Ratz (TV series)
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Animation, Entertainment |
| Founded | March 7, 2003 |
| Founder | Richard Zielenkiewicz |
| Headquarters | Canada |
Area served | France, Canada |
Key people | Richard Zielenkiewicz (developer) |
| Products | Animated television series |
| Website | www |
Ratz is an animated comedy-adventure series from French Canada, developed by Richard Zielenkiewicz. The storyline revolves around two rats, Rapido and Razmo, who reside on the S.S. Wanderer, a ship stocked with cheese but lacking a fixed route. Their escapades include protecting their cheese stash, dealing with stowaways, and occasional confrontations with the ship's crew. The rats inhabit a spacious two-bedroom apartment located within the vessel's hull.
In the original French version, the voices are provided by the comedic pair Éric et Ramzy, while the English adaptation features Terrence Scammell as Rapido and Rick Jones as Razmo.
The series debuted on Teletoon on March 7, 2003, concluding on October 27, 2003. Since March 25, 2020, it has been accessible for streaming in French on Netflix. Initially named Rapido in an unaired pilot episode, the animation style was thicker and less refined. A distinctive aspect of Ratz is its fusion of traditional animation with 3D elements, complemented by a diverse soundtrack composed by Hervé Lavandier.
Plot
The narrative of Ratz focuses on two rats, Rapido and Razmo, whose opposing temperaments frequently cause disagreements. Bound by their shared passion for cheese, they live aboard the S.S. Wanderer. Their adventures often involve interactions with crew members or new arrivals onboard, fueling the show's humorous situations.
Characters
The central characters are Rapido and Razmo—black rats outfitted as contemporary pilots in red and blue attire respectively—characterized by elongated ears and purple eye masks. In some guides, Razmo is incorrectly referred to as "Ratz."
- Rapido is an egotistical rat aspiring to a jet-set lifestyle; his inflated self-image conceals underlying insecurities. He boasts connections with celebrities and exhibits hypocrisy by condemning behaviors in Razmo that he himself later adopts. His interests include ratboard racing, fashion trends, house music, and courting females. Self-centered by nature, Rapido seldom assists Razmo. Voiced by Terrence Scammell (Ron Pardo in pilot).
- Razmo is shorter and stockier than Rapido and is a brilliant inventor credited with creating the ratboard. He manages all household tasks since Rapido avoids responsibility, which contributes to emotional challenges such as depression and obsessive-compulsive tendencies. Occasionally immature, Razmo enjoys jazz music, inventing gadgets, and socializing. His voice initially featured a Deep South accent before transitioning to a mild Brooklyn tone; voiced by Rick Jones (Scott McCord in pilot).
The rats utilize ratboards, which are cel-shaded 3D jet-powered devices resembling mousetraps that facilitate rapid movement and competitive racing aboard the ship. These contraptions allow access to difficult-to-reach spots and impress visitors. Despite their similarity to mousetraps, the rats fail to recognize actual traps.
The S.S. Wanderer's personnel include Benny (the chef), Svetlana (the engineer), and The Captain. They are not antagonists but Benny often pursues the rats due to their mischief. The crew's diet primarily consists of cheese—the ship’s cargo—though Svetlana dislikes it and Benny suffers from allergies.
- The Captain is a Scottish veteran aware of where the cargo will ultimately be delivered. His character has shifted from serious to more comical over time, frequently issuing eccentric commands. Voiced by Tony Robinow.
- Svetlana, a Russian engineer responsible for maintaining ship operations through her strength while striving to preserve her femininity, often works alongside Benny. Voiced by Sonja Ball.
- Benny, a Japanese chef trained for five years in culinary arts, prepares dishes such as soufflés and sushi but is regularly disrupted by the rats’ antics involving live animals. Voiced by Arthur Holden.
Episodes
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Reception
Although the series lacks significant critical reviews and does not have a Metacritic rating, it was primarily created for a young audience in France. Nevertheless, it developed a modest cult following among older viewers in Canada, largely due to its late-night broadcast slot. The show is notable for its affirmative depiction of rats, which stands in contrast to the usual negative portrayals common in Western and North American media. It continues to be warmly remembered in France, where it was broadcast on channels such as France 3 (2003), Canal J (2004), Gulli (2008), and Boing (2012).
Merchandise
- Ratz was issued on Region 2 DVDs in both France and Belgium through France Télévisions and Warner Home Video, with each volume containing eight episodes.
- Two music albums, titled A fond les bananes ! and Pas de panique à bord, featuring Éric et Ramzy, were released in France. The theme track "Pas de panique à bord" saw modest popularity.
- In the autumn of 2004, Smoby Toys introduced a range of merchandise including velvet-textured dolls, playsets, and plush toys inspired by the series; this product line was discontinued by 2006.
- A series of CGI-animated music videos linked to the show's album were made available via the Sparx Animation Studios website and on Teletoon, showcasing eight songs.
References