39 reviews
I can understand why some may dislike this show, but although it is far from a perfect show I personally like it. Yes there are characters that are shallow and stereotypical especially Mandy and the premise is not the most original of all premises complete with some predictable story lines. But I do like the animation, which is clear and beautiful, the music is catchy, the action moves are cool and the writing is on the whole clever and funny even with the odd cringe-worthy moment. As for the characters, although Mandy especially will annoy people, including me admittedly, Jerry is likable and the villains are suitably devious. The voice work is solid, having vastly improved as the show progressed.
Overall, not the very definition of awesome, but worth watching and while the criticisms are understandable and to an extent I agree with them Totally Spies does deserve a chance. 8/10 Bethany Cox
Overall, not the very definition of awesome, but worth watching and while the criticisms are understandable and to an extent I agree with them Totally Spies does deserve a chance. 8/10 Bethany Cox
- TheLittleSongbird
- Apr 8, 2012
- Permalink
I'm not gonna talk about the plot as if you're not already familiar with it thanks to other reviews (and just by watching a single episode, really).
While the show follows a formula, by switching it up with memorable villains (years later my friends and I recognize villains from watching this show as preteens) and cool gadgets the show stays watchable and interesting.
What makes this show truly good for a cartoon is its self-awareness and satire. While many will probably take the show at face value, it's supposed to be /funny/. Sam, Clover and Alex being "like, total" Beverly Hills teens is funny because it's non-problematic satire. It lightly pokes fun at the whole culture that's developed in these above-average rich areas where teens really don't need to worry about a lot, and it shows this by using every typical mannerism that they could've used. Despite this, the main characters aren't actually all that unlikable in my opinion, which is key to this show being watchable.On top of that, they're unrealistic spies, matching satire with fun mindless action.
My only real gripe is inconsistency with intelligence / power. One episode they'll resort to hand-to-hand combat (and prove to be good at it), the next they don't / flee for no real reason. And at times I feel like they just don't think all that logically for no real reason (perhaps to move the plot along at times, but at times it doesn't even seem to serve any purpose other than to make it seem more difficult). It's a cartoon with flawed logic to begin with, but I don't think that's a real excuse. Just think of better problems if you don't want them to solve it too easily.
The show, however, set out to achieve something and it achieves exactly that. With quickly paced episodes yet easy to follow plots the show is great for zoning out and having a good laugh.
8/10, expressive animation, good voice acting, but repetitive and boring at times.
While the show follows a formula, by switching it up with memorable villains (years later my friends and I recognize villains from watching this show as preteens) and cool gadgets the show stays watchable and interesting.
What makes this show truly good for a cartoon is its self-awareness and satire. While many will probably take the show at face value, it's supposed to be /funny/. Sam, Clover and Alex being "like, total" Beverly Hills teens is funny because it's non-problematic satire. It lightly pokes fun at the whole culture that's developed in these above-average rich areas where teens really don't need to worry about a lot, and it shows this by using every typical mannerism that they could've used. Despite this, the main characters aren't actually all that unlikable in my opinion, which is key to this show being watchable.On top of that, they're unrealistic spies, matching satire with fun mindless action.
My only real gripe is inconsistency with intelligence / power. One episode they'll resort to hand-to-hand combat (and prove to be good at it), the next they don't / flee for no real reason. And at times I feel like they just don't think all that logically for no real reason (perhaps to move the plot along at times, but at times it doesn't even seem to serve any purpose other than to make it seem more difficult). It's a cartoon with flawed logic to begin with, but I don't think that's a real excuse. Just think of better problems if you don't want them to solve it too easily.
The show, however, set out to achieve something and it achieves exactly that. With quickly paced episodes yet easy to follow plots the show is great for zoning out and having a good laugh.
8/10, expressive animation, good voice acting, but repetitive and boring at times.
