So, ‘Galavant’ is awesome and you should definitely tune in

Right now, the universe is experiencing a major Game of Thrones drought. It’s terrible. I just want dragons, and crazy Arya adventures, and I want to watch Cersei hate-drink wine and throw shade on Margaery Tyrell. But since that’s not happening till April, he’s another show that’s just as awesome and epic: ABC’s new series, Galavant. They ARE different shows, but you’ll find the same adventurous plots and suspenseful twists and turns.

Here are some reasons why you should get into it.

1. It’s a comedy! It’s a musical! It’s a television series!

I love musicals. I love singing along with the characters. I love imagining that I could just break out into song and people would just go along with it (note: most coworkers do not).

As I’m writing this, all I can hear is the theme song because it is pretty darn catchy. It might be because Alan Menken is the music man (The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules, Tangled). You’ll be singing everything to the tune of Galavaaaaaaant.

2. The familiar story lines — with a TWIST

The medieval comedy genre has become a fan favorite. While watching the premiere episode, I was reminded of The Princess Bride, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Robin Hood (cartoon version, of course), Shrek, andYour Highness. 

Galavant follows the cliched medieval story line (a beloved hero, a damsel in distress, a villainous king, and quest to set things right). However, like the films listed above, Galavant still manages to knock our expectations with twists, turns, and hilarity. And lots of innuendos.

Take the first episode: Galavant and Madalena are running around, madly in love, when she is abruptly kidnapped by King Richard. Gal heroically storms the king’s castle, ready to break up the wedding and sweep Madalena back into his arms when she confesses (TWIST) she’s kind of over him. She wants to be queen. She hopes they can be friends.

I was, admittedly, surprised she said no —she’s the damsel in distress and Gal was there to save her! But that’s just one of the ways Galavant successfully plays with a cliched formula; it’s familiarity flip-flopped and gender roles and stereotypes are challenged.

3. The show boasts some familiar faces:

Timothy Omundson as King Richard (Psych, Judging Amy, and my favorite —The Luck of the Irish)

He’s not the most heroic king, but he bravely takes that cannonball.

Vinnie Jones as Gareth(from Arrow, Snatch, and my favorite —She’s The Man)

The king’s burly sidekick (who will give a hug if you really, really need one).

And John Stamos guest-starring as Jean Hamm

Not to mention future appearances by Ricky Gervais, “Weird” Al Yankovic and more!

4. . . .And introduces some new

Joshua Sasse as Galavant

As described in the theme song:

Square jaw and perfect hair, cojones out to there, there was no hero quite like Galavant! 

He’s everything you want a heroic knight to be —until Madalena crushes his heart and turns into a lazy, boozey mess. But he might have a second chance . . .

Mallory Jansen as Madalena

Madalena pulls a fast one on us and stays with King Richard. Props to you, girlfriend.

Karen David as Princess Isabella Lucia Maria Elizabetta of Valenica

Gal thinks she’s helping him “re-rescue” Madalena (with her Arya-like sword skills), but she has a secret . . .

Luke Youngblood as Sid

Gal’s trusted squire who puts up with all of his shenanigans, like fetching him things.

Darren Evans as Chef

He’s, well, the king’s chef. And he’s hilariously on-edge.

So take this opportunity to laugh at the tomfoolery in Galavant before Game of Thrones returns and continues to kill all of our favorite characters (I still love you, Rob Stark. And GoT).

[Featured image via, Heroe’s Journey 1 via, Heroe’s Journey 2 via, Mawwiage via, King Richard via, Gareth via, Stamos 1 via, Stamos 2 via, Stamos 3 via, Galavant via, Madalena via, Isabella via, Sid via, Chef via, Rob Stark via]