Summary
Dimension 20’scomedic riff onHarry Potterhas a Dark Lord plot that’s far more compelling than the storyline for Voldemort. Dropout’s TTRPG series,Dimension 20largely functions as an anthology that hops around between stories from season to season. While some revisit characters and settings from previous parts of the series, with a rotating cast joining the one-off “Side Quests” that typically are expansions on previous seasons or well-known media archetypes. Amongthe best seasons ofDimension 20is “Misfits and Magic,” which dives into a world clearly designed to resemble the wizarding world of Hogwarts andHarry Potter.
Among the elements ofHarry Potterthe series takes deliberate aim at is the inherently evil “Dark Lord” archetype. InHarry Potter, Voldemort is a straightforward villain with no redeeming qualities, his dark powers and isolated upbringing setting him up to become a memorable (if one-dimensional) threat. “Misfits and Magic” subverts Voldemort’s lack of a true character arc by giving their take on that character a far more compelling storyline. It underscores the central themes of the season and sets up plenty of hilarious (and critical) contrasts toHarry Potter.Here’s howDimension 20pokes fun at — and improves — Voldemort.
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Cast of Dimension 20’s “Misfits and Magic
Lou Wilson
Whitney Jammer
Dimension 20’s 10th season, “Misfits and Magic,” has a hilarious riff on Voldemort that explores the storytelling potential of giving the “Dark Lord” like Evan Kelmp a character arc. The season focuses on four average American teenagers — the jockish Jammer, internet influencer Sam, goth geek Dream, and quiet wanderer Evan — as they are accepted to the Gowpenny Academy of Arcane Arts.The series is an overt parody of theHarry Potterimagery and style, even playing a meta layer of comedy by having the characters refer toHarry Potterin-universe (and revealing the magical world has never heard of it).
The entire cast is delightful, but the highlight is Evan Kelmp. Played by Brennan Lee Mulligan, Evan is isolated from the world almost by necessity. A shy and anxious teenager with low self-esteem, Evan is also unwillingly hosting a malovolent mystical entity that gives him absurd power.This status as the supposedly fated “Dark One” is one he resists at every turn, in direct contrast to the natural evil evolution of Tom Riddle into Voldemort inHarry Potter. This sets up the true strength of the character, and gives him a complex and endearing story that elevates him beyond parody.
Dimension 20 Gives Their Voldemort A Really Sweet Arc
How The “Dark Lord” Grows As A Person In “Misfits And Magic”
While each of the “Pilot Program” students get compelling arcs in “Misfits and Magic,“Evan ends up with the one that most directly parallels the source material it’s poking fun at. Given a chance to affirm his own sanity and finally develop bonds with people who aren’t scared off by his abilities, Evan is given the chance to grow beyond the initially frustrated teenager he’s shown to be. Whereas the first episode sees him lash out, Evan grows more controlled and capable as the series progresses. It all stems from the realistic friendships he develops, and how they impact him.
Evan bears a lot in common Harry Potterin his series of the same name. Both are plagued with unsure feelings and fears about their potential. Both are shown to grow through the love and acceptance of others, and reaffirming those bonds end up giving them a power that their dark counterparts can’t overcome. However, Evan explores that character beat far more overtly (and hilariously) about how that love keeps him from becoming a “Dark Lord,” and the genuine danger of his potential corruption gives his growth real stakes. It’s a really strong story, and more compelling than Voldemort’s arc.
How Dimension 20 Flips Several Harry Potter Characters Against (And Alongside) Evan
Evan’s Growth Is Contrasted Against The Harsher Parts Of The Wizarding World
Evan’s strength as a character works in part because of the pieces of theHarry Potterparody that become more critical of the books and films.The world-building of “Misfits and Magic” subverts and twists the world ofHarry Potterat several turns. The season is overtly critical of the practice of placing children into Houses based on their personality, comparing it to tracking in education. “Misfits and Magic” overtly confronts inherent questions of bigotry. Evan and the other three “N.A.M.P” students (which draws attention toHarry Potter’s messy approach to commentary on slurs) confront the wizarding world’s accepted prejudices.
Evan and the rest of the cast get the chance to confront teachers and students who view change and the non-magical ideas as worthless. This plays into one of the story’s most empathic storylines, focusing on Evan’s bond with School Nurse David Stitchnit. Established as having a trans daughter and showcasing a greater sense of understanding than anyone else in the magical world,Stitchnit brings a soft and meaningful understanding to the show that helps Evan find a level of self-acceptance. It adds to his arc, making it feel more powerful and personal than anything Voldemort experienced inHarry Potter.
Dimension 20 Proves Voldemort Could Have Been Redeemed
Evan’s Arc InDimension 20Highlights The Importance Of Love & Friendship
Voldemort isn’t necessarily a complicated character in either theHarry Potterfilms or movies. While there are tragic elements to his origins, Tom Riddle in his youth and Voldemort in his prime are portrayed as unredeemable force, a foreboding figure who transcends death through horrible acts of murder. That fits neatly into the typically morally stark world ofHarry Potter, which is rooted in a heroic fantasy coming of age story. However,Evan is more compellingfor effectively fusing the guilt and self-doubt that plague Harry for much of his series with the genuine power of a feared Dark Lord.
It lends more stakes to Evan’s outbursts, and plays into the character’s overall growth into a more self-assured character. Voldemort’s story is exciting but one-note, whereasEvan’s place in the center cast of “Misfits and Magic” allows him to take center-stage in an exciting way. Even if characters like Voldemort still became monstrous villains, having a tragic arc with the depth of Evan Kelmp’s would make them more complex and compelling characters. Making Tom Riddle purely evil even from a young age makes him boring and removes the potential for the strong kind of arc Evan gets inDimension 20.
Dimension 20
Cast
Produced under the Dropout TV banner/service, Dimension 20 is a Dungeons & Dragons-based television show that brings together a group of players for comedic adventures in the classic tabletop game. Campaigns last several seasons and switch back and forth between them, with many cast members returning to take on new roles, all hosted by creator Brennan Lee Mulligan as the show’s Dungeon Master.
