Over the Garden Wall: Crafting a Modern Fairy Tale

[@platypus1216]

I never connected the people in the tavern with the lost souls of the lantern. That revaluation literally blew my mind lol

[@timothyboelke8234]

*figuratively

[@tofupowda]

the choice to have wirt be well respected and welcomed by his peers was such a good narrative choice. he's in his head too much, his insecurities do not represent reality and he isn't actually perceived to be a loser or disliked by his peers. he shuts himself off from connections and opportunity, not the other way around. all of that is why it felt so good to see him take charge and take control in the last episode. i teared up to see wirt exhibit such growth

[@Kayta-Linda]

…you mean Wirt.

[@sapphic.flower]

It's interesting to talk about the comedic aspect of the show as something only done out of obligation and the show would've rather gone without it when its moments of comedy are a huge part of the show's charm to me. The jokes in OTGW are so organic and witty, it's something I internally reference regularly lol.

[@blooms_synthetic]

Ugh, there is something so beautiful, haunting, and timeless about this show. As the oldest sister to younger siblings, I find myself relating to Wirt constantly, yet long to have the innocent curiosity that Greg possesses. Everything about this show is so beautiful and I cry on the final montage at the end of the last episode every time I watch it.

[@ethanhatcher5533]

This would have been my comment almost word for word

[@WhitneyDahlin]

I wonder why the Creator never did anything else?!? They're so talented! WHY?!!

[@abbysalter4175]

This is exactly how I feel to a tee 🥹

[@ameliachase2744]

As an older brother I couldn’t agree more

[@justinhughees]

⁠@@WhitneyDahlinPatrick McHale co-wrote Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio!

[@CinnamonGrrlErin1]

I think what makes it for me is that it's a very Americana type of fairy tale, like Washington Irving's stories or Poe or some of the Oz stories, which is surprisingly rare in fantasy media (or at least underutilized). And the score and songs especially reflect this with the perfect blend of spooky folk music and ragtime.

[@QualityCulture]

Yes exactly! I really love the Americana feel of it

[@CinnamonGrrlErin1]

@QualityCulture in some ways to me, it almost feels like a Thanksgiving series too, especially in the first half. I'm from New England and my family used to go all out with vintage Halloween and Thanksgiving decor, and now because of commercialism, we go straight from Halloween to Xmas without that month of warm Thanksgiving-inspired color palette I remember growing up with, which is a huge shame.

[@-overdooo-]

How important do you think the music is for adding this feel to the show?

[@witchplease9695]

OTGW is the embodiment of the fall season. I also love that even though it’s revealed that the boys’ experience was a result of them nearly dying, most of what they experienced is left up to interpretation.

[@briandaaranda9735]

This show reminds me a lot of Big Fish, with it's "familiar but just weird enough", and how one grounded realistic character and a fanciful imaginative one can often clash, but ultimately love each other.

[@saami9606]

I remember watching this when it came out and thinking why doesn't CN do this regularly? It was sooo good wished they invested making more shows like this

[@QualityCulture]

Right?? Pat McHale did an interview last fall tho and said he doesn’t think it would have gotten made in today’s landscape. Seems like studios are becoming more and more reluctant to take risks

[@CinnamonGrrlErin1]

​@QualityCulture I was honestly scared it would end up going the way of Infinity Train, but thankfully it's at least still on Hulu (for now). It's a very bad time for animation right now, especially at WB.

[@thepodium6930]

​@@QualityCultureThis might be a good video idea. Why and how have we ended up with this current landscape? Often good shows are getting axed for very arbitrary and ambiguous reasons

[@ShesquatchPiney]

CN took the success of Over The Garden Wall and decided it meant the miniseries format was the key, not the original concept. It's how we got Stakes, Islands, and Elements in Adventure Time which are amazing in their own right, but obv not stand alone originals like OTGW. It is truly a miracle that it exists as unspoiled as it is. I want to be more optimistic for original animation, but the Cartoon Network Studios building has been emptied and the new WB Discovery CEO is an absolute ghoul. Streaming had potential with its "see what sticks" model, but let Tuca and Bertie be a cautionary tale. Even if something starts great and gets cancelled only to be rescued by another party, it'll get cancelled again for tax write offs so the big wigs can churn out more franchise slop. I'd like to think that Fiona and Cake's success on HBO Max could reverse this tale and signal the studio heads to funnel more money towards animation in general, but I think it's gonna lead to strip mining the Adventure Time franchise, not more originals.

