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{{short description|American animated TV series}}
{{Multiple issues|fansite=January 2009|in-universe=January 2009|refimprove=January 2009|plot =September 2009}}
{{infobox television
{{Infobox television
|show_name=Road Rovers
| image = Road Rovers.png
| caption =
|image=
| creator = [[Tom Ruegger]]<br />Jeff Gordon
|caption=
| writer = [[Tom Ruegger]]<br />Mark Seidenberg
|format=[[Animated series]]
| director = Herb Moore
|runtime=30 minutes (with commercials)
| starring = [[Jess Harnell]]<br />[[Tress MacNeille]]<br />[[Jeff Bennett]]<br />[[Kevin Michael Richardson]]<br />[[Frank Welker]]<br /> [[Joseph Campanella]]<br />[[Jim Cummings]]<br/>[[Rob Paulsen]]<br />[[Sheena Easton]]<br />
|creator=[[Tom Ruegger]]
| theme_music_composer = [[Richard Stone (composer)|Richard Stone]]
|rating=USA: {{TV-Y}}
| composer = [[Gordon Goodwin]]<br />[[Don L. Harper|Don Harper]]
|starring=[[Jess Harnell]]<br>[[Tress MacNeille]]<br>[[Jeff Bennett]]<br>[[Kevin Michael Richardson]]<br>[[Frank Welker]]<br> [[Joseph Campanella]]<br>[[Jim Cummings]]
|country=[[United States|USA]]
| country = United States
| num_seasons = 1
|network=[[Kids' WB]]
| num_episodes = 13
|first_aired=September 7, 1996
| list_episodes =
|last_aired=February 22, 1997
| executive_producer = [[Tom Ruegger]]
|num_episodes=14 (1 unreleased)
| producer = Bob Doucette

| company = [[Warner Bros. Animation|Warner Bros. Television Animation]]
| runtime = 22 minutes
| network = [[Kids' WB]]
| first_aired = {{Start date|1996|9|7}}
| last_aired = {{end date|1997|2|22}}
}}
}}
'''''Road Rovers''''' is an [[United States|American]] [[animated television series]] written and produced by [[Warner Bros. Animation]] that premiered on [[Kids' WB]] on September 7, 1996. It lasted one season and ended on February 22, 1997. Reruns continued to air until September 6, 1997. It was then on [[Cartoon Network]] from February 7, 1998 until 2000. Much of the humor contained in the show was derived from [[popular culture]] of the mid-1990s.
'''''Road Rovers''''' is an American animated television series produced by [[Warner Bros. Animation|Warner Bros. Television Animation]] that premiered on [[Kids' WB]] on September 7, 1996, and ended after one season on February 22, 1997.<ref name=Perlmutter>{{cite book |last1=Perlmutter |first1=David |title=The Encyclopedia of American Animated Television Shows |date=2018 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |isbn=978-1538103739 |pages=507–508}}</ref> It was later shown on [[Cartoon Network]] from February 7, 1998, until 2000.


The show follows the adventures of the Road Rovers, a team of five super-powered crime-fighting [[anthropomorphic]] [[dog]]s, known as "cano-sapiens". The leader of the rovers is Hunter, a golden retriever mix from the [[United States]]. The Rovers' boss is a scientist known as "The Master" who oversees their operations and supplies them with equipment from their subterranean headquarters.
The show follows the adventures of the Road Rovers, a team of five super-powered crime-fighting [[anthropomorphism|anthropomorphic]] [[dog]]s, known as "cano-sapiens". The characters all live with world leaders, including the [[President of the United States]], the [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|British Prime Minister]], the [[Chancellor of Germany]], the [[President of the Swiss Confederation|Swiss President]] and the [[President of Russia]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Erickson |first1=Hal |title=Television Cartoon Shows: An Illustrated Encyclopedia, 1949 Through 2003 |date=2005 |edition=2nd |publisher=McFarland & Co |isbn=978-1476665993 |pages=669–670}}</ref>


==Plot==
==Plot==
In the town of [[Socorro, New Mexico]] (one year prior to the formation of the Road Rovers), Professor Shepherd is attacked by a man named General [[parvovirus|Parvo]], who demands the professor's experimental transdogmafier (a play on the term [[transmogrifier]]) technology in exchange for his lost dog. Shepherd gives in but is tricked by Parvo, who gives him a bomb that destroys his laboratory. The next year, as normal dogs begin to mutate into monsters, Shephard, who miraculously survived the attack, realizes it is Parvo who is behind it and decides to stop him.
One year prior, in [[Socorro, New Mexico]], Professor Shepherd was forced to relinquish his experimental transdogmafier technology to General Parvo in exchange for having his kidnapped dog Scout returned to him, but Parvo refused to do so and destroyed his laboratory. One year later, as Parvo mutates normal dogs into monsters, Shepherd, who miraculously survived the attack, takes measures to stop him.


