| Clone High | |
|---|---|
The main characters of Clone High: Mr. Butlertron, John F. Kennedy, Cleopatra, Abe Lincoln, Joan of Arc, Gandhi, and "Cinnamon" J. Scudworth (reclining.) |
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| Also known as | Clone High U.S.A. |
| Format | Animated Sitcom, Comic science fiction, Satire |
| Created by | Phil Lord Christopher Miller Bill Lawrence |
| Directed by | Ted Collyer Harold Harris |
| Voices of | Will Forte Nicole Sullivan Phil Lord Michael McDonald Christa Miller Christopher Miller |
| Theme music composer | Abandoned Pools |
| Country of origin | Canada United States |
| Language(s) | English |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 13 |
| Production | |
| Executive producer(s) | Phil Lord Christopher Miller Bill Lawrence |
| Producer(s) | Kim Cleary |
| Running time | 30 minutes |
| Production company(s) | Touchstone Television Doozer Lord Miller Nelvana MTV Original Series |
| Broadcast | |
| Original channel | Teletoon (CA) MTV (US)[1] E4 (UK) |
| Original run | November 2, 2002 – February 10, 2003 |
| External links | |
| Website | |
Clone High (occasionally referred to in the U.S. as Clone High U.S.A.) is a Canadian-American animated television series that aired for one season (November 2002 – April 2003) on MTV and Teletoon.[2]
The series had run in its entirety in Canada on Teletoon before premiering in the United States on MTV. The last five episodes were never broadcast in the United States. The Clone High theme song was written by Liam Lynch and performed by alternative rock band Abandoned Pools, who also provided much of the series' background music.
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Clone High is set in a high school that is secretly being run as an elaborate military experiment orchestrated by a government office called the Secret Board of Shadowy Figures. The school is entirely populated by clones of famous historical figures that have been created and raised with the intent of having their various strengths and abilities harnessed by the United States military. The principal of the high school, Cinnamon J. Scudworth, has his own plans for the clones, and secretly tries to undermine the wishes of the Board (Scudworth wants to use the clones to create a clone-themed amusement park, dubbed "Cloney Island", a decidedly less evil intention than that of the Board). He is assisted by his robot butler/vice principal/dehumidifier, Mr. Butlertron (a parody of Mr. Belvedere), who is programmed to call everyone "Wesley".
The main protagonists of Clone High are the clones of Abraham Lincoln, Joan of Arc and Mahatma Gandhi. Much of the plot of the show revolves around the attempts of Abe to woo the vain and promiscuous clone of Cleopatra, while being oblivious to the fact that his friend Joan of Arc is attracted to him. Meanwhile, John F. Kennedy's clone (referred to as "JFK"), a macho, narcissistic womanizer, is also attempting to win over Cleopatra and has a long-standing rivalry with Abe.
Much of the humor in the show comes from the large contrast between the personality of the clones and the actual values and legacy of the historical figures they are descended from. For instance, Gandhi is portrayed as a hyperactive jerk-with-a-heart-of-gold whose biggest dream is to be accepted by those around him, in contrast to his historical legacy of calm nonviolence. Abe Lincoln is similarly portrayed as weak and indecisive, completely lacking the resolve of the President whose DNA he shares. All of the clones are also given mis-matched foster parents who have little in common with them. Gandhi's parents are a stereotypical Jewish-American couple, while JFK is raised by a homosexual, interracial couple; Joan's "foster grandpa" is an elderly blind musician similar to Ray Charles named Toots, a parody of the stereotypical wise old man role (and the magical negro role) found in many teen shows, and who begins many of his declarative sentences with the words, "Now, I may be blind, but I can see..." followed by a wise-sounding observation that has little-to-nothing to do with anything.