[@lorenzoshelby6061]

CN did another original miniseries after Garden Wall it was called Long Live The Royals it lasted 4 episodes.

[@breebird33]

OMG YESSSS!!!! Thank you for showing the antique postcards that heavily inspired so much of the visuals in the show. Started collecting around the time OTGW aired. It can be QUITE an expensive hobby, especially when you are going after Halloween cards, but I'm sure McHale saw many pass through his parent's business.

[@QualityCulture]

Ooh that’s so cool, now I’m wondering what’s in your collection haha

[@breebird33]

​@@QualityCulture HA it's a lot, about 2 albums full with some chromolithograph ads and trading cards mixed in. I definitely treasure the Halloween ones in my collection (I actually have the witch in the watermelon car one shown in the video). But yeah, I love chromolithographs and pull a lot of influence from them too with my own art (which is why my work gets compare of OTGW so much 😅same source of inspiration)

[@raymondkim3740]

There's something about your voice that feels perfect for this subject. And I mean that as the highest compliment I can possibly give. It's relaxed but not bored, it's interested but not overly excited. Your voice is soft but now whispery or mumbly, clear but not loud. You clearly have passion for the subject you're speaking about, but you also focus on speaking clearly with a steady pace that's easy to follow along to. Honestly, if there's ever an Over the Garden Wall comic audiobook, I'd love to hear you narrate it. I find your voice and your approach to your videos to be so soothing that no matter what way my life goes I end up coming back to this channel for at least one video, if not a whole binge session.

[@buntshire]

I watched this show with my brother and I broke down in tears at the end, not really knowing why. I've watched it a couple times since, but I randomly started crying at this video. This series really has something to it...

[@howdydee]

100% Whenever I hear the soundtrack I’m just overcome with such intense emotion. I can’t describe it but it’s real

[@aimeeh2079]

13:40 THANK YOU for acknowledging the bell still being in Jason Thunderbercker's stomach, so many essayists seem to ignore it when exploring their own interpretation of the show and trying to make it seem completely imaginary

[@CrimesTimeLive]

The idea that staying in the comforting moment of the in between, the quiet comfort of Autumn and December, hits really hard. What a poignant summation of the entire show. I also only read one comic- I've never seen the one with Wirt's song. That final shot of him looking so small and alone as he takes off his hat hits really hard, poor kid. :( I was absolutely delighted to see this video, you guys are one of my favorite video essay channels so seeing you make a video about one of my favorite works of art really made my day!

[@sydney9011]

Wow!! I've seen so many OTGW video essays bc I'm obsessed but I was pleasantly surprised at how much this analysis added to the overall conversation on this media, incredible work!

[@QualityCulture]

Thanks so much, I’m glad to hear that!

[@jmecular56467]

On the topic of music in OTGW, McHale says in the audio commentary for episode 8 that the scene with Greg going to cloud city (especially when he looks up at the stars) is inspired by the Hansel and Gretel opera. And the events of episode 10 before the boys leave the Unknown are inspired by the visuals of that opera as well, and by operatic scene changes more generally. I feel like you can hear the influence of opera in the Beast's singing as well. I love hearing all about the inspirations & influences of this show! 😊

[@flow9061]

I was a 9 year old boy I remember most of it terrifying me but I just couldn't look away to this day I think it's the greatest thing ever made by any cartoon channel ever

[@miah2400]

