"Swamp Thing is a half hour cable TV series by MCA/Universal, and made by BBK Productions that aired on the USA Network between 1990 and 1993 [and was subsequently re-run on the UK Sci Fi Channel, which is where I saw it back in the early 90s]. The series follows the adventures of Dr. Alec Holland, a scientist who was disfigured and transformed in a laboratory accident caused by his arch enemy, Dr. Anton Arcane. Alec seems to have a full time job on his hands as he has to constantly contend with Arcane's demented schemes of acquisition and destruction which invariably threaten Alec and his friends. Well, usually: After a little while it seemed to be decided that this was getting old and having poor Arcane do his best to find more and ingenious ways to finish himself off instead seemed to be the more usual plot (and a lot of fun it was too!)

     Of course, not every episode has Arcane as the threat, or even in it (although the ones with him in are by far the most fun, in most viewers' opinions.) Though Alec - or 'Swampy' as he is affectionately known - is the title character, the series spends more time concentrating on the other characters, notably his nemesis, Arcane, and others created specifically for the TV show, such as the Kipp family. Anyone expecting a standard superhero show with said hero constantly flexing the old muscles and saving the day, with everyone else pretty much in the background isn't going to get that with this show. The other characters were concentrated on more, and the show was more of an ensemble one than dealing with just one main person. By not overusing or formularising Swamp Thing, his mystique and enigma are preserved throughout the series (well, mostly. He had his moments!)

     One thing to be said about 'Swamp Thing' is that it is not a series that takes itself too seriously. Let's face it, when your hero is a seven foot tall talking plant, it's a tad difficult to be taken seriously... so the series often doesn't try! (& when it does, oh boy, does it regret it!!) It contains a lot of humour (more dialogue driven than visual) and isn't afraid to stand back and take a good laugh at itself, and only very rarely descends into off-putting camp. That isn't to say that it's shallow. Far from it. For such a low budget and often cheezy show, the characters are amazingly well defined and have strong depth and motivation (well, at least after first season, anyway.)"