Ask JKM a Question: The Real Ghostbusters (1986 - 1991)?

A reader, Charles, writes:

“I would like to get your insight on something very near and dear to my heart: The Real Ghostbusters.

I am now 32 years-old, but I have come to realize how much this cartoon influenced my future perceptions and “tastes” in entertainment.

For example, the concept of “continuity” (a central theme most comic books I read) can be traced the RGB episode “Janine You’ve Changed,” which as it turns out was written by the show’s original writer J. Michael Staczynski, who is now a major comic book author.

But on to the more important purpose of this email: I am now a new father (twins). I still love going back and watching these classic episodes, but now I’ve noticed something that never bothered me before.

Is this show—specifically the first three seasons plus the aforementioned “Janine You’ve Changed” —really appropriate for children? It is an odd thing to ask, since I was a child when I watched them and I turned out fine (at least I hope so). But what is the likelihood an animated show like this one would ever make on children’s television today? And, to that extent, what was the likelihood RGB should have even been targeted towards children back when it originally aired?

Although I could comment forever about any number of RGB episodes, I have tried to narrow-down four specific examples. Still, I would love to hear any comments you have about a particular episode(s). I have two primary reasons behind my new-found concerns, with two episodes highlighting each.

1.       “Knock, Knock” and “The Grundel”. I mention these episodes for one very simple reason: They are scary. I know so, because, as a child, the scared me. Gave me nightmares.

And, if we are all being honest here, they may still do so every now and then. “Knock Knock” was one of the earliest episodes in the series (maybe even the pilot but I am not sure). But it played on many of the frightening themes and imagery that the show would later explore in more depth. And the fact that this would have been one of the very first episodes produced is yet another example of just how astonishing it seems that the series was allowed to succeed in the first place. 

“The Grundel,” however, was the point in which I believe the series reached its “horror apex”. I found/find so much about this episode frightening —and not just the idea of an evil monster that waits outside your window at night in order to steal children (an idea which has a much older history in folklore as I know you are aware).

Look at the design of the main villain (a giant black trench coat...really?!?!). The pacing of the episode is tight; every frame matters. Even the background music stands out. With all of the visuals in this episode, the scene that really stands out to me might surprise you. It is when Egon is mulling through his library late at night, and a voiceover is used to repeat the conversation he had earlier that day with a young boy. The music in the background is ominous. Suddenly, while flipping through some pages, he reaches an excerpt on a Grundel and realizes just what it was the boy was afraid of. In that moment, as a viewer, I feel almost as startled as Egon.

2.       “Chicken, He Clucked” and “Ragnorock and Roll.” These episodes play into some slightly deeper (yet not as alarming) concerns I noticed, which is not to say that there is anything particularly wrong about them. Only that I am simply unsure if children can fully appreciate them.

“Way above their heads”so-to-speak. I remember enjoying these episodes as a child, however entertaining they might have been at the time, but doubt I could ever fully understand what they were talking about.

On one level, “Chicken He Clucked plays out as just another Faustian tale—something that is not unusual in children’s fiction. But it also presents two rather unique perspectives which, as far as I know, have not been reflected elsewhere.

First, it addresses a rather surprisingly odd hypothetical. What if a person wants to sale their soul in exchange for something trivial, perhaps even illogical? Something so ridiculous, even the devil doesn’t understand.

Next, the episode turns the traditional “Devil vs. Daniel Webster” conflict on its head. In typical Faustian fashion, it is the seller who tries to find some way out of his/her deal with the devil. Instead, this time around, it’s the devil (or a devil) who wants out and the seller who demands that the contract be honored. 

“Ragnorock and Roll”, on the other hand, is the episode which, looking back, was probably the shining achievement of the entire series (IMO). As a child, this episode didn’t have any greater significance beyond the scary face in the sky. But, looking back, it delves into so many far-reaching concepts (i.e., what it means to be human, ect.). Chief among them are Suffering and Loss. More importantly, how we respond to these events, and just how far we are willing to go in order to act out on those feelings.