It's the type of show you use as white noise while dozing off to sleep. It's very easy to tune in and out and not really miss anything, which I find kinda relaxing and necessary sometimes. It also has some really funny moments, and some of the episodes are low key dark. For example S1E7. The girls are framed for bank robbery. Jerry straight up doesn't believe they're innocent or make any attempt to hear their side. He doesn't even consider the fact they have no motive to rob a bank. These girls have done nothing but complete missions for him and save countless lives. Not to mention they all come from extreme wealth and I am sure their Whoop salaries aren't bad for teenage girls. Without due process Jerry immediately locks them up and tries to implant behavioral modification chips in their brains. One of the Whoop agents says to them with a smile "You'll never have another aggressive thought as long as you live".
I give it a 7 because there are some things that really piss me off about this show. Like the fact the girls act real dumb/ditzy most of the time, but can somehow effortlessly operate aircrafts, submarines and complex spy tech. They're also highly trained in espionage, hand-to-hand combat, bungee jumping and bomb disposal. So why do they act so dumb? Also, how are they constantly sent on missions in the middle of the school day? They are literally gone for several days and somehow no teachers or parents ever seem to notice??
I give it a 7 because there are some things that really piss me off about this show. Like the fact the girls act real dumb/ditzy most of the time, but can somehow effortlessly operate aircrafts, submarines and complex spy tech. They're also highly trained in espionage, hand-to-hand combat, bungee jumping and bomb disposal. So why do they act so dumb? Also, how are they constantly sent on missions in the middle of the school day? They are literally gone for several days and somehow no teachers or parents ever seem to notice??
Totally Spies was a bit like a Charlie's Angels animated series. Except this is with teenage girls. The show Totally Spies features three girlfriends that fight crime and wear the latest fashion. Sam, Clover and Alex (Oldest to youngest in that order), are just trying to fit in as normal teenagers at Beverly high. Until they get turned into secret WOOHP agents! To make their life's any harder, Mandy (school foe), is always on their back never-the-less along with homework and boys! This show was on ABC Family for Season 1 in November 2001 - June 2002 and then after Season 1 was over ABC Family dropped the show and then July 2003, Cartoon Network picked up the show and renewed the show for a Season 2 and some more seasons! This is show is pretty cool and kind of funny.
User Rating: 7/10
BOTTOM LINE: PRETTY GOOD!
User Rating: 7/10
BOTTOM LINE: PRETTY GOOD!
- SonicStuart
- Jun 21, 2004
- Permalink
I love this show! I remember when I was only 5 or 6 years old when I saw it, and I soooo wanted to be Clover! (the girl in the red w/ blonde hair). Now, Cartoon Network is bringing the show back! I'm totally stoked, even though I'm 14, I STILL enjoy watching this show! I definitely relate to Clover, wanting to shop, making sure my makeup is picture perfect when I go out, etc. It makes me laugh, and that's a good thing. ONE LAST THING; I saw one user called it a "wannabe anime". This show is FAR from that, in fact, they don't even play it in Japan in which Anime completely rules! It's only in the United States and France, it's a French show. I really wish people would use their brain and not open their mouths if they don't know what their talking about. Apparently some people think every cartoon show with peppy girls and long eyelashes is anime. They need a life (;
I used to love this show and it still brings back memories, but things change and I wouldn't call this show bad, because it isn't. It's just personal issues.
The setting is something we've seen many times before: young people trying to blend in with the average youngsters and simultaniously maintaining a secret life. They all three have their own personality, but in this case they are all three more or less obsessed with the latest fashion and boys.
Those are my biggest problems, 'cause that kind of superficiality and consumerism personally turn me off, but now I have got that out of my system we'll take a look at what I LIKE about the show.
Well, our three main characters go through relatable teenage girl issues, and that is good to bring those things up. Their chemistry is entertaining and their boss, Jerry, is really cool.
I also like the episode or episodes where their school menace Mandy becomes a part of the team. It was hilarious.
The missions they go on also bring up a lot of entertainment and nice looking locations with lots of humour.
