TV REVIEWS : ‘Duckman’ Created as an Adult Cartoon

The latest entry in the “adult” (i.e. gross) cartoon sweepstakes, “Duckman: Private Detective/Family Man,” premiering at 10:30 tonight on the USA cable channel, is so far out in left field, it’s behind the bleachers.

Based on a comic strip by illustrator Everett Peck, the cranky central character (voice by Jason Alexander) is equally ineffectual as a private eye and a father. His immediate circle includes his shrewish sister-in-law, Bernice (Nancy Travis); his lumpish son, Ajax (Dweezil Zappa); his argumentative, two-headed son Charles/Mambo (Dana Hill/E.G. Daily); a flatulent, comatose mother-in-law and his phlegmatic partner-pig, Cornfed (Gregg Berger). Calling this clan “dysfunctional” would be flattery.

Matt Groening describes “The Simpsons” as “a family who love each other and drive each other crazy, which is something we can all identify with.” Viewers may have a tougher time generating much sympathy for the alienated Duckman, who alternately complains and takes pot shots at PC targets. He’s Archie Bunker in a script by Bret Easton Ellis.