What are the top lacrosse equipment brands. How to choose the right lacrosse gear for your position. Which lacrosse cleats offer the best performance. What features should you look for in a lacrosse helmet. How do different lacrosse head designs affect play.
The Evolution of Lacrosse Protective Gear: Cascade XRS Pro Helmet
The Cascade XRS Pro lacrosse helmet represents a significant advancement in player safety and comfort. This cutting-edge helmet offers expanded coverage areas, enhancing overall protection for athletes on the field. The designers have prioritized both safety and performance, incorporating features that improve visibility and provide a more customized fit for each player.
Key features of the Cascade XRS Pro include:
- Extended coverage areas for increased protection
- Enhanced comfort through improved interior padding
- Wider field of vision to maintain situational awareness
- Personalized fit options to accommodate various head shapes
With a price point of $329.99, the Cascade XRS Pro represents a premium option for serious players looking to invest in top-tier protective equipment. The helmet’s advanced design reflects the ongoing efforts of manufacturers to address safety concerns in the sport while maintaining the high level of performance required by competitive players.
Nike’s Dominance in Lacrosse Footwear: Alpha Huarache 8 Series
Nike has established itself as a major player in the lacrosse footwear market with its Alpha Huarache 8 series. This line of cleats caters to players of various skill levels and positions, offering options that balance comfort, stability, and flexibility on the field.
Alpha Huarache 8 Elite: Premium Performance
The Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Elite is designed for dedicated players who demand the best from their equipment. Priced between $110.97 and $129.99, these cleats offer:
- Superior comfort for extended play
- Enhanced stability to support quick directional changes
- Flexible design to accommodate natural foot movement
Alpha Huarache 8 Varsity: Entry-Level Excellence
For newer players or those on a budget, the Alpha Huarache 8 Varsity provides a more accessible option without sacrificing quality. Priced between $76.97 and $89.99, these cleats feature:
- Lightweight mesh upper for reduced distractions
- Flexible TPU plate for improved comfort and quicker break-in
- Durable design suitable for extensive field use
The Alpha Huarache 8 series demonstrates Nike’s commitment to providing high-quality lacrosse footwear across different price points, ensuring that players of all levels can benefit from their innovative designs.
Innovative Lacrosse Heads: Maverik Tactik 3.0 and STX Stallion 1K
Lacrosse head design plays a crucial role in a player’s performance, with different models catering to specific playing styles and positions. Two standout options in the current market are the Maverik Tactik 3.0 and the STX Stallion 1K.
Maverik Tactik 3.0: Precision and Control
The Maverik Tactik 3.0, priced at $99.99, is engineered for players who prioritize ball control and accurate passing. Key features include:
- ControlCore Technology for enhanced ball control
- 20 stringing holes for customizable pocket options
- Level 3 Bottom Rail optimized for mid-pocket placement
- Duratough Material for increased durability
- Ground Control Scoop for improved ground ball pickup
STX Stallion 1K: Versatility for Midfielders
The STX Stallion 1K, also priced at $99.99, is designed to meet the diverse needs of elite midfielders. Its features include:
- EnduraForm material for improved toughness
- Speed Scoop design for easier ground ball control
- Balanced design suitable for various playing styles
Both heads exemplify the ongoing innovation in lacrosse equipment, offering players specialized tools to enhance their on-field performance.
The Role of Shaft Materials in Lacrosse Performance
The choice of shaft material can significantly impact a player’s performance, affecting factors such as weight, durability, and feel. Two popular options in the current market are the Maverik A1 Shaft and the STX SC-TI X.
Maverik A1 Shaft: Lightweight Scandium Alloy
Priced at $99.99, the Maverik A1 shaft offers:
- Scandium alloy construction for reduced weight
- Thinner wall thickness for improved handling
- Enhanced speed and maneuverability
STX SC-TI X: Titanium-Infused Strength
The STX SC-TI X, priced at $109.99, provides:
- One of the best strength-to-weight ratios in the sport
- Titanium-infused material for durability
- Lightweight feel preferred by attackmen and midfielders
These shafts demonstrate how material science is being applied to create lacrosse equipment that offers optimal performance characteristics for different playing styles and positions.
