Saturday Morning Cartoon Year in Review: 1970 – A Groovy Goodbye to a Decade, A Grand Hello to Another!
Well, here we are, December 30th, 1970. The scent of pine needles is still in the air from Christmas, and the promise of a brand-new year, 1971, is just hours away. Before we dive headfirst into the future, I wanted to take a moment to look back at what truly mattered most to us kids every single week: Saturday morning cartoons. And let me tell you, 1970 delivered in spades.
This year felt like a turning point. The late sixties had given us some classics, but 1970 brought a fresh wave of energy, a distinct '70s vibe that was all about music, mystery, and a healthy dose of pure, unadulterated fun. It was a golden age, with three major networks—CBS, ABC, and NBC—all vying for our precious morning hours, each unleashing their animated arsenals to capture our imaginations.
The undisputed heavyweight champion of the year, without a doubt, remained CBS's Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!. Even though it technically debuted in '69, 1970 was its year to truly solidify its legendary status. Every single Saturday, the Mystery Machine rolled onto our screens, and we were hooked. Fred’s traps, Velma’s smarts, Daphne’s occasional peril, Shaggy’s perpetual hunger, and of course, Scooby’s cowardly heroics – it was the perfect blend of spooky thrills and laugh-out-loud humor. You'd find yourself trying to guess who the "monster" really was right along with the gang. It was the benchmark for cartoon mysteries, and frankly, nothing else quite matched its consistent brilliance.
CBS also continued to charm us with the wholesome, musical antics of The Archie Show and the bewitching fun of Sabrina and the Groovie Goolies. These shows had that irresistible pop sensibility, with catchy songs that would stick in your head all day. And speaking of music, 1970 introduced a phenomenal new contender to the cartoon band craze: ABC's Josie and the Pussycats. From the moment they burst onto the screen with their leopard-print outfits and that killer theme song, they were an instant sensation. A rock band that travels the world getting tangled up in spy adventures? It was brilliant! Josie, Melody, Valerie, and their hapless manager Alexander, along with his sister Alexandra, brought a new level of glamour and adventure to Saturday mornings. Their songs were actual hits in our minds, and every week felt like a mini-concert.
NBC wasn't to be outdone. While they had solid performers like the venerable Bugs Bunny/Road Runner Hour – a timeless treasure that always guaranteed classic gags and perpetual chase scenes – they also pushed the boundaries with their live-action-hybrid shows. H.R. Pufnstuf, a fantastical journey through Living Island that debuted in late '69, continued to captivate us with its vivid, slightly psychedelic world and memorable characters like Freddy the Flute. And in 1970, it was joined by The Bugaloos, another Sid and Marty Krofft creation. These four insect-winged musicians, living in a magical forest, brought more catchy tunes and whimsical adventures, proving that Saturday mornings weren't just for animation anymore.
Beyond the major hits, there were other notable additions and mainstays. ABC's Harlem Globetrotters animated series brought the incredible skills and comedy of the real-life basketball legends to cartoon form, with them fighting crime between games. And for the motorheads among us, Hot Wheels delivered high-octane racing action, bringing our favorite toy cars to life on the screen. Shows like The Pink Panther Show on NBC, with its sophisticated, often silent humor, offered a unique alternative, while the various iterations of Tom and Jerry or other classic Hanna-Barbera shorts provided reliable bursts of slapstick.
Of course, the shows weren't the only stars of Saturday morning. The commercials were just as much a part of the experience. The jingles for sugary cereals like Lucky Charms or Trix, the vibrant ads for new action figures, board games like Mouse Trap, or the latest Mattel Hot Wheels tracks – they were all part of the ritual. You’d rush back from the bathroom during a commercial break, not wanting to miss a single second, but also subtly influenced by the bright, energetic pitches for toys and treats.
Looking back, 1970 felt like a vibrant explosion of creativity. The animation was getting smoother, the stories were becoming more complex (well, for a kid's show!), and the music was undeniable. It was a year where you knew exactly where you wanted to be every Saturday morning, sprawled out on the living room floor, bowl of cereal in hand, completely lost in these incredible worlds. As the countdown to 1971 begins, I can't help but wonder what new heroes, crazy creatures, and rock 'n' roll bands await us. But one thing is for sure: 1970 cemented Saturday mornings as the absolute best part of the week, a magical escape that we'll always remember.
No comments:
Post a Comment