On, perhaps, the most fitting date, the popular streaming service Netflix released \u201cThe Midnight Gospel\u201d on April 20, 2020. Comprised of eight episodes, the adult animated series follows Clancy Gilroy, an interdimensional adventurer. Through a malfunctioning multiverse simulator, he charts the cosmos in search of interviews for his \u201cspacecast.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Portrayed by comedian and co-creator Duncan Trussell (known for his podcast, \u201cThe Duncan Trussell Family Hour,\u201d) Gilroy often finds himself engaged in delightfully abstract and intimate discussion with some truly intriguing characters, varying from a fishbowl-head mage that dutifully presides over a feline-operated vessel or death herself. Conversation tackles the profound, ranging from drugs to death, and above all, spirituality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
All the while, the worlds around him are caught within a variety of chaotic scenarios, including an ensuing zombie apocalypse and a full-blown, \u201cGroundhog Day\u201d-esque prison riot. Always, at the very last second before sheer bedlam consumes the dying planet, Gilroy blows his magical horn and returns to the safety of his trailer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Notably, each episode of \u201cThe Midnight Gospel\u201d corresponds to a legitimate interview conducted by Trussell on \u201cThe Duncan Trussell Family Hour<\/a>.” For instance, the previously mentioned mage is actually voiced by Damien Echols, a member of the well-known West Memphis Three. Likewise, Death is voiced by mortician, activist and popular YouTuber Caitlin Doughty<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe Midnight Gospel\u201d features memorable and thought-provoking insight from an array of sources, including authors like Annie Lamott<\/a> and wellness experts like Raghu Markus, Trudy Goodman<\/a> and the esteemed guru Ram Dass<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Trussel has brought his comedic capabilities to other programs as well. These include the late-night sketch comedy show \u201cStupid Face\u201d and \u201cGalaxy Cabin,\u201d where \u201ca mountain man and a galactic space commander have adventures.\u201d Trussel was also featured in Comedy Central\u2019s hit series \u201cDrunk History,\u201d and is noted to have toured with comedian and \u201cFear Factor\u201d host Joe Rogan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Keeping in tune with the overall freewheeling vibe, \u201cThe Midnight Gospel\u201d enjoys poking fun at itself. At times, guests refer to Trussell instead of Gilroy and even later in the series, the fourth wall is broken in a truly light-hearted manner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Audiences may also recognize the distinctly simplistic and colorful animation of co-creator Pendleton Ward. He is the mind behind the Emmy-winning television show \u201cAdventure Time,\u201d as well as the web series \u201cBravest Warriors.\u201d Interestingly, the animation style attests to the unbridled imagination of \u201cThe Midnight Gospel.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n The show is chock-full of gorgeously trippy scenery, allusions to the arcane and other whimsical elements that never fail to enchant the viewer\u2019s eye with their awe-inspiring charm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Another compelling aspect of \u201cThe Midnight Gospel\u201d is its soundtrack. It boasts an interesting compilation of music, extending from jovial bluegrass to transcendent electronic and notably a guttural cover of \u201cThe Hearse Song.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Critics have praised \u201cThe Midnight Gospel.\u201d David Bloom of Forbes dubbed it \u201cthe trippy existential series of our time\u201d<\/a> and the series even remarkably achieved a 90% on Rotten Tomatoes<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n