This week, something special: a TV series! This criminally underrated Canadian show follows metalhead slacker Todd Smith (Alex House), a student at Crowley High School, who fatefully learns of the presence of the mystical "Book of Pure Evil" on campus. When it soon starts unleashing mayhem on the school, Todd must ignore his intense horniness and longing for getting stoned to be a strong hero for all. Along for the ride are Todd's feisty crush Jenny (Maggie Castle), wingman Curtis (Bill Turnbull; obviously no relation to Malcolm), science geek Hannah (Melanie Leishman) and school janitor (Jason Mewes), with nefarious dean Atticus Murphy (Chris Leavins) out to thwart them.
Let me flag this immediately: Todd and the Book of Pure Evil is no show to watch with Grandma (unless she's Sharon Osborne or somebody); each episode is darker and more obscene than the last. But if fantasy, heavy metal and pitch-black comedy are your style, it's one book well worth opening up. Based on their 2003 short film (also worth seeing), creators Anthony Leo, Charles Picco and Craig David Wallace deliver a show crammed with energy, confidence and unapologetic subversiveness, plus many genuinely funny moments and teen characters who, despite their unusual adventures, really do feel realistic and relatable, and the cast all have great fun and chemisty as well as charisma individually.
Like all TV, Todd and the Book of Pure Evil has standout episodes, but over its two seasons there is never a dull moment anywhere. It's a shamefully little-known slice of fucking awesome television.
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