Go check it out. It is worth a watch.
The setting is something we've seen many times before: young people trying to blend in with the average youngsters and simultaniously maintaining a secret life. They all three have their own personality, but in this case they are all three more or less obsessed with the latest fashion and boys.
Those are my biggest problems, 'cause that kind of superficiality and consumerism personally turn me off, but now I have got that out of my system we'll take a look at what I LIKE about the show.
Well, our three main characters go through relatable teenage girl issues, and that is good to bring those things up. Their chemistry is entertaining and their boss, Jerry, is really cool.
I also like the episode or episodes where their school menace Mandy becomes a part of the team. It was hilarious.
The missions they go on also bring up a lot of entertainment and nice looking locations with lots of humour.
Go check it out. It is worth a watch.
I love totally spies like no other.
As a kid (I was about 8 or 9 when I watched it), it was my favorite show. It has everything a kid could want-action (doesn't every kid wish they were a spy), adventure, and cool clothes :) I especially liked how the characters changed clothes so often unlike other cartoon where the characters never ever change their clothes.
Some of the negative reviews complain about the annoying voices and superficiality of characters like clover but it's just a cartoon guys. Its meant to be over-the-top and unrealistic. That's what makes the show so enjoyable to watch. I personally think the voice actors, especially of Sam, Clover, and Alex, fit their roles perfectly and add so much fun to the characters.
I also loved loved loved the the three main characters. They're all so different and have their flaws but together they are hilarious and unstoppable.
Kids and tweens will most likely love the combination of pretty crime-fighting spies and high school drama. You don't have cartoons like this anymore.
As a kid (I was about 8 or 9 when I watched it), it was my favorite show. It has everything a kid could want-action (doesn't every kid wish they were a spy), adventure, and cool clothes :) I especially liked how the characters changed clothes so often unlike other cartoon where the characters never ever change their clothes.
Some of the negative reviews complain about the annoying voices and superficiality of characters like clover but it's just a cartoon guys. Its meant to be over-the-top and unrealistic. That's what makes the show so enjoyable to watch. I personally think the voice actors, especially of Sam, Clover, and Alex, fit their roles perfectly and add so much fun to the characters.
I also loved loved loved the the three main characters. They're all so different and have their flaws but together they are hilarious and unstoppable.
Kids and tweens will most likely love the combination of pretty crime-fighting spies and high school drama. You don't have cartoons like this anymore.
- cookiesncream_94
- Jul 11, 2010
- Permalink
I believe girls will be able to relate to this because there are girls who go boy crazy all the time. While this approach is risky and sometimes parents may or may not accept it, I think this cartoon did well in being within the age limits and it's added action is enough to make boys like it too. I'm not going to lie, I had a little crush on Alex when I was growing up! Maybe that's why I kept watching this show. Overall, good cartoon!
- rasheedthomas-68306
- Apr 4, 2017
- Permalink
I love this show so much! The older seasons are my favorites, I feel like the latest ones (or one) are not that nostalgic!
- AnnaPagrati
- Oct 8, 2021
- Permalink
"Totally Spies!" is a stylish and fun espionage series that combines fashion, gadgets, and girl power. The voice acting is lively, bringing Sam, Clover, and Alex to life with personality and charm. The film editing maintains a snappy pace, keeping the excitement level high throughout the missions. While the show's strength lies in its sassy and adventurous tone, the repetitive episodic structure can feel like a weakness at times. The upbeat music adds to the overall energy of the series. While it may not carry profound messages, its underlying theme of teamwork and friendship is a positive takeaway. The cinematography embraces a vibrant and stylish aesthetic that matches the show's overall flair. With a 6/10 rating, "Totally Spies!" offers an entertaining blend of action, humor, and fashion-forward fun that makes it a worthy watch for those seeking a dose of nostalgic spy escapades.
