This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on June 9, 2015. “Moone Boy” premiered five years ago today.
Being a kid was the best.
No cares in the world, not much responsibility, no work … just lots of time with friends, family and fun.
Childhood is personified in a unique way on Hulu’s “Moone Boy.” Created by Chris O’Dowd, of “Bridesmaids” fame, the comedy follows an Irish family, specifically the lone son, Martin Moone, of the household and his invisible friend, Sean Murphy, played by O’Dowd, in the late 1980s/early 1990s.
The Irish family is also very Catholic, which causes conflict when one of the sisters is with child, whose father works at the town’s church.
The interactions between Martin (David Rawle) and his invisible friend make the show fun. It’s an inventive concept that you don’t see on TV often, though “The Whispers” on ABC seems to be taking the creepy angle of invisible friends (I can’t make myself watch that show yet).
O’Dowd is a writer, producer and director on the show, and his love for childlike antics and Ireland shine through in this comedy. He’s also not afraid to poke fun at himself, which means he sometimes dresses in hilarious outfits and makeup.
His character, although a figment of Martin’s imagination, has a life of his own, sometimes deviating from Martin’s moves.
“Moone Boy” also has a sense of nostalgia. The theme song includes drawings on loose-leaf paper — you know, the kind you had in second grade — and the fashion is a mix of ’80s and ’90s.
Martin isn’t the sharpest kid, but he has ambition. And he’s learning through success and failure, but usually with his invisible friend by his side.
Unfortunately, while “Moone Boy” has all of its new season 3 episodes on Hulu, only seasons 1 and 2 and episode 1 of season 3 are available without Hulu Plus. With only six episodes per season and each episode less than 30 minutes, it’s a quick watch. (Note: This show is still available on Hulu, which is a paid subscription site now.)