The show also includes humor based on the historical figures themselves. For example, the diner the clones frequent is called The Grassy Knoll, a reference to the JFK assassination conspiracy theory about a second shooter, dubbed "The Man on the Grassy Knoll". Other references seen are the flag at The Grassy Knoll being permanently at half mast and the car on the roof of the diner containing the original JFK's body leaning over the edge. There are pictures of assassinations hanging on the walls of the restaurant, such as the famous Currier and Ives print of the Lincoln assassination (though this version is in color and considerably more graphic than the original print). The genetic ancestors of all of the five main clones died of similarly irregular causes: three assassinations, one execution and one suicide. Other historical figure-based humor includes offhand coincidental remarks to other students, such as Abe mentioning that the clone of Napoleon is so annoying because of "some kind of complex", or Gandhi telling Catherine the Great to "get off her high horse".
The show is also a parody of "issue" episodes of high-school themed comedies; in fact, almost every episode opens with a voice-over parodying the "very special episodes" of TV shows. Episodes center on various social issues, including Gandhi being shunned by his school for having ADD (because of misinformation about the disorder), parodying shows which tackle AIDS awareness (it even included a special guest celebrity who tries to educate the students). Other episodes tackle drugs (smoking raisins), the environment, and underage drinking in a similarly ridiculous fashion. In a clear sign that it is parodying the high school genre, it even ends at prom: a stereotypical "high school show" ending. Even the prom is a joke however, as we learn it is only the Winter Prom.
There was a running gag that creators Phil Lord and Christopher Miller wanted to include in the show "where Clone High – being an exaggeration of typical high schools in teen dramas – would have many proms throughout the year". Planned proms included "an Early Winter Prom, a Late Winter/Early Spring Prom, a Mid-Semester Prom, a Post-Prom Clean Up Prom, etc". The only surviving references to this joke are the Homecoming Prom in episode 6, "Homecoming: A Shot in D'Arc", and the winter prom in episode 13, "Changes: The Big Prom: The Sex Romp: The Season Finale".[3] Another reference to the gag was deleted from episode 8, "A Room of One's Clone: Pie of the Storm".[3]
The series was originally developed in 2000 and was titled Clone High School, USA! and the production was overseen by Touchstone Television. It was originally pitched to the Fox Broadcasting Company but was rejected and it was later picked by MTV in 2001.[4] All the original character designs were much different from what they would become even though the characters kept the same physical attibrutes and appearence.
The show uses the process of limited animation and has a flat and very stylized appearance that resembles the animation used in the last generation of Hanna-Barbera cartoons (such as Dexter's Laboratory, Two Stupid Dogs, The Powerpuff Girls and Samurai Jack, the last is the show in which the Lord and Miller admire). The characters and backgrounds are traditionally drawn but the frames and cels are frequently recycled. The reason for the usage of this animation was explained by the co-creator Chris Miller, "We like the snappy pose-to-pose animation, more for reasons of comic timing than anything else, things that aren't expected are funnier: If an anvil's going to fall on your head, it had better not take more than three seconds. That's why we like the quick pose-to-pose stuff. For scenes with more emotional content, the characters move a little slower and more fluidly." and Phil Lord adds, "But we never want the viewer to be paying attention to the animation, because it's there to serve the jokes and the story, we strip out extraneous movements, because we don't want to draw your eye to anything that's not part of a joke." Also, Each episode produced has the budget of approximately $750,000.[5] Gandhi is the most animated character on the show; he requires twice as many story-board poses as any other character.[6]
The series was produced by Bill Lawrence who also produced Scrubs, Spin City and currently Cougar Town. Many of Scrubs alumni provide voices of several characters in Clone High, such as Zach Braff, Donald Faison, Sarah Chalke, Neil Flynn and Christa Miller.