Carbon Fiber Revolution: Maverik Hypercore and Warrior Evo QX2 Carbon
Carbon fiber has emerged as a popular material for lacrosse shafts, offering an excellent balance of strength, weight, and feel. Two notable carbon fiber options are the Maverik Hypercore and the Warrior Evo QX2 Carbon.
Maverik Hypercore 2024: Affordable Performance
Priced at $99.99, the Maverik Hypercore 2024 offers:
- Carbon Composite construction for lightweight performance
- Balanced price point for high-level play
- Suitable for both midfield and attack positions
Warrior Evo QX2 Carbon: Premium Carbon Technology
The Warrior Evo QX2 Carbon, priced at $149.99, provides:
- Advanced carbon fiber construction
- Superior strength-to-weight ratio
- Enhanced feel and responsiveness
These carbon fiber shafts represent the cutting edge of lacrosse equipment technology, offering players the benefits of advanced materials to elevate their game.
Specialized Lacrosse Heads for Different Playing Styles
Lacrosse head design continues to evolve, with manufacturers creating specialized options to cater to different playing styles and on-field roles. The Maverik Optik 3 and the Maverik Kinetik 3 exemplify this trend towards position-specific equipment.
Maverik Optik 3: Precision for Attackmen
Priced at $99.99, the Maverik Optik 3 is designed for players who prioritize ball control and quick maneuvers around the crease. Features include:
- Increased offset for improved ball retention
- Dual-strut sidewall for enhanced stability
- Optimized face shape for quick catches and releases
Maverik Kinetik 3: Versatility for All Positions
Also priced at $99.99, the Maverik Kinetik 3 offers a more versatile design suitable for various playing styles. Key attributes include:
- Adaptable design for multiple positions
- Improved ground ball capabilities
- Optimized for accurate passing and shooting
These specialized heads demonstrate how equipment manufacturers are catering to the nuanced needs of players in different roles, allowing for greater customization and on-field performance.
The Importance of Proper Footwear: Turf Shoes and Cleats
Selecting the right footwear is crucial for lacrosse players, as it affects traction, stability, and overall performance. The choice between turf shoes and cleats depends on the playing surface and personal preference. The Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Pro Turf shoe exemplifies the specialized footwear available for different playing conditions.
Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Pro Turf: Versatility for Various Surfaces
The Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Pro Turf shoe is designed to provide optimal performance on artificial turf and indoor surfaces. Key features include:
- Specialized traction pattern for artificial surfaces
- Comfort and support for quick movements
- Durability to withstand the rigors of box lacrosse
When choosing between turf shoes and cleats, players should consider:
- The primary playing surface (natural grass, artificial turf, or indoor)
- League regulations regarding footwear
- Personal comfort and playing style
- The need for versatility across different surfaces
Proper footwear selection can significantly impact a player’s performance, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing on-field capabilities.
Customization and Personalization in Lacrosse Equipment
The trend towards customization and personalization in lacrosse equipment has become increasingly prominent, allowing players to tailor their gear to their specific preferences and playing styles. This customization extends to various aspects of equipment, from stick stringing to color choices.
Custom Stringing Options
Many manufacturers and retailers offer custom stringing services, allowing players to optimize their stick’s pocket for their specific playing style. Factors to consider in custom stringing include:
- Pocket depth and placement
- String material and tension
- Shooting string configuration
Color Customization
Personal expression through equipment color has become a popular trend in lacrosse. Players can often customize:
- Head colors
- Shaft designs
- Stringing colors
- Glove and pad color schemes
This level of customization allows players to create unique equipment setups that reflect their personality while potentially providing psychological benefits on the field.
The Impact of Customization on Performance
While customization often has an aesthetic component, it can also significantly impact performance. Custom stringing, for example, can affect:
- Ball retention
- Release point and accuracy
- Overall feel and control
Players should consider how customization options can be leveraged to enhance their specific playing style and on-field effectiveness.
The Future of Lacrosse Equipment: Emerging Technologies and Trends
As lacrosse continues to grow in popularity, equipment manufacturers are investing in research and development to create innovative products that enhance player performance and safety. Several emerging technologies and trends are shaping the future of lacrosse equipment.