- chera_khalid
- Sep 22, 2023
- Permalink
The first time I watched this, I was like "cool! a new show!" then I began seeing the flaws. The plot is almost always the same: bad guy is out for revenge, or out to take over the world. And the show goes like this: 1. They have a school/teen problem, which usually involves Mandy 2. they get woohp-ed 3. they get the mission and gadgets 4. they meet the bad guy, do kung fu stuff, save the day, blah blah blah.. 5. they go back to their teen/school problem. Also some of the show elements are unrealistic. And it's irritating how Clover and Alex care so much about boys! They also talk so superficially. And that freak Mandy with her nose up high and her voice that sounds so nasally!
- sometextmissing
- May 17, 2006
- Permalink
Totally Spies is absolutely the best cartoon I've seen in years. I'm not counting anime, because anime shows are in a league of their own.
The show is about three high school girls who are actually spies for a government organization called WOOHP - The World Orgaization Of Human Protection. Sam is the smart and sexy redhead (and my favorite character), Clover is the conceited and cute blonde and Alex is the airheaded and, uh, elegant brunette (and token African-American). Their boss is Jerry, a bald British guy. Jerry supplies them with girly gadgets, such as compowders/x-powders (compact computers), lipstick lasers, windtunnel 9000 tornado-blast hairdryers and the like. They take on evil toymakers, cookiemakers and various megalomaniacs. At school they contend with a rich, snobby girl named Mandy. Clover and Mandy always fight over boys.
There are many stand-out episodes. I liked "Boy Bands Will Be Boy Bands", which has some witty dialogue. One boy band member says, "We're just doing the boy band thing to jump start our acting careers." I swear that's a reference to actor Mark Wahlburg, who used to be the lead singer of the boy band Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. I'm not a fan of real life boy bands, but I love this episode. Then there's "Alex Quits", in which Alex does quit when she becomes jealous of new spy recruit Britney. The villain is a guy named Willard, who wants to slow down the world to a snail's pace. I love his voice.
Speaking of voices, actress Jennifer Hale voices both Sam and Mandy. She also voiced Jessie in Jonny Quest: The Real Adventures.
There are three DVDs with four episodes each. I wish there were season 1,2 and 3 boxed sets. I love season 4 so far. Now we need a theatrical movie.
The show is about three high school girls who are actually spies for a government organization called WOOHP - The World Orgaization Of Human Protection. Sam is the smart and sexy redhead (and my favorite character), Clover is the conceited and cute blonde and Alex is the airheaded and, uh, elegant brunette (and token African-American). Their boss is Jerry, a bald British guy. Jerry supplies them with girly gadgets, such as compowders/x-powders (compact computers), lipstick lasers, windtunnel 9000 tornado-blast hairdryers and the like. They take on evil toymakers, cookiemakers and various megalomaniacs. At school they contend with a rich, snobby girl named Mandy. Clover and Mandy always fight over boys.
There are many stand-out episodes. I liked "Boy Bands Will Be Boy Bands", which has some witty dialogue. One boy band member says, "We're just doing the boy band thing to jump start our acting careers." I swear that's a reference to actor Mark Wahlburg, who used to be the lead singer of the boy band Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. I'm not a fan of real life boy bands, but I love this episode. Then there's "Alex Quits", in which Alex does quit when she becomes jealous of new spy recruit Britney. The villain is a guy named Willard, who wants to slow down the world to a snail's pace. I love his voice.
Speaking of voices, actress Jennifer Hale voices both Sam and Mandy. She also voiced Jessie in Jonny Quest: The Real Adventures.
There are three DVDs with four episodes each. I wish there were season 1,2 and 3 boxed sets. I love season 4 so far. Now we need a theatrical movie.
- killerjim4
- May 4, 2006
- Permalink
I grew up watching this and I have to say, this was an interesting show. The characters are very air-headed, the suits they wore were bizarre and the scenarios they got themselves into were ridiculous. But nevertheless, it was entertaining.