Also, there is an image of a dolphin hidden in almost every episode. In the episode "Raisin the Stakes," there were countless hidden messages that appear to be a parody of subliminal messaging.
| # | Title | Writer | Original Airdate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Escape to Beer Mountain: A Rope of Sand" | Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Bill Lawrence | Saturday 2 November 2002 |
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In desperation to get with the beautiful and popular Cleopatra, Abe Lincoln is hoping to make a move on her at JFK's party. JFK, however, also has the hots for her and will only let Abe come on the condition that he brings the beer. Meanwhile, Joan of Arc, who is trying to win Abe's heart, starts up a Teen Crisis Hotline in an attempt to impress him with her commitment to community service; their mutual friend, Gandhi, who accidentally agrees to help with the hotline, forwards the calls to his cell phone so he can go to the party. All the while, Principal Scudworth and Mr. Butlertron attempt to crash the party so as to better understand the students. Notable Guest Stars: Michael J. Fox as Gandhi's remaining kidney, Andy Dick as Van Gogh, Donald Faison as George Washington Carver. |
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| 2 | "Episode Two: Election Blu-Galoo" | Phil Lord, Christopher Miller | Sunday 3 November 2002 |
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Cleopatra discovers she cannot continue to run for Student Body President because of term limits, so she convinces JFK to run on her behalf, and when Abe sees that Cleo appreciates leaders, he decides to run as well. But students of Clone High do not care about real issues, and many are infatuated with JFK; Abe employs a corporate sponsor, "X-Stream Blu," to jazz up his campaign. The only problem is that Gandhi becomes horribly addicted to this mysterious food product. Notable Guest Stars: Marilyn Manson as himself, Sarah Chalke as X-stream Erin, Donald Faison as X-stream Bob, Zach Braff as X-stream Mike. |
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| 3 | "A.D.D.: The Last 'D' is for Disorder" | Tom Martin | Sunday 10 November 2002 |
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When Gandhi is diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (A.D.D.), the students of Clone High begin to ostracize him. Abe must decide whether to please Cleo by doing the same, or to stand up for his "best dude 4 ever" and lose any chance of being with Cleo. Meanwhile, Joan struggles with living up to the legacy of her 15th century clone mother, and begins hearing strange religious voices in her head. Also, Principal Scudworth starts wearing Mr. Butlertron's sweater vest, in the belief that it gives him the power to relate to the students of Clone High. Notable Guest Stars: Zach Braff as Paul Revere, Donald Faison as Toots, Tom Green as himself. |
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| 4 | "Film Fest: Tears of a Clone" | Erica Rivinoja | Sunday 17 November 2002 |
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When Abe decides to organize a Clone High Student Film Festival, he spends much time working on a movie about a misunderstood football-playing giraffe; Cleopatra stars in an autobiographical epic about how difficult it is to be as perfect and glamorous as her; Joan directs an avant-garde film which expresses her love for Abe through psychoanalytic dream imagery; and Gandhi and George Washington Carver work together to make a hilarious mixed-race buddy cop action comedy called Black and Tan. Meanwhile, JFK plans a film but never manages to leave the casting couch with his various wouldbe female co-stars, and Principal Scudworth starts to panic when his bosses on the Secret Board of Shadowy Figures invite themselves to his house for dinner, but thankfully for him, Mr. Butlertron is there to save the day. Notable Guest Stars: Donald Faison as George Washington Carver. |
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| 5 | "Sleep of Faith: La Rue D'Awakening" | Murray Miller, Judah Miller | Sunday 24 November 2002 |
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The PXJTs are right around the corner, but Abe Lincoln is losing sleep running errands for his beloved Cleopatra. When Joan keeps trying to warn Abe about his sleep deprivation, a secret of hers is uncovered. Also, Gandhi, overwhelmed by the pressure of studying, decides not take the test and become a trucker instead. Mr. Butlertron and an old foe battle it out for the last time. Notable Guest Stars: John C. McGinley as Doug Prepcourse. |