I almost teared up listening to you talk about Wirt's internal struggles because I really relate to them now as an adult more than as a teen when I first watched this show. I feel like now more than ever I craft these delusions about the world and the people around me, similarly to the way Wirt does, but just like Wirt, it's all a fabrication, and the people around him are actually pretty chill and the world isn't as scary as he makes it out to be. When I actually open up to other people and take more responsibility for the circumstances I'm in, my perception on everything changes and my surroundings aren't as bad as I've made them out to be. I never realized that Beatrice's betrayal and the discovery of Lorna being the actual witch were essentially "proving" Wirt's fears and anxieties about the world and people to be true, or maybe I did and just forgot about it after watching it so much. But I think those two events are integral to the ending and Wirt ultimately saving himself and Greg and getting out of the Unknown for good. I think it's important for someone with anxiety like Wirt to have those fears be proven true, but also prove to yourself that you can overcome them and that the outcome might not be as bad as you imagined it would be. It was Wirt who saved Lorna with the power of the bell, and Beatrice came back to help him in the final episode and all was forgiven. And then of course there is the final confrontation he had with the Beast which I feel is pretty self explanatory. You can't hide forever from the things that scare you and become complacent, you have to stand up to your fears and face them head on. I don't know, that's just my two cents on it, as someone who had to recently face something they were afraid of for a very long time, only to realize it wasn't so bad and actually having the experience make myself stronger in the long run.

[@tofupowda]

the point on not binge watching and instead gradually consuming is so important. i watched it in 2 episode sessions and i don't think it would've been the same had i watched it all in one sitting.

[@shayanwallace]

Absolutely love this miniseries! I will never forget how I felt when I first watched it

[@clartblart3266]

I rewatch it every autumn too! Usually in October, but I kinda missed it! I need to rewatch it soon. Then I'll come back to this video, remind me please haha

[@the28thofjuly]

reminder to rewatch both the series and this video!

[@HawaiianHercules]

I just watched this series a few days ago and modern fairytale is exactly what I felt about it. Thats so crazy!

[@Batsweep]

I’m literally about to cry the quotes and poetry in this were so well selected an read. Thank you for feeding my hyper fixation ❤

[@RepublicTrooper125]

Crazy that this cartoon came out 9 years ago. I was 19 at the time and could relate to Wort and Greg's relationship between myself and little brother. This show will always get reccomened by me to anyone. Like yourself and many have said, it's truly a tale of the colonial Americana spirit that permeates the setting. Minus the cowboys lol

[@PuppetPal_Clem]

I'm permanently thrilled that other people see the brilliance in this series. Genuinely one of the most moving and personally impactful pieces of animation I've ever seen.

[@puncass]

Wow just when I feel like I've heard every angle of this story, you've brought even more to me to chew on. Fantastic Video.

[@Murphxl]

For me, Over the Garden Wall just had everything I'd been looking for in a cartoon. It brings back something from my earliest memories. It's like that feeling of playing in the leaves in the fall as a small child.

[@grum7140]

Great video! I remember when I was pretty young and saw the first trailer for it and instantly felt the magic. This show really is something special. I especially like Pottsfield and Enoch.

[@springsnature7037]

I love it when ya'll make videos about OTGW. You always find some new way to look at it and talk about. It's amazing, and I never get tired of it. The funniest thing for me is, out of everything in the video, the thing that I focused on the most was when you pointed out Wurt's shoes. I kept zoning in on them everytime ya'll showed a clip from the show. Also, I really appreciate the editing. It makes everything you say more profound and hard-hitting, and it replicates the atmosphere of the show so perfectly. Also, Wurt's poetry is actually really nice, and it kinda resonated with me. It might because I feel a strong connection to him tho, I was and still am a waxy poetry writer.

[@S1rD4niel]

Right before the time I rewatch the series, I like to look at breakdowns here on KZbin. I’ve watched plenty of them at this point, yours was still a real joy to watch. You really managed to put the vibe and where it comes from into words so eloquently, props!

[@LLCCB]

I watch Over the Garden Wall every Halloween. Such a beautiful little series

[@emmab4587]

I absolutely love this video, you pointed out so much that I never noticed! Completely resonate with Wirt not wanting to make a decision and at times preferring to be stuck in the unknown forever rather than face failure.