Advanced Materials
The use of advanced materials in lacrosse equipment is expected to continue, with potential developments including:
- Nano-engineered composites for lighter, stronger shafts
- Impact-absorbing foams for improved protective gear
- Self-healing materials for increased equipment longevity
Smart Equipment
The integration of technology into lacrosse equipment is likely to increase, potentially offering:
- Sensors in sticks to measure shot speed and accuracy
- Smart helmets with impact detection and concussion monitoring
- Performance-tracking wearables designed specifically for lacrosse
Sustainability Initiatives
As environmental concerns become more prominent, lacrosse equipment manufacturers may focus on:
- Eco-friendly materials and production processes
- Equipment recycling programs
- Carbon-neutral manufacturing practices
Personalized Equipment Fitting
Advancements in 3D scanning and printing technologies could lead to:
- Custom-fitted helmets for improved safety and comfort
- Personalized shaft grips based on player hand scans
- Tailored cleats designed for individual foot shapes and playing styles
These emerging technologies and trends have the potential to revolutionize lacrosse equipment, offering players unprecedented levels of performance, safety, and personalization. As the sport continues to evolve, equipment innovations are likely to play a crucial role in shaping the future of lacrosse at all levels of play.
Lacrosse Equipment, Apparel, and Lacrosse Highlights
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Cascade XRS Pro Custom Lacrosse Helmet
Cascade
The Cascade XRS Pro lacrosse helmet offers new protective features that extend coverage, enhance comfort, increase vision and offer a more personalized fit.
191422
$329.99
Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Elite
Nike
The Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Elite lacrosse cleat provides comfort, stability and flex for the field. The Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Elite is designed for the player that’s on the field every day, putting in the work
165754
$110.97
–
$129.99
New Balance Freeze LX 4.
0-White
New Balance
New Balance Freeze 4.0 Lacrosse Cleats
172265
$114.99
Maverik Tactik 3.0
Maverik
The newly updated Maverik Tactik 3.0 men’s lacrosse head is built to control the offensive zone, and is always a threat to score or feed. Our Pro’s think this head is designed for the mid-range shooter and precision passer. The new Tactik 3.0 has been updated with ControlCore Technology, providing superior ball control when possessing, feeding and shooting. This head features 20 stringing holes, so the custom pocket options are endless. Want custom stringing colors? Check out our customizers, and our Premier Custom Stringing. Level 3 Bottom Rail: Mid-Pocket recommended Optimal Release Point Duratough Materail Ground Control Scoop Control Core Made in the USA
175499
$99.99
ECD Ion
East Coast Dyes
ECD Ion Lacrosse Head
179009
$119.99
STX Stallion 1k SummerAde
STX
The LIMITED EDITION SummerAde STX Stallion 1K men’s lacrosse head is designed for the elite, all-around midfielder.
191820
$99.99
Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Varsity
Nike
The Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Varsity was made for the demands of the game. The brand-new mesh in the upper is super lightweight and minimizes distractions, perfect for the beginner player. The flexible TPU plate is comfortable enough for all the miles you put in on the field. Our Pro’s love the shorter break in period the cleats have coming from the flexible TPU plate.
165877
$76.97
–
$89.99
For Men
Maverik Tactik 3.0
Maverik
The newly updated Maverik Tactik 3.0 men’s lacrosse head is built to control the offensive zone, and is always a threat to score or feed. Our Pro’s think this head is designed for the mid-range shooter and precision passer. The new Tactik 3.0 has been updated with ControlCore Technology, providing superior ball control when possessing, feeding and shooting.
This head features 20 stringing holes, so the custom pocket options are endless. Want custom stringing colors? Check out our customizers, and our Premier Custom Stringing. Level 3 Bottom Rail: Mid-Pocket recommended Optimal Release Point Duratough Materail Ground Control Scoop Control Core Made in the USA
175499
$99.99
Maverik A1 Shaft
Maverik
The new Maverik A1 men’s lacrosse shaft is lighter, faster and stronger than its predecessor. The A1 is made with Scandium alloy, and has a thinner wall thickness for an unbelievable lightweight feel.
