The Amazing World of Gumball (season 1)

The first season of the British-American animated comedy children's television series The Amazing World of Gumball originally aired from May 3, 2011 to March 13, 2012 on Cartoon Network. Consisting of 36 episodes, the season premiered with the episode "The DVD" and concluded with the episode "The Fight". The season premiere was watched by 2.120 million viewers in the United States.

The Amazing World of Gumball
Season 1
Cover art for The Party, the most recent home video release containing episodes of the first season
Country of originUnited Kingdom
United States
No. of episodes36
Release
Original networkCartoon Network
Original releaseMay 3, 2011[1] 
March 13, 2012
Season chronology

Development

Concept

The season focuses on the misadventures of Gumball Watterson, a blue 12-year-old cat, along with his adopted brother, Darwin, a 10-year-old goldfish. Together, they cause mischief among their family, as well as with the wide array of students at Elmore Junior High, where they attend middle school. In a behind-the-scenes video documenting the production of the second season, creator Ben Bocquelet expanded on the development of some of the characters, and how they are based on interactions from his childhood.[2]

Production

The first season began filming on November 2, 2010 and ended filming on September 13, 2011. The first season premiered in the US on May 3, 2011 with the episode "The DVD" and ended March 12, 2012 with the episode "The Fight" almost a year later. The world premiere of the show was on May 11, 2011 on Cartoon Network UK with the episode "The Mystery".

Two episodes, entitled "The Mom" and "The Pizza", were written for this season, but never produced.[3] However, the concept of the former was reused in the show's third season's episode "The Mothers"; and the concept of the latter was reused in the show's second season's episode "The Job" but then, it became an episode of the show's third season with the same name "The Pizza" and the second was later produced (but with some changes) in the show's third season. Two episodes more never produced like the aforementioned, but their plots and titles are still unknown.[3]

Reception

Ratings

The season premiere "The DVD" was watched by 2.120 million viewers in the United States, and received a 0.4 rating in the 18–49 demographic Nielsen household rating.[4] Nielsen ratings are audience measurement systems that determine the audience size and composition of television programming in the United States, which means that the episode was seen by 0.8 percent of all 18- to 49-year-olds at the time of the broadcast. This season had an average of 2.00 million viewers per episode in the United States. The first episode was broadcast on a Tuesday at 8:30 P.M. All episodes from The Responsible to The Club were broadcast Mondays at 7:30 P.M. The remainder of the season, starting with The Wand, was broadcast Tuesdays at 7:30 P.M.

Critical reception

The A.V. Club's Noel Murray graded the DVD release of the series' first 12 episodes a B+, writing that "what sets [The Amazing World of Gumball] apart from the many other super-silly, semi-anarchic cartoons on cable these days is that it features such a well-developed world, where even with the eclectic character designs, there are recognizable traits and tendencies."[5] "Z." of GeekDad gave the first volume DVD a positive review; he praised the season for having "genuine heart even as the plots themselves transition from well-worn TV tropes to all out madness."[6] He panned the lack of extra features on the disc, but said "[the disc] at least gives viewers the opportunity to experience the show's delightful theme song, ... often truncated during television broadcasts".[6]

Tyler Foster of DVD Talk gave the first season a lukewarm review.[7] In reviewing the first DVD volume, he praised the "knockout" visuals but felt the animation was "relatively simple, even when it's going exaggerated for a gag."[7] He was weary of the morals presented in the premiere, and found the comedy throughout the volume "anemic".[7] He criticized the lack of extra features on the disk, saying the single character gallery "was so anemic I can't even give it half a star."[7] DVD Verdict reviewer Paul Pritchard gave the first volume 88 out of 100.[8] He praised the season for its visuals, which he felt complemented the series' "anarchic nature".[8] He stated that while the moral lessons aimed toward family audiences, he stated that, "in something of a twist, such lessons are completely lost on Gumball and his pals—something I personally took great delight in."[8] However, he wrote that the lack of a selection extras was "pretty poor."[8] Mac McEntire of the same website also applauded the season's visuals but stated "laughs are hit or miss", and that the randomness of the humor was "its biggest detriment"; he gave the second volume 75 out of 100.[9] Nancy Basile of About.com favored "The Ghost" out of the third DVD volume; she praised the series as a "smart, fast-paced, hilarious cartoon."[10]

