Adventure Time is very much an acquired taste, and if you don't have the time or effort to put in, you can easily be turned away. Which is okay, I can totally understand.
I think Adventure Time is a lot more 'artsy' than most children's programming. I fact, I've always thought that some of the themes and features were far too complex for a younger audience to comprehend. But I suppose it comes with two levels;
There is the light and silly aspect which appeal to the young, and the deeper plot and mystery that appeals to the old. I guess it's just what you choose to tune into. But the fact that it's such a long ongoing series, I understand that it's difficult to tune into those things.
(Just out of curiosity, can I ask those who aren't fans, how much of the show have you watched?)
{not digging, just personally curious.}
The rather erratic nature of the show seems to be another point that people seem to either love to loathe.
I will agree that it's on the FAR, FAR side of the contemporary field, and not at all conventional.
From what I've read, the production team uses D&D as a heavy asset, both in influence and production.
The erratic nature could most probably be attributed to this; the writers literally create settings and then throw the characters in to play.
I personally adore this; far too often settings are tailor made for characters, with a focus on what they will
do, not what will
happen.It's just a different way of expressing their ideas.
and the most outstanding effect from this technique, I feel is the child-like imagination, that is oh-so hard to tap into as it is.
The Wikipedia page is well worth a read on this subject.
And also, the only major beef I have is from the following statement:
Topic # 5: Morals: From this show you can learn... Being stupid is the best way to do something, Force and threats work better than persuasion, and planning and logic never work, always just wing it.
The show is chock full good morals and healthy ideas, not always on the latter I will admit. But I'm still not totally convinced this show is entirely meant for a young target audience. Anyways,
I'll quickly list a few, otherwise I'll be here all night >w>:
Healthy Ideas:
1. BMO is a gender fluid character. I'm not sure I've ever seen such gender fluidity expressed in mainstream programming.
2. The possible implication of a homosexual relationship. Which is widely celebrated within the fandom.
3. Marceline's tolerance and loyalty to Ice King, after his incident similar to Alzheimer's.
4. The breakdown of gender roles and ideals throughout the series.
5. Inter-racial relationships.
Morals:
1. It's okay to fail sometimes, what matters is how you resolve it.
2. Even if someone seems like a jerk, it makes them no less of a person. Learn their story; be compassionate.
3. Stand up for yourself and your friends.
4. Having spirituality and self belief.
5. No one is perfect, least of all Finn.
This is just my two-cents on the topic. I think I appreciate it mostly from an artists perspective. It's nice to see what others think, and I just thought I'd add to the conversation.