We first heard of Animal Planet’s (you read that right) “Dark Days In Monkey City” from an email sent to the group from Animal Planet corporate. Normally we (actually just Simon) don’t like getting unsolicited emails for production companies (my argument is how else are we going to find out about this stuff otherwise… but I digress.) So I was very surprised when Simon didn’t immediately unleash a tirade on the ills of spamming websites. The lack of response piqued my interest so I had to click on the link to check out this latest offering from Animal Planet (again, you read that right). What I found was an amazing piece of film making and storytelling.
Dark Days in Monkey City is the story of the deserted city of Polonnaruwa (also known as Monkey City) in Sri Lanka, where large populations of toque macaques live and rule the streets…
So why should you, dear TUG reader, care about this series? That is where it gets interesting…
To write and create the story they brought in Man Of Action studios. MOA is known to the kiddies as the guys behind Ben 10 (my son’s current favorite). They are also the folks behind some great comics including: Godland, GI Joe Americas Elite, American Virgin, Blue Beetle, Supergirl, and Metal Men. Some of these titles are Unique Geek favorites. These guys know how to tell a story.
Plus folks, there is a cherry on top of this fine program – it is narrated by the great John Rhys-Davies (if you don’t know who he is – turn in your geek-cred card now.)
So back to that list we use to determine a shows goodness…
- Great Story – Check!
- Cool Visuals – Check!
- Action/Violence/Shakespearian Sensibilities – Check! Check! Check!
- Crazy Monkeys – OH YEAH!
Check out new episodes on Animal Planet (and Animal Planet HD) Tuesdays at 10PM.
Check out the Animal Planet website for rerun times (this is basic cable after all – there WILL be reruns).