Shepherd selects five dogs from around the world to combat this new threat. Once they arrive at his new, secret underground lab, he uses his new transdogmifier on the five, turning them into "Cano-sapiens" look like normal clothed humans except that they have retained all the trademark aspects of the dogs they came from, such as a tail, fur, distinctive ears and head, etc. Their personality before the transformation also remains intact. They can also speak [[English language|English]] and possess super abilities that normal [[humans]] do not.
Shepherd selects five different dogs and in his new, secret underground lab, he uses his new transdogmifier on the five, turning them into "Cano sapiens." These dogs are the pets of world leaders, and when called to action, they are a team of crime fighters known as the Road Rovers.

When not fighting crime, they revert to their original dog form, and reside in the homes of the leaders of their country of origin; Hunter goes to the [[President of the United States]], Colleen to the [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom]], Blitz to the [[Chancellor of Germany (Federal Republic)|Chancellor of Germany]], Exile to the [[President of Russia]], and Shag to the [[President of the Swiss Confederation]].

It is later discovered that many of the events in the past were caused by Parvo's [[Time travel|time machine]]. These include Parvo's appearance in the past (as a cat named Boots), Parvo's failed attempt at constructing a transdogrifier causing Scout to become Muzzle, Boots becoming Parvo with Groomer's help, Muzzle meeting Hunter, and Shag saving Shepherd's life by informing him of the bomb that will blow up his lab.

<!--don't add the "Russian Name Song" without a source-->

<!--Please stop adding in the comparison to the Waku Waku 7 game, the two properties are nothing alike and it is Original Research anyway-->


