When the credits rolled for Disney’s 2010 fairytale Tangled, fans assumed it marked the end of Rapunzel’s story. To the surprise of pretty much everyone, Disney had other plans. Enter Tangled: The Series, a follow-up chronicling the lives of Rapunzel and Eugene (formerly Flynn Rider) as they uncover the mystery behind a devastating curse that threatens their world.
The show first premiered in 2017 on the Disney Channel, and fans have been singing its praises ever since. Season 2 (dubbed Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure) is currently airing, with a third already confirmed and in development. If that doesn’t convince you to give Tangled: The Series a shot, maybe these next five reasons will.
Well-Written and Memorable Characters
The kingdom of Corona is teeming with three-dimensional heroes and villains. That includes both Rapunzel and Eugene, who continue to grow even beyond the original movie. The princess’s sunny, can-do spirit is put to the test multiple times, while Eugene continues to struggle with the ramifications of his criminal past. Surrounding the two leads are a slew of entertaining supporting players.
From Rapunzel’s razor-tongued attendant Cassandra to the controversial fan-favorite Varian, each character has their own voice and goals, while also serving the main plot. Having so many unique personalities under one metaphorical roof leaves tons of room for drama and comedy. The one downside to this? Choosing a favorite.
Alan Menken Is on the Soundtrack
Tangled: The Series‘ tentpole, hour-long specials tend to feature at least two songs by Oscar winner, Alan Menken. To put it plainly, he knocks it out of the park almost every time. Love ballads, “I Want” songs, war anthems, each tune is imbued with catchy melodies and Broadway-level performances that’ll stick with you for days. The various online covers and AMVs of “Ready As I’ll Ever Be” is a testament to that.
That doesn’t even scratch the surface of the orchestral work done by Kevin Kliesch (who, himself, is a Tangled veteran, having scored the 2012 short Tangled: Ever After). The lack of an instrumental soundtrack for Kliesch’s music is perhaps this show’s greatest disappointment.
It’s Gorgeous
From the stylish character designs to the breathtaking backgrounds, Tangled: The Series is visually stunning. With Claire Keane leading the show’s art direction, the look of the series takes inspiration from the wall paintings and murals seen in the original movie. What’s even cooler is how the show occasionally deviates from its own style in favor of something like paper craft or mosaic.
Mercury Filmworks handles the animation, and it seems they only get better with every episode. Laced with nuance and personality, each frame beautifully conveys how the characters feel. With so many great expressions, you can pause at virtually any time and be met with pure gold.
Relatable Morals
Modern cartoons are known for having profound themes littered throughout their episodes. Tangled: The Series is no exception, specifically when it comes to relationships. For anyone looking for a near-perfect example of a healthy, realistic couple, look no further than Rapunzel and Eugene. The show takes the time to focus on the trials and tribulations of having a significant other — trust, honesty, communication, patience, it’s all there.
The heavy-hitting themes don’t stop there. In raising Rapunzel, King Frederic has to learn what constitutes as love versus abuse. Cassandra’s dream to join the Royal Guard forms a perfect allegory for occupational sexism. These subject matters are all done in a way that’s both sophisticated and universal. They may hit close to home for some, but the payoff will often leave you feeling inspired.
Continuity Matters
For anyone who may be worried about their favorite Disney prince and princess being inaccurately portrayed on TV, fear not. The team behind Tangled: The Series not only reference the past but build upon it.
Rapunzel is still dealing with the trauma of living under Mother Gothel, the king and queen are still adjusting to having their daughter back, etc. These threads all play an important role in the main plot of the show. Not only that, what can come across as a “filler episode” or a throwaway gag will often lead to something much bigger down the line. This attention to detail keeps the story unpredictable and exciting.
