Written by Rachel Haynes, Staff Writer
Over the Garden Wall is an endearing, autumn themed show that is perfect to watch during this fall season!
Over the Garden Wall is an animated series written and produced by Patrick McHale. It was released in 2014 and is considered to be McHale’s passion project. The show had a slow start to popularity, but the genius storytelling and perfect blend of cozy and spooky themes could not be resisted for long. Eventually, it was held close to the hearts of many as word of it spread. Now, what makes this show so perfect for autumn? See how the incorporation of lovely folk music, cozy color palettes, and frightening characters created the perfect show to watch during the “-ber” months.
The series begins with a beautiful introductory song called “Into the Unknown”. It is sung by Jack Jones, a baritone with a deep, rich voice that immediately sets the mood for the entire show. The melody and whistle within the song bring a sense of nostalgia and mystery, curating a fall-like ambiance that makes you want to grab a fuzzy blanket and cozy up on your couch. Overall, the songs within this series play a huge role in the atmosphere of each episode. Towards the beginning, the songs are generally happy and poetic, such as songs like “Potatoes and Molasses” and “Patient is the Night”; later in the series however the songs begin to become more serious, as the show progresses and darker themes begin to arise.
The opening scene is of Wirt and Greg, the protagonists, appearing to be lost in the woods. They run into an old woodsman who warns them about the Beast that haunts the forest. Something is off about the woodsman, creating the element of uncertainty. The woods themselves are called the “Unknown”, amplifying these feelings of uncertainty and fear. Various characters play a role in the spookiness of this show. Aunty Whispers, for example, creates tones of uneasiness. Her voice, along with her appearance and overall attitude, are unpleasant to witness. One other unsettling character is the Beast. We never get to see the Beast in this show. He is always shrouded in the darkness. The audience is only able to see his glowing eyes and hear his deep and unnerving voice. With this, he is able to evoke a profound dread and anxiety that perfectly represents the horrors beneath the surface.
A warm color palette, including different shades of orange, beige, and dark green, is used abundantly throughout this series. These colors are heavily associated with the season of fall. One setting where this is highlighted is when we are introduced to the lovely town of Pottsfield. Here orange leaves are falling and pumpkins are growing all around. This episode has a strong connection to Thanksgiving, since there are also turkeys, corn fields, and a fall harvest.
The characters we meet along the way pull us deeper into the forest and the themes begin to shift from whimsical to ominous. Not unlike the autumn season, our protagonists go through a number of transitions during their time spent in the forest. Wirt spirals as he and Greg get further in the woods, and there is a clear, dramatic tone shift. The scenery is no longer filled with the warm hues of autumn, but are replaced with drab and gray colors. These colors symbolize the despair Wirt has as he loses the hope to find their way home.
This show combines the elements of nostalgia and spookiness to set a haunting mood perfect for anytime during autumn. From the poetic songs to the warm and cold color, this is truly a charming show that is the perfect fall show.
