“Somewhere lost in the clouded annals of history lies a place called The Unknown.”

So begins an amazing cartoon miniseries called Over The Garden Wall. It’s dark, yet witty, so it appeals to teens and adults—but for the most part, it’s completely appropriate for younger viewers.

What happens? PLOT TWISTS.

In all seriousness, the ten episodes follow two stepbrothers named Wirt and Greg as they try to find their way out of a mysterious forest, aided by a talking bluebird who used to be human. Adding conflict is the spectral figure known as the Beast, along with his unwilling minion, the Woodsman. It’s a  classic fairy tale plot.  In fact, it could come off as cliché in the hands of an amateur. But the show’s creator, Patrick McHale, obviously knew what he was doing.

The series starts out silly, complete with a mildly annoying song titled “Potatoes and Molasses” in the third episode. Soon, however, it’s clear that things are not what  they seem. The last few episodes leave you floored—while still retaining that whimsical air.

Would I recommend this? Yes, but only if you have patience. The early episodes are  a little hard to sit through at times.

I’d give Over The Garden Wall four out of five stars.