‘Adventure Time: Fionna & Cake’ Series Premiere Non-Spoiler Review – “Fionna Campbell” & “Simon Petrikov”

After the fourth and final installment of the Distant Lands limited series was released on HBO Max in September 2021, fans thought that was the end of Cartoon Network Studios’ Adventure Time. Now, almost two years later, that does not seem to be the case. I was fortunate enough to see the first seven episodes of the action-adventure sci-fi fantasy comedy animated series’ next journey, subtitled Fionna and Cake, and I am amazed at how much the screenwriters, the animation team, and the voice actors brought to the table. Yes, this spin-off title tops what Distant Lands had to offer!

The pilot episode is titled, “Fionna Campbell”. It is written and storyboarded by Hanna K. Nyström, Anna Syvertsson, Jacob Winkler, Haewon Lee; the story is written by Jack Pendarvis, Kate Tsang, Nyström, Anthony Burch, and Adam Muto.

The second episode in the series premiere is titled, “Simon Petrikov”. It is written and storyboarded by Iggy Craig, Graham Falk, Jim Campbell, Lucyola Langi; the story is written by Pendarvis, Tsang, Nyström, Burch, and Muto.

In this review, I will discuss Adam Muto’s Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake Season 1 Episodes 1 & 2. As the title of this article suggests, there will be no spoilers present here. Minor details will be sprinkled here and there, but nothing too huge. Please read ahead with caution!

Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake Synopsis

According to WarnerMedia Press, here is the synopsis for Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake.

Based on characters from the beloved “Adventure Time” franchise, this brand-new 10-episode series set in the land of Ooo follows the alternate universe versions of Finn & Jake on a multiverse-hopping journey towards self-discovery. When Fionna and her sidekick Cake find themselves in the crosshairs of a powerful new foe, they have no choice but to seek the help of former Ice King Simon Petrikov. With appearances from Marshall Lee, Marceline the Vampire Queen, Princess Bubblegum, and Finn the Human,  ADVENTURE TIME: FIONNA AND CAKE transports fans of the classic series to worlds both familiar and alien. 

WarnerMedia Press

Discussion

Bringing more Adventure Time content at this point in time is perfect timing. While Distant Lands was released during the early years of HBO Max, Muto et al’s Fionna and Cake understands its position within the realm of streaming platforms. Its first two episodes alone — “Fionna Campbell” and “Simon Petrikov” — sufficiently demonstrate what an animated narrative is capable of. The original show runs for 11 to 12 minutes per episode, while Distant Lands run for around 44 minutes per episode. With Fionna and Cake, episodic stories last for 23 to 25 minutes, which is typical for situational comedies (or sitcoms) these days.

The series features the mature usage of language such as “Jesus Christ” and “goddamn it” and does shed blood here and there, whenever necessary. This opens the door for substantial imagery and themes suitable for open-minded viewers. (In fact, when it comes to the confines and limitations of streaming, I had previously noted this last year with J.G. Quintel’s Close Enough and Hulu’s Crush.)

As we will come to learn as the series progresses, Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake features voicework from trans talent, is comprised of diverse actors and characters, and also involves some queer dynamics. Of course, anyone familiar with the relationship between Marceline the Vampire Queen (voiced by Olivia Olson) and Princess Bubblegum of Ooo (voiced by Hynden Walch) is no stranger to what this Cartoon Network franchise has to offer. Moreover, these mature imageries and themes solidify this title as a cinematic one, which feels distinct from the prior two in the franchise.

New Chapters in Life

As is the case with television pilots, “Fionna Campbell” can be a hit or miss. Personally, as the opening chapter of the series, the episode does not pose any issues. Its very purpose as a pilot is satisfactory, i.e., it plants the seeds for character development and intriguing character arcs. Yet, since this is still early on in the overall narrative, the atmosphere is light but does not quite possess a layer of levity. Muto and the screenwriters paint Fionna Campbell’s (voiced by Madeleine Martin) current life as portrayed by the dualities between subconsciousness and consciousness, psychological fantasy and wakeful reality.

If you are expecting the same Fionna and Cake (voiced by Roz Ryan) from the five episodic appearances in the original series’ run, then prepare for some initial confusion. Any devout Adventure Time fan might recall where (or whom) the two originate from. However, that is not exactly the case now. By contrast, “Simon Petrikov” is stronger as a story within the series’ two-part premiere. The writers fill its teleplay with dramatic narrative beats to remind viewers who Simon Petrikov (voiced by Tom Kenny) is, or rather, once was. If he and Fionna are to have any connection whatsoever, then for one, it would be their sense of uncertainty about the future.

The entirety of the second episode is well-written and well-animated, at least, for a story that serves as Point A. Some of the best animated and storyboard sequences for the start of the series lie here — and with great reasons. Rebecca Sugar performs a song that resonates deeply, however, all of that is just the beginning…

The Crew Behind Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake

Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake is developed by Adam Muto. It is based on the animated series, Adventure Time, created by Pendleton Ward. Additional development is credited to Hanna K. Nyström, Kate Tsang, and Jack Pendarvis (Summer Camp Island).

Bong-hee Han and Chul-hee Han are the animation directors behind the first episode. Yusung Kim, Changho Lee, and Myungok Em are the animation directors for the following episode.

Pendarvis serves as the series’ story editor, while Tsang is the staff writer. Nyström also serves as a writer.