[@Trae__]

It hit me like a truck when you said this show came out 9 years ago omg When it first came out i thought it was a neat fairy tale with spooky elements but now i can appreciate it for what its trying to say through its themes, characters, and the general feel of the show itself, i NEED to watch this again sometime soon

[@reidYak]

Breaking out this show every Fall feels almost religious. Thanks so much for talking about it! 🐸

[@iagomartinezdealegriamader52]

I love that somebody uploads a new video about Over the Garden Wall every year

[@theemostdeviousbastardinnyc]

ahh this show is like the first sip of tea on a cold grey morning! it's so comforting and timeless, and the perfect little pick me up for when life starts to feel dark. i really loved this video, i can't wait to watch it again and notice all of the details you mentioned!

[@negnoms]

20:50 this just perfectly described why I love travelling, I love sitting on the bus or in a car far away from my home and where I’m going to. It’s like a period of time where I have no responsibility (what work can you really do it a car) so I feel true peace of mind

[@elizabethratcliffe3859]

It truly feels like a series of folk stories that just _happen_ to have an overarching narrative, like wirt and greg are simply stumbling through old stories while experiencing their own fairytale. It's beautiful and haunting in its liminality.

[@natassjacanales3081]

I actually been falling back into my Over the Garden Wall love. Been reading fan fiction,watching old videos, and listening to the soundtrack so this is we’ll time for me I’m so happy

[@myhandsaslanguage]

This was lovely and I learned small details I hadn’t learned before (and I am best friends with two artists who have talked to me about the show for years). It was also encouraging, as I sometimes am tempted to retreat inward like Wirt does. A good reminder to resist that feeling. Thank you.

[@ceciliakeller957]

midway through this it occurred to me that 'Over the Garden Wall' and 'The Green Knight' are EXTREMELY similar in how they approach storytelling and its (and their own) purpose- not a completed thought but just a very odd but accurate similarity :)

[@sadman6180]

I really hope your talking about the original poem and not the a24 movie because that sucked so bad.

[@toaster9922]

My favourite part about this show is that you'd expect Jason Funderberker to be this jock-esque person Sara is infatuated with but then it's revealed he's just a scrawny guy with a measly voice even more versed in poetry then he is. I thought that was a hilarious subversion.

[@arcanehierophant4606]

Over The Garden Wall is one of my favorite pieces of media/art ever. Your analysis is wonderful and helped me think deeper in regards to some of the motifs, archetypes etc. behind it all. In many ways a reflection of my own life and I can understand why it appeals to me more now

[@Tanuki93]

Thank you for making this retrospective video, what a wonderful and analytical take of Over the Garden Wall. I absolutely adore this show, my love and passion for this short series is only reaffirmed with all of its thoughtful and playful nature.

[@jentheoverlander]

This video is so thoughtful and well done! I have watched over 11 hours of Over the Garden Wall video essays, analyses, and deep dives in the last couple weeks, and this is the first one I've come back to rewatch. Lots of others miss the forest for the trees, pun intended, and you hit closest to home for me. You got at why this show means so much to me personally. Thank you for making this video; I can tell I'll return to this again each year to accompany my rewatches of this show.

[@morethanjake6002]

You must live in Az, as do I, love this show and it makes me miss autumn and fall terribly.

[@strawberrycats6880]

finally getting around to watching this as it’s almost time for my annual rewatch and just wanted to say this was such a beautiful video

[@nettieb7604]

This was such a lovely tribute to my favourite thing about autumn! What I’d give to watch OTGW for the first time again - for all I love unpicking its layers, I’d love to linger a little longer in its misty mood without knowing what happens next

[@em_the_lion2040]

Came for a video essay, somehow got a therapy session. Brilliant work. 👍

[@toniantiporda9024]

I was waiting for you to do this. After seeing the Frog & Toad one, I knew you’d appreciate this show too. And as usual, the writing and editing on this are quite superb.

