Midnight Gospel (2020) is the work of the creator of the animated series , Adventure Time, Pendleton Ward and comedian Duncan Trussell. The title surprised me very positively.
The main character, Clancy, is the owner of an unusual device called a multiverse simulator. No, this is not the second Flash. The intention of the creators was to show the holistic nature of the universe, but it is not only about theatricality or overloading with action. The title character wears a large hat, reminiscent of the Harry Potter Tiara and conducts a podcast in which, together with guests from various planets, he discusses the moral standards of Western societies and the essence of our existence in general. The series is not suitable for binge-watching, it’s much better to enjoy it. If the neurotic comedians accepted death, would they be funny? Are all chemicals bad, or is it just the circumstances of their use that are bad? Can love only be viewed in terms of romance? What is the power of word of mouth? What is chi ? How to develop the art of listening to other people? What is Indra’s net? What is the essence of Tibetan Buddhism? An animation from Ward and Trusselll provides answers to these questions. I hope the gentlemen will meet again, because the effects of their work are more than satisfactory.
Source: Netflix
The first season consists of eight episodes, and the themes in them include: people’s perception of various chemical compounds (Clancy wonders why zolpidem and diazepam are cool, and marijuana not necessarily), the importance of emotions in our lives (from the perspective of the main character after psychedelics you can see anger from the outside, get used to it), our relationship with nature, meditation and relationship with the object. Sounds weird? Nothing could be more wrong. Despite the presence of saturated colors, hordes of zombies or pink heroes, the title is far from taking the viewer into the land of the absurd. It is colorful and very matter-of-fact! Together we wonder how Western societies perceive the world and why this perception is so simplified. Briefly. In my opinion it what Clancy’s guests try to convey to viewers on the series is largely the philosophy embodied in the Ghibli films. The importance of accepting death in our lives (Tales from Earthsea, the main problem and source of misfortune, the protagonist’s nemesis in this film is the inability to accept his mortality), the impact on our psychological well-being of the satori effect (it consists not only in observing a given object: a plant, a tree, a piece of furniture, but also feeling into it, somehow establishing a bond with him; Ponyo ), the mystical nature of Nature ( Princess Mononoke ) – these are just a few topics covered in the series.
Source: Netflix
There are also quite a few conclusions. We learn, for example, that the essence of existence is dependence on love (not romance, but making the other person happy). There are countless references to Buddhism (especially Tibetan) or shintō (traditional Japanese religion largely based on animism and shamanism). However, these are not sterile considerations about whether there was an egg or a chicken first, the arguments of the heroes have a solid foundation (whether in science or Eastern philosophy). I will give you some examples.
Let’s take the third episode of Homeless Hunters as a wallpaper . In it, Clancy visits an anthropomorphic fish that loves magic (a term coined by Aleister Crowley means causing change by the strength of its own will). This fish is dubbed by Damien Echols, a man sentenced to death for the murder of three boys. He left the prison in 2012, after 18 years of imprisonment, as a result of new court evidence. Echols tells how magic helped him survive and how it differs from occultism. It also explains why it considers the millennial generation lost. The series is far from the nihilism of Rick and Morty. We have here almost recipes for a spiritual life, with the direction given to it. Even if we do not buy them, they are certainly a starting point for many reflections on the world around us. In this respect, the title provides a lot of good.
Source: inverse.com
In Episode 4, Blinded By My End , Trudy Goodman is the first person to teach the Buddhist technique of insight meditation combined with mindfulness . Her work is paying off. In a medieval setting, Goodman points out how important it is to build a community (even for the homeless) and listen carefully to each other. She also notes the fact that seriously ill people appreciate life much more. Of course, he also shares many other observations with Clancy (lest I spoil too much!) I just want to encourage you to reach for Midnight Gospel , because it’s really worth it. It is a bold but successful project.
Each episode features an inspiring real-world character. She gives viewers her view of life, which she acquired as a result of many years of meditation, scientific work or other activities. Again, this is not sterile.
The series could be properly listened to, watching is not necessary. I have the impression that the visual strangeness of the created world is to attract some people to the receivers, just as posting a photo with the word SEX at some social appeal encourages you to read it. I recommend it to anyone who likes to think and appreciates playing with form. It is juicy!