Episodes

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleWritten byStoryboarded byOriginal air date[1]US viewers
(millions)
11"The DVD"Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, and James LamontBen MarsaudMay 3, 2011 (2011-05-03)2.12[11]
Gumball accidentally destroy a late rental DVD of Alligators on a Train and attempt to avoid the consequences, but fail when Mom finds out.
22"The Responsible"Ben Bocquelet, Andrew Brenner, Jon Foster, Mic Graves, and James LamontCeline GobinetMay 9, 2011 (2011-05-09)1.39[12]
Gumball and Darwin attempt to show their responsibility by babysitting Anais while their parents are at a school meeting.
33"The Third"Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, and Sam WardGeorge GendiMay 16, 2011 (2011-05-16)1.96[13]
Gumball and Darwin grow bored of one another and seek out a third friend to make their lives more exciting.
44"The Debt"Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster and James LamontGeorge Gendi, Dave Smith, Philip Warner, and Chuck KleinMay 16, 2011 (2011-05-16)1.96[13]

Believing that his life has been saved by Mr. Robinson, Gumball vows to repay his debt by saving Mr. Robinson's life.

Song: I Wanna Be Free
55"The End"Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster and James LamontBen MarsaudMay 23, 2011 (2011-05-23)1.89[14]
Gumball and Darwin think that the world will end in 24 hours.
66"The Dress"Ben Bocquelet, Mic Graves, and David Cadji-NewbyChris GarbuttMay 23, 2011 (2011-05-23)1.89[14]

When his clothes are accidentally shrunk in the washing machine by his father, Gumball is forced to crossdress by wearing his mother's wedding dress to school. Soon, everyone at his school — especially Darwin — thinks that Gumball in the dress is a beautiful girl.

Song: Fine Lady
77"The Quest"Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster and James LamontAurelie Charbonnier and Chuck KleinMay 30, 2011 (2011-05-30)1.90[15]
Gumball and Darwin help Anais get her beloved doll back after it is lost on the way to school and is taken by Tina Rex, a Tyrannosaurus rex.
88"The Spoon"Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, and Mic GravesBen MarsaudMay 30, 2011 (2011-05-30)1.90[15]
When buying a last-minute gift for their mom, Gumball and Darwin become unwitting accomplices in a stick-up at a gas station.
99"The Pressure"Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, and Sam WardAurelie CharbonnierJune 6, 2011 (2011-06-06)2.18[16]
When Masami claims that Darwin is her boyfriend, Gumball vows to help his friend before he gets kissed.
1010"The Painting"Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, and Mic GravesBen MarsaudJune 13, 2011 (2011-06-13)1.96[17]
Principal Brown assumes that Anais finds her family dysfunctional after seeing a picture drawn by her, so he begins to meddle in their family life.
1111"The Laziest"Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, and Mic GravesGeorge Gendi, Ben Marsaud, and Amandine PécharmanJune 20, 2011 (2011-06-20)
N/A

Gumball and Darwin challenge their father to a laziness competition, with the loser having to do the winner's chores.

Songs: Sugar Rush Song, Please Do It Larry!, We Won!
1212"The Ghost"Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, and Mic GravesGeorge Gendi and Phillip WarnerJune 27, 2011 (2011-06-27)
N/A
When a ghost named Carrie possesses Gumball's body in order to eat, he must learn to say "no" to her.
1313"The Mystery"Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, and Mic GravesGeorge Gendi and Phillip WarnerJuly 11, 2011 (2011-07-11)2.53[18]
When his class finds Principal Brown wrapped up in toilet paper, shaved, and covered in green paint, Gumball decides to try to find the culprit or else face detention.
1414"The Prank"Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, and James LamontGeorge GendiJuly 18, 2011 (2011-07-18)1.91[19]

Gumball and Darwin's pranks on Richard get out of hand.

