Saving Me: Quality Animation Out of Provo

_{By McKinsleigh Smith}

Many are familiar with Rick and Morty, the wildly popular animated series created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon. Known for its science fiction lunacy and often raunchy humor, Rick and Morty developed a dedicated fanbase obsessed with its sci-fi antics. However, due to its mature content, the show is not suitable for younger audiences. The humor of BYUtv’s animated series Saving Me is similar to Rick and Morty, but the show itself is more age appropriate and rife with meaning – without being heavy handed.

Created by Aaron Johnston, Saving Me premiered its first season on October 1, 2022. The show follows the story of Bennett Bramble, a technologically savvy billionaire in his early sixties. Bramble’s constant unsavory attitude towards others, including his own relatives, has left him leading a lonely life. Over time, he begins to regret his past decisions and decides to build a time machine. With the help of this machine, Bramble projects his present consciousness to his younger self, hoping to teach him how to become a good person before it’s too late.

The catch? Neither of them really know how to be a good person.

What follows are the zany adventures of both present and future versions of Bennett Bramble as they struggle to discover what it means to be a good person.

What sets “Saving Me” apart is its ability to cater to viewers of all ages. While children will be entertained by both Bennets thwarting a rogue snow cone machine armed with playing cards or evading rabid blue-colored sasquatches, adult audience members will be captivated by the season-long mystery arcs. These arcs revolve around the identity of a mysterious soldier who repeatedly saves the day and the cataclysmic event that initially separated Bramble from his loved ones. The show also incorporates adult-themed ideas into its futuristic world, subtly adding depth and intrigue.

In addition to offering a child-friendly version of the dynamic between two main male characters, Saving Me successfully avoids relying on obscenity for its humor. While the collision between the past and present versions of Bramble forms the core of the plot, the show also explores relatable familial tensions. For instance, one episode takes both versions of Bramble on a journey through their memories, reminding them of the importance of gratitude towards their mother on Mother’s Day. The younger Bramble also learns valuable lessons about dedicating time to his siblings. Through these narratives, Saving Me imparts valuable life lessons to its younger audience.

The voice cast of Saving Me brings a wealth of experience to the show, allowing it to stand on its own merits. Ivan Sherry lends his voice to the older, grumpier Bramble, while Adam Sanders brings the younger, more naive version to life. Sanders, known for his endearing charisma in shows like Clifford The Big Red Dog, infuses the series with youthful energy. Sherry, with his extensive background in animated cartoons and voice acting for various productions, provides a more mature perspective on the show’s situations.

With its entertaining adventures, intriguing mystery arcs, laugh out loud humor, and valuable life lessons, Saving Me offers a unique and enjoyable experience. BYUtv’s productions don’t always land, but this one definitely does. They knocked it out of the park.

You can stream Saving Me for free on BYUtv. Check out a trailer for the show below.