==Characters==
==Characters==
*'''Hunter''' ([[Jess Harnell]])<ref name="btva">{{cite web |title=Road Rovers (1996 TV Show) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Road-Rovers/ |access-date=June 19, 2024 |publisher=Behind The Voice Actors}} A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.</ref> – A [[Goldador]] from the United States and the leader of the team. Hunter is optimistic, funny, devoted, friendly, level-headed, and an effective leader. Hunter's power is super speed; this allows him to run faster than the speed of sound. He lives with President [[Bill Clinton]] in the White House. He also has a flirtatious relationship with Colleen in the later episodes of the series, which the latter reciprocates.
*'''Hunter''' ([[Jess Harnell]]): A [[Goldador]] from the [[United States]]; Hunter is the leader of the Road Rovers. He possesses super speed, and is prone to listing a range of other "powers" such as super-loyalty, super-trust, and super-luck. He and Colleen have romantic feelings for each other, though Hunter's oblivious nature prevents it from progressing. He also really likes dog toy balls. Hunter is also noted as being the only Rover whose relatives appeared during the season; he visits his mother in "A Day in the Life."
*'''Colleen''' ([[Tress MacNeille]])<ref name="btva" /> – A no-nonsense [[Rough Collie]] from the United Kingdom, and the only female member of the Road Rovers. She is the coordinator of the team, always checking to see if everything is going well without any problems or issues. Colleen is also very athletic, being a skilled martial artist. She resides with the prime minister of the United Kingdom, [[John Major]], and his wife [[Norma Major|Norma Johnson]]. She is openly attracted to Hunter, who she developed a flirtatious relationship with during later episodes of the series.
*'''Exile''' ([[Kevin Michael Richardson]])<ref name="btva" /> – A [[Siberian Husky]] from Russia. His full name is Exilo Michalovitch Sanhusky. Exile speaks English with a thick Russian accent, sometimes mixing up words in the process. He is somewhat friendly and easygoing, but often clashes with Blitz. Exile is super strong and also has heat, ice, and night vision. He used to work with other huskies as a sled dog, but now lives with Russian president [[Boris Yeltsin]]. Exile and Blitz shared a running gag in which Blitz would make a comment that could be interpreted in various ways, to which Exile would reprimand Blitz for being a "weird boy".
*'''Blitz''' ([[Jeff Bennett]] impersonating [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]])<ref name="btva" /> – A [[Doberman Pinscher|Doberman]] from Germany. Unlike Hunter, Blitz is often selfish, immature, spiteful, faint-hearted, and has an ill temper. He has razor-sharp claws and strong jaws, which allow him to bite and cut through almost any substance. Blitz was formerly a guard dog for thieves, but now lives with German chancellor [[Helmut Kohl]]. Blitz attempts to flirt with Colleen several times over the series, part of a running gag in which his flirting is met with her pretending not to know who he is. This joke ran up until the series' final episode, at which point she finally acknowledges Blitz by name.
*'''Shag''' ([[Frank Welker]])<ref name="btva" /> – A cowardly [[Old English Sheepdog]] from Switzerland, who lives with President [[Arnold Koller]]. Unlike the other Rovers, Shag is not fully anthropomorphic, is incapable of speech, and does not wear clothes. However, his dense fur enables him to store various objects for later use.
*'''Muzzle''' (Frank Welker) – Professor Shepherd's [[Rottweiler]], who was previously known as '''Scout''' before being kidnapped and experimented on by Parvo and driven insane. As a result, he is often restrained on a cart and only released when the Rovers need him.
*'''Persia''' ([[Sheena Easton]]) – An [[Afghan Hound]] and commander of the Space Rovers.
*'''Professor Hubert''' ([[David Doyle (actor)|David Doyle]])<ref name="btva" /> – A [[Bloodhound]] scientist.
*'''Confusus''' – A wise dog who lives in the mountains.
*'''Professor William Shepherd / "The Master"''' ([[Joseph Campanella]])<ref name="btva" /> – A [[geneticist]] who created the transdogmafier and the Road Rovers.
*'''General Parvo''' ([[Jim Cummings]])<ref name="btva" /> – The Road Rovers' main enemy, who seeks to destroy Professor Shepherd and conquer the world. He was previously a cat before Shephard's assistant Jeffrey Otitus captured him and transformed him into a "Felo-Sapien". Unlike other transformed animals, he largely resembles a human except for his cat-like ears, which are usually hidden by his helmet.
*'''The Groomer''' (Sheena Easton)<ref name="btva" /> – General Parvo's assistant.
*'''Zachary Storm''' ([[Larry Drake]])<ref name="btva" /> – A former member of the [[United States Navy|Navy]] with aspirations of world domination.
*'''Eugene Atwater''' ([[Steve Franken]])<ref name="btva" /> – A professor and bug enthusiast.
*'''Cano-mutants''' – Dogs who were turned into humanoid monsters and led by Parvo.
*'''Werewolves''' – A pack of werewolves appearing in "A Hair of the Dog That Bit You". They are led by the '''Wolf King''' ([[Rob Paulsen]]).<ref name="btva" />


==Episodes==
*'''Colleen''' ([[Tress MacNeille]]): A [[Rough Collie]] from the [[United Kingdom]], and the only female in the group; Colleen is skilled in martial arts and is a trained medic. Colleen is known for being cheerful with a rapier wit, and she is also calm under pressure. She has a lively sense of humor, and is quite close to most of her teammates, the exception being Blitz.
===Series overview===
{{Series overview
| color1 = #B0171F
| link1 = #Season 1 (1996-1997)
| episodes1 = 13
| start1 = {{Start date|1996|9|7}}
| end1 = {{Start date|1997|2|22}}
| network1 = [[Kids' WB]]
}}


