I do not write reviews.... Why? Well, partly because I have a busy life, but mainly, despite being as much of a self-opinionated and self-obsessed show-off as the next man/woman, I don't have the motivation... However.....This month I finally caught up with both series of Galavant (led to it by Youtube clips); and have been inspired by this breath of fresh air in the stale and predictable current television world (plus the unsurprising discovery that,another, newly discovered jewel has been axed by the suits) to tap the keyboard - thanks to the sheer pleasure that comes from stumbling across a well-made tale with great characterisation, a cracking ensemble cast, a script dripping with subversive comedy, darkness, fun and LOL silliness, filled to the brim with self-aware, joyful exuberance.. (*Meanwhile the unimaginative disgrace of game shows, mindless angst-fest soaps, "talent" and "reality" dross trundles on unabated). The script, like the best of television, requires "settling into" - as different ideas, tropes, wit, character types, topsy-turvy contradictions, puns, jokes, silliness, "poor" taste and cruelty all combine in a Pythonesque/Family Guy/Blackadder/Music Hall/Knight's Tale/Horrible Histories melange that you have to keep up with to get the most of.. But my goodness it's worth it (again, like the best TV). I am not myself the greatest fan of musicals, but the varied mix of parody, subversive wit, dark and even (yes, I said it) sweet musical numbers had me hooked from the start (British viewers; imagine Blackadder - with songs. And a heart..). Some of the numbers are serious ear worms, with well-thought out, apt lyrics - and knock spots off the offerings from many Broadway & West End "hits"..The cast are superb in the actual casting, characterisation and performance; from the "stars" to the most minor of minors, and their own enthusiasm and love for the show comes across in spades.. It "feels" like a happy show - and is a true ensemble piece; made up of, to me, mainly "new faces" which added to the freshness (naming names is invidious in a production like this, but sometimes cannot be avoided - Timothy Omundson, Mallory Jansen and Darren Evans were particular "discoveries" for me). The generally well-chosen, mainly British, "guest stars" do not jar, for once (apart from maybe Rutger Hauer, who seemed to be "coasting" a bit: but then, he is getting on, bless 'im.. And one-trick Gervaise, doing his usual shtick) and enter the fun with gusto (Matt Lucas is a particular joy, as is Robert Lyndsay). The productions values in terms of costumes (to die for. Seriously..), locations and sets are magnificent (I admit it. I'm biased. I'm a British medievalist who also loves fantasy) and there is a real feeling of care and quality throughout.. Other reviews give you the plot & outline, so I won't... This is a message just to say If you like fun, light-hearted and good-hearted, cleverly witty, subversive, self-aware and occasionally dark comedy (with historical, topical and movie/cultural allusions & "in jokes", plus the breaking of the 4th wall thrown in), clever, apt and well crafted lyrics and ear-worm tunes, the twisting of tropes and plots (that mean you need to pay attention a tad, but no bad thing), glitz, high production values and the pleasure of revelling in the sheer joy of good, enthused performance then this is the show for you... If not, well, there's plenty of mindless drivel or joyless angst to stare at....One more series would, perhaps, have been enough (one can have too much, even of a good thing) but the ratings for this show apparently killed it (which says so much about TV audiences and suit-led TV companies - unless it was just scheduling incompetence, which wouldn't be the first time) and talk of a third series has apparently finally fizzled out as Joshua Sasse/Galavant* has moved on to other projects..(* Thought: the Galavant/Isabella story had been pretty much wrapped up anyway.. But a Blake-less "Blake's 7" ran and ran... Anyone for "The Galavant Seven" for one last series to wrap up the other loose ends..?? ;) ) However, I predict that this show WILL become one of those "why did they cancel it" cults - and thus a blot on the history of ABC, rather than one of the jewels in its crown it deserves to be........Galavant was one of the freshest items to appear on the TV comedy menu in recent years. So far it does not look like there are no plans to release it on DVD. Catch it while you can.....P.S. Oh, and can somebody please do something about the philistine, unimaginative (expletive deleted) at ABC who thinks idents for other programmes popping up on screen mid show are, in any world, a good idea.... You know it makes sense...

This is like Mel Brooks, Monty Python, Men in Tights, and Alan Menken combined. Fantastic. Timothy Omundson is GREAT. The story lines are funny, quirky, and well-delivered. I enjoy how they make fun of themselves, like when the first song of the second season is making fun of the theme from the first season as an ear-worm. Or when the first song of the second season is a.k.a. "Suck it, Cancellation Bear." The character arcs are well done. Timothy Omundson is perfect for King Arthur, as well as Vinnie Jones as Gareth. Who knew they could all sing so well? The cameos of certain actors just adds to the stories, especially Hugh Bonneville and Weird Al. I like how they brought in some relatively lesser known actors. From the casual musical fan to the serious, this one is for you!

While billed as a comedic music series, at its core, Galavant (Season 1 & Season 2) has a compelling story which drives the show. Of course, with music being a key part of the series, it's a good thing the musical numbers are spot on hilarious. The story and the music are written in such a way that little ones won't get the adult references (and there are many) but they'll laugh and hum along. Whereas adults can laugh out loud at the innuendo and double entendres sprinkled throughout the series like sugar as wells as some flat out blanket statements that will go over the heads of little ones like a 747.A musical is only as good as the vocals are strong. And the vocals in Galavant are unexpectedly well-done. Joshua Sasse (Galavant), Timothy Omundson (King Richard), Mallory Jansen (Queen Madalena), Karen David (Princess Isabella) and Luke Youngblood (Sid) are all quite talented. Perhaps we'll see more of them in not-quite-so-silly musicals considering the current trend of producing live musicals for television.Of course, not every actor has golden pipes. In fact, the gravelly voice of Gareth, played by former footballer Vinnie Jones, isn't quite as ear-appealing as his co-stars but he gives it his all which makes it worth having a listen. The list of guest stars, some of whom have brief cameos while others have decidedly longer roles, is impressive. And the way they embraced the utter madness of the story and the songs reminds us that actors like to let their hair down and just be silly.Galavant was so screwball in Season 1 not even the cast or crew thought they'd get a Season 2 which is why the series closes with a grandiose song contemplating the fate of characters if there is no Season 2. So when Season 2 did make its way to the small screen, there was a hilarious opening song called 'A New Season'... and then the madness started anew. And damn if the main refrain of the series doesn't get stuck in your head for hours!

How can I give a show more than 10 stars?! Because this show deserves it! I'm a HUGE fan of musicals and naturally wanted to give this show a try, my husband(much to my surprise) decided to watch with her and I'm so glad he did. We reference this show ALL the time, we love singing the songs and have turned quite a few friends and family on to the show. We were both excited when they announced it would be renewed for a second season and said to each other "I don't know if they'll be able to top Season One" and I can't tell you how wrong we were! Season Two gave us incredible songs(our favorite is the recap remix!!) and A DRAGON(we super love you Tad Cooper). We were both incredibly disappointed when it was announced that the show was cancelled after Season Two...I actually cried!! We are praying that another network picks it up because this world needs more than just two seasons. I've never seen a better put together cast(or more dedicated, I'm looking at you Karen David!) or a show with catchier songs. We look forward to watching again(and again) in the years to come, especially if and when we have kids!! I'm hoping for a Third Season(please feel free to re-prise any tune;)!!