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| 6 | "Homecoming: A Shot in D'Arc" | Eric Kentoff | Sunday 1 December 2002 |
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Since the CHHS basketball team refuses to allow girls or animals to play, the athletic Joan of Arc decides to cleverly disguise herself as "John D'Arc", becoming the star player. Cleopatra then falls for D'Arc, making team-captain Abe "Weakest"-Lincoln jealous. But Cleo's not the only one falling for John, as fellow athlete JFK finds himself having confusingly sexual feelings about the whole affair. Meanwhile, Gandhi and Genghis Khan kidnap the mascot of Clone High's rival school, Genetically Engineered Superhuman High. Notable Guest Stars: Chris Berman as himself, Dan Patrick as himself, Neil Flynn as Julius Caesar. |
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| 7 | "Plane Crazy: Gate Expectations" | Tom Martin | Sunday 8 December 2002 |
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Abe and Cleopatra's new relationship is threatened when she is picked to be on a Canadian Spring Break Dance show, hosted by Ashley Angel from O-Town. Meanwhile, Gandhi becomes an international rap sensation with the help of JFK as his manager. Also, Principal Scudworth is constantly being tricked by a pesky skunk. Notable Guest Stars: Ashley Angel as himself, Neil Flynn as Buddy Holly. |
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| 8 | "A Room of One's Clone: The Pie of the Storm" | Phil Lord, Christopher Miller | Sunday 15 December 2002 |
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Storm's-a-brewin' when Joan of Arc's house burns down and her family has no choice but to move in with Cleopatra's, where conflict ensues; Abe attends a Conflict Mediation Seminar to learn how to more effectively resolve disputes between the two. Gandhi and JFK find themselves in escalating arguments. Meanwhile, Mr. Butlertron becomes jealous when Principal Scudworth forms a relationship with a robotic toy dog. Notable Guest Stars: Donald Faison as Martin Luther King Jr. and Toots, Neil Flynn as Moses. |
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| 9 | "Raisin the Stakes: A Rock Opera in Three Acts" | Adam Pava | Sunday 12 January 2003 |
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After an anti-drugs assembly at the school, a rumor goes around that one can get high smoking raisins, leading the clones to embark on a musical, mystical journey of intoxication and irresponsibly long hair. Sober Joan of Arc is trying to keep Abe from turning into a drugged-out hippie, while Principal Scudworth and the PTA build a giant wall in an attempt to fence the students in. Also, Gandhi goes on a raisined-out subconscious mindtrip where he encounters a hummingbird-unicorn-donkey creature, a two-headed Olsen Twins monster, a talking Italian pencil, and a stereotypically Australian dragon, on his quest to rescue a princess who he believes will have sex with him. Notable Guest Stars: Jack Black as Larry Hardcore/the Pusher. |
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| 10 | "Litter Kills: Litterally" | Murray Miller, Judah Miller | Sunday 19 January 2003 |
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JFK's long time best friend, Ponce de León, litterally dies, causing JFK to sink into a spiral of depression. This causes tension between Abe and Cleopatra, who dutifully attempts to comfort JFK, her former boyfriend, during his grief. Meanwhile, Gandhi is mistakenly sent to death row where he has trouble getting high fives, but makes new friends in the showers. Notable Guest Stars: Luke Perry as Ponce, Neil Flynn as Glenn the Janitor and Julius Caesar. |
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| 11 | "Snowflake Day: A Very Special Holiday Episode" | Erica Rivinoja | Sunday 26 January 2003 |
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It's the politically correct Snowflake Day season, and everyone is in the holiday spirit, except for Joan of Arc, who is against the commercialism of the made-up holiday. But a homeless urchin who may be an angel or the pop sensation Mandy Moore teaches Joan an important lesson. Meanwhile, Abe and Gandhi attempt to invent and market an interesting device, so that Abe will have money to buy Cleopatra an expensive Snowflake Day gift. Notable Guest Stars: Mandy Moore as herself? |
