The Tick (2016)

The series begins with Arthur Everest, a mild-mannered accountant who is plagued by the trauma of witnessing his father's abduction by a supervillain known as The Terror when he was a child. Arthur is now an adult, struggling with anxiety and a lack of confidence. He is obsessed with superheroes and believes that they are the only ones who can save the world from evil. He spends his days working at a mundane job and his nights researching The Terror, convinced that he is still alive and a threat to society.

One night, Arthur dons a homemade costume and attempts to confront a group of criminals, but he is quickly overwhelmed. Just as he is about to be defeated, he is saved by The Tick, a large, blue, and seemingly invulnerable superhero with a childlike enthusiasm for justice. The Tick is loud, boisterous, and somewhat oblivious to the seriousness of the situations he finds himself in. He takes an immediate liking to Arthur and insists that they team up to fight crime together.

Arthur is initially reluctant but is drawn in by The Tick's charisma and confidence. They begin their partnership, with The Tick encouraging Arthur to embrace his identity as a superhero. Arthur adopts the name "The Moth" and starts to gain confidence, although he struggles with his own insecurities and the fear of facing The Terror. The Tick, meanwhile, is on a quest to find out more about his own origins and purpose.

As they begin to tackle various villains, they encounter a group of supervillains led by The Terror, who is revealed to be alive and has been manipulating events from the shadows. The Terror is a charismatic and menacing figure, and his presence looms over the city. Arthur's fear of him resurfaces, and he grapples with the idea of confronting the man who caused him so much pain as a child.

The Tick and Arthur's adventures lead them to meet other characters, including Dot, Arthur's supportive sister, who is skeptical of The Tick and worried about Arthur's safety. Dot is a strong-willed character who often finds herself caught between her concern for her brother and her desire to support his newfound superhero aspirations. She becomes an important ally, helping to ground Arthur when he feels overwhelmed.

As the story progresses, The Tick and Arthur face off against various villains, including a group called The City's Most Wanted, which includes characters like The Breadmaster and The Man-Eating Cow. Each confrontation is filled with comedic moments and action sequences that highlight The Tick's over-the-top heroics and Arthur's growing confidence. However, Arthur still struggles with his identity and the fear of failure.

The plot thickens when The Terror's plans come to light. He is revealed to be orchestrating a series of events to regain control over the city and eliminate any threats to his power. Arthur learns that The Terror has been using mind control on various citizens, including some of the heroes, to further his agenda. This revelation forces Arthur to confront his past and the trauma associated with his father's disappearance.

In a climactic showdown, The Tick, Arthur, and Dot confront The Terror in his lair. The battle is intense, with The Tick's brute strength and Arthur's newfound skills coming into play. However, The Terror proves to be a formidable opponent, using psychological tactics to manipulate Arthur's fears. Arthur must confront his childhood trauma head-on, ultimately leading to a moment of clarity where he realizes that he is not defined by his past.

In the final confrontation, Arthur manages to break free from The Terror's influence, and with The Tick's help, they defeat him. The victory is hard-won, and the emotional toll on Arthur is significant. He emerges from the battle with a stronger sense of self and a clearer understanding of what it means to be a hero.

The series concludes with Arthur embracing his role as a superhero alongside The Tick, ready to face whatever challenges come next. The bond between the two characters deepens, and they look forward to new adventures, having grown from their experiences and solidified their partnership in the fight against evil.

In the ending of The Tick (2016), The Tick and Arthur confront the villainous Chairface Chippendale, who has a plan to erase the world's history. They manage to thwart his scheme, but not without significant challenges. Arthur embraces his role as a hero, and The Tick reaffirms his belief in the power of good. The series concludes with a sense of hope and camaraderie among the characters, leaving their futures open-ended.

As the final episodes unfold, we find ourselves in a tense atmosphere where The Tick and Arthur are preparing for their ultimate confrontation with Chairface Chippendale. The scene opens in a dimly lit lair, filled with ominous machinery and the faint hum of technology. The Tick, clad in his iconic blue suit, stands confidently, his eyes gleaming with determination. Beside him, Arthur, still grappling with his insecurities, takes a deep breath, trying to muster the courage to face the villain who has caused them so much trouble.

The camera shifts to Chairface Chippendale, who is seated in a grand, menacing chair, surrounded by his henchmen. He reveals his dastardly plan to erase all of history, intending to rewrite the world in his image. The tension escalates as he activates a device that begins to glow ominously, threatening to unleash chaos. The stakes are high, and the weight of the world seems to rest on the shoulders of our heroes.

As The Tick and Arthur engage in a fierce battle against Chippendale and his minions, the choreography of their movements is both comedic and thrilling. The Tick, with his superhuman strength, throws henchmen aside with ease, while Arthur, using his newfound confidence and skills, employs his gadgets to outsmart the villains. The fight is punctuated by witty banter, showcasing their growing bond and teamwork.

In a pivotal moment, Arthur faces a moment of doubt as he recalls his past failures and fears. However, The Tick, ever the optimistic force, encourages him to embrace his identity as a hero. This emotional exchange serves as a turning point for Arthur, who finally accepts his role alongside The Tick. With renewed vigor, they combine their strengths to confront Chippendale directly.

The climax reaches its peak as they manage to disable the device just in time, causing a spectacular explosion of light and energy. The scene is filled with vibrant colors and dramatic effects, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. As the dust settles, Chippendale is defeated, and the world is saved from his nefarious plans.

In the aftermath, the characters gather to reflect on their journey. The Tick, with his characteristic exuberance, celebrates their victory, while Arthur, now more self-assured, acknowledges the importance of friendship and teamwork. The camera pans over the group, capturing their camaraderie and the sense of accomplishment that fills the air.

