In a world where video game adaptations often struggle, one legendary game franchise ventured into the wild terrains of television long before it was common. Let’s rewind to 1989, a pivotal year when Nintendo, fresh from its ‘Super Mario Bros.’ gaming success, decided to leap into your TV. Teaming up with Saban and DIC, they brought to life not only ‘Super Mario Bros.’ but also ‘The Legend of Zelda’ in animated form. What followed was a mix of quirky, memorable, and sometimes cringe-worthy television that still echoes in the corridors of internet memes today.
The Animated Adventures of Zelda and Mario
Nintendo’s dive into television resulted in the creation of ‘The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!’, a unique blend of animated segments and live-action skits featuring Lou Albano and Danny Wells. This show, remembered for the catchy and somewhat infamous dance move “Do The Mario!”, aired episodes daily, although it only lasted less than three months. Among these, only 13 episodes featured the adventures of Link from ‘The Legend of Zelda’, introducing the famous catchphrase “Excuse me, princess!” inspired by a popular Steve Martin comedy routine. This phrase struck a chord with audiences and quickly became one of the early internet memes.
Interestingly, the scriptwriters, including the chief writer Bob Forward, had minimal guidelines from the so-called “bible” of the game characters, which offered scant details. This lack of constraint gave them creative freedom to shape the characters and stories largely as they saw fit. Forward, who had never played the Zelda video games, infused the scripts with elements from other influences, notably his experiences with Dungeons & Dragons, which he played during his teen years.
Creative Liberties in the Realm of Hyrule
The lore and plot of ‘The Legend of Zelda’ series on television drew heavily from the personal and recreational experiences of its writers. Forward and his team, including his sister Eve and even their mother, contributed scripts that often borrowed elements from their Dungeons & Dragons sessions. Eve Forward, then only 16-17 years old, penned a couple of episodes after briefly renting a Nintendo console to play Zelda, striving to capture the essence of the game. Their approach brought a unique flavor to the series, blending canonical game elements with imaginative new adventures.
One episode, “Doppelganger,” was directly inspired by a cursed mirror from a Dungeons & Dragons game. Link’s character was portrayed more as a rogue than a warrior, reflecting the personal gameplay style and fantasy of the writers. This blend of game-based inspiration and personal creativity was evident throughout the series, making it a curious artifact of gaming and television history.
Legacy and Nostalgia: The Unconventional Path of Zelda on TV
While the series may not have been a critical success, it holds a special place in the hearts of fans for its earnest attempt to bring the characters of Hyrule to life. The Forward siblings went on to write for other shows and engage in creative endeavors, including working with Dungeons & Dragons miniatures. As for the future, the upcoming ‘The Legend of Zelda’ movie set to release in May 2027 promises to be a thrilling adaptation with numerous nods to the original games. However, fans might miss the unique charm and simplicity of throwing a 20-sided die, reminiscent of the original animated series’ spirit. Will we hear “Excuse me, princess?” once again? Only time will tell, but the legacy of Zelda’s early television adventure continues to influence how we view game adaptations today.
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Avery Sandridge has an unmatched love for storytelling and the screen. From detailed analyses of your favorite shows to behind-the-scenes scoops, Avery offers a fresh and engaging take on everything TV series.