- mitsubishizero
- Sep 20, 2020
- Permalink
- SpankMeHard161
- Jun 7, 2005
- Permalink
I love Totally Spies. it's such an awesome show. even though it's aimed towards girls it's a great show for all kids. I consider Totally Spies to be cross between the James Bond movies and Clueless, squished into a half an hour. some people would look at it and think it's an anime but it isn't; it's purely American (though it's made by Marathon, based in France).
I was shocked, surprised, and flabbergasted by the negativity I heard on the Internet. I have watched this show, and frankly, I find it awesome! To me, it is like the live-action series "Charlie's Angels," another favorite show of mine. Only the girls are teenagers and espionage spies; they could actually see their boss, Jerry.
It is very hard to choose which of the three spies is my favorite. So I would have to say it would be Alex, the youngest out of the three. She is so cute and adorable! And also the type of next-door girl. I adore the anime-style animation as well. I am obsessed with anime. All in all, this show is fantastic!
It is very hard to choose which of the three spies is my favorite. So I would have to say it would be Alex, the youngest out of the three. She is so cute and adorable! And also the type of next-door girl. I adore the anime-style animation as well. I am obsessed with anime. All in all, this show is fantastic!
- ja_kitty_71
- Oct 12, 2007
- Permalink
So I remember this show as being one of my most enjoyable shows when I was a kid and probably one of the few spy series that I would love to watch anytime.
That being said, the first 3 seasons are superior to the last 3 seasons. So I kind of consider the show as: The original run which started in season 1 and ended with season 3 2 part finally. That is probably the best incarnation of it. I rate those a 9.
Everything after this was a slow descent from a more grounded show, somewhat, to complete sparkle magic nonsense where smarte villains become white Karens who complain about every single thing. Every villain basically becomes the Disney Doofensmirtz villain.
There are SO MANY great things about season 1 that they SHOULD use for any new season. Take the villain Ariel for example, never captured, promised revenge, we never see her again. Take the previous incarnations of Spies, it would be awesome if we have more episodes about them.
When you have some reoccurring villains, some kind of characters, wouldn't you care a bit more about what is happening?
Lastly, the show became much more boring and the jokes are flatter than a rice sheet. Why? Why not insert some innuendo like the original series? So what if the professional victims complained about it? The jokes didn't mean anything for kids. It actually made it more enjoyable for re-watch.
When nothing is funny, nothing is enjoyable, nothing is worth watching: why would you want to watch it again?
So season 1-3 are a 9 or a 10. Season 4-6 are like a 6 or a 4.
That being said, the first 3 seasons are superior to the last 3 seasons. So I kind of consider the show as: The original run which started in season 1 and ended with season 3 2 part finally. That is probably the best incarnation of it. I rate those a 9.
Everything after this was a slow descent from a more grounded show, somewhat, to complete sparkle magic nonsense where smarte villains become white Karens who complain about every single thing. Every villain basically becomes the Disney Doofensmirtz villain.
There are SO MANY great things about season 1 that they SHOULD use for any new season. Take the villain Ariel for example, never captured, promised revenge, we never see her again. Take the previous incarnations of Spies, it would be awesome if we have more episodes about them.
When you have some reoccurring villains, some kind of characters, wouldn't you care a bit more about what is happening?
Lastly, the show became much more boring and the jokes are flatter than a rice sheet. Why? Why not insert some innuendo like the original series? So what if the professional victims complained about it? The jokes didn't mean anything for kids. It actually made it more enjoyable for re-watch.
When nothing is funny, nothing is enjoyable, nothing is worth watching: why would you want to watch it again?
So season 1-3 are a 9 or a 10. Season 4-6 are like a 6 or a 4.
