Scavengers Reign is a Sci-Fi Masterpiece

[@idlescree]

Thanks to everyone who came to the premiere! Thanks for making this video your first idlescree, @gbort1, and to our familiar faces like Loz and Kokally Fireheart. For the chitterless/uncensored version of the video (with the version with the original intro music," please check out our Patreon at over at patreon.com/idlescreeproductions!

[@doctoronishispsychosislab1474]

Try Fantasic planet (1973)

[@LewisBavin]

I put this on as a whim last night and watched the entire thing in one sitting. I feel terribly sad knowing this was a once in a million special piece of art and nothing will hit me the same for a long long time

[@HedgehogEditor]

Here's hoping for a second season.

[@JT-si6bl]

Oh it will happen again. I was sceptical, but then Scavengers Reign came along.

[@BeFreeTypeMusicFreeMason]

Literally sameee

[@Sam-gl6fu]

The good thing is it will always happen again

[@JT-si6bl]

@@Sam-gl6fu A beautiful thing.

[@dizbrony3906]

This show is such a beautiful experience. It captures perfectly so many aspects of the human spirit and the drive to not only survive but to live. This is present in every single character. I think in particular it's so very poetic that while Kris is a great foil for Azi, she's also a direct inverse of Levi. Levi is a product that learns the value of personhood and connection while Kris is a person who sees others as products for consumption and disposal. Levi becomes the most human character while Kris becomes the least.

[@idlescree]

I like how you hold up how Levi and Avi are inverse, and the story was just so gorgeous. Thank you for commenting!!

[@Jijikjkj]

Would recommend made in abyss if you liked scavengers reign, they both have great great worldbuilding

[@dizbrony3906]

@@Jijikjkj I've read the manga.

[@hydriumstudio]

funny enough, the only creature i was rooting to fail was kris, the human who escaped with the pod. "creature" in the sense that she downright lacked humanity, despite being one of the only humans and constantly witnessing the other humans struggle. i was pissed when she escaped, but actually appreciate how it affected the ending for the rest of the survivors.

[@LizzieDaKittie4015]

Scavengers Reign deserves more love! Thank you for the video!!!

[@HedgehogEditor]

Wholeheartedly agree. And thanks for watching!

[@changingpeopleslivesmoon2993]

Agree

[@alexx5064]

that white flower that grew from all the dead things that gave Levi consciousness is such a dark circle of life. whew I effing love this show

[@puffersaur6422]

Levi is the best robot. Thats it, that's the comment

[@HedgehogEditor]

Agreed.

[@hairlessgrizzly559]

It's between Claptrap and Levi for me

[@jezebulls]

Even though the planet is unforgiving where your life is always at risk from a multitude of ways, it was with the planet’s help that Levi was able to save Azi.

[@anthonyromero9935]

I can't think of a robot in all of sci-fi that I like more than Levi.

[@mattmathematics3591]

👍

[@derianardor]

Also using "Im letting you be proud" as an example is a fantastic one moment that tells you all yiu need to know about kris. Also i think barry was a lovely natural display of someone on the spectrum

[@HedgehogEditor]

Agreed. Kris is a terrible human being and an awesome character. I also liked seeing a character like Barry, someone with a cult-like mentality, but still able to think for himself.

[@hydriumstudio]

@@HedgehogEditor i give props to barry. he was alone with his cultist leader who was purveying her strongest influence to try to convince him to abandon the rest, but he used every fiber of his being to resist and overcome, because in his heart he knew what was the most good, even if it wasn't the most logical.

[@rhapsodyaria]

I've been in a cult where members were called "assets," and lemme tell you, Kris is *really* well-written.

[@kekero540]

Scavengers reign is the only acceptable answer I could find on “what is the meaning of life” on an emotional level

[@Jell000]

Literally just finished watching this show ~20 minutes ago, and it was genuinely one of the most creative, thoughtful, brilliant shows I’ve ever watched. The characters! The ecosystem! The music! The visuals (honestly whoever’s in charge of color design needs to get a raise please please please)! It’s just so beautiful in such a unique way. Idk, still trying to put my thoughts together abt this show, but it’s truly one of a kind Edit: Just wanted to add that I love the detail that Ursula starts wearing kind of a Sam outfit in the timeskip in the last episode; pink shirt over white shirt, jeans, belt

[@HedgehogEditor]

I can't believe I forgot to mention that in the video!! D:

[@Cederlof_Ink]

I just finished it like 10 minutes ago, so good! I also didnt notice that detail on Ursula. *cries in a corner for Sam*

[@enricopanzica6156]

I think it’s also interesting that Hollow, the creature reflecting kamens inability to deal with his guilt, basically gets destroyed when confronted by Levi with the truth of the universe, as does kamens bad self when confronted with the truth of himself

[@josephrickettsphoto]

As a wildlife biologist, this show almost brought me to tears. It does such a brilliant job of contrasting the beauty of the natural world with its violence. Even the darkest and creepiest life strategies are beautiful in their own right. Everything and everyone is just trying to survive in an unkind and dazzling world.

