Edgar & Ellen: Mad Scientists—Season One, Volume One

Inspired by the books of Charles Ogden, Nicktoons' Edgar & Ellen brings back the creepy yet harmless fun of old sitcoms like The Addams Family. Granted, the titular pale 12-year-old prankster twins (voiced by Kathleen Barr and Jillian Michaels) are animated, but they also inhabit a decrepit mansion and have an animal named “Pet” that belongs to no discernible breed (it's a one-eyed fur ball). Other bizarre details: their 13-floor house is adult-free—except for smiley caretaker Heimertz—and their only outfits are sets of striped long johns. During the first season, the twins battle bizarre opponents, including a giant spider (“It Came from the Sub-basement”), a persistent pest (“Ellen vs. Slug”), and a gaggle of New Age practitioners (“Dr. Ellen and Dr. Edgar”). Nemesis classmate Stephanie Knightleigh (Ashleigh Ball), the mayor's daughter, also figures in several episodes, such as “Beast of Show,” in which her pooch competes against Pet, and “Gross Inspection,” in which Stephanie (whom Edgar and Ellen describe as “the purple fly in our ointment”) tries to have the twins' manor condemned. Over these 13 episodes from the 2007-08 first season, two overriding themes emerge: individuality trumps group-think and gritty reality trumps arty pretension. DVD extras include three animated shorts and a “Prank Your Friends” game. Recommended. Aud: P. (K. Fennessy)