Themes

So...as I look back over the Action Jones series, I wonder to myself....was there a theme? Some underlying drive that has pushed the series along and will close it out nicely?

I guess since I'm one of the fellas responsible for the whole thing, I should have the answer, and I do have my theories...but I'd be interested to see if any one else has a take on it all...who can, in Insanity Tim's words "figure out what it all was". Kind of like in a High School lit. class where you disect a book to the point where you're like...."did the author even mean that"?...you remember those times, right?

Underlying theme, eh?

I don't think that there really was an overall theme to the series until around the end of the second season. At that point, the series kinda took on a theme of different people being united towards a common goal for the common good. Not until the story is fleshed out more in the third season and the upcoming movie (that's right, I know what's going to happen) does the whole series seem to take on a theme of redemption. For Edge, because he helped to create a weapon of ultimate power: for Chief, because he went insane and fought against what he once stood for; for Action, for failing to ensure the safety of future generations; and for Insanity...well, he didn't really do anything wrong. In fact, Insanity's probably the only one of the four legends who has some solid morals. That's the best that I can come up with at this point anyway.

Sure...we'll go with that Action...

I like that Action, very interesting. Then Edge had his "redemption" when Azerberjan was finished off in season 2, Insanity had his moment of glory in Season 1 actually....and Action...well....we'll see I suppose....

Hmmm... redemption. I like it! I think there is also very strong themes of comradarie and sacrifice throughout the series. There are numerous times when the bad guys would have prevailed had not there been a friend to help another good guy out. And sacrifice - Insanity sacrifices himself in season 1 for Action!

hmmm... what about the theme of fighting against your inner, evil self? Action is the most dramatic here, with his inner struggle against Azerbaijan. But Edge starts out evil, and decides (thru tough times and seeing evil almost prevail) to change his life and take up sword for the good guys. Chief of course, probably struggles the most, going back and forth, forth and back, but ultimately (though painfully for all his friends... namely Insanity) chooses good. Insanity is a little different, because he's really around 3 different clones... not really 1 person.

The new heros represent new life, I think, or maybe rebirth. A chance to start afresh, without all the baggage that the older heros have.

???

Maybes are always present....

I agree with you there Garfunkel. The new heroes really don't have any of the baggage that we old dudes have. The new generation of heroes really have a lot of heart though. They've lost to Kumchatka numerous times, but they still haven't given up hope for a better tomorrow. Does my heart good to know that the future is in good hands.

I'm glad we could lift your spirits and make your heart soar!

Action Jones wrote:

and for Insanity...well, he didn't really do anything wrong. In fact, Insanity's probably the only one of the four legends who has some solid morals.

But what about..."I don't have morals anymore"? (season 2 finale, I think)

That's all I really had to contribute. Sorry to interrupt this great chat.

Do not fret, contribution is always appreciated, and you raise an excellent point as well!

Hmmm...bedonking is immoral. Therefore, Insanity is questionable at best.

Just kidding, Andy.

Nono...another excellent point Edge!

Hahahaha...

Bedonking is not only immoral, but it is also so powerful of an attack that the Ancient Sages of Times Past banned it, saying that "any who partake in such devestating destruction as that which is unleashed during the Bedonk process shalt be forever condemned to eat carrots."

My take on that is to say that Bedonking is bad.

Mostly.

Themes...themes...themes?...THEMES!!!

First season: struggle for control of glasses and Action's abilities
Second season: struggle to defeat Azerberjan with no Action
Third season: gathering the forces of good to fight Kamchatka, evil incarnate
Series finale: ???

It seems that as the characters develop, they face deeper and more critical battles. Ultimately, no hero can win by himself. They must learn their own strengths and weaknesses, learn to forgive, and build into one another's lives to prepare themselves for the fights ahead.