Good Writing: The Alvin Show

The really old segments of The Alvin Show are fantastic. They are poorly animated, the voice work isn't very good, but they're entertaining and funny. What more could you ask for?



I think the reason these are successful cartoons is how well written they are. Not even for how individually well written segments are either, although that is also the case. It's mainly in the pathos. The general plot for these old segments are all the same: Dave Seville is an average song writer who found some chipmunks and decided they'd be good singers. So he uses/forces them to sing his songs, wear human clothes and act like they're his well behaved children. The chipmunks don't really care for his rules, generally disobey him and undermine his authority.

Such a ridiculous concept, but it's believable because it happens in a cartoon, and the characters are relatable. Everyone knows the basic family structure, the hard-ass father figure, and how kids act.

Dave is basically the man. He hates things that are fun or that a kid would naturally want to do. He craves obedience and is easily stressed out when things are not how he wants them to be. He's also pretty clueless and hates spending money.

Simon and Theodore are basically the same character. They're both the average kid. They aren't disobedient, they listen to Dave, but they do want to have fun. When they are excited or riled up they stop listening to Dave and act like rowdy kids. The only difference between the two is that one is tall and reads books (the glasses are a good indicator) and the other is fat, short and giggles a lot.

Alvin doesn't like to be told what to do, he's a rebel. He likes to show off and be the center of attention. He usually gets back at the people who tell him what to do. Sometimes he just disobeys for the fun of it.

The basic concept is so solid that any situation you put these characters in can practically writes itself. Pure entertainment.

Here's some more fun.







I also like how every cartoon has a song.



Share your feelings on Alvin or whatever in the comments, they're appreciated.