The Hilarious Animated Duo Behind Pinky and The Brain

The Hilarious Animated Duo: Pinky and The Brain

One of the most beloved animated duos of the 1990s was Pinky and The Brain. These two genetically engineered lab mice were an odd couple with big dreams of taking over the world. Though their plans for global domination never succeeded, their hilarious antics and endearing friendship made them fan favorites.

The Origin Story of Pinky and The Brain

Pinky and The Brain first appeared as recurring characters on the popular Steven Spielberg series Animaniacs in 1993. They were so well-received that they got their own spin-off series in 1995, simply titled Pinky and The Brain. The premise was that Pinky and The Brain were lab mice that lived in a cage at Acme Labs. The eccentric scientists had enhanced their intelligence, which led to The Brain constantly hatching elaborate schemes to try and take over the world. Pinky served as his dimwitted sidekick who loyally, if haphazardly, assisted The Brain in his plots for world domination. Though they failed every time, The Brain never gave up hope that he could someday rule the Earth.

The Appeal of Pinky and The Brain

So what made this odd couple so beloved by audiences both young and old? One factor was the hilarious contrast between the two characters. The Brain was the ultimate straight man - serious, cynical, and deadpan. He served as the brains of the operation, constantly thinking up new "plans for world domination." Pinky, on the other hand, was the goofy free spirit whose non-sequiturs and nonsense words like "Narf!" and "Zort!" made him the perfect comic foil to The Brain's serious nature.

Pinky's good-natured innocence and loyalty also made him very endearing to viewers. Though The Brain often treated him with contempt, Pinky never failed to stand by his best friend. Audiences loved their dynamic of the "smart one" and the "dumb one" - a classic comedic pairing.

The plots of the show also provided lots of humor as The Brain launched absurdly complex schemes with names like "Operation Big Ben Takeover" that inevitably failed. However, kids enjoyed the imaginary adventures and adults appreciated the witty references to pop culture and history sprinkled throughout.

Memorable Catchphrases

Like any great comedic duo, Pinky and The Brain developed some iconic catchphrases over the years that became inexorably linked to the characters:

• "What do you want to do tonight, Brain?" "The same thing we do every night, Pinky. Try to take over the world!"
• "Narf!" - Pinky's random nonsense word that punctuated his lines.
• "Poit!" - Another Pinky-ism that became his trademark.
• "Yes, dear..." - The Brain's response when acceding to Pinky's wishes.

These catchphrases highlighted the core traits of each character - The Brain's aspiring megalomania and Pinky's quirky, off-the-wall personality.

The Legacy of Pinky and The Brain

Though Pinky and The Brain ended its run in 1998, the characters lived on through cameos and references across pop culture in the decades after. Their influence could be seen in numerous animated comedic duos that came later, from Phineas and Ferb to Mike and Sulley of Monsters, Inc. Clearly the formula of pairing a serious, smart character with a zany free spirit proved to have great appeal that outlasted the show itself.

Pinky and The Brain also made appearances in various sketches and specials in the 2000s and 2010s, proving their enduring popularity. And of course, the catchphrases, songs, and comedic timing from the original series remained etched in the minds of fans years later.

Though Pinky's bumbling and The Brain's grandiose schemes never succeeded in taking over the world, they certainly took over the hearts of countless viewers. The fact that an animated duo like Pinky and The Brain can remain relevant and hilarious decades later is a testament to the magic of their partnership. We may never see another animated twosome quite as endearing - narf!

The Comedic Talents Behind Pinky and The Brain

A huge part of what made Pinky and The Brain so great was the brilliant voice acting behind the characters. Playing the roles of the duo were comedy veterans Rob Paulsen as Pinky and Maurice LaMarche as The Brain.

Rob Paulsen as Pinky

Veteran voice actor Rob Paulsen was the perfect choice for bringing the zany Pinky to life. Paulsen was already well-known for voice acting roles like Raphael in the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series. His naturally goofy sensibilities made him ideal for capturing Pinky's uncontrolled enthusiasm and random interjections. Yet Paulsen also nailed the moments when Pinky showed real heart and loyalty to his best friend The Brain. It's hard to imagine any other actor blending humor and warmth so seamlessly as Paulsen did as the iconic Pinky.

Maurice LaMarche as The Brain

For playing the permanently serious and scheming Brain, Canadian comedian Maurice LaMarche was recruited. LaMarche had honed his ability to deliver deadpan, cutting lines as part of the improv troop The SCTV Comedy Network. He carried this talent over to make The Brain sound permanently unimpressed and laser-focused on the goal of world domination. Yet LaMarche also managed to keep The Brain from becoming completely unlikable by subtly conveying his character's hidden soft spot for his partner Pinky.

Together, LaMarche and Paulsen had an incredible comedic chemistry that made the Pinky and The Brain pairing feel completely natural and believable. Their talents brought enormous energy and laughs to the roles and helped create two indelible characters that have endured for generations.

Why Pinky and The Brain Continues to Delight Fans

It's been over 25 years since Pinky and The Brain first tried to take over the world, but their popularity and impact on animation endures. So why does this odd couple continue to have such devoted fans both young and old?

Their Comedy is Timeless

Pinky's non-sequiturs and The Brain's dry retorts are just fundamentally funny on a basic comedic level. The scripts were incredibly witty and well-written, but it's the delivery by Paulsen and LaMarche that really brings the laughs. Great comedic performances are simply funny regardless of when they were recorded, which makes Pinky and The Brain's humor hold up all these years later.

The Strong Characterization and Relationships

As silly as Pinky and The Brain are on the surface, they each have distinct personalities viewers came to know and care about. We rooted for Pinky even when he messed things up for The Brain's plans. And The Brain's ambition and perseverance despite constant failure made him oddly endearing. Their friendship and loyalty to each other also developed into a truly heartwarming relationship that gave the show real emotional depth.

Nostalgia for the 90s

Millennials who grew up watching Pinky and The Brain now have their own kids and feel nostalgia for sharing the magic of the series together. It takes older viewers back to fond childhood memories of Saturday morning cartoons. And newer generations are still discovering the show through reruns and embrace the retro hand-drawn animation and characters.

There's just an enduring quality to Pinky and The Brain that keeps them from feeling dated. The writing and performances are so strong that the show remains as fresh and funny now as it was in 1995. Pinky's shouts of "Narf!" still make us smile every time because the characters became such an indelible part of cartoon history. Two genetically altered lab mice trying to take over the world really shouldn't be this loveable - but thanks to the brilliant creation of Pinky and The Brain, they absolutely are.

FAQs

What is Pinky and The Brain about?

Pinky and The Brain follows two genetically enhanced lab mice - the eccentric genius The Brain and his goofy partner Pinky. In every episode, Brain devises a new plan to try and take over the world, and Pinky haplessly assists. Though the plans fail, it never stops Brain from trying again.

Where did Pinky and The Brain come from?

Pinky and The Brain originated as recurring characters on Animaniacs in 1993. They became so popular that they got their own spin-off series in 1995, running for several seasons.

Who are the voice actors?

The voices of Pinky and The Brain were performed by Rob Paulsen as Pinky, and Maurice LaMarche as The Brain. Their comedic chemistry brought the characters to life.

What are some iconic catchphrases?

Catchphrases included "What do you want to do tonight, Brain?" "Try to take over the world!"; "Narf!" and "Poit!"; and Brain's "Yes, dear."

Why is the show still popular today?

The comedy, characters, and performances have made Pinky and The Brain hold up incredibly well over time. Nostalgic fans are also sharing their childhood favorite with new generations.