Common Side Effects: A Dramacom On Big Pharma
In the past Comic-Con weekend, American Dad’s writer, Steve Hely hosted the Adult Swim panel on July 26th. He introduced the audience to a short preview of the next Adult Swim original cartoon, Common Side Effects. Convention-goers were unsure what to expect until the end gave them the promise of a thriller. A man named Marshall Cuzco revives a pigeon after snapping its neck. Here’s what the show has in store for its debut.
The Early Preview
Common Side Effects’ preview starts at a press conference on a new medication produced by Reutical Pharmaceuticals. When it was time for questions, a bearded man with a plant named Marshall Cuzco voiced his question as a rebellious thought. He points out that Reutical Pharmaceuticals has been harming the Indigenous communities and Peruvian Islands with their medication production. One woman, Frances recognized Marshall’s name backstage as he was escorted out of the conference with his potted plant.
She takes off her work pin, picks him up from the sidewalk, and talks to him at a park bench. Frances then mentions how her mother, Sonia got dementia, which led Marshall to ask, “What if there was a cure-all? Something Big Pharma doesn’t want us to know about?” Frances is confused by Marshall’s words until he picks up a pigeon and snaps its neck. He takes out a mysterious substance that regenerates the bird’s nerves and spine, moving its head in perfect condition, and then flies away. The preview ends with undercover investigators spying on him.
Who Is Marshall Cuzco?
The protagonist of Common Side Effect, Marshall Cuzco is more than an environmentalist concerned about Big Pharma’s efforts. He is also a fungi herbalist and cultivator. The preview left some clues for viewers to figure out Marshall’s occupation, verbally and visually. The show’s subtle intro sequence plays with various mushroom photographs, matching Marshall’s statement on the fungal ecosystem being damaged by Reutical Pharmaceuticals.
It also contains scientists examining microscopic organisms, then transitioning to the pigeon, hinting they will study the substance he used to heal its broken neck. The final clue is the most obvious when he presents his potted plant, a banisteriopsis, an herbal psychostimulant from South America that derives from fungi. Viewers can assume that Marshall grows fungi as he tends the herb delicately when he mentions to Frances, “It could use some shade.”
Common Side Effects’ Team
Steve Hely-Lead Writer
One of the inspirations leading to Common Side Effects’ connection to South America was Steve Hely’s 2016 novel, The Wonder Trail. He describes his travels from LA to South America starting back in 2013, posting photos of the gorgeous sceneries on his Instagram. Marshall’s personality is based on how passionate Hely is about preserving the environment and his love for the Indigenous culture.
Mike Judge-Executive Producer
King of The Hill’s creator, Mike Judge joins Common Side Effects to create a story surrounding Big Pharma. Instead of a Dale Gribble conspiracy theory, he placed Marshall in a situation to put his communication skills to the test. Marshall’s role is to try and expose Reutical Pharmaceutical’s agenda of offering harmful medication to produce money.
Joe Bennet-Animation Director
Common Side Effects will be Joe Bennet’s second animated show for Adult Swim. His first show was the sci-fi dystopian, Scavenger Reign. The mini-series aired last year displaying the tale of a group of crew members trying to survive on a desolate planet. It first aired on Netflix before moving to HBO Max’s streaming services.
Preview’s Reception
In the show’s current state, there is not much said about its development except it is set to air in 2025. Most of Common Side Effects’ viewers were astonished by how oddly relaxing the atmosphere is. There were a few moments to laugh at while understanding where the plot was heading for Marshall. What could happen if his fungal knowledge falls to Big Pharma? All the viewers can do now is wait.
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