Songs: I’m a Ballerina, A Music Video
1515"The Gi"Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, and James LamontRob LatimerJuly 25, 2011 (2011-07-25)2.30[20]

Gumball and Darwin are ridiculed for their martial arts costumes by their schoolmates, and their mother tries to convince them to take them off.

Songs: The Inner Warrior, No More Gi
1616"The Kiss"Ben Bocquelet and Mic GravesGeorge Gendi, Kent Osborne, and Darren VandenburgAugust 1, 2011 (2011-08-01)2.18[21]
A kiss from Granny Jojo traumatizes Gumball.
1717"The Party"Ben Bocquelet and Mic GravesAurelie Charbonnier and Rob LatimerAugust 8, 2011 (2011-08-08)1.85[22]
Gumball and his friends are invited to a high-school party hosted by Tobias's sister Rachel, but they must find dates in order to attend.
1818"The Refund"Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, and James LamontBen MarsaudAugust 15, 2011 (2011-08-15)2.10[23]

Gumball and Darwin go to great lengths to get their money back from an incompatible video game, but the rental store's policy prevents them from getting it.

Song: Refund the World
1919"The Robot"Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, and James LamontBen MarsaudAugust 22, 2011 (2011-08-22)2.06[24]
Gumball decides to help Bobert act like a real boy. However, it soon becomes a battle for his very identity when the robot plots to take over his life.
2020"The Picnic"Ben Bocquelet, James Lamont, and Mic GravesAmandine Pécharman and Phillip WarnerAugust 29, 2011 (2011-08-29)1.91[25]
During a school field trip, Gumball and Darwin ignore their teacher's warning to go around a dangerous forest and, instead, traverse through it. Hopelessly lost, they must use what very little survival skills they have to escape.
2121"The Goons"Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, and Mic GravesAurelie CharbonnierSeptember 5, 2011 (2011-09-05)2.72[26]

Anais tries to "dumb down" in order to have fun with her brothers and father. Gumball, feeling left out, sets up a race in order to win his father back.

Song: The Dumb Song
2222"The Secret"Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, and James LamontGeorge GendiSeptember 26, 2011 (2011-09-26)2.05[27]
When Gumball discovers that Darwin is hiding a terrible secret that is about him, he vows to do whatever it takes to find out what it is.
2323"The Sock"Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, and Sam WardChuck Klein and Rob LatimerOctober 3, 2011 (2011-10-03)2.00[28]

Mr. Small teaches Gumball and Darwin various ways of becoming more honest.

Song: The Honesty Rap
2424"The Genius"Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, and Mic GravesJacques Gauthier and Rob LatimerOctober 10, 2011 (2011-10-10)1.80[29]

With Darwin taken to an institute for geniuses, Gumball tries to become smart (with the help from his brain) in order to join him. Meanwhile, Nicole and Richard cope with the possibility of never seeing Darwin again by bringing in Rocky, the school janitor.

Song: You Gotta Think Big
2525"The Poltergeist"Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, Mic Graves, and Sam WardAurelie Charbonnier, Dave Needham, and Tom ParkinsonOctober 17, 2011 (2011-10-17)2.11[30]
Richard believes that the house is haunted when Gumball allows Mr. Robinson to live in the attic without telling him.
2626"The Mustache"Ben Bocquelet and Mic GravesBen MarsaudNovember 21, 2011 (2011-11-21)2.08[31]

Gumball and Darwin develop a strange growth spurt and experience the highs and lows of being adults.

Song: Because We’re Men
2727"The Date"Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, and James LamontBen MarsaudNovember 28, 2011 (2011-11-28)2.20[32]

Gumball learns how to date so he can go out on a date with Penny. It later turns out, however, that he is going to a pet funeral, not a date.

