Constant Payne
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Constant Payne is an American animated, shelved, unaired pilot. It was created by Micah Wright and co-produced by Nickelodeon Animation Studios, Madhouse, and Pacifica Sound Group (responsible for providing the post-production sound services). Had this been expanded upon, it would've been both Nickelodeon's first, action-animated series and first anime-influenced Nicktoon.
Plot
Amanda Payne comes from a long-line of do-gooders in her family. The Paynes have been involved in various professions that involve helping others in need, one way or another. As the youngest member of the next generation of the Paynes, she is ready to join in on the altruism and is raring for adventure, but her father, Alexander "Doc" Payne, would rather she not be a part of it, concerned for her safety.
Why It Rocks
- Stunning anime-influenced art style and the animation is decent in its own right.
- The writing is impressive enough to leave a great first impression, considering this is the only episode ever made, so that made it count.
- The characters are well-written too, especially Doc and Amanda, who seem like they'd indeed make such a dynamic father-daughter team.
- The character designs are nothing to complain about at all.
- Although the background music is okay, the standout is the jazzy, instrumental theme song that gets viewers pumped for what they're about to watch.
- The voice acting is just fine.
- The action sequences are not only thrilling, but comical as well.
- The dialogue is flawlessly written.
- There are great moments from beginning to end.
- From the taste of what viewers would get to see, the message it seems to send is about a parent eventually having to learn to let go and let his daughter assert her independence, to prove her capabilities.
- As an action and anime-inspired, Western cartoon, it's a delight to see content of something different from Nick's more common fare. It also has a somewhat more of a mature theme (that's not to say other Nicktoons haven't had their more mature moments, even if they have been occasional or fleeting).
The Only Bad Quality
- It was originally set to be extended into a series in the Fall of 2001. But that never came to be, due to the 9/11 incident, making networks wary of airing anything that depicted aircraft crashing into buildings and creator Micah Wright allegedly planning a staff writer union/strike against Nickelodeon. The executives got back at him in response by not letting any more episodes see the light of day.