In the pixelated universe of Netflix’s new Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, the beloved bassist and hopeless romantic finds himself once again entangled in the intricacies of love, life, and the battle-hardened baggage of Romona Flower’s past, with some killer indie-punk songs thrown in to boot, of course. The series’ first episode initially feels like familiar territory for longtime fans of the Scott Pilgrim universe. However, as the season unfolds, it doesn’t just tread familiar ground; it takes a daring leap into uncharted waters, redefining the narrative and injecting welcoming new life into the Scott Pilgrim saga that makes it a must-watch for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
The animation style immediately stands out, reminiscent of an old-school 8-bit video game brought to life, much like the source material’s original art style and the Scott Pilgrim side-scroller beat-em-up video game. The show feels as if the two of those made a TV baby. And it’s wonderful. The constantly added sound effects, text popping on screen, vibrant colors, and sharp lines create a visual spectacle that feels tailor-made for this story’s universe. While also paying homage to the character’s graphic novel roots. The animation style not only aligns with the series’ playful and nostalgic tone but also serves as a fantastic vehicle for the well-known premise of the series: Scott Pilgrim falls in love with his dream girl, Romona Flowers, and has to fight all seven of her evil exes to continue dating her. Without spoiling the changes that so brilliantly set “Takes Off” apart from its counterparts, the animation style allows the brawls within the show to reach a new level of awesome. The fighting sequences feel like a dynamic blend of classic side-scrolling action and modern flair, peppered with video game sound effects and eye-popping visuals. As a result, each fight sequence truly feels not only unique but like a boss fight of epic proportions.
The integration of video game elements not only enhances the entertainment value but also adds a layer of thematic coherence, reinforcing that Scott Pilgrim’s story is a larger-than-life adventure that allows the show’s magical realism to shine through in ways the live-action adaptation was limited to. However, the true magic of this fresh take lies in the narrative twist that unfolds early in the series. Without delving into spoilers, the twist catapults the story into uncharted emotional territory, shattering expectations and allowing Scott Pilgrim Takes Off to explore more profound, more resonant themes of love, longing, loss, and perhaps most importantly, closure. Throughout the season, the series ventures into realms of introspection and emotional complexity that are still joyfully wrapped in indie-rock-backed eye candy with characters you’ll fall in love with.
The unexpected narrative turn creates a new, exciting feeling of unknown for fans familiar with the titular IP, and it allows the supporting characters around Scott to shine in fun and unexpected ways. However, after finishing the series, I wondered just how impactful this twist would be to viewers discovering the world of Scott Pilgrim for the first time. This leads me to wonder the same for the series as a whole. How much is gained from the nostalgia factor? Does this series still work for people unfamiliar with the source material?
The show’s only potential drawback might be its accessibility for newcomers. For those unfamiliar with the Scott Pilgrim graphic novels or the live-action movie, things move fast in the first couple of episodes, and I can see where it is tough to latch on to everything happening. After all, “Takes Off” is sort of a hybrid between the graphic novels and the 2010 Edgar Wright-directed live-action adaptation. There are plenty of easter eggs to smile about for fans of either one, and for fans of both, “Takes Off” is absolutely fantastic at every turn. But with each episode clocking in at just over twenty minutes, a lot of narrative world-building is thrown at the viewer, and it could be a bit overwhelming for newcomers. The intricate web of relationships, self-aware references, and recurring characters might pose a challenge for people tuning in to all things Scott Pilgrim for the first time. That being said, the significant narrative twist could paradoxically make Scott Pilgrim Takes Off an ideal entry point into this world since it essentially serves as a narrative reset. It offers a completely fresh perspective, which, in a weird way, encapsulates Scott Plgrim’s tendency to be so wonderfully many things at once.
All this in mind, and largely thanks to the fresh direction the show decided to go, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off isn’t just a nostalgic revisit to a beloved franchise; it’s a bold leap into unexplored territory that marks a welcome intro for new fans and a visual feast for die-hards. By the time the credits roll on the eighth, and most likely final, episode, “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” firmly establishes itself as a worthy successor that not only pays homage to its roots but also pushes the boundaries of what the Scott Pilgrim Universe can achieve. In short, it’s a show well worth your time—final Score: 9/10.
But don’t just take my word for it. You can stream all episodes of Scott Pilgrim Takes Off now on Netflix. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to add the show’s soundtrack to my playlist and rollerskate through some dreamscapes.