[@svenlauke1190]

as a fellow wildlife biologist who has put some considerable effort into the topic of exobiology as well, I found it definitely better than most other media, but also way over the top

[@corvidkhaos]

kamen is by far the most fascinating character to me (as a big fan of characters who are the worst possible people) he is this avatar of denial and deluding the self, over his strength, his marriage, and his overall worth, the truth of him being not only terrible but *pathetic*. and his enthrallment to hollow only drives him deeper into his delusion and avoidant tendencies, he is unable to confront his own actions and when he does, he gives in to lying fetal postition in the womb of a giant alien frog. his issue is not quite that of toxic masculinity but definitely something adjacent, an inability to introspect and inflated sense of importance with a whimpering infant at its center.

[@idlescree]

It's such an incredible arc. I love the way you have articulated it here, thank you!!!

[@mattmathematics3591]

He poisoned alien minds with his regret and anger 😂 🤯

[@nullakjg767]

I think its because hes not actually the worst person possible, hes just short sighted and poisoned by the society/company hes a part of. hes probably the most "human" character followed by ursula. A man who was corrupted by a selfish and greedy world that determines its networth by how much you can produce as opposed to what you can provide. He is reborn after literally gestating inside nature.

[@hydriumstudio]

when he selfishly took the last escape pod for himself, and didn't think about his wife until she was literally stranded outside the door, that was the best moment to realize what kind of person kamen was.

[@Shane-un8pe]

For me it's the juxtaposition of the very real, very human characters against the indifferent alien landscape. The humanity of the characters and their relationships is what motivates them to keep struggling against the alien planet. They're fighting tooth and nail against an entire ecosystem that doesn't hate them, but it will kill them and subject them to some of the most horrific deaths imaginable. I'm not necessarily sure the human characters are the scavengers here. The planet and it's alien life seem to be the scavengers. The aliens take and use anything and everything they can get. It even scavenges inorganic material. Hollow seems to subjugate Kamen. The heart parasite turns Sam into a machine that spreads it's eggs and builds it's shelters. The planet itself integrates Levi into it's biomes. A single flower was enough material to pollinate the entire escape vessel that Kris stole. I JUST finished the last episode and I have all these thoughts floating around. I'm also not sure I understand Kamen's entire arc yet.

[@zuzu1347]

i also just finished the show and i have to say, your comment is the perfect little sequel 🤣

[@mjock392]

To me, the most fascinating quote, and probably overlooked one is when Levi tells Ursula: "I was BORN here." For a robot to consider himself born when he arrived on a strange planet once forming a symbiotic bond with that mold is kind of heartbreaking and terrifying at the same time.

[@Nichrysalis]

That and "I'm letting you be proud" was a line so chilling and heartbreaking in a completely different way.

[@ClaeFace]

From the very beginning, this show made me look at Earth as if from an alien’s perspective. The feeling of going, “ew that’s so weird!” and then thinking “well I guess it’s no more weird than what we already do on Earth”

[@zoeanghon5676]

I whole heartedly embrace Scavengers Reign. It truly is a MASTERPIECE. This is one of those times amongst mediocrity and mainstream media productions that this stands a beautiful portrayal of originality and will stand the test of time. Magnificent that i got to see this and absolutely alien world that it felt ALIEN.

[@soupyvibes6170]

I hope more people talk about this show, you’re right that it is so thought provoking

[@idlescree]

Us too. We were a little surprised theres so little relative buzz, there is SO much to talk about and well, CONNECT on!!

[@hydriumstudio]

@@idlescree even if it's only ever one season, it's still a cherished masterpiece. while obviously a second season would be cool, i thought the storylines in this season were wrapped up nicely and don't really need expanding on. some of the best sci fi media are peak with only one installment, already evident in some cases. district 9, ghost in the shell, arrival (i'll die on this hill), wall-e, andor (so far), while westworld and the boys were best as only one season. i would hate for their plights of simply renewing to cater to profitability to impose on scavengers reign.

[@xanderismellow]

This show is whimsical and magical, and I love that it explores a "dark side" of that. Humans aren't top of the food chain without our tools, and without large groups. I haven't seen anything like this and I desperately want more. Thanks for this video, it deserves more love.

[@katiefletcher4129]

It captures everything sci-fi could and should be. In terms of the nature of everything it tackles and world building, such a wonderful labor of love.

[@Parzivle]

This show blew me away in every way. I really need to watch it again. I desperately hope it gets a second season.

[@idlescree]

I hope it does too, there is so much potential and such a good set up here

[@Shillbilly]

I hope it doesn't. And I loved it more than anything.