[@bellesparky]

I remember stumbling across this series when it first came out as a child, and while I did regrettably skip some episodes because the pacing wasn't fast enough for me then, I was always enamoured by the child-like whimsy of the story! It was almost magical how no-one else at the time had heard about it more, which only fuelled that feeling of it being something rather special. Very few western animated media seem to capture that feeling and after watching this video, i hope to watch the series fully! I would say that Ghibli movies that are in the same vein :3

[@kelo8006]

This makes me so happy this show is the absolute most amazing thing and I’m so happy so many other people watch and love it ❤❤

[@QualityCulture]

It's definitely one of my favorites 😊

[@ProfessorFlowers]

I've seen this show like 5 times and I wish there was more 😭

[@KMRossy]

I love your videos!! (I have that pumpkin shirt too! 😆) I’m so happy you’re breaking this show down! It’s so fun to listen to your breakdowns! 💕

[@QualityCulture]

Thanks so much! And yesss it's the perfect shirt for fall 😌

[@thepodium6930]

I need that shirt

[@_Story-scape_]

Thank you for this video! Beautifully articulated the aesthetic and appeal of this amazing show. My son and I loved this series and it’s nice to revisit it!

[@nettieb7604]

This was a lovely tribute to my favourite thing about autumn! I love all the layers and depths to this story, but part of me wishes I could watch OTGW for the first time again just to revel in its misty, moody ambience without knowing what comes next

[@cindyr4918]

That was an awesome breakdown of the series - so much to think about! I like to think that what we experienced during the show was happening when Wirt was unconscious in the hospital after him and Greg almost drowned. I loved the little hints that some things must have been real though (like the frog with the bell in his belly- but that likely happened within Wirt's real life and he incorporated it as part of his dreams). I definitely loved all of the throwbacks to previous animation styles and time periods. I ended up purchasing the video, and the extras were quite enjoyable - there was a behind the scenes on the creation of the series, an alternate pilot episode, and commentary that you can turn on for each of the episodes if you choose. Thanks for doing all of the research necessary to produce this video!

[@jboremus]

just finished watching over the garden wall and came across your video. very well researched and easily the best I came across after watching a few others break down the series. looking forward to watching more of your channel!

[@BearToeWasTaken]

Only recently discovered OTGW and boy was it something unlike anything else. Also learned a lot from this video despite having watched the show over a few times already and other content on here. Cheers

[@thepodium6930]

I was planning on rewatching this in October but I've been so busy, but November's weather seems more fitting so maybe it's not too late

[@candydemure]

As someone who was already very into vintage Halloween I was able to clock every antique postcard imagery. As well as the references to Fleischer studios' animation.

[@lisper5900]

Just finished the series for the first time. Your essay was a perfect addition. Thank you!

[@grahamgentz3580]

So I wrote a pastoral horror TTRPG inspired by Over the Garden Wall! It's called "Under the Autumn Strangely", I don't want to spam a link but if you're curious, check it out!

[@blueblaze5160]

I hadn’t watched this until I was 21 years old just a few years ago, despite me being smack dab in the center of this show’s target audience when it first aired. Somehow, watching it brings me back to fall 2014, when the show first aired. I can’t quite explain how it cleaves open a nostalgic portal to a time where I never experienced it, but I’m glad it does. OtGW is a remarkable series and I’m glad I get to watch it with my sister each and every fall season.

[@clsisman]

Funny story, when this came up in my subs feed I thought it was a glitch because I was sure you had done a video essay about Over The Garden Wall. I think it's just because you have this lovely soothing voice that has the same vibes as curling up with a book in front of the fire in Autumn, it's so appropriate for this show. Thank you for another great one, I learned a lot. This, your frog and toad, and the Miyazaki epic are my favourites, I hope you do more cosy/contemplative stuff in the future!

[@caitens9041]

Near the end you mention there are already a ton of OtGW videos and hoped this was still interesting, this is one of the first vids I've seen for the show and I absolutely loved it!!! So interesting, so engaging, you guys really did your homework. And super quality editing too! You've just gained a new excited subscriber!

