‘Ultra City Smiths’ Recap: ‘Ultra City, She Don’t Care’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Ultra City Smiths’.
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There was a time, where animated shows in any capacity, were considered to be nothing more than the perfect vehicle for mindless children’s entertainment… and it makes sense as to why that perception existed. Because back in the day, this type of show was a grandiose collection of plotless moments, the kind that captivated and elicited chuckles from kids… so there was no need to do anything more with the format. But as fans of those very shows grew older and opted to make this type of story their own, they realized that it could offer up a realm of endless possibilities storytelling wise and everything changed and just like that, animation suddenly offered more than kitschy moments and over the top comedy. 
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Now, these shows had depth to them, and complicated plots and those working behind the scenes also decided to try and rival what cinema was accomplishing by offering up breathtaking visuals worthy of a 70mm classic. But what’s amazing, is that the format continues to evolve as the years roll on, because creative minds know that the only real limit to animation, is the limits of our imagination and it just so happens that AMC Networks is now host to a stop-animation series that pushes the envelope of the format once again in Ultra City Smiths. A feat that this series accomplishes… by offering up one of the most unique plots and settings around for this particular sub-genre of animation… since we are plunged into a sour place known as Ultra City in the series premiere, ‘Ultra City, She Don’t Care’. 

A town so foul and so soul sucking, that even its citizens have accepted that dark times are simply part of living in this place. For they seem to believe that the collective darkness of mankind has somehow manifested itself in Ultra City and it thrives on suffering and that allows for the audience to explore this ugly place in an intimate and uncomfortable manner. The kind where we see firsthand how this city beats down the people that try to get by or get ahead, lending credence to the mantra of this town, and to make matters worse… their only shred of hope for a better tomorrow… one where everyone is free of the darkness, has gone missing. For no one has heard from mayoral candidate Carpenter K. Smith for some time and this is of such concern, that the police are now getting involved. 

Which means that at its core, this show is going to be a mystery story, one that will work to unravel how and why Smith has gone missing and that alone makes for one unique animated adventure. Because noir isn’t normally something that is played straight in this sub-genre, but the plucky narration and gritty visuals of Ultra City, make it clear that this series really wants to offer up an honest and earnest mystery, one that features honest cops that are both disillusioned and hopeful, as good noir is wont to do, and the uniqueness of this story doesn’t end there. For this series is also a grand homage to the work of Quentin Tarantino, specifically Pulp Fiction, since it features a bevy of storylines that will undoubtedly interconnect and it also pays tribute to its roots, since there are all kinds of winks and nods to animation’s past. 

Speaking of the animation, well that is downright impressive too. Simply because every character here has a unique and dynamic look to them, which informs us of the care that went into their creation, and they populate an incredible world. One with a ridiculous amount of detail. For Ultra City resembles a big budget movie set on a tiny scale and all of those elements allow for the viewer to immediately be sucked into this world and this story and well, in this end… this is a show that this writer recommends you watch. Simply because it is original and fresh and dynamic through and through and it genuinely captivates you from beginning to end with its mystery and its majesty. So, if you’re eager to see something different, then swing by AMC or AMC+ and give this gem a look and then join us here as we recap and analyze this fascinating new show and the grand mystery it has presented us with. Until next time.

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