[@notjun7203]

@@Shillbillywell in another story unrelated to this one

[@crionidel]

I would love a second season on another planet, maybe on the site of the cult se get at the end.

[@hydriumstudio]

while obviously that would be cool, i thought the storylines in this season were wrapped up nicely and don't really need expanding on. i agree to a second season, if it followed a new set of characters, delved more into the corporation, life back on earth and repercussions for failed missions, some more insight into the cult with their practices, other intelligent alien factions, and more settlements where the mission either went right at least at the beginning or they have to deal with totally different terrestrial circumstances.

[@into_the_void]

This show is very underrated.. it's fantastic, the world is alive in so many distinct ways.. the voice acting is on point as well

[@a.morphous66]

Your discussion of Kris's "cult mindset" makes her ending very, very interesting. Being discovered floating in space by this strange cult of the human form. One of the main reasons I'm holding out hope for Season 2 (which seems more likely now that it's an official Emmy award winner!) is to see how this leader and this cult play off each other.

[@hydriumstudio]

i agree i obviously would love a season 2 as well, but i also like the ambiguity of the ending. kris has absolutely no power and no control over these beings. she lost. and they probably would discard her because she is not a useful asset, whereas they would have a profound fascination with the baby levi creature.

[@echoecho81]

k but, honestly that giant frog can twist memories to dominate my brain any time it wants

[@idlescree]

I want a big huge Hollow pillow to snuggle, he'd make such a great plush. In varying sizes too!!

[@Octobris]

Umm... I don't think... that's what they meant

[@critiqueofthegothgf]

"the more he fights, the more the environment tries to keep him" just perfect

[@HedgehogEditor]

Much appreciated!

[@josephboechat6020]

Great, video. Full of humanity

[@idlescree]

Thank you, the Hedgehog did an incredible job on this one!

[@tattoodrdoke]

You have to not take yout eye away from it for a single moment. You can't even guess what will happen next.

[@BoolahBoosh]

This is the best show I’ve ever watched! I love spec bio and alien worlds and all that stuff and the amount of just creatures and wildlife in this show is ✨beautiful.✨

[@idlescree]

We were jawdropped. Couldnt believe how little fanfare it got, truly.

[@jessedcampbell4411]

Really happy to see you cover this show!! It's definitely one of the best sci-fi series I've ever seen and it was a joy to hear you gush about it! (...I should try Geocaching...!)

[@HedgehogEditor]

Thank you for watching! Glad you liked it. And yeah, absolutely try geocaching! It's one of my favourite hobbies. It's super easy to get started with and it's like doing a real life scavenger hunt. It kinda reminds me of searching for frogs or shiny rocks as kids-- only this time, you're searching for stuff people have ACTUALLY hidden. It's great!

[@lolsleepyboi8388]

So many different influences were readily apparent in the show, but one that isn’t discussed much is Alex Garland’s adaptation of annihilation. The trippy fungal growth and the psychological cross imprinting between the humans and the aliens through symbiosis was a strong thread in both the film and SR.

[@TheMichaelRoman]

Such an attentive analysis. This show offers a level of quality rarely seen in anything. Truly a criminally over looked gem.

[@MJAY-yf3kb]

I think it'll get the attention it deserves when it's brought over to Netflix on May 31st

[@AD-lh3jk]

I feel like it’s getting a similar treatment with Pantheon Although it’s faring better since at least S1 is conclusive enough

[@AD-lh3jk]

@@MJAY-yf3kbwait, I thought it’s gonna be simultaneously held on Max and Netflix for whatever reason

[@n0refuge]

I just recently finished Scavengers Reign and I loved it! This was a great video man!

[@ray.b.75]

Favorite character is Ursula, second is Levi. What an incredible show, this is a character study, while Pantheon is a narrative alchemy. Both incredible!

[@yoleezy3520]

I just finished watching this show yesterday, and I'm already looking for more. I think my favorite part was almost a one off, or throw away line. After Ursula sees the pollination scene in the wall, she comes out to Sam chastising her for getting distracted. While defending herself, she almost thoughtlessly says "It wasn't a waste of time!". Sam immediately dismisses her and they move on, but I was left sitting there thinking about all of the different ways that phrase makes sense. Everything on Vesta seems wild, complicated, and in some cases nonsensical in its use. But it's evolution in a way we've never seen. It all makes sense in its own environment, and none of it is a waste of time. All of the small footage we see of creatures in their environment. All of the interactions between Kris, Barry and Terrance. Levi makes a bunch of random forms from stones and sticks and its art. We're learning that she has a mind that is unique enough to recreate a human leisure activity that requires an appreciation of ambiguity. And when Ursula later comes across a strange stone archway, we recognize it as art, as Levi, as connection. Even the shows opening, which is only a few seconds long, felt like just an opening, until I realized its the destruction of the Demeter from the viewpoints of the crew, and the things they deem important. It almost felt like that little line, its not a waste of time, even reflected the characters, and their outcomes based on who accepts that idea, who learns to accept it, who is taught to accept it, and who rejects it entirely. So anyway, I'm just going to let that change my life for a little while. Sorry if this is non-sensical. I just really want to yell about this show.