[@tigersinlondon2152]

OP you get it!!!!! I like your analysis of the Unknown being a place of preservation - the preservation of lost things and lost souls - which is reflected visually in the old-timey Victorian-ish setting, reflected musically in the jazz/swing/ragtime (and occasionally operatic) soundtrack, and reflected narratively in the characters in each location being 'stuck' in their ways, and the contrasting character arcs of our protagonists, where they have to break out of their usual patterns of behaviour in order to triumph. I love your discussion of all the elements and references that Pat McHale draws from, it does really add to my appreciation of the show to understand where the stylistic choices might have come from. Btw, re the turtles, McHale does mention in the artbook that Auntie Whispers was a sort of interpretation of the 'Sin Eater', and the turtles are a representation of human sin, but it wasn't expanded upon for whatever reason - but McHale has said that part of the magic of OTGW is that there's no one singular interpretation of his work which is 'correct'. The turtles are a loose concept, that can be interpreted in whatever way, just like concepts in fairytales. The narrative meaning shifts from one teller (or one observer) to the next.

[@anonymousperson3392]

Great video as always. I especially appreciated your analysis of liminal realities and why certain people (myself included) are drawn to them. Helped me understand a little more about myself and one of my favourite shows. Cheers!

[@ppbailey1290]

This needs more attention, y’all did a fantastic job going over and covering everything in this series. By far the most in depth video I’ve watched on this mini series. Keep up the good work guys 👍

[@dustycatt]

this is such a good analysis!! it made me so emotional. I love these series to no end

[@nyssabrown3804]

I absolutely loved this video!! Your descriptions of the Unknown and just the structure of the story and the characters themselves were so good and i didn’t know there were professional articles about OTGW so now im definitely gonna go check those out! Thank you!

[@zabeerfarid7687]

Ooh perfect time for a rewatch

[@capdahat2598]

I guess folks have OTGW on their mind with the 10th anniversary coming up as this video just popped up in my feed (or maybe the algorithm is just reading my mind). Either way it was a really lovely video, very well made! I'll definitely be checking out others. I liked that you pointed out the lantern in the frogs belly at the end being a part of the whole lying between the real and unreal, it was the one thing that really bothered my partner where I felt it made a lot of sense but couldn't put it into words. I'm also glad you mentioned how the show aired, now of course you can watch it all at once (which I do every year on Halloween) but there was something magical about catching this weird little show by happenstance when it started airing and checking back to see it every day. Anyways I need to also thank you for bringing the comic to my attention as I didn't know it existed and for all these articles and interviews with McHale!! I don't know why it never occurred to me to seek these things out as it's something I usually do with media I enjoy, the articles in particular are going to be fun as I feel there's a lot to say about the show despite it's short length. It was surprising to hear that it got thrown criticism for having no substance! Anyways it's exciting to see what CN is planning with Aardman for the 10th anniversary! Great time to be an OGTW fan :)

[@ameliachase2744]

This show is so gorgeous ethereal comforting and immaculate, as an older brother I relate to it heavily and it sits deep

[@donmrlobi]

I just saw this show last week and was amazed by the beauty, depth and ambiguity of it. To me, it's a sort of coming-of-age or taking the reins of your life story. I also think what you said on 23:57 is particularly relevant: Wirt thinks so little of himself, feels so out of place, always tries to avoid taking risks and making choices (probably because he feels incapable of choosing right). But by the end of the show, he sees himself (and probably those around him, especially Greg) in a different light.

[@reco7234]

i remember the week before it launched, i was so excited for it watching the released episode each day of the week was a whole event

[@rrogersyt]

Yeah, I'm one of those people who revisits this series every year in October when the temperature gets cooler.

[@chuchojuarez95]

I just watched this, and now i see this in the sub tab Trippy

[@KinglerJord]

Just about time for my yearly rewatch and now I'll have some new things to look for. Thanks!

[@growing.flowers]

14:51 ❤ an act of preservation

[@Asummersdaydreamer14]

I am literally wearing an Over the Garden Wall sweater lmao I will always flex that I watched this when it originally aired. Also, I am currently mad that Cartoon Network or WB has not issued another physical release of the series when it still gains new fans while old fans tend to watch it every autumn or at least I do

[@binkbonkbones3402]

You did not just say this shit is 9 years old now, I remember watching it release as a kid and have so much nostalgia

[@emmachavis3250]

You’ve done it again!! Such a beautiful video, thank you for your time and energy, analyzing and discussing some of our favorite media pieces. Your work is healing as always!!