Song: Danny Boy
2828"The Club"Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, and Mic GravesRob Latimer and Ben MarsaudDecember 5, 2011 (2011-12-05)2.18[33]
When Gumball turns down an offer to join the Rejects Club, they seek to enact revenge against him.
2929"The Wand"Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, and Mic GravesGeorge Gendi and Phillip WarnerJanuary 24, 2012 (2012-01-24)1.83[34]
Gumball and Darwin help Richard believe in magic again.
3030"The Ape"Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, and Mic GravesChuck Klein and Rob LatimerJanuary 31, 2012 (2012-01-31)1.79[35]
Miss Simian cozies up to Gumball and his family in order to win an award.
3131"The Car"Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, and Mic GravesBen MarsaudFebruary 7, 2012 (2012-02-07)1.68[36]
Gumball and Darwin are eager enough to do numerous chores at Mr. Robinson's house, until they accidentally destroy his car.
3232"The Curse"Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, and Mic GravesRob Latimer and George GendiFebruary 14, 2012 (2012-02-14)1.91[37]

Gumball's good day turns from bad to worse throughout his school day, much to the point where he believes he is cursed.

Songs: Today’s Gonna Be A Wonderful Day!, When Life Hands You Lemons
3333"The Microwave"Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, and James LamontBen MarsaudFebruary 21, 2012 (2012-02-21)1.85[38]
Gumball takes every gross thing he can find and creates a creature with a cannibalistic appetite.
3434"The Meddler"Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, and James LamontBen MarsaudFebruary 28, 2012 (2012-02-28)1.69[39]
Seeing Gumball in need of attention, Nicole hangs out with him at school, which becomes increasingly embarrassing for her son.
3535"The Helmet"Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, and Tommy PanaysBen MarsaudMarch 6, 2012 (2012-03-06)1.96[40]
The family starts to fall apart after they all think Gumball’s lucky helmet is actually lucky.
3636"The Fight"Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, and Mic GravesMichael Gendi, Jacques Ganthier, and Darren VandenburgMarch 13, 2012 (2012-03-13)2.10[41]
Tina Rex demands to have a fight with Gumball.

DVD releases

Volume 1: The DVD
(Season 1 Volume 1)
Set details Special features
  • 12 episodes
    (Episodes: "The DVD" • "The Third" • "The End" • "The Quest" • "The Laziest" • "The Gi" • "The Refund" • "The Picnic" • "The Mustache" • "The Wand" • "The Curse" • "The Meddler")
  • 1-disc DVD set
  • 1.78:1 aspect ratio
  • Languages:
  • Subtitles:
    • English SDH
  • Character gallery
DVD release dates
Region 1 Region 2 Region 4
August 28, 2012[42]
October 7, 2014 (reissue)
N/A October 9, 2015 (complete season)
(currently unavailable)
Volume 2: The Mystery
(Season 1 Volume 2)
Set details Special features
  • 12 episodes
    (Episodes: "The Responsible" • "The Dress" • "The Spoon" • "The Pressure" • "The Mystery" • "The Sock" • "The Genius" • "The Club" • "The Ape" • "The Car" • "The Microwave" • "The Helmet")
  • 1-disc DVD set
  • 1.78:1 aspect ratio
  • Languages:
  • Subtitles:
    • English SDH
  • Character gallery
DVD release dates
Region 1 Region 2 Region 4
January 15, 2013[43] N/A October 9, 2015 (complete season)
(currently unavailable)
Volume 3: The Party
(Season 1 Volume 3)
Set details Special features
  • 12 episodes
    (Episodes: "The Debt" • "The Painting" • "The Ghost" • "The Prank" • "The Kiss" • "The Party" • "The Robot" • "The Goons" • "The Secret" • "The Poltergeist" • "The Date" • "The Fight")
  • 1-disc DVD set
  • 1.78:1 aspect ratio
  • Languages:
  • Subtitles:
    • English SDH
  • Character gallery
DVD release dates
Region 1 Region 2 Region 4
August 13, 2013[44] N/A October 9, 2015 (complete season)
(currently unavailable)

