Clone High
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Clone High | |
|---|---|
 The main characters of Clone High: Mr. Butlertron, John F. Kennedy, Cleopatra, Abe Lincoln, Joan of Arc, Gandhi, and "Cinnamon" J. Scudworth (reclining.) |
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| Also known as | Clone High U.S.A. |
| Format | Animated Sitcom |
| Created by | Phil Lord Christopher Miller Bill Lawrence |
| Directed by | Ted Collyer Harold Harris |
| Voices of | Will Forte Nicole Sullivan Phil Lord Michael McDonald Christa Miller Christopher Miller |
| Theme music composer | Abandoned Pools |
| Country of origin | United States Canada |
| Language(s) | English |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 13 |
| Production | |
| Executive producer(s) | Phil Lord Christopher Miller Bill Lawrence |
| Producer(s) | Kim Cleary |
| Running time | 30 minutes |
| Production company(s) | MTV Nelvana |
| Broadcast | |
| Original channel | MTV (US) Teletoon (CA) |
| Original run | November 2, 2002 – February 10, 2003 |
| External links | |
| Official website | |
Clone High (occasionally referred to in the U.S. as Clone High U.S.A.) is an animated series that aired for one season (November 2002 – April 2003) on MTV and Teletoon. It has officially been on hiatus since March 17, 2003.[1]
The series had run in its entirety in Canada on Teletoon before premiering in the United States on MTV. The last five episodes were never broadcast in the United States. The Clone High theme song is written by Liam Lynch and performed by alternative rock band Abandoned Pools who also provided much of the series' background music.
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[edit] Synopsis
Clone High is set in a high school that is secretly being run as an elaborate military experiment orchestrated by a government office called the Secret Board of Shadowy Figures. The school is entirely populated by clones of famous historical figures that have been created and raised with the intent of having their various strengths and abilities harnessed by the United States military. The principal of the high school, Cinnamon J. Scudworth, has his own plans for the clones, and secretly tries to undermine the wishes of the Board (Scudworth wants to use the clones to create a clone-themed amusement park, dubbed "Cloney Island", his intentions with the clones being decidedly less evil than those of the Board). He is assisted by his robot/vice principal/dehumidifier Mr. Butlertron (a parody of Mr. Belvedere), who is programmed to call everyone "Wesley" (a reference to one of the main characters in Mr. Belvedere).
The main protagonists of Clone High are the clones of Abraham Lincoln, Joan of Arc, and Mahatma Gandhi. Much of the plot of the show revolves around the attempts of Abe to woo the vain and promiscuous clone of Cleopatra, while being oblivious to the fact that Joan of Arc is attracted to him. Meanwhile, John F. Kennedy's clone (referred to as "JFK"), a macho, narcissistic womanizer, is also attempting to win over Cleopatra and has a long-standing rivalry with Abe.
Many celebrities, including Tom Green, Andy Dick, Mandy Moore, John Stamos, Marilyn Manson, Michael J. Fox and Jack Black make guest appearances on the show (sometimes as themselves). In addition, there are many portrayals of clones of famous historical figures, such as Julius Caesar, Catherine the Great, Genghis Khan, Vincent van Gogh, George Washington Carver, Helen of Troy, Gautama Buddha, Juan Ponce de León (who appears as a cross between himself and Arthur Fonzarelli and is known as "Poncey"), Marie Curie (who is deformed, due to radiation damage to her DNA), and even Jesus Christ (who is portrayed as a Latino named Jesús Cristo always shown in shop class doing carpentry).