[@dylanehooverlibrarian7026]

I finally got around to watching this, so now I can safely comment. The way you explain Ursula'sstory is so natural I almost didn't even notice. The series works so well at Being-In-The-Moment that I never even noticed that Ursula's past was so scantly discussed (because it wasn't relevant to her goals, or desires, or who she is). Sam's unwillingness to adapt - to surrender control to creation, to insist on being architect over his how life - does doom him, and I thank you for elucidating that subtle, poignant fact. Kaman's repugnance at himself and otherliving things make him far too wuilling to kill o satisfy his need for control over a life that has been so largely out of his own mastery. Azi's resistance to (and eventual acceptance) of Vesta make an interesting note. Azi is quick to rebuff her environment, to view it as potential tehrat, but reluctant to kill inhabitants of the world unless they pose an immediate threat to her existence. Levi, transformed and transfigured by the ecosystem, becomes a new being by their radical acceptance of moving past their limits. The show has a rich conversation to be had about the nature of killing and maiming other living things, and degree to which that's acceptable for one's continued existence. When you see Sam and Ursula kill something, it's through indirect methods )(getting the light-bearing organs that let them survive), or immediate survival needs (a mask to help them breathe a toxic atmosphere, killing something that is actively trying to harm them). Their actions may lead to the death of an indigenous organism, but it's mostly for survival needs (trying to stop a predator, trying to get a resource that increases their odds. Azi, too, acts antagonistic to local wildlife (warding off the white-shelled creatures with 3 tongues, buffeting the herd animals that prove to be hostile), but she does not kill indiscriminately -only when her life is in peril, and only when warding or other deterrents fail to work. Real 'doctrine-of-double-effect' sort of ethics, as it were. Only Kaman, the Hollow-Man, ends up killing to assert dominance (A colonialist, dominator culture mindset, dare I say?) is actively violent for its own sake, killing inoffensive things as a way to exert his own withered selfhood over an indifferent environment. I think there's something to be said here about the willingness to kill and the willingness to engage with one's environment on its own terms. Of these four characters, only actually Sam dies - I fully expected Kaman to also perish, given how self-descructive he is as a person. But I think the world of Vesta is one that ultimately asks one to accept it as it is, and to reject 'abstractions' like the life we had before. Sam is committed to the life he had before the Demeter was wrecked, and is determined to go back to Business As Usual as a freighter captain. Kaman, it seems, is willing to confront is own ugliness - realizing how here, he's been willing to repeat his same mistakes, and what a waste that sort of decision was. Sam kills because he can't take the time to accept that he's now a part of this world, literally tearing out a piece of the ecosystem inside him that's keeping him alive. Kaman kills because he's struggling to admit that he's powerless in this place, and only survives because he surrenders to creation and is ultimately left indifferent to whether he lives or dies (the kindness of the universe in allowing him to live and be a gentle tender of plants is quite duly noted). it's Levi, who's never actively injured any living thing over the course of the series, who achieves the most transformtion and transcendence - they literally are resurrected by the slime-mould of the planet's ecosystem that they embraced as part of what they wanted to be, and became born again on Vesta as something wholly new. Neither Vestan nor Earthling but something bringing out the best elements of both world. I feel I've rambled for some time. This series has a lot to examiner and discuss, but it is getting late and I lack the mental resources to articulate it further. Regardless of how far from the point I've wandered, thank you all formaking this. I love seeing folks go on about things they're passionate about, and the hedgehog outlinging how this rare treasure of a species worked on them brings me great joy!

[@HedgehogEditor]

I'm glad you enjoyed the show and thank you so much for watching the video! I feel really passionately about art that moves me, and I'm glad you liked it as well!

[@meandoras]

The only time I felt similarly fluid and connected alien worldbuilding was with the show/animated podcast "Midnight Gospel". I thought there would be nothing like it again for decades but here we are. My hope is that we are looking at the beginning of a whole genre of visual sci-fi which I can only describe as psychedelic gaianism or something of the sorts. Jodorovski would enjoy this I think.

[@ConMan-bx1rk]

Happy that a lot of people have really connected with this and I can’t deny how much talent is on display in the making of this. I really don’t think it is AS great as some make it out to be, and I would love to see where the team behind this evolve.

[@ageb9811]

I love how you featured over the garden wall. I kept thinking of that show while watching scavenger because they are the only two animated series that affected me deeply in much the same way.

