Son Of Zorn Review – Another Dimension Of Funny

FOX adds another dimension to the classic fish out of water tale, with their animated/live action hybrid of hilarity – Son of Zorn, that shows some very definite potential.

Jason Sudeikis (SNL, Horrible Bosses) lends his voice to Zorn – Defender of Zephyria, a towering He-Man-esque warrior, who after being away for ten years defending his country heads back to Orange County California for his teenage son’s birthday.

Within moments of returning, in a plane might I add, Zorn realizes so much has changed. His ex-wife Edie (Cheryl Hines, Curb Your Enthusiasm) is living the suburban life, engaged to an online college professor while son Alan (Johnny Pemberton, Superstore) is not only embarrassed by his father but has no real connection to him. So in an effort to be there for his family more, and hopefully win their love back, Zorn takes up roots in The OC – complete with entry level sales position and pokey apartment.

This, of course, is where the premise of the show reaches it’s peak – the visuals of a seven foot sword wielding man alongside everyday people is very funny but also runs the risk of becoming very stale very quickly. Creators Reed Agnew and Eli Jorne have set a pretty solid foundation in the pilot for the writers to delve into these character’s backstories more, and rely less on the live action actors being there solely for reactionary shots.

While not a perfect pilot, but really – what is? Son of Zorn produces several moments of absurd humour that make it a welcome entry into the new fall season, including an incredibly awkward job interview and the gifting of a few misguided birthday presents. And with an initial order of 13 episodes, there is plenty of time for it to find it’s groove and become another mainstay on FOX’s Sunday night lineup.

And if you’re still on the fence about watching – it co-stars Tim Meadows (SNL, The Goldbergs) so what more do you need really?

Be sure to catch an encore presentation of Son of Zorn Sunday September 25th at 8:30/7:30c on FOX.

**Writer’s Note: This review originally appeared on the television website Voice of TV.