Much of the humor in the show comes from the large contrast between the personality of the clones and the actual values and legacy of the historical figures they are descended from. For instance, Gandhi is portrayed as a hyperactive jerk-with-a-heart-of-gold whose biggest dream is to be accepted by those around him, in contrast to his historical legacy of calm nonviolence. Abe Lincoln is similarly portrayed as weak and indecisive, completely lacking the resolve of the President whose DNA he shares. All of the clones are also given mis-matched foster parents who have little in common with them. Gandhi's parents are a stereotypical Jewish-American couple, while JFK is raised by a gay interracial couple; Joan's "foster grandpa" is an elderly blind musician similar to Ray Charles named Toots, who fills the stereotypical wise old man role (and the magical negro role) found in most teen shows, and who begins many of his declarative sentences with the words, "Now, I may be blind, but I can see..." followed by a wise-sounding observation that has little-to-nothing to do with anything.
The show also includes humor based on the historical figures themselves. For example, the diner the clones frequent is called The Grassy Knoll, a nod to the JFK assassination conspiracy theory about a second shooter, dubbed "The Man on the Grassy Knoll". Other references seen are the flag at The Grassy Knoll being permanently at half mast and the car on the roof of the diner containing the original JFK's body leaning over the edge. There are pictures of assassinations hanging on the walls of the restaurant, such as the famous Currier and Ives print of the Lincoln assassination (though this version is in color and considerably more graphic than the original print). The genetic ancestors of all of the main five clones died of similarly irregular causes: three assassinations, one execution, and one suicide. Other historical figure-based humor includes offhand coincidental remarks to other students, such as Abe mentioning that the clone of Napoleon is so annoying because of "some kind of complex", or Gandhi telling a rude Catherine the Great to "get off her high horse".
The show is also a parody of "issue" episodes of high-school themed comedies; in fact, almost every episode opens with a voice-over parodying the "very special episodes" of TV shows. Episodes center on various social issues, including Gandhi being shunned by his school for having ADD (because of misinformation about the disorder), parodying shows which tackle AIDS awareness (it even included a special guest celebrity who tries to educate the students). Other episodes tackle drugs (smoking raisins), the environment, and underage drinking in a similarly ridiculous fashion. In a clear sign that it is parodying the high school genre, it even ends at prom: a stereotypical "high school show" ending. Even the prom is a joke however, as we learn it is only the Winter Prom.
There was a running gag that creators Phil Lord and Christopher Miller wanted to include in the show "where Clone High – being an exaggeration of typical high schools in teen dramas – would have many proms throughout the year".[citation needed] Planned proms included "an Early Winter Prom, a Late Winter/Early Spring Prom, a Mid-Semester Prom, a Post-Prom Clean Up Prom, etc".[citation needed] The only surviving references to this joke are the Homecoming Prom in episode 6, "Homecoming: A Shot in D'Arc", and the winter prom in episode 13, "Changes: The Big Prom: The Sex Romp: The Season Finale".[2] Another reference to the gag was deleted from episode 8, "A Room of One's Clone: Pie of the Storm".[2]
The season, and as of 2003, series finale is a cliffhanger episode, with Abraham almost having sex with Cleopatra, realizing he likes Joan, and ending with the entire cast, aside from Principal Scudworth and Mr.Butlertron, deep-frozen in a freezer where Joan decided to have sex with JFK.
[edit] Characters
- Abe Lincoln: A naïve yet nice guy, forever wrestling with the legacy of his clonefather, Abraham Lincoln. Voice by Will Forte.
- Joan of Arc: A cynical, regretful, and angst-ridden goth clone of Joan of Arc with a crush on her best friend, Abe. Although she does not seem to be an obvious goth, she called herself one during a confession to Jesús Cristo in the third episode. Voice by Nicole Sullivan.
- Gandhi: Buckling under the pressure of being a clone of Mahatma Gandhi, he has become a non-stop party machine instead. Voice by Michael McDonald. His portrayal as a party animal enraged many in India, including prominent members of India's parliament.[3]
- Cleopatra: A sharp, sultry, seductive, cruel and manipulative clone of Cleopatra VII of Egypt. Voice by Christa Miller.
- JFK: A pretty boy, sex-obsessed captain of the football team and soccer team who believes he is doing a good job of living up to John F. Kennedy, whom he believes to have been "A macho, womanizing stud who conquered the MOON!" Voice by Christopher Miller.