61071
$99.99
STX Stallion 1k
STX
The STX Stallion 1K mens lacrosse head is designed for the elite, all-around midfielder. This lacrosse head uses EnduraForm – a proprietary material for improved toughness and combined with a Speed Scoop which makes for the easiest ground balls in the game
181839
$99.99
STX SC-TI X
STX
The STX Sc-Ti X lacrosse shaft has one of the best strength to weight ratio’s in the game.
This shaft is primarily coveted by attackmen and midfielders that want the lightest feeling shaft on the market.
120822
$109.99
Maverik Optik 3
Maverik
The Maverik Optik 3.0 Lacrosse Head for the driving dodger, feeding visionary or illusive finisher, the Optik 3 combines features best suited for those quickest around the crease. An increased offset, dual-strut sidewall and optimal face shape strike a perfect balance to catch, carry and control with brilliance.
165622
$99.99
Maverik Hypercore 2024
Maverik
The Maverik Hypercore lacrosse shaft for midfield and attack is a welcome addition to the Maverik Carbon shaft family. Made from Carbon Composite, this lightweight shaft provides ultimate performance at the right price point.
177535
$99.99
Warrior Evo QX2-O
Warrior
Warrior Evo QX2-O Lacrosse Head
175145
$129.99
Maverik Hyperlite Shaft 2024
Maverik
The Maverik Hyperlite lacrosse shaft sets the standard for collegiate and high school level play that is light as a feather and it can stand up to the punishment of big boy play
177524
$149. 99
Maverik Kinetik 3
Maverik
Maverik Kinetik 3 – Designed for every style of play – Get this men’s lacrosse head professionally strung with custom colors, ready to eat up groundballs, and throwing on a dime at Lax.com!
192240
$99.99
Warrior Evo QX2 Carbon Shaft
Warrior
Warrior Evo QX2 Carbon Shaft
175163
$149.99
Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Pro Turf
Nike
The Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Pro Turf Shoe is the perfect turf shoe whether you’re playing in the box or just hitting the turf. The Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Pro Turf was specifically designed for comfort, stability and flexibility on the field. Skins and TPU molding on the upper create a stable feel, while active pegs retract and extend so you have traction when and where you need it most.
165954
$68.97
–
$79.99
Maverik M5 EKG Speed Pad
Maverik
The Maveirk M5 EKG Speed Pad provides high-level protection with Maverik’s External Kardiac Guard (EKG).
This shoulder pad liner meets the new NOCSAE performance standard ND200.
148292
$124.99
Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Elite
Nike
The Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Elite lacrosse cleat provides comfort, stability and flex for the field. The Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Elite is designed for the player that’s on the field every day, putting in the work
165754
$110.97
–
$129.99
STX Cell 5 Arm Guard
STX
The STX Cell V arm guards are a step up from their predecessor the Cell IV. These pads will be worn by the elite collegiate attackmen and middies in the nation for hinge free padding and the non slip arm sleeve. STX also added a floating, hard plastic elbow cap which provides added low-profile slash protection.
149302
$109.99
$84.99
Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Varsity
Nike
The Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Varsity was made for the demands of the game. The brand-new mesh in the upper is super lightweight and minimizes distractions, perfect for the beginner player.
The flexible TPU plate is comfortable enough for all the miles you put in on the field. Our Pro’s love the shorter break in period the cleats have coming from the flexible TPU plate.
165877
$76.97
–
$89.99
STX Surgeon RZR Gloves
STX
The STX Surgeon RZR lacrosse gloves are one of the lightest, high-end gloves available on the market without suffering protection. They also offer one of the best palms in the game.
120852
$179.99
Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Pro
Nike
The Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Pro lacrosse cleat provides comfort, stability and flex for the field. This lacrosse cleat was made for the demands of the game.
165665
$85.97
–
$99.99
Maverik M5 Glove
Maverik
The Maverik M5 mens lacrosse glove has the classic fit, that was redesigned for unrestricted movement and precision feel. You will find instant comfort right off the shelf. Our Pro’s find that Maverik gloves have a roomy fit and also affords players some extra space on the back of the hand.