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| 12 | "Makeover, Makeover, Makeover: The Makeover Episode" | Eric Kentoff | Monday 3 February 2003 |
| With prom not too far away, Abe wants to ask his girlfriend, Cleopatra, but cannot stop thinking about Joan of Arc's prom date situation. Meanwhile, Gandhi goes on a desperate search for a date. So, Abe and Cleo each have a go at making over Joan for prom, JFK gives Gandhi a makeover, and Mr. B gives Scudworth a makeover to help him execute a sinister, evil plan to "win" the prom king vote. | |||
| 13 | "Changes: The Big Prom: The Sex Romp: The Season Finale" | Phil Lord, Christopher Miller | Monday 10 February 2003 |
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As all the clones are preparing for the winter prom, Abe Lincoln decides whether to ask Cleopatra or Joan of Arc; Gandhi concocts a brilliant plan to get dates for all the school geeks; and Principal Scudworth attempts to execute his sinister, evil plan, while the Secret Board of Shadowy Figures prepares to abduct the clones on prom night to advance their own evil plan. Notable Guest Stars: John Stamos as himself, Tommy Walter as himself. |
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The previous animated MTV series Daria and Beavis and Butt-head had used then-current popular music as a soundtrack. But in contrast, Clone High featured a wide variety of music, usually exclusive to alternative rock, indie rock, punk rock, pop rock, metalcore, from mostly unknown and underground bands and musicians, a previous MTV animated series Undergrads had also done this. Of these include Alkaline Trio, Ritalin, Catch 22, Ilya, The Gentleman, Drex, Taking Back Sunday, Jo Davidson, Saves the Day, Hot Rod Circuit, Thursday, Helicopter Helicopter, American Football, Dashboard Confessional, Elf Power, Abandoned Pools, The Get Up Kids, Mink Lungs, Mates of State, Snapcase, The Mooney Suzuki, Jon Derosa, Ephemera, Jinnrall, Avoid One Thing, DJ Cellulitis, DJ Piccolo, Whippersnapper, Matt Pond PA, Mad City and Bumblefoot[7][8] The series other background music and original score would be performed by the Abandoned Pools.
Because of the series' early cancellation in 2003, it quickly fell into obscurity, especially in the United States. However, it has garnered a large fanbase through Internet viewings (mainly from YouTube) and reruns on Teletoon's Detour block and Razer in Canada.
It has been critically acclaimed for its comical, nonsensical approach to teenage life, parodies of historical figures with well-developed and unique personalities, and witty and fast-paced dialogue. Heather Marulli of the website Television Without Pity, called the series "a mini-masterpiece of the animated genre; an opus to the primetime cartoon"[9]
David Bianculli of the New York Daily News, wrote that "(Clone High) in a year of variations and ripoffs of established themes and genres, it's a true original. It's also a cartoon, and is truly, outrageously bizarre", and that, '"Clone High" is the highest of high concepts'.[10]
It currently has an 8.7 rating on TV.com,[11] a 8.9 rating on IMDb[12] and is listed as #5 on IGN's Reader Choice: Top Animated Series.[13]
An article in Maxim Magazine depicting Mahatma Gandhi getting beat up by a muscular man sparked outrage in India.[14] Clone High was caught in a crossfire when citizens in the country conducted internet searches on the Maxim article but also found out about the show's Gandhi character on MTV's website. This sparked an outrage in India over the show's depiction of Gandhi.[14] On January 30, 2003, the 55th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's assassination, approximately 150 protesters (including members of parliament) gathered in New Delhi and vowed to fast in response to Clone High.[15] MTV offered a quick apology, stating that "Clone High was created and intended for an American audience," and, "We recognize and respect that various cultures may view this programming differently, and we regret any offense taken by the content in the show." [16]
| DVD Cover | Title | Release date | Episodes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Season 1" | September 20, 2005 | 13 | ||
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The DVD was released in Canada by Nelvana with the help of Teletoon. The DVD contains the complete first season, including the 5 episodes which did not originally air in the United States. |
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