8.2 / 10 (based on 556 reviews)
Neil accidentally ends up in the Legend of Zelda.
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
Main Cast: Tony Janning, Mike Rose, Felicia Day, Eric Acosta
Creators: Sandeep Parikh
Directors:
Writers:
3 seasons, 20 episodes
Shows Most Like The Legend of Neil (2008)
Con Man (2015)
7.7 / 10 (based on 2761 reviews)
Wray Nerely is a struggling actor who starred as a spaceship pilot on Spectrum, a cult classic science fiction series. He navigates the odd people and incidents he encounters along the way while learning to love the fans he has.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Alan Tudyk, Mindy Sterling, Nathan Fillion, Casper Van Dien
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 25 episodes, 12.0-minute runtime
Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Return (2017)
8.2 / 10 (based on 3865 reviews)
Kinga Forrester continues the B-movie watching experiments of her father and grandmother on a new test subject aboard the Satellite Of Love.
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Horror, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Talk-Show, Thriller
Main Cast: Felicia Day, Patton Oswalt, Jonah Ray, Baron Vaughn
Creators: Joel Hodgson
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 20 episodes, 90.0-minute runtime
Galavant (2015)
8.1 / 10 (based on 15955 reviews)
A musical comedy adventure featuring a knight on a quest for love who helps a childish king to see the error of his ways.
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Musical
Main Cast: Joshua Sasse, Timothy Omundson, Vinnie Jones, Mallory Jansen
Creators: Dan Fogelman
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 18 episodes, 22.0-minute runtime
In the world of television, where shows often take themselves too seriously or follow a tried-and-tested formula, “The Legend of Neil” emerges as a breath of fresh air. This web series, which first appeared on our screens in 2008, takes the concept of parody to a whole new level, using the beloved universe of “The Legend of Zelda” as its playground. For those unfamiliar, “The Legend of Neil” follows the misadventures of Neil, a gas station attendant who, after a night of heavy drinking and playing “The Legend of Zelda,” finds himself transported into the game. What follows is a journey filled with humor, crude jokes, and a surprisingly deep exploration of the human condition, all wrapped up in a nostalgic homage to one of the most iconic video games of all time.
The Unlikely Hero
At the heart of “The Legend of Neil” is Neil himself, played by Tony Janning. Neil is the epitome of an unlikely hero. He’s not particularly brave, smart, or skilled, which makes his journey through the game world all the more entertaining. His character is a stark contrast to the heroic Link of the original “Zelda” series, providing a fresh and humorous perspective on the classic hero’s journey. Neil’s everyman qualities make him relatable, and his reactions to the absurdity of the game world are a significant source of the show’s humor.
A Cast of Colorful Characters
“The Legend of Neil” wouldn’t be half as engaging without its eclectic cast of supporting characters. Each one is a parody of familiar faces from the “Zelda” universe, but with unique, comedic twists that keep things interesting. For instance, there’s the foul-mouthed fairy, played by Felicia Day, who serves as Neil’s guide. Her crude advice and lack of patience with Neil provide a hilarious counterpoint to the more traditional, helpful guide characters seen in fantasy narratives.
Then there’s the villain, Ganon, who is less the embodiment of pure evil and more a frustrated overlord dealing with the incompetence of his minions. This portrayal adds a layer of comedy to the character that’s unexpected but entirely welcome. The show also introduces original characters, like Wizzrobe, a wizard whose lack of social skills leads to some of the series’ funniest moments.
Parody Done Right
What sets “The Legend of Neil” apart from other parodies is its evident love and respect for the source material. While it pokes fun at the quirks and idiosyncrasies of “The Legend of Zelda,” it does so in a way that feels like a tribute rather than mockery. The series is filled with references and easter eggs that fans of the game will appreciate, from specific items and locations to the iconic music and sound effects.
Moreover, “The Legend of Neil” doesn’t rely solely on its parody elements to entertain. It crafts its own narrative, complete with character development, plot twists, and emotional moments. Neil’s journey is not just about making it through the game; it’s about his growth as a person, learning to believe in himself and confront his fears. This depth adds a layer of sincerity to the show, making it more than just a series of jokes.
The Humor
It’s impossible to talk about “The Legend of Neil” without mentioning its humor. The show is unapologetically crude, filled with sexual innuendo, swearing, and slapstick comedy. Yet, it’s this willingness to push boundaries that makes it so memorable. The humor is often absurd, reflecting the bizarre situations Neil finds himself in, and it’s this absurdity that captures the essence of being trapped in a video game world.
One memorable moment is when Neil learns the hard way about the game’s logic, or lack thereof, such as when he questions why breaking pots is a legitimate way to find money or why enemies conveniently leave behind useful items. These moments not only serve as comic relief but also as commentary on the sometimes illogical nature of video games.
Legacy and Impact
Despite its niche appeal, “The Legend of Neil” has left a lasting impact on the landscape of web series. Its success demonstrated that there was an audience for adult-oriented parodies of beloved childhood games, paving the way for similar projects. The show also showcased the potential of the internet as a platform for original content, at a time when web series were still a relatively new phenomenon.
“The Legend of Neil” ended after three seasons, but its legacy lives on. It remains a cult favorite among fans of “The Legend of Zelda” and those who appreciate its unique blend of humor, nostalgia, and storytelling. The series proved that with creativity, a love for the source material, and a willingness to embrace the absurd, it’s possible to create something truly special.
Conclusion
“The Legend of Neil” is more than just a parody of “The Legend of Zelda.” It’s a celebration of the game, a critique of its quirks, and an exploration of what it means to be a hero. The show manages to be both irreverently funny and surprisingly poignant, a rare combination that sets it apart from other comedies. Whether you’re a fan of the game or just looking for a good laugh, “The Legend of Neil” is worth checking out. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most unlikely hero can have the greatest adventure, and that there’s a bit of Neil in all of us, just waiting to be unleashed.