ACROSS THE TOONIVERSE

Many TV characters have counterparts in other TV dimensions; this was established in shows like 'Sliders' and 'Star Trek'. Not many TV series have complete counterparts in the other dimensions though, unless it's a complete remake. Shows featuring Superman are probably the best example of a series having multiple versions throughout the TV multiverse.

This includes the Tooniverse, where several series have been adapted for that pen-and-ink realm with some variations. These include:

'The Addams Family'
'Happy Days'
'The Brady Bunch'
'Gilligan's Island'
'Mork & Mindy'
'Punky Brewster'
'I Dream Of Jeannie'
'The Lone Ranger'
'Tarzan'
'Star Trek'
'My Favorite Martian'
'Laverne & Shirley'
&
'Lassie'

By way of daughter 'Tabitha', 'Bewitched' could also be included in that group. But Darrin and Samantha also appeared in the Tooniverse via 'The Flintstones'. However, they were the original souls who would be reincarnated millions of years later as the witch and mortal of Westport in the 1960s-70s.

Other TV characters who have been found in the Tooniverse without their home shows include Number Six of 'The Prisoner' and the Gallifreyan Time Lord of 'Doctor Who'. Both of them showed up in episodes of 'The Simpsons' (as did the sentinel balloon Rover from 'The Prisoner').

I was especially glad to see that the Doctor had an animated presence in Toobworld, because it helped to buttress a theory I had about another cartoon character. On Earth in the Tooniverse, sentient humanoid animals live side by side with the humans. This should be the general rule throughout the universe, and therefore Gallifrey should be no exception.

If Huckleberry Hound lives on the same planet as Homer Simpson (as we saw in an episode of 'The Simpsons'), then why can't we assume that Mr. Peabody is originally from the cartoon version of Gallifrey? This Time Lord canine now lives on Earth, disdainful of its inhabitants, and visiting past eras with his human companion via his TARDIS, which he has remodeled into something he's dubbed a "Wayback Machine" (WABAC).

Last month, we found another refugee from a live-action TV series taking up residence in the Tooniverse. On the "Sibling Rivalry" episode of 'The Family Guy', mobster Christopher Moltisanti of 'The Sopranos' helped Stewie Griffin plant a tree in a Quahog park.

("Christophuh" was probably in Rhode Island on family business for T. Everybody knows about the mob presence in the Ocean State... maybe Chris had dealings with the Ant Hill Mob......)

So on a technicality, perhaps in some future Birthday Honors induction, Christopher Moltisanti could qualify for membership in the TV Crossover Hall of Fame. That's because he's also a "Skits-oid Man", seen in a comedy bit about the writers of 'The Late Show with David Letterman' on an Emmy Awards telecast.

In that same episode of 'The Family Guy', another TV character crossed over into the Tooniverse - Elwood Blues. While Stewie was in the playground, Elwood was walking past in the background. Catching sight of him, Stewie called out: "You got my Cheez Whiz, boy?"

The same set-up happened in "The Blues Brothers" movie when Elwood returned to his transient hotel.

Elwood and his brother Joliet Jake may be better known for their appearance in the movie, but they do have a presence in Toobworld thanks to their performances on 'Saturday Night Live'. And as they also made at least one recording, the Blues Brothers are true citizens of the Multiverse.

BCnU!
Tele-Toby