- Principal Cinnamon J. Scudworth, Ph.D.: A deluded, self-aggrandizing megalomaniac who always wears rubber dish-gloves and has an annual psychological breakdown after which he attempts to kill John Stamos. Voice by Phil Lord.
- Mr. Butlertron: A robot who is programmed with a highly sensitive compassion protocol (a parody of Mr. Belvedere). Also known as Mr. B. He calls everyone "Wesley", a reference to the youngest son on Mr. Belvedere, Wesley Owens. Voice by Christopher Miller.
- Mr. Sheepman: A kindly history teacher at Clone High, and the first mostly human clone with a little sheep DNA mixed into his genetic composition (a parody of Dolly the Sheep). His mannerisms are a parody of Don Knotts. Voice by Andy Dick.
- Secret Board of Shadowy Figures: A secretive government organization who employs Principal Scudworth and is sponsored by Puma.
[edit] Other characters
Other characters in the series that have appeared include Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Eleanor Roosevelt, Marie Curie, Vincent van Gogh, Julius Caesar, George Washington Carver, Catherine the Great, Helen of Troy, Genghis Khan, Jesús Cristo (Jesus Christ), Ponce (Juan Ponce de León), Thomas Edison, Sigmund Freud, Napoleon Bonaparte, Paul Revere, Buddy Holly, Martin Luther King, Jr. and others.
[edit] Episodes
Clone High premiered on November 2, 2002, after that eight new episodes were shown one week after the next (Season 1, Part 1), then after a one month break, the remaining four were aired (Season 1, Part 2).
| # | Title | Writer | Original Airdate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Escape to Beer Mountain: A Rope of Sand" | Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Bill Lawrence | Saturday 2 November 2002 |
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In desperation to get with the beautiful and popular Cleopatra, Abe Lincoln is hoping to make a move on her at JFK's party. JFK though, who also has the hots for her, will only let him come on the condition that he brings the beer, but how will he get it? Meanwhile, Joan of Arc who's trying to win Abe's heart, starts up a Teen Hotline in an attempt to impress him, so Ghandi, who accidentally agrees to help with the hotline forwards the calls to his cell phone so he can go to the party. All the while, Principal Scudworth and robot Mr. Butlertron attempt to crash the party so as to better understand the students. Notable Guest Stars: Michael J. Fox as Gandhi's remaining kidney, Andy Dick as Van Gogh, Donald Faison as George Washington Carver. |
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| 2 | "Episode Two: Election Blu-Galoo" | Phil Lord, Christopher Miller | Sunday 3 November 2002 |
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Cleopatra discovers she can't run for Student Body President because of term limits, so she convinces JFK to run on her behalf, and when Abe sees that Cleo has a thing for leaders, he decides to run as well. But students of Clone High don't care about real issues, and many are infatuated with JFK, and so Abe employs a corporate sponsor, "X-Stream Blu," to jazz up his campaign. The only problem is that Ghandi becomes horribly addicted to this mysterious food product. Notable Guest Stars: Marilyn Manson as himself. |
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| 3 | "A.D.D.: The Last 'D' is for Disorder" | Tom Martin | Monday 10 November 2002 |
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When Gandhi is diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (A.D.D.), the students of Clone High begin to ostracize him. Abe must decide whether to do the same or stand up for his "best dude 4 ever" and lose any chance of being with Cleo. Meanwhile, Joan believes she's living up to her clone mother, after hearing the prophecies of God. Also, Principal Scudworth starts wearing Mr. Butlertron's sweater vest, in the belief that it gives him the power to relate to the students of Clone High. Notable Guest Stars: Zach Braff as Paul Revere, Donald Faison as Toots, Tom Green as himself. |
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| 4 | "Film Fest: Tears of a Clone" | Erica Rivinoja | Sunday 17 November 2002 |