148270
$139.99
Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Youth
Nike
Passion. Energy. Focus. They’re all represented in the Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Elite Youth Lacrosse cleat. With a mindful upper that uses synthetic material to bring the comfort you’ve come to know and love, expressive colorways and maximum flexibility in the plate, this cleat is primed to be an on-field favorite. Our Pro’s love the different colorways these cleats are available in, while the flexible bottom plate allows for an easy break in process.
165843
$54.99
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For Women
STX Crux Pro with Flex Mesh Complete Stick
STX
Lax.com Exclusive! STX Crux Pro Women’s Lacrosse Complete Stick With All New Flex Mesh – Strung By The Pro’s At Lax.com – It’s time to dominate the field!
167773
$219.99
–
$299.99
STX Crux Pro Handle
STX
The Crux Pro handle is a step up from its predecsseor the STX Crux 600 Precision Flex.
The lightweight, low-profile composite lacrosse shaft has targeted strength in high-impact zones.
149224
$119.99
$99.99
Maverik Ascent + Complete Stick
Maverik
The Maverik Ascent + women’s complete lacrosse stick is tenacious in unsettled situations. Our Pro’s love the new soft touch grip finish on this stick and the consistent channel which puts the ball in the sweet spot every time for a quick release.
166285
$249.99
Brine Dynasty Composite Shaft
Brine
Classic octagonal shape• Comfort-grip finish for all weather conditions
165057
$59.99
$49.99
STX Exult Pro Crux Mesh 2.0 Complete Stick
STX
The STX Exult Pro Elite women’s complete stick is used by World Champion Michele Tumolo, and other Division I college players. The Crux Pro has been upgraded for the ultimate in control, precision and accuracy for elite level attackers.
180206
$274.99
Maverik Ascent + Shaft
Maverik
Light and strong.
The ASCENT+ women’s lacrosse shaft is the go-to shaft for the elite player.
166332
$98.99
ECD Infinity Pro USA 2023 Handle
East Coast Dyes
ECD Infinity Pro USA 2023 women’s lacrosse handle can upgrade your game!
192614
$114.99
Brine Edge Pro Plus Complete Stick
Brine
Brine Edge Pro + Women’s Lacrosse Stick
175252
$269.99
Brine Edge Pro Carbon Freeze Handle
Warrior
Grab this Limited Edition shaft while you can! The Edge Carbon women’s lacrosse handle features a mid-size octagon shape and a soft coat finish.
177779
$119.99
STX Focus TI-S+ Goggle
STX
The STX Focus TI-S+ women’s lacrosse goggle has a new double bar design which enhances comfort and offers extra visibility. This goggle meets ASTM standards for women’s lacrosse.
167700
$99.99
Gait Air Head Strung
Gait
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lax.com/complete-lacrosse-guide-sizing.html#filter=.women”>
<img alt=”Need Help? Complete Lacrosse Guide And Sizing Chart” src=”https://www.lax.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-lax-products/default/dwa38cbf20/cc-images/Untitled-4_0000_Complete-Lacrosse-Guide-And-Sizing-Charts.png” title=”Need Help? Complete Lacrosse Guide And Sizing Chart” /></a></div>
122920
$219.99
STX Focus XV-S Goggle
STX
2Low profile double bar cage design for superior visibility2Form-fitting silicone padding is easy to clean and does not absorb sweat or moisture, minimizing potential breakouts2Meets ASTM F3077 requirements for women’s lacrosse2SEI certified
149217
$79.99
Maverik Ascent + Head Unstrung
Maverik
The ASCENT + women’s lacrosse head is for a player who is not afraid to make an impact on the field. Have it strung up by our Pro’s!
166329
$129.99
Brine Dynasty 2 Goggles
Brine
Get an unobstructed view with the Brine® Women’s Dynasty II Lacrosse Goggles.
120373
$54.99
$44.99
Epoch Purpose 10 Degree Strung w. Factory Tie Up Pro Mesh
Epoch
The Epoch Purpose™ 10-Degree women’s lacrosse head strung with Factory Tie Up Pro Mesh is engineered down to the smallest detail and has been proven at the highest level. Designed, and manufactured right here in the USA, the Purpose™ features Epoch’s patent pending 10-degree bottom rail.
