Goodnight, Sweet Childhood Memories. May You Rest Well

Nov. 8th, 2009.  


At 7PM Central Standard Time, we as a generation of children grown up on television lost something dear to us in what I believe was the best way possible.  For those of you that watched Cartoon Network in the late 90s and early 2000s, you may remember a block of cartoons show mostly on Friday known as Cartoon Cartoons.  Some of these included Dexter's Laboratory, Johnny Bravo, Cow & Chicken, Ed Edd n Eddy, and several more.  Overall there were about 15 shows considered "Cartoon Cartoons."  Many people who watched said shows remember them for various reasons including in show jokes and character impressions.  I would say that to be growing up and watching this show, it seemed like a golden age for Cartoon Network.

Now for why the date is important.  On Nov 8th, Cartoon Network (now going simply as CN), held a two day marathon of Ed Edd n Eddy leading up to the full length movie known as "Ed Edd n Eddy's Big Picture Show".  The movie revolves around the memorable cast of the cul-de sac chasing down the Eds after one of their many scams goes horribly awry.  Without giving too much away the movie does good on bringing back everything you loved about Ed Edd n Eddy all in about 90mins.  The one thing about the movie is that it references so many past episodes that you can't help but say to your friends while you're watching, "Is that Ed dressed as Lothgar from the Boo Haw Haw episode?"  It's truly worth the watch, so if you can find a download of it online, I suggest getting together several Ed fans and enjoying.


Back to the main point, the movie pretty much ended the series that is Ed Edd n Eddy.  With the Eds finally being put to rest, the realization that Cartoon Cartoons are over with hit me shortly after.  Between the various shows getting cancelled or ending with a final season and/or movie, the final nail had been hammered in.  To me the movie was like that of watching the last cast of Toonami.  Seeing Tom shutting everything down and giving one final speech before jetting off to bigger and brighter things.  



Knowing that something in my childhood that had lasted this long had finally ended was relieving in a way.  I was a bit sad that years from now kids might ask, "What's Dexter's Lab?"  or "Courage the Cowardly Dog is dumb."  But with one chapter closing another opens.  Cartoon Network does have some good shows on air now and if they can keep these going maybe I won't have to wince when someone mentions Total Drama Island anymore.


What I'm trying to say is, well, here's to you Cartoon Cartoons.  I'll never forget you.  Here's to all the good times.  Stay Gold.


Til next time,
                 Michael