Those in search of some extra whimsy in their day could do much worse than checking out The Ballad of Mary and Ernie, a strange yet occasionally charming mash-up of Unforgiven and the first chapter of Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels.
The five-part original series shrinks down the classic Western and turns it into a child’s playset, where Ernie (James Lane), the local marshal, is more than a little out of place due to the fact that he’s a giant in a tiny world. But while he’s made a life for himself, even planning to wed Nan (voice of Darcy Halsey), things become complicated when Mary (Vanessa Celso, invoking the spirit of a better dressed and cleaner Calamity Jane) comes to town and proves to be his match in height and spirit — which does not thrill Nan one bit.
The biggest challenge Ballad presents is its premise, which demands both a big leap of faith and some patience. Read more »
