“Scavengers Reign” is rated TV-MA and may not be suitable for all audiences.
“Scavengers Reign,” a Max original created by Joe Bennett and Charles Huettner, is a gripping and intense 12-episode animated series about the surviving members of a space freighter that sustained damage from a solar flare.
There are five (technically six if you count animals) main characters, with each one giving a unique and extremely human approach to surviving in their dangerous world. From Sam, an older man who has a short temper and not many survival skills, to Azi, a level-headed lone wolf who is adept at making the most out of her surroundings, each character feels truly different from one another. You can really understand how the different characters have survived in their respective parts of the planet, as well as certain struggles that they may have had in doing so.
This show follows the main six in groups of two, and every time it cuts to the other group, you are left speechless from the stressful yet entertaining events that happened prior. “Scavengers Reign” never gives you a chance to breathe. Around every corner, there’s a new animal or plant that has some special attribute that gives it an edge in its environment.
The thing that makes this show so thrilling is the fact that the characters are just as clueless about their environment as you, giving you the chance to learn along with them. As soon as they leave where they set up camp, they’re met with challenge after challenge, a never-ending cycle of fighting for survival.
For me, the show’s biggest strength comes from its environment and setting. Although the characters are all quite well-written, I found myself much more intrigued by the voiceless animals that all interact with each other. The plants and animals all depend on each other to survive, even if that means running the risk of dying.
Death is not avoided in this show. As a matter of fact, it’s rather commonplace — even among the main characters. This constant threat of death raises the stakes of every dilemma or situation, as you don’t know if the moment you’re watching unfold will be the last for your favorite character.
The art style for “Scavengers Reign” is rather cartoonish, but that doesn’t make it any less visceral. The emotion from each character and even the animals is apparent, allowing the viewer to understand the show’s stakes. It took me a few episodes to love it, but after that point I was captivated by the world’s beauty.
If you are squeamish when it comes to violence, this show might not be for you, as there are times when deep cuts and gashes are shown. The show’s creators don’t shy away from the reality of fighting for your survival. The characters get desperate and are willing to do almost anything to get to their escape ship, even going as far as to betray each other.
However, the physical aspects are not the only heart-wrenching parts of the show. Characters often lie to and manipulate each other in order to get what they want.
One of the main characters, Kamen, has a particularly fascinating journey to follow. While most of the scenes following him are flashbacks and dreams he has, you literally get a look inside his head. Through these flashbacks, you learn more and more about how they crash landed and you start to pick sides and dislike some of the main characters. In turn, this attachment makes the times in which these characters are on screen infinitely more riveting, as you feel the need to know exactly what’s going on.
I think that “Scavengers Reign” is a phenomenal TV show with aspects that appeal to a variety of different audiences. If you have a Max subscription, this is a must-watch. Even if you don’t like animated shows, give this one a chance. Instead of thinking about “Scavengers Reign” as a mere cartoon, appreciate it for what it is: a work of animated art.