As the series concludes, we see The Tick and Arthur standing together, looking out over the city they have protected. The future remains uncertain, but there is a palpable sense of hope. The Tick's unwavering belief in heroism and Arthur's newfound confidence suggest that they are ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead. The final scene fades out, leaving viewers with a sense of closure yet an open-ended possibility for their adventures to continue.

In terms of character fates, The Tick remains the enthusiastic and optimistic hero, while Arthur has transformed into a confident partner, ready to embrace his identity as a hero. Other characters, like Dot and Overkill, also find their places in this new dynamic, hinting at future adventures and the enduring spirit of heroism. The series ends on a high note, celebrating the themes of friendship, courage, and the belief that anyone can be a hero.

Yes, the 2016 version of The Tick features a post-credit scene in its first season.

In the scene, we see Arthur, who has been struggling with his identity as a hero and his relationship with The Tick. The scene opens with Arthur sitting in his apartment, looking contemplative and somewhat defeated after the events of the season finale. He is surrounded by his superhero costume, which he has been trying to embrace, but it still feels like a burden to him.

As he stares at the costume, there's a moment of silence that hangs in the air, filled with his internal conflict about being a sidekick and the weight of his responsibilities. Suddenly, The Tick bursts into the room, full of his usual exuberance and enthusiasm. He is oblivious to Arthur's somber mood and starts to excitedly talk about their next adventure, his voice booming with optimism.

Arthur, caught off guard, tries to muster a smile but struggles to match The Tick's energy. The Tick, noticing Arthur's hesitation, reassures him that they are a team and that together they can face anything. This moment highlights Arthur's ongoing journey of self-acceptance and the bond he shares with The Tick, who represents both a mentor and a friend.

The scene ends with The Tick striking a heroic pose, urging Arthur to join him, while Arthur looks on, a mix of uncertainty and hope in his eyes. This post-credit moment encapsulates the essence of their relationship and sets the stage for future adventures, leaving viewers with a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead.

The relationship between The Tick and Arthur is central to the narrative, showcasing a dynamic of mentor and mentee. The Tick, with his over-the-top confidence and unwavering optimism, serves as a foil to Arthur's insecurities and self-doubt. Their bond deepens as they face various villains, particularly in the first season where Arthur struggles with his identity as a hero. The Tick encourages Arthur to embrace his role, culminating in moments where Arthur learns to trust his instincts and abilities, especially during confrontations with the likes of The Terror.

The Terror, portrayed as a formidable villain, serves as a haunting figure from Arthur's past. His presence looms large over the narrative, particularly in the first season, where he is revealed to be the mastermind behind many of the challenges faced by Arthur and The Tick. The Terror's manipulative nature and psychological games create tension, especially as Arthur grapples with his fears and the trauma of his past. The emotional stakes rise as Arthur confronts The Terror, leading to a climactic showdown that tests both his resolve and his growth as a hero.

Ms. Lint is introduced as a complex antagonist with a personal vendetta against The Tick and Arthur. Her character is marked by a blend of dark humor and vulnerability, as she struggles with her own insecurities and the consequences of her powers. Throughout the series, she oscillates between being a formidable foe and a character seeking validation. Her interactions with The Tick and Arthur reveal her motivations, particularly her desire to prove herself in a world dominated by heroes. This duality adds depth to her character, making her a memorable part of the narrative.

Arthur's transformation is gradual and fraught with internal conflict. Initially depicted as a timid and anxious individual, he is thrust into the world of superheroes by The Tick. His journey is marked by moments of doubt, particularly as he faces villains and grapples with his own self-worth. Key scenes, such as his first attempts to don the moth suit and his struggles to embrace his identity, highlight his emotional turmoil. As the series progresses, Arthur learns to harness his intelligence and resourcefulness, culminating in pivotal moments where he steps up to confront threats, showcasing his growth into a true hero.

Overkill is introduced as a darkly comedic anti-hero whose extreme methods contrast sharply with The Tick's lighthearted approach. His character serves as a critique of traditional heroism, embodying a more violent and ruthless perspective on justice. Overkill's interactions with The Tick and Arthur often lead to humorous yet thought-provoking moments, as he challenges their ideals. His backstory, filled with personal loss and a quest for vengeance, adds layers to his character, making him a compelling figure in the narrative. His eventual alliance with The Tick and Arthur highlights themes of redemption and the complexities of heroism.

The Tick (2016) is generally considered suitable for older children and families, but it does contain some elements that may be objectionable or upsetting for younger viewers or sensitive individuals. Here are some aspects to consider:

1. Violence and Action: The show features comic book-style violence, including fight scenes where characters are punched, thrown, or otherwise harmed. While the violence is often exaggerated and played for humor, it may still be intense for some viewers.

2. Dark Humor: The series employs a brand of humor that can be dark or absurd, which might not resonate with all children. Some jokes may touch on themes of mortality or existential dread.

3. Mature Themes: There are moments that explore themes of identity, mental health, and the struggles of being a hero, which may be complex for younger audiences to fully grasp.

4. Language: While the language is not excessively profane, there are instances of mild swearing and suggestive remarks that may not be appropriate for all children.

5. Character Flaws: Some characters exhibit morally ambiguous behavior or make questionable decisions, which could lead to discussions about ethics and consequences.

6. Scary Imagery: Certain villains and creatures may be visually unsettling or frightening, particularly for younger viewers.

Overall, while The Tick is designed to be a comedic take on the superhero genre, parents may want to preview episodes to determine their appropriateness for their children.