References

  1. "The Amazing World of Gumball Season 1 episodes". TV Guide. Archived from the original on July 4, 2013. Retrieved July 3, 2013.
  2. Behind the Scenes of Season 2. London: Cartoon Network. July 16, 2012.
  3. https://twitter.com/benbocquelet/status/247455074387886081
  4. "Tuesday's Cable Ratings: TNT Rides NBA Doubleheader". The Futon Critic. May 4, 2011. Retrieved July 3, 2013.
  5. Murray, Noel (August 29, 2012). "The Amazing World Of Gumball: The DVD". A.V. Club. Onion, Inc. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
  6. "Z." (September 2, 2012). "Be Amazed By The Amazing World of Gumball". GeekDad. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
  7. Foster, Tyler (August 28, 2012). "The Amazing World of Gumball: The DVD". DVD Talk. Retrieved January 11, 2014.
  8. Pritchard, Paul (September 9, 2012). "The Amazing World of Gumball: The DVD". DVD Verdict. Retrieved January 11, 2014.
  9. McEntire, Mac (January 18, 2013). "The Amazing World of Gumball: The Mystery". DVD Verdict. Retrieved January 11, 2014.
  10. Basile, Nancy (August 6, 2013). "The Amazing World of Gumball: The Party DVD". About.com. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  11. "Tuesday's Cable Ratings: TNT Rides NBA Doubleheader". The Futon Critic. May 4, 2011. Retrieved July 3, 2013.
  12. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (May 9–15, 2011) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. May 22, 2011.
  13. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (May 16–22, 2011) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. May 28, 2011.
  14. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (May 23–29, 2011) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. June 3, 2011.
  15. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (May 30–June 4, 2011) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. June 9, 2011.
  16. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (June 5–11, 2011) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. June 16, 2011.
  17. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (June 12–19, 2011) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. June 24, 2011.
  18. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (July 11–18, 2011) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. July 25, 2011.
  19. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (July 18–24, 2011) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. June 29, 2011.
  20. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (July 25–31, 2011) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. August 5, 2011.
  21. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (August 1–7, 2011) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. August 12, 2011.
  22. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (August 8–14, 2011) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. August 19, 2011.
  23. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (August 15–21, 2011) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. August 26, 2011.
  24. Pucci, Douglas (August 31, 2011). "Monday, August 22, 2011 Broadcast & Cable Final Ratings". Son of the Bronx. Blogger. Archived from the original on May 25, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  25. Pucci, Douglas (September 5, 2011). "Monday, August 29, 2011 Broadcast & Cable Final Ratings". Son of the Bronx. Blogger. Archived from the original on May 25, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  26. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (September 5–11, 2011) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. September 19, 2011.
  27. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (September 26–October 2, 2011) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. October 7, 2011.
  28. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (October 3–9, 2011) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. October 13, 2011.
  29. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (October 10–16, 2011) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. October 22, 2011.
  30. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (October 17–23, 2011) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. October 28, 2011.
  31. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (November 21–28, 2011) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. December 3, 2011.
  32. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (November 28–December 4, 2011) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. December 9, 2011.
  33. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (December 5–11, 2011) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. December 18, 2011.
  34. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (January 23–29, 2012) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. February 4, 2012.
  35. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (January 30–February 5, 2012) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. February 11, 2012.
  36. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (February 6–12, 2012) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. February 18, 2012.
  37. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (February 13–19, 2012) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. February 23, 2012.
  38. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (February 20–26, 2012) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. March 2, 2012.
  39. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (February 27–March 4, 2012) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. March 9, 2012.
  40. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (March 5–11, 2012) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. March 16, 2012.
  41. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (March 12–19, 2012) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. March 23, 2012.
  42. Lambert, David (May 3, 2012). "The Amazing World of Gumball – DVD Announced for the Cartoon Network Series". TVShowsOnDVD.com. TV Guide. Archived from the original on December 13, 2012. Retrieved June 20, 2013.
  43. Lambert, David (September 26, 2012). "The Amazing World of Gumball—Volume 2: The Mystery DVD Announced for January". TVShowsOnDVD.com. TV Guide. Archived from the original on January 12, 2014. Retrieved October 2, 2013.
  44. Lambert, David (May 15, 2013). "The Amazing World of Gumball—Volume 3: The Party on DVD: Date, Cost, Extras, Artwork". TVShowsOnDVD.com. TV Guide. Archived from the original on October 4, 2013. Retrieved October 2, 2013.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.