“Courage the Cowardly Dog” was a show I grew up with in the ‘90s. It was creepy and weird and sometimes wildly inappropriate. And even though it would give me nightmares (remember this guy?) it became one of my favorite cartoons. When I saw it on Hoopla, I knew I had to see if it held up as an adult, or if I had to go find my nostalgia goggles.
The episode I chose was season 1, episode 3, “The Demon in the Mattress / Freaky Fred.” But the part of the episode I really want to focus on is Muriel’s nephew Fred. If you’ve seen the show, you may remember that Fred is a little bit naaaaughty. The story implies other things, but since this is a children’s TV show, his naughtiness manifests in cutting or shaving people’s hair. It’s almost like an obsession or a compulsion for Fred. He eventually locks himself in the bathroom with Courage, and wouldn’t you know it, he leaves completely bald. The episode ends with Fred being taken away in a straitjacket.
Is this completely appropriate for children? No. Did I still get a kick out of it as an adult? Heck yes. Courage gives quirky and clever remarks directly to the camera, and he’s so smart and kind to Muriel, you just want what’s best for him. And I think that’s why so many people love this show, even 20 years later. Courage is such a good dog. Definitely check out an episode or two on Hoopla this month. Just in time for spoopy season.