[@idlescree]

Over the Garden Wall is a very underrated animated series. We'd love to do a video on it someday!

[@awhitt1]

Great job man

[@SamTheMan666]

14:19 That meme has truly transcended into something more and i love it.

[@percywinters305]

started watching this video, saw One spoiler, and then immediately went to watch the entire series in one night so i could watch the rest of this video. and now i have been irrevocably changed i think actually edit bc that "I'm letting you be proud" line won't leave my head like that really, really shows what kind of person Kris is. someone who's so commanding, so used to being in charge, that she thinks she can go so far as to control the emotions of her crewmates. You're not allowed to feel fear, you're not allowed to feel sad, you're not allowed to feel proud until i say so. no joy is allowed, you must be productive, you must be worth it or be left behind. I had a military father who ran his household like that. Not a huge shocker that I was kicked out at 14 because i was disabled. The second I saw Kris i clocked exactly what kind of person she was, having lived through that shit myself. And when i saw Barry I knew he was Like Me, somewhere on the spectrum and kind of clueless, being pushed around by family members who think their way of life is the only way of life. the way that Barry wanting to help others was "selfish" to Kris? that really shows she thinks she's the only important life in the room.

[@DariaBodurka]

8:01 I'm the only one who cries after hearing that "I can't do this on my own" I can't remember any series that hit me as hard as this one

[@HedgehogEditor]

I love this line specifically because it's a character beat: Ursula's afraid to lose Sam and feels like she can't do it on her own-- but also because it's a narrative beat: Ursula CAN do it on her own, she's incredibly capable and intuitive-- AND ALSO it's a thematic beat: Ursula SHOULDN'T do it on her own, not when she's got others that she can rely on for help like Azi or Levi. I love Scavengers Reign so much.

[@hydriumstudio]

the series is one of my favorites, but the short film is a masterpiece of its own. in scavengers, i love that the only sounds are those of nature. i love even more that every step of the mission shows the diversity of the flora and fauna (and also that none of it's really directly copied in the series). the goal is never clear throughout, honestly it kept feeling like they were trying to accomplish some feat for the purpose of survival. but the ending is sublime. they know they'll never return, and don't even have any sort of device to play back recordings. they choose to go through extreme measures just to capture a glimpse of what the people back on (i'm assuming) earth take for granted. i love the short and the series, and love even more that they have entirely different storylines and outcomes.

[@andysarno1]

Thank you for this video. Amazing show

[@BrucePGrether]

I adore Levi! It broke my heart, as well as Azi's when he was shattered… and we're in Episode 7 now, so no SPOILERS from anyone, please! I thought it was possible Levi would return in some form all along… though my partner was skeptical. Already, we've just now seen some creatures moving fragments of Levi's robot body back together… and I figured that yellow mold might "remember" him. Love Love Love this show!!! It's original and stunning!!! - BPG

[@matthewthole6878]

Excellent video, no notes. 👍🏻 👍🏻 And to anyone who hasn’t seen Scavengers Reign yet, it truly is an incredible watch. Cannot recommend it highly enough. Best piece of sci-fi that’s come out in a long time.

[@OutofStockStudio]

Have come across you guys for the first time. I just finished Scavengers Reign and it equally blew my mind and confused me. I really enjoyed your video - it helped me get my head around many of the concepts and made me appreciate it more - thank you! Keep it up! 🙏🏽🙏🏽👏🏼👏🏼

[@macronaria]

It's an excellent show. I almost never rewatch TV series on my own but I've already rewatched Scavengers Reign multiple times and I will probaby do so again soon. The atmosphere of the show is truly special and it's all enhanced by compelling characters, elegant and detailed animation, and a great soundtrack. Definitely one of my favorite works of science fiction.

[@quantumslime7265]

Initially I got into this show because I'm a nut for speculative evolution/biology (on the side at least) and was looking for inspiration for a few projects I was working on. I'd seen someone talking about its release on a No Man's Sky forum online. I love that game and occasionally like to dabble in just exploring and having fun there. I saw the trailer and thought "Ooooooh. that looks pretty neat." And decided to watch it. I was not expecting something that caused me to completely rethink my entire existence on a fundamental and philosophical level. This show blew me away on so many levels. I, admittedly, was a bit slower to pick up on some of the overarching themes and narratives. But Sam dying shook something in me. I realized at the end when he was sitting under that tree that he seemed to understand, even for a brief moment. I saw him recognize his connection with Ursula and the interconnectedness of the life and the world all around them. I saw the manifesting of, in my eyes, Eudaemonia. The truest essence of what it meant to be alive and to recognize that connection. However, fleeting that recognition or even our lives is. Most of the other characters all either do or come to recognize this at some point for sure. I was rooting for Azi that whole time and Levi is that classic "wise-sage-type" character that's always fun to listen to. But something about Sam's arc hit me much differently than the others. Maybe its because he reminds me of someone. Perhaps myself, or an older version of myself or my family. My running theory is that I see myself in him. Growing up (and I'm still quite young) I was always obsessed with doing things and going through the motions. That is because . . . . I was raised in a cult. In large part, this is why I hate Kris so much (she's well written of course) but she reminds me of everything I hate in other people and in my own upbringing. How I was told to do meaningless things for performative reasons or was constantly under threat of losing the people around me if I didn't. Or the authoritarian/manipulative nature of everything in my social life. Bringing this back to Sam though, I feel like that. Sometimes even now. I constantly feel like there's something I must do. Im tired and scared of what my future holds. I still see other performative gestures that I hate and I still sometimes catch myself doing them. But, at the end of all that. I find myself constantly in awe. In being vulnerable about this, I'm shocked at the fact of my own existence and experiences. I see the connections, the threads that hold me and my existence together. I see the world! I see my life! I see LIFE! No matter how briefly I see it. It's beautiful. Anyways, apologies for the rant. Just wanted you to know that this was a great video essay. I loved it and love this show. Thank you for this.