- julianmarku
- Jun 19, 2023
- Permalink
Oh my gosh this series is my favorite! Unlike other cartoons where the characters don't change which is gross, they actually change and have good fashion sense for cartoons. At first, it looks stupid. But it's actually really entertaining. If you like girl power, fashion, etc, then I suggests this series. The voices fit very well too. Just watch one and you'll be addicted. I'm not lying. Summary: 3 Beverly hills girls are in a spy organization. Sometimes they're normal teens who battle school, boys, and there nemesis (at school) Mandy. but then they can be spies anytime when needed. the show is packed with healthy humor, good fashion, packed action, and so much more!
Growing up watching this cartoon was absolutely great time killer. It has everything from action, comedy, adventure, scifi to romance. Rewatched 1st season on netflix, brought back amazing memories but now as adult i felt the jokes a bit corny and silly scenes. Still enjoyed a lot. Wish i could watch more but only season 1 available, rest of the seasons are nowhere to be found. Recommended.
- LancelotSB
- Aug 12, 2022
- Permalink
So this show was perfect, I used to watch it every day and I was in a lot of trouble for sneaking in a livingroom in 3AM and acting like a spie... Heh it was really bad, but that only show how much I used to LOVE this show. I liked all three girls but in their own special ways. I liked Alex because she was a sport girl like me, I loved sports, so I used to act like her and expect this she was very very funny and she love animals! Clover was acually everything oposite but I still loved her because she was famous and cool and her fights with Mandie were best and so funny, I didnt really love fashion but she was perfect and every time I saw her with new well-done dress I was feeling jelous... Ik so unfair right. These two were something else, but Sam... Ohhhh Sam was my favourite spie!! She was smart and elegant and beautifull and so cool... And I loved green color so yeah. I used to love when I see episode about only Sam or Alex, but this trio was perfection for me! Jerry was funny sometimes... But lets be real he was like their second father! I still love this show, but not that much like before, yeah animation really wasnt something, but story was perfect and I cant tell every episode was perfect, but most of them werent boring like others. So for me this show isnt my fav right now, but it was when I was a kid so I cant give rating below 9.
- KatarinaMM18
- Jan 12, 2024
- Permalink
Totally Spies is a French series with 7 seasons for a total of 182 episodes and 1 film by Studio Marathon.
The graphic design tends towards Japanese styles and American sitcom-style comedy. In other words, the target audience is relatively young, with consumers who don't need any particular artistic knowledge or anime culture in general, despite the many winks and references. Which explains its relative success.
This is reflected in the rather mediocre drawing, jerky animation and lack of script maturity. It's always the same type of story.
The heroines are modern, athletic, rather silly girls, enthusiastic about perilous adventures, make-up and fashion.
This series claims to be inspired by a 70s series: Charlie's Angels, but in reality, it does a poor job of copying a cult Japanese series: Cat's Eye. Which is a pity, considering the series' potential.
But unlike the Japanese, a cartoon is necessarily for kids...
The graphic design tends towards Japanese styles and American sitcom-style comedy. In other words, the target audience is relatively young, with consumers who don't need any particular artistic knowledge or anime culture in general, despite the many winks and references. Which explains its relative success.
This is reflected in the rather mediocre drawing, jerky animation and lack of script maturity. It's always the same type of story.
The heroines are modern, athletic, rather silly girls, enthusiastic about perilous adventures, make-up and fashion.
This series claims to be inspired by a 70s series: Charlie's Angels, but in reality, it does a poor job of copying a cult Japanese series: Cat's Eye. Which is a pity, considering the series' potential.
But unlike the Japanese, a cartoon is necessarily for kids...
- kotomo-91130
- Jan 16, 2024
- Permalink
- meganphipps
- Aug 17, 2015
- Permalink
Absurd adventures for the strange protagonists of this cartoon that in some ways reminded me of Kim Possible.
In every mission or almost every one of our protagonists undergo a physical transformation and this made me think that someone in the production had some fetish.
In every mission or almost every one of our protagonists undergo a physical transformation and this made me think that someone in the production had some fetish.
- stefanozucchelli
- Nov 10, 2021
- Permalink