About Recess
Recess is an animated television series that aired from 1997 to 1999, for three seasons. The show is centered around six elementary school students: TJ Detweiler, Spinelli, Vince, Gretchen, Mikey, and Gus. They navigate through the challenges of school life under the watchful eye of the unforgettable Principal Prickly and the authoritarian Miss Finster. The series skillfully blends humor and life lessons, and it is noted for its characterization of the kids as their own society complete with its own government and class structure.
Making / Production
Recess was produced by Walt Disney Television Animation. The series was created by Paul Germain and Joe Ansolabehere, also known for their work on Rugrats. The animation style of Recess is largely traditional, and it often emphasizes detailed settings and naturalistic character designs to support its sophisticated storytelling.
Actors
- Andrew Lawrence as TJ Detweiler - Lawrence portrays TJ, the charismatic and natural leader of the group who frequently comes up with plans to get out of sticky situations.
- Pamela Adlon as Spinelli - Adlon gives voice to the tomboyish Spinelli, who often acts tough but has a soft side.
- Rickey D'Shon Collins as Vince - Collins plays Vince, the athletic and competitive member of the group.
- Ashley Johnson as Gretchen - Johnson voices Gretchen, the smart and resourceful girl who often uses her intelligence to help the group.
- Jason Davis as Mikey - Davis portrays Mikey, the gentle giant with a heart of gold and a love of poetry.
- Courtland Mead as Gus - Mead plays Gus, the new kid and a bit of a naive, but well-meaning member of the group.
Trivia / Interesting Facts
- Co-creator Paul Germain stated that the show is set in the current year of the team that worked on it.
- Gus was originally not part of the main group of children, but was added to the main cast due to the positive response to his character.
- The school building in Recess was modeled after the school that the creators went to when they were kids.
Quotes
- "Think, think, think! How do I make this fun?" - TJ
- "They're not just kids - we're people, too." - Mikey
- "Don't mess with the Ashleys!" - Ashley Armstrong
Music, Soundtrack
- The theme music of Recess, known as 'Recess Main Title', was composed by Denis M. Hannigan.
- Various episodes of the series feature original songs penned specifically for the show, contributing to the rich, layered storytelling.