[@pencilcrayon9759]

As someone who LOVES the awakening of consciousness in robots Levi immediately became my favourite character in the whole show. Seeing their wonder and curiosity bloom it made me so incredibly invested and devastated when they “died”. This show really is like an actual gem so priceless no amount of money could compare to seeing it for the first time.

[@lionelsanders180]

Whatever stress you have on your mind. The time you spend watching this series will help you forget about it. Even if you don't like animation

[@ExoPham]

I watched this show recently, and it's the epitome of how to do visual story telling the right way. We, the audience, land on Vesta with the characters, learning and experiencing what the planet has to offer. There's no exposition on what is what, but it's all done through cause and effect. We managed to only get 12 episodes, and yet each character is developed and feels unique. Considering that Vesta is their new home, they have to learn how to play by its rules and find their place in the ecosystem along with the other flora and fauna. Even with everything going on, the show does a great job exploring their basic, mundane themes as much as their more complex themes. The art is sublime, but it's enhanced by the incredible storytelling.

[@Alpha23TV]

Watched this the other day… binged the whole thing! SO glad to see this get recognized. Might be the best media (period) I’ve seen in recent memory. Everything you said was spot on!!! 100% agree! The realistic evolution of the wildlife was amazing… the interconnectedness of it all. The way the show leaves certain events mindfully ambiguous. Like why/what did Kamen do to cause the crash and why… I’m confident this will get a season 2 and beyond. I just want the showrunners to take their time… season 1 was a very tall bar to meet!

[@soysos.tuffsound]

I Love this show. If only this team could adapt the works of Octavia Butler. This could be the way the Lilith's Brood Trilogy or Wild Seed could be properly represented ❤

[@internziko]

Thanks for making this beautifully video about one of the greatest Sci Fi stories in history.

[@MagusFlorren]

Yay! I’m glad you looked into specifically the characters of this show. Now that it’s on Netflix, I really hope more people watch this. And eventually get a season 2. That ending with the mystic space cult has me reeaaallly excited

[@idlescree]

I am so so hopeful we get a season 2. So much incredible potential here!!! Thank you for the comment. This is an incredible video from the Hedgehog and we're so happy you enjoyed!

[@jbliggidy123]

This show gave me the same feeling i got the first time i read Dune or Children of time it literally feels like watching a classic sci fi book if that makes sense, it was SO well done

[@jaredmoore8093]

Ugh this show was so good!!! I keep recommending it to people :-) I am actually using some of the themes of this show in my next Lancer campaign. It's helped me think about certain sci Fi concepts in an entirely new way and I think that is really cool.

[@HedgehogEditor]

Unexpected Lancer reference!

[@madamkoifish]

I find it heartbreaking it got canceled after one season.

[@Jebeling710]

Same animation studio that did The Midnight Gospel. Another piece of animation thats is truly unique. I hope we see more work like this from them in the future.

[@hyahymnal]

I first binged Scavengers Reign about 2-3 weeks ago. I'm back to watch this with no spoilers! I think my favorite Scavenger is Kamen. I had a ranking for everyone else, but Kamen is just that one character in a series that once in a while I latch onto. He's just awful and his retribution by making him live with himself and his actions is just great. The ecosystems in this blew me away. I really loved a lot of the creatures shown. The little bug bird things that catch the water are my favorite little guys they look like little shot glasses. Also the road runner raptor esque dinos that capture their prey and then obliterate them with the heat of the sun is so cool we need more really varied and cool creatures. There's so many ups and downs to this show that had me crying and sitting up and staring waiting to see what would happen. The cruelty of the land and the idea that nature is still nature here is something that definitely stuck with me (thinking about Terrance being crushed to death and the parasites inside the peaceful sea slug...thingys that Ursula and Sam take shelter in). It takes us with the scavengers so far out of the depths of comfort and I love it. There's a guess of "what does that mean and what are the consequences for this action?" at every interaction in the new world and it comes with hefty prices. I love everyone's character arcs so much, and the little Levis are adorable. I definitely plan on rewatching and hoping for a s2 and a physical release one day. And merch. I'd love a little Vespa/Levi plush or the flower figurine. Also, as I continued to watch, the theme piano music started to feel heavier and heavier, especially leading up to the reveal about Kamen. Intrigue into foreboding and despair and then acceptance for me. Thanks for this video!

