winning its place among the most talked-about shows. It seems the prehistoric setting, complete with Einstone's anachronistic inventions and the ensemble cast's dynamic voice work, have raked in ratings that any network exec would be eager to evolve with. Einstone's attempts to teach his contemporaries about 'civilized' modern living is the cornerstone of a show that is as much about heart as it is about humor. The infectious series has created such a resounding buzz that plans are now in place for the show to air on Canada's Teletoon and make its grand entrance onto The WB's U.S. lineup in 2000, promising to expand the show's reach and inevitably, its fanbase. DiC Entertainment has unabashedly expressed confidence in "The Einstone Show!" from its inception. Yet, even they seem pleasantly surprised by the magnitude of its success. DiC knew they had a unique concept on their hands, but the show's rapid ascension to hit status has surpassed even their high expectations. As the show looks to the future, DiC's risk in producing a series outside the tried and tested formula has evidently paid off, and then some. The show's charm isn't just in its humor but also in its sly educational value, where viewers inadvertently learn about science and innovation through Einstone's outlandish escapades--a stroke of genius in children's programming. It seems both parents and kids are equally enamored with the Stone Age spectacle. With the renewal announcement for a second season, the team behind "The Einstone Show!" is jubilant and already churning out ideas that promise to keep the laughs coming. There's a confident sense that as long as Einstone has another invention up his animal hide sleeve, the viewers will be there to witness the mayhem it unleashes. Establishing itself rapidly as a bona fide hit, "The Einstone Show!" teaches us all a valuable lesson: In television, sometimes looking back is the best way to move forward. Keep those clubs and stones at the ready--Einstone and his prehistoric posse are not done making history.

### Title: "The Einstone Show!" Finds Success Where "The Wacky World of Tex Avery" Stumbled **Late September 1999**--DiC Entertainment's "The Einstone Show!" has taken the primetime animation world by storm, marking a significant turnaround from the same studio that two years prior saw the demise of "The Wacky World of Tex Avery." As "The Einstone Show!" celebrates its official hit status, industry analysts and fans alike are reflecting on why the caveman comedy succeeded where its irreverent predecessor failed. When "The Wacky World of Tex Avery" debuted in 1997, it was met with high expectations; expectations that unfortunately crumbled under criticism of the show's perceived lack of heart and alignment with Tex Avery's original spirit. Critics derided the show for its unsophisticated humor, uneven voice acting, and character designs that appeared to caricature rather than lovingly pay homage to the legendary animator's work. Moreover, the show's lack of consistent character development and storylines made it difficult for viewers to connect with on a weekly basis. Fast forward to "The Einstone Show!," and the story couldn't be more different. The series, which revolves around the life and inventions of Einstone--the supposed pinnacle of caveman innovation--and his hapless friends, has managed to resonate where "The Wacky World of Tex Avery" could not. DiC, learning from past mistakes, ensured that "The Einstone Show!" was rooted firmly in character-focused storytelling, with clever writing designed to capture a much broader audience spanning kids to adults. One critical success factor is the show's marriage of physical comedy with intellectual wit, allowing it to traverse the often tricky animation landscape, appealing to those who appreciate slapstick humor as well as those who relish in sharp, thought-provoking jokes. The result is a show that bridges the gap between the simplicity of prehistoric life and the complexity of modern-day issues, creating a platform for satire that feels both fresh and familiar. Additionally, whereas "The Wacky World of Tex Avery" struggled with its identity, often coming across as a disjointed collection of shorts, "The Einstone Show!" has successfully established a cohesive world with strong central characters. Einstone's attempts to bring civilization to his community are not just comical but endearing, providing a consistent narrative thread that viewers have latched onto. DiC was determined not to repeat history and took a calculated risk with "The Einstone Show!" investing in higher quality animation and top-notch voice talent led by Ian James Corlett. The commitment to quality over quantity paid off, as did the decision to focus on a singular concept rather than the variety-show format of "The Wacky World of Tex Avery." "The Einstone Show!" seems to have tapped into a potent nostalgia for the vintage charms of animated family sitcoms while avoiding the pitfalls of passe cartoon tropes--staying culturally sensitive, clever, and most importantly, entertaining. As DiC Entertainment basks in the warm glow of redemption, "The Einstone Show!" cements its place in the annals of successful animated comebacks. For a studio once burdened with the weight of a failed predecessor, the future now looks as bright as a lit torch in a dark cave.