A Guide for New Fans: Discovering the Fun of “Go Go Gophers”

“Go Go Gophers” is a delightful and whimsical cartoon that has charmed audiences since its debut in the 1960s. Part of the “Underdog” show lineup, this animated series brought a humorous and light-hearted approach to the classic battle of wits. Whether you’re a new fan or just discovering this gem thanks to its return on METVToons, let’s dive into what makes “Go Go Gophers” so special.

The Premise

Set in the Old West, “Go Go Gophers” revolves around the comedic antics of two Native American gopher characters, Ruffled Feather and Running Board, as they consistently outsmart the bumbling efforts of the U.S. cavalry. The story’s premise centers on the cavalry’s attempts, led by Colonel Kit Coyote, to take over the gophers’ land—a playful parody of the real-life historical conflicts. However, instead of a dramatic struggle, what unfolds is a series of comedic misadventures that highlight the gophers’ cleverness and the cavalry’s ineptitude.

Meet the Characters

1. Ruffled Feather – The brains of the operation, Ruffled Feather is the chief of the gopher tribe. With his wry sense of humor and quick thinking, he devises clever schemes to thwart the cavalry’s plans. Despite the show’s comical portrayal, Ruffled Feather stands out as a character of intelligence and resourcefulness, always staying one step ahead of his adversaries.
2. Running Board – The sidekick and translator for Ruffled Feather, Running Board adds an extra layer of humor with his animated expressions and often literal interpretations of commands. He may be less articulate than his chief, but his loyalty and enthusiasm make him an endearing and essential part of the team.
3. Colonel Kit Coyote – The perpetually frustrated leader of the cavalry, Colonel Kit Coyote is determined to take over the gophers’ land. However, his grand plans are usually foiled due to his own blunders and the clever tactics of Ruffled Feather and Running Board. The Colonel’s exaggerated military demeanor and misplaced confidence provide a lot of the show’s humor.
4. Sergeant Okey Homa – Kit Coyote’s loyal second-in-command, Sergeant Okey Homa is a well-meaning but not particularly bright soldier who often finds himself caught in the middle of the Colonel’s misadventures. His constant misinterpretations and blind obedience to the Colonel add another layer of comedy to the mix.

The Humor

The humor in “Go Go Gophers” is driven by slapstick, visual gags, and clever wordplay. The jokes often revolve around the cavalry’s elaborate but poorly executed schemes to remove the gophers, only to be hilariously outsmarted every time. The dynamic between the overly serious Colonel Coyote and the effortlessly savvy gophers provides a classic comedic contrast that keeps viewers entertained.

One of the show’s recurring comedic devices is the use of absurd disguises and disguises, which the gophers use to trick the cavalry. Whether it’s pretending to be cavalry officers themselves or setting up elaborate traps, the gophers’ antics always leave Colonel Coyote in a hilariously compromising position. This running gag is a testament to the show’s playful spirit and its ability to make even the simplest jokes consistently funny.

The Origins and Impact

“Go Go Gophers” was produced by Total Television, the same studio behind other popular series like “Underdog” and “Tennessee Tuxedo and His Tales.” It aired as part of the “Underdog” show in 1966 and quickly became a favorite for its unique setting and humorous take on the classic theme of underdogs (or under-gophers) triumphing against all odds.

While the show’s portrayal of Native American characters was a product of its time and reflects outdated stereotypes, it is also important to appreciate it within its historical context. The light-hearted nature of the show and its focus on the clever triumph of the gophers over the cavalry has remained appealing to generations of viewers.

Why It Still Resonates

“Go Go Gophers” remains a beloved classic because of its timeless humor and charming characters. The show’s simple yet effective comedic formula of clever underdogs outsmarting the hapless authority figures is universally relatable and endlessly entertaining. Its return on channels like METVToons allows both old and new audiences to enjoy the whimsical antics of Ruffled Feather and Running Board once more.

So if you’re new to “Go Go Gophers,” prepare for a delightful ride filled with laughs, clever schemes, and a touch of nostalgia. This is a show where the good-natured mischief of two gophers will always have you rooting for the underdog.