‘Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake’ season 1 review: An entertaining and fitting next stage in the franchise

Fionna and Cake star in their own Adventure Time spin-off

August 30, 2023

This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the work being covered here wouldn’t exist.

Fionna and Cake began as shared simple drawings from Adventure Time character designer and storyboard revisionist Natashi Allegri. These gender swapped versions of the main characters Finn the Human and Jake the Dog were so well received, that they were incorporated into the series in several different episodes. Now they are set to star in their very own spin-off premiering this week.

Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake takes place in a Land of Ooo alternate universe that’s more modern than the post-apocalyptic fantasy world from the original. Through a magical accident, the pair soon find themselves traveling the multiverse with a dangerous foe hot on their tails. During their journeys, they cross paths with the former Ice King, Simon Petrikov, and enlist his help.

For those new to the franchise, the show might not be as accessible. There are several callbacks to Adventure Time, many of which aren’t explicitly explained. However, if you are a long time viewer, there is plenty to enjoy. It covers unanswered questions as well as building upon the overall mythology. Also, many of the fan-favorite characters return to make appearances.

But don’t expect a rehash of the main series just with the new duo instead. There are flashes of the fantastical whimsy throughout, but Fionna and Cake has a more grounded feel to it particularly early on. It’s a slow start as we familiarize ourselves the titular pair and the world they come from. Things begin to pick up once they travel through the different versions of Ooo and set out on their quest.

At this point in pop culture, multiverses are a little played out. Though the show doesn’t pave new paths in their variant lands, they still have the Adventure Time charm and slant to them. Part of that is due to seeing darker and more broken down versions of fan favorite characters, especially coming from what was originally an older children’s program.

That’s what separates Fionna and Cake from what has come from the franchise before. It is allowed to grow with its audience. Fionna and her human friends from her world are going through the same struggles young adults are. Becoming independent. Finding yourself and your calling. Just trying to get through the day. Sure there is an outlandish universe jumping adventure, but there is also reflective soul searching and self-discovery.

None done more so than by Simon Petrikov. Despite the title, it’s as much his story as theirs. As a main antagonist of the flagship series, he’s doing what many reformed villains do: trying to readjust to a normal life. There is so much conflict and regret within him due to his past. He’s such a complex and sympathetic character, and he’s a good bridge connecting the original to the spin-off.

Based off of the first seven episodes, Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake is an entertaining and fitting next stage in the franchise with many old friends and new story. The heavier themes provide something different allowing it to mature with its audience.