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After Abe decides to run a Clone High Film Festival, he pours his heart into a movie about a football-playing giraffe, Cleopatra stars in an autobiographical film about how difficult it is to be as perfect as her, Joan directs an avant-garde film which declares her love for Abe, and Gandhi and George Washington Carver hope to make a hilarious mixed-race action comedy, Black and Tan. Meanwhile, Principal Scudworth starts to panic when his bosses invite themselves to his for dinner, but thankfully Mr. Butlertron is there to save the day again. Notable Guest Stars: Donald Faison as George Washington Carver. |
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| 5 | "Sleep of Faith: La Rue D'Awakening" | Murray Miller, Judah Miller | Sunday 24 November 2002 |
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The PXJTs are right around the corner, but Abe Lincoln is losing sleep running errands for his beloved Cleopatra. But when Joan keeps trying to warn Abe about his sleep deprivation, a secret of hers is uncovered. Also, Gandhi, overwhelmed by the pressure of studying, decides not take the test and become a trucker instead. And Mr. Butlertron and an old foe battle it out for the last time. Notable Guest Stars: John C. McGinley as Doug Prepcourse. |
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| 6 | "Homecoming: A Shot in D'Arc" | Eric Kentoff | Sunday 1 December 2002 |
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Since the basketball team doesn't allow girls or animals to play, Joan of Arc decides to cleverly disguise herself as "John D'Ark," becoming the star player. Cleopatra then falls for the new player, making team-captain Abe jealous. But she's not the only one falling for John, as JFK find himself having confusing feelings for him. Meanwhile, Gandhi steals the mascot of Clone High's rival school, Genetically Engineered Superhuman High. Notable Guest Stars: Chris Berman as himself, Dan Patrick as himself, Neil Flynn as Julius Caesar. |
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| 7 | "Plane Crazy: Gate Expectations" | Tom Martin | Sunday 8 December 2002 |
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Abe and Cleopatra's new relationship is threatened when she is picked to be on a Canadian Spring Break Dance show, hosted by Ashley Angel from O-Town. Meanwhile, Gandhi becomes an international rap sensation with the help of JFK as his manager. Also, Principal Scudworth is constantly being tricked by a pesky skunk. Notable Guest Stars: Ashley Angel as himself, Neil Flynn as Buddy Holly. |
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| 8 | "A Room of One's Clone: The Pie of the Storm" | Phil Lord, Christopher Miller | Sunday 15 December 2002 |
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After her house burns down, Joan has no choice but to move in with Cleopatra, and conflict ensues, so Abe attends a Conflict Mediation Seminar to learn how to more effectively resolve disputes between the two. Gandhi and JFK find themselves in an argument. Meanwhile, Mr. Butlertron becomes jealous when Principal Scudworth forms a relationship with a robotic toy dog. Notable Guest Stars: Donald Faison as Martin Luther King Jr. and Toots, Neil Flynn as Moses. |
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| 9 | "Raisin the Stakes: A Rock Opera in Three Acts" | Adam Pava | Sunday 12 January 2003 |
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After an anti-drugs assembly at the school, a rumour goes around that you can get high on raisins, leading them to embark on a magical, musical journey of irresponsibility. Sober Joan of Arc is trying to keep Abe from turning into a drugged-out hippie, while Principal Scudworth and the PTA build a giant wall in an attempt to fence the students in. Also, Gandhi goes on a magical adventure where he encounters a hummingbird-unicorn-donkey creature, a two-headed Olsen Twins monster, a talking Italian pencil, and a stereotypically Australian dragon, on his quest to rescue a princess. Notable Guest Stars: Jack Black as Larry Hardcore/the Pusher. |
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| 10 | "Litter Kills: Literally" | Murray Miller, Judah Miller | Sunday 19 January 2003 |
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Main character, and JFK's long time best friend, Ponce de León dies, causing JFK to sink into a spiral of depression. This causes tension between the love triangle of JFK and couple Cleo and Abe. Meanwhile, Ghandi is thrown in jail. Notable Guest Stars: Luke Perry as Ponce, Neil Flynn as Glenn the Janitor and Julius Caesar. |
