The 2016 reboot of The Tick, starring Peter Serafinowicz in the titular role, is now streaming on Netflix. The series, which originally aired on Prime Video, garnered critical praise for its smart writing and unique take on the superhero genre.
Developed by franchise creator Ben Edlund, the 2016 series shifted the narrative focus from the nigh-invulnerable Tick to his anxious, non-superpowered accountant sidekick, Arthur. This creative decision provided a fresh perspective, delving deeper into Arthur's origin story and his quest to prove that the supervillain known as the Terror is still alive. Arthur, clad in a moth-inspired flying suit, acts as the brains to the Tick's brawn, offering a dynamic that allowed the series to explore character vulnerabilities while maintaining the Tick's signature simplistic, hilarious persona.
Unlike earlier episodic iterations, the 2016 series adopted a serialized approach, typical of modern streaming shows designed for binge-watching. The first season explored Arthur's search for the Terror, his family dynamics, and his initial reluctance to embrace his destiny as a hero. The second season saw the duo join a superhero agency called A.E.G.I.S., where Arthur grappled with insecurities alongside other powered individuals.
Serafinowicz's portrayal of the Tick has been lauded, with comparisons drawn to Adam West's Batman. His performance is described as big, loud, and endearingly stupid, offering a distinct take on the character while honoring previous interpretations by Townsend Coleman and Patrick Warburton. The series, though only running for two seasons, is remembered for its thoughtful, weird, and hilarious take on the superhero parody.
Despite its short run, the series' two seasons are now accessible to a new audience on Netflix. The show's approach to the Tick's lack of a known origin story was a recurring theme, which fans speculate could have been explored further, though some believe revealing it might have detracted from the character's inherent mystery.