The Media That Made Me: Adventure Time
Growing up as a die-hard SpongeBob SquarePants fan, I never thought another show could captivate me the way the antics of the residents of Bikini Bottom did. But that all changed in 2010 when Adventure Time premiered, weaving its way into my heart and my relationship with my brother.
I was in middle school when Adventure Time first aired, and my brother and I found ourselves bonding over the show's unique humor, colorful animation, and whimsical adventures. We'd rush, cook frozen burritos, to catch the latest episode, eager to see what Finn the human and Jake the dog had in store for us.
The Land of Ooo was an escape from the daily grind of school, homework, and adolescence. My brother and I would discuss theories about the show's mysteries, imitate our favorite characters, and even create our own adventures in the style of Finn and Jake. The show became an integral part of our shared language, a secret handshake that only we understood.
But what set Adventure Time apart from other shows was its depth. Unlike the flanderization that occurred in SpongeBob, Finn, Jake, and the rest of the cast developed into complex characters with their own struggles and triumphs. As my brother and I grew older, we found ourselves identifying with their journey and the themes of friendship, bravery, and self-discovery.
In those formative years, Adventure Time provided a bridge for my brother and me, helping us navigate the challenges of adolescence together. The show's unique blend of humor, adventure, and emotional resonance allowed us to connect on a deeper level, strengthening our bond. In 2018 our mom passed away of cancer and a great escape for us was to watch Adventure Time with our family, even though we had grown out of it it was resfrshing to watch something that made us laugh.
Though Adventure Time aired its final episode in 2018, the memories and lessons it imparted remain alive in my heart. Just as SpongeBob SquarePants shaped an entire generation's humor, Adventure Time has left an indelible mark on my life and my relationship with my brother. And for that, I will always be grateful.