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| 11 | "Snowflake Day: A Very Special Holiday Episode" | Erica Rivinoja | Sunday 26 January 2003 |
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It's the politically correct Snowflake Day season, and everyone is in the holiday spirit… except Joan of Arc, who is against the commercialism of the made-up holiday. But a homeless urchin who may be an angel or the pop sensation Mandy Moore, teaches Joan an imporant mesage. Meanwhile, Abe and Ghandi attempt to invent and sell an interesting invention, so Abe will have money to buy Cleopatra a great Snowflake Day present. Notable Guest Stars: Mandy Moore as herself. |
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| 12 | "Makeover, Makeover, Makeover: The Makeover Episode" | Eric Kentoff | Monday 3 February 2003 |
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With prom not too far away, Abe wants to ask his girlfriend, Cleopatra, but just cannot stop thinking about Joan of Arc. Meanwhile, Ghandi goes on a desperate search for a date. So, Abe and Cleo each have a go at making over Joan, JFK gives Ghandi a makeover, and Mr. B gives Scudworth a makeover to help him execute a secret, sinister evil plan that involves winning the prom king election. Notable Guest Stars: None. |
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| 13 | "Changes: You got a Prom with That?" | Phil Lord, Christopher Miller | Monday 10 February 2003 |
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As all the clones are preparing for the winter prom, Abe Lincoln decides whether to ask Cleopatra or Joan of Arc, Ghandi decides whether to find a date or go stag, and Principal Scudworth attempts to execute his sinister, evil plan, while the Evil Board of Shadowy Figures attempts to take away the clones for their own sinister plan. Notable Guest Stars: John Stamos as himself, Tommy Walter as himself. |
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[edit] Controversy
An ad in Maxim Magazine depicting Mahatma Gandhi in a negative manner initially sparked controversy, which led to a greater awareness of the show in India[citation needed] and sparking an outrage in that country.[4] On January 30, 2003, the 55th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's assassination, approximately 150 protesters (including members of parliament) gathered in New Delhi and vowed to fast in response to Clone High.[5] MTV offered a quick apology, stating that "Clone High was created and intended for an American audience," and, "We recognize and respect that various cultures may view this programming differently, and we regret any offense taken by the content in the show."[3]
[edit] DVD release
| DVD Cover | Title | Release date | Episodes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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"Season 1" | September 20, 2005 | 13 | |
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The DVD was released in Canada by Nelvana with the help of Teletoon. The DVD contains the complete first season, including the 2 episodes which did not originally air in the United States. Warner Home Video holds the rights to distributing the series on DVD if it is ever released in the US. |
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[edit] References
- ^ "Clone High on hiatus! No school for Scudworth!". CloneHighUSA.com. 2003-03-17. http://www.clonehighusa.com/news/ARTICLES/Article_HTMLs/article_8_hiatus.htm.
- ^ a b Pava, Adam. "Episode Six: 'Homecoming: A Shot in the D'Arc' Notes". CloneHighUSA.com. http://www.clonehighusa.com/backstage/episode_notes/episode_six.html.
- ^ a b Grossberg, Josh (2003-01-31). "MTV Apologizes for Gandhi Goofing". E! Online. http://www.eonline.com/news/article/index.jsp?uuid=c520a80c-f8ba-4e92-9355-cbbf7c15647a.
- ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHlhFghZ1gM
- ^ Sharma, Ashok (2003-01-31). "MTV's Gandhi 'insult' outrages Indian MPs". The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/india/story/0,12559,885845,00.html.
[edit] External links
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Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: Clone High |
- Official website
- Clone High at the Internet Movie Database
- Clone High at TV.com
- DVD press release
- UWO Gazette article about Clone High
- Flak Magazine: Clone High