168081
$129.99
Cascade LX Lacrosse Headgear
Cascade
All new women’s lacrosse helmets have been mandated in Florida and we expect many other states to follow shortly. The Cascade LX Women’s Lacrosse Helmet is a holistic girl’s headgear solution with an integrated goggle that meets the new ASTM standard for goggles and headgear. This women’s lacrosse helmet was specifically designed for the girls lacrosse game by Cascade. This women’s lacrosse helmet offers a customizable fit system, and has a lightweight, ventilated design that makes it easy to increase the level of protected on the field.
To learn more about women’s lacrosse helmets and headgear read our blog post.At the moment there are only the basic color patterns available from Cascade for these girl’s helmets. We expect them to have the ability to be customized at a point in the future when they can catch up with demand.
66960
$159.99
ECD Infinity Pro USA 2023 Handle
East Coast Dyes
ECD Infinity Pro USA 2023 women’s lacrosse handle can upgrade your game!
192614
$114.99
Brine Edge Pro Carbon Freeze Handle
Warrior
Grab this Limited Edition shaft while you can! The Edge Carbon women’s lacrosse handle features a mid-size octagon shape and a soft coat finish.
177779
$119.99
PreviousNext
Choosing The Right Lacrosse Arm Protection And Sizing Guide
Lacrosse Glove Sizing Chart and Guide
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The Midnight Gospel Gets Canceled at Netflix After One Season
By
Caroline Miller
Comedian and podcast host Duncan Trussell, who co-created the series, announced that Clancy’s adventures are over.
Netflix
After over two years since its release, fans of Netflix’s original animated series The Midnight Gospel finally have an answer.
Duncan Trussell, the show’s co-creator, confirmed on his Twitter account last Friday that the show had been canceled. The tweet in question can be viewed below.
For fans of the series, it is a sad day. But for those of us that are out of the loop, here’s a rundown of The Midnight Gospel and what it’s about. Released on April 20th in 2020, the show followed Clancy as he traveled from universe to universe to find guest speakers for his “space-cast”. The first episode involved Clancy landing in a world not too unlike our own during a zombie apocalypse. The second episode followed Clancy landing on a “Clown World”, where dog like creatures are ground into meat. The third episode followed Clancy as he was on a boat manned by a crew of cats, led by a fish-headed being.
What made The Midnight Gospel so unique is that the show is an adaptation of sorts of Trussell’s podcast, The Duncan Trussell Family Hour. Clancy’s interviews with space captains, dog monsters, and soul birds are pulled directly from discussions with writers, teachers, doctors, and experts of all kinds.
Topics that are covered between host and guest are about spirituality, confronting death, meditation and everything in between. The show is held together through Clancy’s arc throughout the season. Trussell, who is host on the show, plays Clancy as he is living in hiding with his stolen devices and traveling his own internal journey. Trippy designs, a dreamlike soundtrack, and such heavy discussions combine together to create a show that you can’t look away from.
Related: Netflix to Focus on Quality Over Quantity with New Movie Mandate
The Midnight Gospel from Netflix
The Midnight Gospel was kickstarted by Pendleton Ward, who is best known for creating the landmark Cartoon Network show, Adventure Time. While Ward was still working on the show, he came across Trussell’s podcast and was immediately sucked in. Ward reached out to Trussell and the two became good friends. After stepping down from Adventure Time, Ward’s attention shifted to adapting the podcast.
The show itself was produced by Titmouse Inc., Oatmeal Maiden, and Netflix Animation.
Upon its release, the show was praised by critics and audiences alike. Viewers were either enchanted by the deep spiritual discussions, laughing at the comedy, or in awe of the bright visuals. Critics highly recommended the show, but cautiously, due to the fact that the show’s humor and style would fit a pretty niche audience. But find that audience it did, and many were hooked.
