The plot was described as a science fictionanthology series set in a futuristic city with a steamy side.[2][3] Each episode is introduced by Raven, a nightclub hostess who also makes brief appearances in the tales.
Production
Bakshi in January 2009
Discussions involving a series based upon Trey Parker and Matt Stone's video Christmas card Jesus vs. Santa (which would become South Park) led HBO to contact Ralph Bakshi in order to produce the first animated series targeted specifically toward adults.[4] Bakshi enlisted a team of writers, including his son Preston, to develop Spicy Detective, later renamed Spicy City.[4]
A woman seeking escape from her abusive boyfriend finds true love in a virtual world with a washed-up veteran now working as a "virtual investigator" who attempts to save the woman from being stalked.
2
"Mano's Hands"
Ralph Bakshi
Lawrence Chua & Willie Perdomo
July 18, 1997 (1997-07-18)
A strange tale of a bongo player's hands coming to life and terrorizing civilians after mob members chop them off.
3
"Tears of a Clone"
Ennio Torresan Jr.
Franz Henkel & Lou Walker
August 1, 1997 (1997-08-01)
A detective goes on a search to find a rich man's daughter, only to return with her clone instead.
4
"An Eye for an Eye"
Ennio Torresan Jr.
Douglas Brooks West
August 8, 1997 (1997-08-08)
A ruthless female cop named Margo, known for her striking blue eyes and penchant for abusing her power, plots to blackmail Spicy City's near-sighted judge, and her partner, Ernie, must choose between staying out of it and stopping Margo's reign of terror once and for all.
5
"Sex Drive"
Ralph Bakshi
Preston Bakshi
August 15, 1997 (1997-08-15)
A female police detective who's being mistreated by her coworkers teams up with a cyborg prostitute whose business is struggling thanks to her male clients using virtual prostitutes when the virtual prostitutes begin sucking the intelligence out of their johns.
6
"Raven's Revenge"
John Kafka
Douglas Brooks West
August 22, 1997 (1997-08-22)
Raven is hounded by futuristic police forces for being born with a DNA pattern that brands her as a freak.
Reception
The series premiered on 11 July 1997, beating South Park to television by over a month and becoming the first "adults only" cartoon series.[4]
Although critical reaction was mixed and largely unfavorable, Spicy City received acceptable ratings.[5] The Los Angeles Times called the series "Adolescent Humor for Adults".[6] The Dallas Morning News said the series "exploits the female form".[7]
A second season was approved, but the network wanted to fire Bakshi's writing team and hire professional Los Angeles screenwriters. When Bakshi refused to cooperate with the network, the series was cancelled.[4]
References
^Perlmutter, David (2018). The Encyclopedia of American Animated Television Shows. Rowman & Littlefield. pp. 573–574. ISBN978-1538103739.
^ abcdGibson, Jon M.; McDonnell, Chris (2008). "Ups & Downs". Unfiltered: The Complete Ralph Bakshi. Universe Publishing. pp. 234–235. ISBN978-0-7893-1684-4.
