Revised Post: What Was "Capitol Critters", and How Did it Help Inspire This Project?

 

   Okay, you're probably wondering what in the world "Capitol Critters" even is - and what it has to do with "The Whole Wide World"? I'll tell you.

   In the 1990s, Bart Simpson was taking over primetime television, and all the other networks wanted a piece of the adult-animation primetime cake. CBS tried a show by Brad Bird, Tim Burton and Spielberg called "Family Dog" and another oddball show called "Fish Police" starring John Ritter and JoBeth Williams. Meanwhile, ABC teamed up with Hanna-Barbera to create a rare gem called "Capitol Critters" - a show taking place in the White House basement focusing the lives of mice, rats and roaches who reside there.

   What I loved about this show was the idea of telling a story from the perspective of tiny characters - in this case, mice and roaches - navigating a giant human world. It mixed humor with current events for its time (1992) and heavy topics, too. Although I was born a few years after the show's short run, it still left an impact on me. 

  Of course, "Capitol Critters" was not the perfect animated sitcom. It struggled with tone and never found the right audience. But they say the shows that fail commercially succeed creatively. Even the ones you find at the right moment.

"Capitol Critters" mentioned on a headstone along with other primetime cartoon attempts.

      But if it wasn't for "Capitol Critters", I might never have found the idea for one of my six heroes, Mizuki Miyamoto. Her earliest inspiration came from a one-time character in the show's episode, "A Little Romance" - a little Japanese mouse named Miko (voiced by a young Janice Kawaye). Miko was this sweet, bright-eyed visitor staying at the White House, and Max fell in love with her instantly. Her gentle presence struck with me, and that energy evolved into the character of Mizuki.

Max and Miko

   Though it was short-lived, "Capitol Critters" helped shape the way I think about mouse-style storytelling. It reminded me about emotions they carry out and the influences that end up becoming part of your creative DNA, too. 

   The 13 episodes of "Capitol Critters" are available to view on YouTube.