Robert Alvarez (Dexter’s Laboratory, The Powerpuff Girls, Dave the Barbarian, Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, Chowder, Generator Rex, Regular Show, Samurai Jack, Close Enough) is the supervising animation director. Danny Ducker (Craig of the Creek, We Bare Bears) and Nick Edwards (Steven Universe, Adventure Time, Summer Camp Island) serve as storyboard supervisors. Jackie Files (Solar Opposites), Dorian Scar, and Sophie Yanow serve as storyboard revisionists. Original Fionna and Cake character designs are credited to Natasha Allegri.

Will Torbett is the animatic editor. Sarah Noonan (The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius, Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra, Young Justice) and Alden Osborne are the voice casting directors.

Paul Douglas is the supervising editor, while Carrie Owens is the assistant editor.

Amanda Jones composed the music for the series. Alex Borquez and Nick Gotten are the supervising sound editors, while Scott Manke is the sound editor.

The Voice Cast Behind Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake

Madeleine Martin and Roz Ryan voice the spin-off’s protagonists, Fionna Campbell and Cake, respectively.

Donald Glover (Atlanta) voices Marshall Lee, while Andrew Rannells voices Gary Prince.

Vico Ortiz (Our Flag Means Death) voices characters Hunter and Fern. Pendleton Ward voices Ellis P., a Lumpy Space Princess (LSP) variant in the Fionna and Cake universe.

Chelsea Peretti voices Queenie, Gary’s boss at Butter’s Butter Buns bakeshop. Robbie Daymond voices Ice Prince, a TV Announcer, and a Bar Guy. Elle Newlands voices Beatrice Buttler and a Van Driver.

Maria Bamford voices Starchy. Dee Bradley Baker (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai) voices Ratbus and Banana Guard #1.

Additional voices in the series’ premiere episode include Niki Yang, Jinkx Monsoon, Cree Summer (Rugrats, Atlantis: The Lost Empire, Codename: Kids Next Door, Atlanta), Erica Mendez, Cristina Valenzuela, Maria Bamford, and Pendleton Ward.

Episode 2

Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants, Ultimate Spider-Man, Samurai Jack, The Powerpuff Girls, Adventure Time, Final Space, Rick and Morty, Solar Opposites) voices Simon Petrikov, the human behind the infamous Ice King. Audrey Bennett voices a young Marceline and a Fionna and Cake fan named Astrid.

Hynden Walch voices Princess Bubblegum, along with a Child Wizard and Tourist #3.

Jeff Bennett voices the Evil Choose Goose.

Jeremy Shada appears as the voice of Finn the Human, while Olivia Olson voices Marceline the Vampire Queen.

Dan Mintz voices TV, one of Jake the Dog’s offspring.

Dee Bradley Baker voices Mudskipper, Bear, and Goo Zombies. Phil LaMarr (Samurai Jack, Static Shock, Futurama, Family Guy, Central Park, Craig of the Creek) also lends a voice to Goo Zombies, along with Dog Tourist and Tourist #4.

Erica Mendez & Cristina Valenzuela voice Skater Fairies, while Jack Pendarvis voices a Dirt Beer Guy.

Performances and Character Developments

Martin’s Campbell is an interesting character with mysteries tied to memory, like Thomas A. Anderson or Dolores Abernathy. Her story as a piece of the larger narrative invites spirals down through the vast infinitude of the Adventure Time universe. Here, the franchise once again takes on new meaning.

For a series named Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake, it clearly proves to have a focus on its titular characters. Although, Petrikov is also a protagonist in this journey that awaits. Like Old Man Logan and Joel Miller — other prominent figures of fictional post-apocalypses —, this character is one who has suffered through loneliness and tragedy for years. In the guise of the Ice King, his path in the past is the total opposite of Joseph Campbell’s conception of the Hero’s Journey. Believing that part of himself had been the antagonist of his story, Petrikov is unsure of his place in the world of Ooo. Kenny’s portrayal of the character defines him as a human being, an extrapolation of what fans and viewers had previously seen in the show’s original run.

Jeremy Shada returns as the voice of Finn the Human, and if you are curious as to where Fionna and Cake‘s place in the timeline is — following Adventure Time‘s series finale and before or somewhere within Distant Lands —, then this will definitely provide some hints. Despite his limited screen time, Shada maintains the courageous and creative mindset that Finn has had since the start. His dynamic with Petrikov is amicable, forgivable, and worthy of mending and redemption. Of course, that is what constitutes Finn as, well, a human, along with wholehearted understanding.

Final Thoughts on the Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake Series Premiere

While we are still two episodes in, “Fionna Campbell” and “Simon Petrikov” both serve as an enjoyable, entertaining, and eventually, enticing starting point for what is to come; and when I say a lot is headed our way, you must best believe me. The Fionna and Cake two-part premiere may not convey much, but the anticipation is part of the adventure. Time will tell how this series will be received by audiences as the narrative progresses. I have my arguments and defenses ready to go. For now, let’s just say this could be an awards-worthy animated program…

Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake debuts with two episodes today, August 31st on Max, followed by two episodes weekly through September 28th!

Have you seen the film yet? If so, then what are your thoughts on it so far? Let us know! For more action, adventure, animation, comedy, fantasy, and science-fiction-related news and reviews, do not forget to follow The Cinema Spot on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Not too familiar with, or cannot quite remember, the Adventure Time lore? Pre-order and purchase the complete original series (standard edition) on DVD via Amazon today!