[@ashaylat7774]

LOVE IT!!!!!! I hope we get a season 2!

[@thegutsyninja8851]

Absolutely fantastic series. I’ve been a sci-fi fan for over sixty years. This is imaginative and unique. Please please please make a second season.

[@mikelouis2118]

Similar to moebius artwork?

[@maythemighty5183]

Fantastic breakdown… im watching it for a second time and looking up vids on it. You earned a sub!

[@andrewreynolds912]

Why have i never heard of this?! Why is no one talking about this?!

[@bixpixter]

Thank you for the review

[@HedgehogEditor]

Glad you liked it!

[@LouieRides]

Absolutely incredible show. Never even thought much about the white flower until you pointed it out, very astute. What a treat this show was

[@yvettevera950]

This show was amazingly refreshing!!! I found myself fully immersed in the story, I walked away immediately wanting more.

[@HedgehogEditor]

Same, honestly. I've rewatched it multiple times while writing this video and I really need more of this show.

[@saphiabaron1256]

I love this as well. Such breathtaking art. I love creature design and it was phenomenal and so were the landscapes and characters. And the story and characters are so well written

[@suto5704]

Great video. Not enough people are talking about this show

[@paulcopeland7474]

This show blew me away and i can't wait for more!

[@annslow41]

The series was so good! Animation reminded me of Akira and princess mononoke. The world was amazing and the storytelling was fantastic from start to finish

[@HedgehogEditor]

Definitely lots of Ghibli vibes. Princess Mononoke and Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind were clear inspirations for some of the art decisions in the show.

[@halian9256]

Come on, Netflix, make this available worldwide! Apple TV, Amazon, anyone except the fools at HBO! Please get a season 2 done!

[@colderman]

I'm off the next 2 days, I'm binging it again. It's legit the beat animated show since ATLA, and I stand on that shit.

[@Henbot]

Me and my bro watched it recently and definitely was but shame got cancelled but nailed a lot of depth and both of us felt proper sci Fi show we ain’t seen for ages

[@Cederlof_Ink]

Where is the Blu-ray, I must own this show. It was probably one my all time favorite scifi ever. So well done!

[@Aaron-dt9pu]

What an absolutely amazing show. Felt a connection immediately to all the characters. Had to force myself to turn if off for bed

[@MaxPearson1234]

This show changed the way i think as well. Thank you for the video, great analysis of the characters and ideas in the show. Keep up the great quality vids man 👌👌

[@HedgehogEditor]

Thank you, and I'm glad you liked it! I was very passionate about this one and I hope that comes across in the vid.

[@jasontaouma5059]

Maybe its The Wire of science fiction tv animation.

[@k1ng5urfer]

incredible show. so gutted to hear s2 is not supposed to be happening 🥲

[@honuman39]

I haven't seen every piece of sci-fi so my comment may be limited but one of my favorite movies of all time is the original Solaris. It had a profound impact on me regarding consciousness the meanings of life for each person and their existence as well as the importance of the natural environment on all of that. SR feels like it took the essential kernal of Solaris and expanded on it massively. It's essential viewing imo.

[@idlescree]

No one can read or see all of it, and your comment is uniquely valuable as your particular insight and experience is unique! Thank you for sharing it with us :D

[@williampangelinan1266]

If destiny 2 gets an animated series I want it to be these guys animating it

[@MROJPC]

Only just got done watching the show on a long flight and it is wonderful. As I mentioned to someone several months back, great art, film, music, and literature is out there, being created and you just need to look and find it. People that tell you nothing meaningful has been made in the past 5 years, 10 years, 25 years, 100 years... since paleolithic humans stopped making cave art, they are being shortsighted. People are endlessly creative. Go look, stay curious, and you will be rewarded for the search.

[@HedgehogEditor]

Agreed. There is always good stuff being made. Just like how there is always slop being made. Right now everyone complains about Star Wars or Marvel, but 20 years ago... people were also complaining about Star Wars and Marvel. Mainstream stuff will always be hit or miss, but they're just that: mainstream. You'll forget about most of them in a year. The real memorable gems are the ones you need to look for yourself.