Sadly, it seems like The Midnight Gospel was another victim of Netflix’s recent cutting back on original animated content. While Trussell did not specify the specific reason for the streaming service cancelling the show, it’s probably not a coincidence that the announcement should come so soon after Netflix’s canceling of project after project in their animation department. This is especially a shame due to season one’s cliffhanger ending, but then again, maybe such an ending is befitting of Clancy. If you’re curious on how season one wraps up, you’ll have to watch the show for yourself.
Who knows, it might give you a few things to think about.
Related Topics
- TV News
- Streaming
- netflix
- Pendleton Ward
About The Author
Caroline is a longtime admirer of film, music and the arts. She’s been giving movie opinions online (warranted or not) for over a decade, and putting those thoughts to Movieweb since early 2021.
review of The Midnight Gospel – animated series from the author of “Adventure Time” – Movies and series on DTF
A touching reflection on the topic of death with violence and jokes about vomiting.
7206
views
Clancy Gilroy is a half-naked kid who lives in a bizarre world that resembles either a Mobius strip or an endless freeway.
Day by day, with the help of his supercomputer capable of simulating the universe, he travels to other planets and records podcasts with their inhabitants.
Almost all episodes of The Midnight Gospel follow the same structure: Clancy ventures into an unknown and necessarily crazy world, and then has long and detailed conversations with someone, while things happen on the screen that are practically unrelated to the topic of conversation. Actually, the whole series is such a collection of clips for podcasts.
“Clips” here is by no means a disparaging characterization. They are inventive in their madness and funny, although they are loosely related to what the characters are talking about. Sometimes images from the dialogue take shape on the screen, sometimes you yourself see the connection where it might not have been.
Pendleton Ward has already demonstrated his incredible imagination in both Adventure Time and Bravest Wars, but in this animated series, not constrained by age ratings, he gave free rein to his imagination.
In addition to the “standard” for the animator insane images (like unicorns vomiting ice cream), inventive and funny violence was added, as well as bolder jokes about the genitals.
Concepts have become bolder. A planet where little clowns make minced meat out of horned dogs, a world where the souls of “spent” virtual avatars languish in prison and are forced to experience the same bloody escape over and over again – this is a small part of the ideas that The Midnight Gospel is able to offer.
The humor here is mostly visual, so if you don’t enjoy the black buffoonery and asses flashing on the screen, then you won’t find a good comedy in The Midnight Gospel. Fortunately, the verbal side of the series does not lose the visual side, let it not make you laugh so much.
Clancy’s interlocutors are completely extraordinary personalities. In the first episode, he interviews the president, who is fighting off the invasion of zombies, in the second – with the horned dog mentioned above, in the third – with the captain of the ship with an aquarium instead of a head.
Despite the eccentricity of the podcast guests and the incredible events that happen to them, the discussions themselves are calm and natural. The characters joke around, digress from the original topic, and generally act like they’re actually recording a podcast. The thing is, every episode of The Midnight Gospel is actually an episode of a podcast, recorded by comedian Duncan Trussell with an invited guest.
For example, in the first episode, the President disguises producer and Dr. Drew Pinsky, an addictive medicine specialist who questioned the dangers of Covid-19 in early 2020.. The captain with an aquarium on his head is voiced by Damian Echols, one of the West Memphis Three, who in 1993 was accused of murdering children and sentenced to death, but was released after 18 years in prison.
Such different interlocutors suggest different topics for conversation. Trussell discusses with his guests drugs, motherhood, funeral rites and ceremonies, meditation and other spiritual practices.
But one common theme of acceptance of death runs through all the dialogues, which reaches its climax in the majestic, poignantly sad and very personal final episode.
In general, The Midnight Gospel characterization “personal” is great. However, this, contrary to the first impression, is not a show by Pendolton Ward, but by Duncan Trussell, because it is he who shares his experiences, discoveries and pain with the viewer to a greater extent.
In this respect, the series resembles “Dr. Katz” or the Brandon Small show, but unlike them, The Midnight Gospel does not draw a clear line between the hero on the screen and the person who voices him. It is not for nothing that sometimes Clancy’s interlocutors, forgetting, call him Duncan; not without reason in one of the episodes a real recording room flickers for a second.
