Review: Disenchantment - Part Four

‘I love cartoons – it’s like real life but for simpletons’. In true Disenchantment style, just two episodes into Part Four sees the show’s fanbase called out in a hilarious manner. With such a perfect start to the series, Disenchantment continues its commitment to giving the fans exactly what they want. With three excellent series under its belt already, the bar was set high for Part Four.

Disenchantment continues its commitment to giving the fans exactly what they want

From a show that at first seemed as though it would just be some lighthearted fun, the story that has developed by Part Four points to something much deeper – the ever-increasing lore of the Disenchantment universe alongside the show’s ability to craft well-rounded and multifaceted characters comes together to create a truly unique and refreshing cartoon.

The first episode, ‘Love is Hell’, jumps straight into the action: Bean (Abbi Jacobson) is about to enter into an arranged marriage with Satan himself (voiced by Rich Fulcher); Luci (Eric Andre) becomes the first demon to make it to heaven; Elfo (Nat Faxon) is captured by ogres and is reunited with a figure from his past. Naturally, Part Four had to start off with the most absurd stories possible. As Part Four develops, our protagonists work to reunite with one another and save Dreamland.

Unafraid to spend plenty of time worldbuilding, Part Four showcases the endless creativity and masterful writing of the team behind Disenchantment. Weaving in many loose ends left over from previous stories, a real strength of the series comes from the effortlessness with which it reintroduces plot lines and characters from earlier instalments. From the connection between Dreamland and Steamland to the brief return of a certain mermaid (Meredith Hagner), Part Four demonstrates the detailed crafting and planning that goes into the series. Paired with a continued commitment to the themes of self-discovery and unlikely friendship, Disenchantment’s balance of comedy and adventure makes for a compelling and unexpectedly relatable cartoon.

Part Four showcases the endless creativity and masterful writing of the team behind Disenchantment

Disenchantment’s voice cast is full of favourites from the comedy and cartoon worlds alike – John DiMaggio as Zøg, Richard Ayoade reprising his role as Alva Gunderson, and Noel Fielding as Stan the executioner, to name but a few. Combine this iconic cast with the countless easter eggs and references to other Groening work – even down to a ‘nobody cares about Moleman’ reference in Episode Nine, ‘The Goo-Bye Girl’ – and you’ve got the perfect formula for a cartoon sure to please any animation fan. Despite this, Disenchantment has remained an underrated masterpiece, unfairly shadowed by Matt Groening’s more popular projects.

As we venture deeper into the Disenchantment universe, watching the previous three instalments is crucial to fully understand the dynamics of Bean, Elfo and Luci’s adventures. Nonetheless, Disenchantment remains the perfect, fantastical entertainment one would expect from a Matt Groening project. This instalment definitely works best within the overall story arc – whilst earlier parts could perhaps be viewed as standalones, the rounded lore of Disenchantment is only improved by watching every episode in order.

Disenchantment is the cartoon world’s answer to the gap in the market for an adult fantasy cartoon series, and despite not getting the recognition it deserves, each instalment proves that this series is not one to miss. Though it has not yet been renewed for another season, creator Matt Groening thankfully already has plans for the future of the series.

Disenchantment is the … answer to the gap in the market for an adult fantasy cartoon series

Perfect for any animation lover, Disenchantment Part Four is a great continuation of the story, full to the brim with fantasy and hilarity. With a surprisingly beautiful (yet unmistakably Groening) art style and an engaging, deeply developed story, Part Four reiterates that Disenchantment is absolutely worth the watch.