[@patrickgreene5028]

I thought Nausicaa was an obvious huge inspiration, and Miyazaki in general. The sense of space and breath they give the environment is straight out of his films (and some other anime). I was also reminded of Mare Internum, by Der-Shing Helmer. I'd say the ecosystem she developed has a very similar vibe to this one, and the character dynamics also have some notable similarities.

[@felix_christopher]

Oh, sh-t, I've seen that short film years ago! It's been brilliant and now there's a full series? 🎉🎉

[@HedgehogEditor]

Yep! It's out on Netflix in the US and the UK right now!

[@MatthewTheWanderer]

This show is awesome and I am sad there probably won't be a season 2. Also, this show's setting would make for an amazing video game!

[@KyleJFalcon]

This is a phenomenal video essay. You articulated the, beauty, intricacies and symbolisms of the show masterfully. The editing and pacing are also perfect imo. When recommending this show to anyone, I will definitely be citing your video ❤

[@idlescree]

Thank you! The Hedgehog did a great job with this one, we're so glad you liked it :D

[@KyleJFalcon]

@@idlescree Haha anytime! I really appreciate the Hedgehog's subtle expression changes depending on the topic being discussed

[@macbrebonicks8668]

I went into watching Scavenger Reign blind and ❤ it.

[@geronimo5537]

Im some months behind finding this anime. But I can tell you some masterful hands were behind it. There are all the classic highlights from animation of past glory in this one. The creators respect the mystery and dont over explain. Some parts are left unfinished such as the books the lady took. However overall it is well done. The music is what brings it all together and it is all heavily 90s inspired. Also if you are a fan of rimworld this setting will be very familiar. Even down to the cryptocaskets. The intro music has that same tone as that of the man in the high castle. Which really brings out the emotion. The best movies are about a group. Not one just one character. This series shows why.

[@benitomussolini1361]

Levi's yellow mold reminds me a lot about slime mold, its texture, the way it spreads and moves and its consistency when pulled apart

[@CoolBeanSoup]

I watched this recently after watching video about Made in Abyss and someone in the comments mentioned Scavengers Reign. I went to go watch it and I really enjoyed it. I'm actually more into fantasy than sci-fi. In order for me to watch something sci-fi related, it really depends on what kind of story it is, the aesthetic, and what makes it so appealing that grabs your interest in wanting to see it right away. Somehow, Scavengers Reign manage to grab my attention and I kept watching it. I guess it also helps if show has really good storytelling without making it boring. I do like Star Wars. Sure, it has a mixture of both sci-fi and fantasy, which makes it more appealing to me. There's also Star Trek, but depends on the shows and movies. The classic Star Trek movies (specifically the even numbered ones) are appealing. I think what draws me in is the action. If there's action in it, then that gets me excited to watch the sci-fi stuff. There's also Futurama. It's entertaining and funny to watch.

[@waynehector361]

Best animated series I’ve ever seen

[@Reverb154]

You should give Primal a try. I know that its (very) bloody, but when the characters seldom, if EVER, talk but convey the words and thoughts as well, if not BETTER, then if they did... it makes everything work great!

[@idlescree]

I remember seeing promos for this and while we have a robust list it's certainly one to consider!!

[@trevorrawls6213]

It’s crazy processing the human psyche!

[@GarveyToure]

The lil Levi's 😢 great stuff here subd

[@HedgehogEditor]

Thank you!

[@sourpuss1455]

Azi and Levi were my favorite crew characters.....big ol fatboi was my favorite alien though.

[@idlescree]

Hollow was so awesome--I straight up didn't realize what he was meant to be called and we ended up calling him "Frog" for the whole show

[@ray.b.75]

I just finished watching Pantheon, both seasons. I hope this is a worthy follow up to that masterpiece. After completing Attack on Titan, I felt empty for several months till Pantheon.

[@gingerninja137]

i absolutely adore this show. i watched it in one sitting when it came out on Netflix, and it filled that little science fiction shaped hole in my heart. i think my favorite part is the theme of nature "doing its thing", for lack of a better word. it grows and changes and lives and dies, with no intent. it's neither kind nor malicious, it's simply existing. the only intent is the one that Kamen introduces, really. even the parasite that kills Sam was just fulfilling its life cycle and reproducing. it's terrifying, but it's not evil. i think Ursula's comment in episode 3 sums it up best: "It wasn't a waste of time." every part of the ecosystem is important. everything is linked together. to be isolated from that is to fail, because we only succeed when we work together. i also find kris really interesting. she clearly mostly cares about herself, but she did the breathing exercise with Terrence so that he would be unconscious when she killed him. i like how complex she is

[@peacil4426]

this was such a wonderful video! you went into everything about the show in such a graceful way thank u for this!

[@HedgehogEditor]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! I love Scavengers Reign and would love to get a second season!

[@mattmathematics3591]

This was amazing to watch

[@HedgehogEditor]

Thank you so much!