Trussell himself said that for the series he chose those interview fragments that were a revelation for him personally, after which he “was transported to a completely different dimension.
” Would it be interesting to listen to all these conversations in isolation from the visuals? Most likely – Trussell is an excellent conversationalist.
However, the animation, although it does not directly illustrate what was said, perfectly complements it and is designed to take the viewer to this very other dimension. Images change and flow into each other as if guided by words, giving a completely different experience than what you would get just listening to a podcast.
Simple things said with the support of such visualization suddenly take on a new meaning. And even if you fundamentally disagree with Clancy’s guests to the point of clouding your eyes, you will still involuntarily think about their position. You just have to let the slow conversation carry you away.
The series does not require the viewer, in the words of the characters, to pull out the “anal plug from the ass of the mind”, but introduces into a kind of hypnotic state. Because The Midnight Gospel is a dream, a trip and a cozy delirium of a man who came down with a fever.
Pendleton Ward and Duncan Trussell did not create a new Adventure Time, but they did something more important. Both for himself and for the viewer.
Review of “Midnight Revelations” – a crazy and endlessly personal series from the creator of Adventure Time
Horned dogs tear apart newborn clowns, and then turn into minced meat, from which children sculpt little men against the backdrop of a conversation about the humiliating execution of Jesus Christ. No, this is not delirium. This is a scene (far from the most extravagant) from the animated series The Midnight Gospel, the only show of its kind that is equally capable of causing rejection and irrevocably falling in love with yourself. Or do both.
Clancy’s pink boy, wearing a pink Gandalf-style hat and a hot pink towel instead of pants, lives alone in a world resembling an endless ribbon. He borrowed money from his sister to buy a multiverse simulator – illegal, by the way. Having acquired a supercomputer, Clancy travels the worlds, buried up to his shoulders in a device in which it is difficult not to find similarities with female genitalia.
Clancy’s worlds open up amazing: somewhere bubbles die of sadness, somewhere cats become a valuable currency, somewhere an angel and a demon desperately kiss in an elevator controlled by a gray-bearded emperor. He travels for a reason – he leads a podcast in which he chats with the inhabitants of different worlds. Initially, he has only one subscriber, but Clancy does not stop working and is obviously looking for interlocutors not only for popularity.
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“Midnight revelations” by Pendleton Ward (he gave us “Adventure Time”) and Duncan Trussell from the first series make one wonder at the specifics of the format. The main thing you need to know about the show before you watch it is that it is based on Trussell’s real-life podcast, in which the writer talks with guests about their life philosophy and meditation practices.
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Let us emphasize that the series is not just based on a podcast.
He is a podcast. Against the backdrop of the insane, heart-rendingly bright visuals, there are real dialogues about the vision of the world and one’s place in it, about loneliness, about trying to hear oneself and others, and other difficult topics.
At first glance, the show is completely disconnected: the visuals seem to be unaware of what the characters are talking about. The charismatic president shoots zombies while discussing the legalization of drugs. A lady knight from the dark ages talks about the importance of forgiveness during a battle with a toothy monster that lives in the anus of a local prince. It would seem, what is the connection here? But over time – somewhere in the third series for sure – the viewer begins to distinguish harmony in what is happening. Words and pictures in “Midnight Revelations” may repeat and complement each other or come into conflict, but their connection becomes clearer from episode to episode. And it is not so important that at this moment on the screen there is a bloody mess or a unicorn vomiting ice cream.
Entering the series is not easy. If the whole first episode asks the question: “What am I watching?”, then in the second one there is a feeling of discomfort almost at the physical level. The colors are too bright, the action is too unpredictable, the topic of the conversation is too incomprehensible or vice versa – close and painful. But the further the plot unfolds, the more it will begin to “cling”. And at the end of the show, directly, without unnecessary metaphors and allegories, he will announce why he was filmed.
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The theme of death runs like a red thread through the whole story. Once she even becomes Duncan’s companion, sorry, Clancy. Each time the computer shows the hero less and less worlds. Crossed out with a red cross, they disappear, creating an oppressive anticipation of the imminent end of everything that surrounds the hero.