I know I have talked rather exhaustively at this point, so I am just going to end my short discussion of “Ragnorock and Roll,” and invite any comments you might have (in addition to anything else).

Andrew: First of all, congratulations on twins!  That’s a lot of work, but also, I’m certain, a lot of joy.

Secondly, I loved reading your analysis of The Real Ghostbusters, and perhaps even more importantly, I can strongly register your passion for the series.

I love the series as well.  When my son, Joel, was four, I purchased the first season on DVD for him, and he has loved it ever since.  We’ve watched the episodes together many times, and I can’t honestly say that he has never been terribly frightened by them, even though the episodes concern the Sandman, the Boogeyman, Doomsday and other monsters. 

Joel’s favorite episode is “When Halloween was Forever,” the one that stars a villain called Samhain, who threatens to trap the world in an eternal Halloween (and eternal night). We must have watched that episode together ten or eleven times.  We’ve also recreated the episode with toys and play-sets and action-figures.  It seems like, for him, it is a seminal influence.

We have also watched "Knock Knock" (the Doomsday episode) several times, and I share your assessment of it as quite effective in its scariness.  The episode is downright creepy.

I believe that the reason both a seven year old and a 44-year old can enjoy the same cartoon series is that the writers -- JMS included – took special pains to fill the series with literary and cinematic/TV tributes and allusions. 

One story recreates Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, for instance, another features a visit to a space station where the crew seems awfully familiar (like the crew of the starship Enterprise…). 

Seeing these references is not necessary to enjoy the stories, which are funny and well-told, but they add something for adults to hold-onto when the going might otherwise be tough.

I am quite happy to say that some modern TV series that I’ve also watched with Joel – from Pokemon to Ben 10 -- attempt the same brand of entertainment, making allusions to other franchises while still telling stories that kids enjoy.  Ben 10, in particular, is great in this regard (favorite episode: “The Con of Wrath,” if that tells you anything…).   And I just watched an episode of Pokemon: Indigo League with Joel that was a remake, essentially, of Yojimbo (1961)

JMS is a clever and cerebral writer, so I suspect that when he took the helm at The Real Ghostbusters he understood that the movie was seen and beloved not only by children, but by teenagers too.  He gambled that, to some extent, the same demographic was going to tune in for the Saturday morning cartoon.  Accordingly, he could play a little loosely with the concept of it as a kid’s show.  I can’t say for sure, but certainly that’s an assumption that makes sense.

I have watched mainly the first season episodes, but I also remember watching the series in my teenage years and feeling that The Real Ghostbusters created a universe not subordinate to what we saw in theaters in 1984, but rather parallel with it. 

I still feel that way.  The series doesn’t feel like kiddie-Ghostbusters, it feels like a TV take on Ghostbusters that just happens to be animated.  The stories are involving, and each has a “horror” hook that if not always terrifying, is certainly compelling.

I am considerably older than you (twelve or thirteen years…) so the TV series that scared me as a kid are a little different.  I remember being thrilled, excited and anxious every time those hissing Sleestak appeared on Land of the Lost (1974 – 1977).  Space: 1999 was very much the same thing.  Episodes such as “Force of Life” and “Dragon’s Domain” stimulated my imagination and scared the Hell out of me and as I’ve said before…I kind of think that can be a good thing for kids. 

Good horror stories reinforce the idea for children that life is valuable, and that furthermore, things aren’t always happy or perfect.  Horror programs also reinforce the idea that you can survive, even though bad things happen. 

I have never been one to believe that kids shouldn’t see TV shows or films that have a horror aspect, but I do believe the parent is responsible for judging appropriateness, and better be certain that the child is ready for what he or she is about to see.

I don’t know that I’ve answered your question or responded with enough specificity about The Real Ghostbusters but having watched the first season in recent years I can affirm that it is a well-written, intelligent and funny series and one that appeals to adults as well as kids. 

When the twins are ready, definitely share your love of the show with them.  And if I may be so bold, go onto E-Bay and buy them some of the toys too.  Holding some of the “ghost” figures in your hand, and playing the “monster” makes the ghouls seem less scary, and more like characters/personalities, from my experience.