rhoda zaborsky apologist blog

I've loved animation my whole life. I often wish more shows like Hey Arnold and Daria existed for the rising generation of kids - and that there were more stories out there that explored what it felt like to be a weird kid at the turn of the millennium. On these fronts, I have a really good feeling about Radio Pirates, the pilot for new series Pensacola, which is searching for backers on Kickstarter until August 16.

Back Radio Pirates on KIckstarter

Pensacola is all about tween best friends Rocky and Margo. Per the Kickstarter page: "They are grappling with the onset of puberty, and like many their age can be dramatic, passionate and unwittingly bear the brunt of undiagnosed ADHD. They live in the non-existent Pensacola, Indiana, in proximity to long stretches of widespread industrial and agricultural plants covering such riveting exports as corn and automotive parts. Aside from the occasional strip mall and poorly maintained public park, these girls don't have that much to do. It’s fine, though. They know how to make their own fun."

In Radio Pirates, Margo hears a song she loves on the radio, but can't remember a thing about it - not even how it goes. The friends set off to try and find the song for themselves, searching through old attics, hip music stores and even the internet ... managing to piss off everyone they meet in the process.

Reading over Insta posts from the series creator liquidcultureshock on the DNA of the series, I feel unbelievably excited. The influences are absolutely peak (Stand By Me! Ed, Edd n Eddy! Y2K Disney! Laverne and Shirley!). More than that, the creative team are so thoughtful and deliberate in how they explore Y2K tweenhood, making something which can be enjoyed by adults and kids alike.

The Kickstarter is live until August 16. I've already pledged - I hope you will too. I really, really want to see Radio Pirates - and the rest of Pensacola Season 1, too.