[@texasdude1136]

Thank you for this video! I think it is a wonderful insight into the deeper meanings of the story! I watched it for the first time two nights ago, and then rewatched it with my girlfriend last nigh since she hadn't seen it before either. I was led to tears thinking about it today.

[@malakcanvas]

Over the Garden Wall fits so well with classic Cartoon Network. Would have worked well in 2003.

[@justinbutler8597]

Beautiful analysis. I love over the garden wall even more now! Can't wait for the 2024 rewatch

[@AnABSOLUTEBarbarian]

Children’s surrealist horror, is the best way I’ve heard the genre described. Concept that require imagination and belief but are actually pure horror when you truly except them, yet still whimsical somehow. It reminds me of my favorite Eisley lyrics; “I awoke the dawn Saw horses growing out the lawn… I glimpsed a bat with butterfly wings Oh, what marvelous things… I followed a rabbit Through rows of mermaid-entwined shrubbery Ah... Ah... Oh, what marvelous things But they are, they are, they are Giving me the creeps Dark night, hold tight And sleep tight my baby Morning light shall burst bright And keep us here safely.”

[@makcraft]

This essay gave me a realisation that this show is so close to Old Gods of Appalachia and that early 20 century urban myth idea, of explaining anything unknown to be demons, witches and gods

[@ИКАГРИН-ф2з]

That’s one incredible overview! Thank you so much for your input ❤❤It made me feel like there’s a continuation to the series🙌🏻Great work, I really appreciate it🌷👏🏻👏🏻

[@teddyfurstman1997]

I am so happy that OTGW is still being watched. I also got the series on DVD.

[@NDenizen]

Perfect November viewing

[@carlbrown1000]

That was FUCKING 9 YEARS AGO?! THAT SHIT STILL FEELS LIKE 4 OR 5 YEARS OLD.

[@IRLSpain]

Personally, I'm in a situation that is very similar to Wirt's. Your words and this essay have done a great good to me. Thank you for your work. 💚

[@Window4503]

Rewatching this autumn for the fourth time. Boyfriend and I are going one step further and making potatoes and molasses.

[@brooklynduncan7915]

My best friend just got married Oct. 29th and the OTGW soundtrack was a huge portion of the night. It was magical

[@jaimeerindy4573]

I love this show so much, and I love it more every time I watch it!

[@idlemindedmage6925]

This was fantastic! Thank you for the wonderful insights into the mental and historical backgrounds of this lovely liminal piece.

[@mikakestudios5891]

I LOVE how liminal this series is. Everything is old and new at the same time. Wirt and Greg are lost in Purgatory. The transition between childhood and adulthood. The way fear and comfort mingle.

[@masonharris9166]

Interesting that you Mention purgatory given the show's Connection to dante's divine comedy

[@lailedcat]

Thank you for making this. I feel I’ve come away having learned a lot, and gained insight not just into OTGW but also into myself. A lot of Wirt’s worse traits are a little too familiar. Some of this analysis made me think of The Boy And The Heron, too - how imagination can be freeing, but we must not lose ourselves to escapism and neglect the impact of our real lives, even in a world that is scary. Obviously both OTGW and The Boy And The Heron are about other things besides these, but it is a little magical when a new work makes me view things I’ve seen a hundred times with a fresh perspective.

[@HTFWSFWWE]

Being unable to binge watch actually makes things more forgettable to me. I often forget characters and plot threads within days after seeing an episode, and waiting weeks if not months to see a character reappear or a plot point revisited or concluded makes me confused and wonder if I had forgotten who someone was or if something was important to the story. With binge watching I can easily recall something I just saw so I'm not taken aback when some twist in the plot comes along. I actually watched Over the Garden Wall on Hulu years after it originally aired so I was able to binge watch this show as well 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@moxxiepeppino]

Literally everything about it is perfect