===Season 1 (1996-1997)===
*'''Blitz''' ([[Jeff Bennett]] impersonating [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]]): A [[Doberman]] from [[Germany]]; Blitz is a team player but shows no proper respect to anyone but himself. His razor sharp teeth and claws can cut through almost anything. Though he puts on a brave face, he has many times of cowardice. He has romantic feelings for Colleen, often met only with feigned obliviousness and often followed in short order by physical violence on her part. The running gag is she can't remember his name until the last episode. When he says something weird Exile says to him "Don't be a weird boy." He often exhibits a desire to bite the behinds of his enemies, and keeps track of all the buttocks he bites, claiming he'll get a new flea collar should he reach one hundred.
{{Episode table|background=#B0171F|overall=4|title=20|director=14|writer=17|airdate=12|episodes={{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 1
| Title = Let's Hit the Road
| DirectedBy = Herb Moore
| WrittenBy = [[Tom Ruegger]] and Mark Seidenberg
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|9|7}}
| ShortSummary = One year prior, General Parvo destroys Professor Shepherd's laboratory and steals his transdogmifier technology. In the present, Shepherd builds a new lab underground and recruits several dogs from around the world to become the Road Rovers and stop Parvo from perfecting the unstable transformation process. Afterwards, Shepherd arranges for the Rovers to be adopted by world leaders.
| LineColor = B0171F
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 2
| Title = Storm from the Pacific
| DirectedBy = Jon McClenahan
| WrittenBy = Earl Kress and Tom Ruegger
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|9|14}}
| ShortSummary = An unidentified assailant attacks a [[destroyer]] ship and steals the codes for a defense satellite. The Rovers eventually learn that the culprit is Zachary Storm, a disgruntled former Navy member who seeks to destroy the United States with the satellite. Storm captures the group, but Muzzle manages to free them and stop Storm, who escapes.
| LineColor = B0171F
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 3
| Title = A Hair of the Dog That Bit You
| DirectedBy = Scott Jeralds
| WrittenBy = John Ludin and Mark Seidenberg
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|9|21}}
| ShortSummary = A werewolf pack attacks London and transforms several citizens, including the British royal family. While retrieving special swamp water to cure them, the Rovers discover that Colleen was turned into a werewolf after a battle with one and has been chosen to become the pack's leader. However, they manage to cure the wolves after intercepting their meeting at [[Stonehenge]].
| LineColor = B0171F
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 4
| Title = Where Rovers Dare
| DirectedBy = Herb Moore
| WrittenBy = Brian Chin and Tom Ruegger
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|10|12}}
| ShortSummary = Centuries prior, the bordering nations of [[Michael Eisner|Eisneria]] and [[Jeffrey Katzenberg|Katzenstok]] lived in peace until eventually ravaging each other in a war. In the present, a group of rebels from [[Michael Ovitz|Ovitznia]] led by Gustav Hovac steal a golden scepter from Katzenstok, with its residents accusing Eisnerian spies of being responsible and threatening to declare war again if the scepter is not recovered. Eventually, the Rovers learn of Hovac's plans and defeat him with help from a local wolf pack.
| LineColor = B0171F
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 5
| Title = Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
| DirectedBy = Blair Peters
| WrittenBy = Nick Dubois
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|10|26}}
| ShortSummary = Several ninjas coordinate robberies around the world, stealing ancient Japanese artifacts that previously belonged to samurai. After infiltrating the ninjas' hideout, the Rovers learn that they are dog soldiers working for Parvo, who uses the artifacts to locate a cave containing living dinosaurs. After defeating Parvo, the Rovers seal the cave's entrance and return several of his dogs to normal.
| LineColor = B0171F
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 6
| Title = The Dog Who Knew Too Much
| DirectedBy = Jon McClenahan
| WrittenBy = Earl Kress and Tom Ruegger
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|11|2}}
| ShortSummary = The Road Rovers rescue a dog, Sport, from a kidnapping operation and temporarily recruit him to testify against the suspected perpetrators. While traveling to the courthouse in [[Miami]], the Rovers learn that Parvo and the Groomer are responsible and have forced Sport to work for them in exchange for reuniting with his owner Olivia Peru. However, they allow him to stay with them and expose the culprits.
| LineColor = B0171F
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 7
| Title = Hunter's Heroes
| DirectedBy = Scott Jeralds
| WrittenBy = John Ludin and Mark Seidenberg
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|11|9}}
| ShortSummary = Shag and Colleen infiltrate the headquarters of Parvo, who plans to transport his dog army around the world for a mass attack. As the two try to escape, the Rovers infiltrate the base themselves to rescue them. Eventually, they cut the base's power supply and rescue the captured dogs before returning them to their owners.
| LineColor = B0171F
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 8
| Title = Dawn of the Groomer
| DirectedBy = Herb Moore
| WrittenBy = Mark Seidenberg
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|11|16}}
| ShortSummary = In 3,000 BC, two Egyptians attempt to perform a ritual to gain immortality before a storm buries the pyramid in sand. In the present, the Groomer acts against Parvo to capture and weaponize cats rather than dogs and chooses to leave his service, to his dismay. She attempts to perform the same ritual, which involves sacrificing the Rovers to the Egyptian gods, only to be foiled by them and rescued by Parvo. He reveals that he objected to her plans due to being part cat himself.
| LineColor = B0171F
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 9
| Title = Still a Few Bugs in the System
| DirectedBy = Brad Neave
| WrittenBy = Nick Dubois
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|11|23}}
| ShortSummary = Seeing that their dog army is not effective or aggressive enough, Parvo and the Groomer steal the research of professor and bug enthusiast Eugene Atwater and mutate his insects using radiation treatments and the Cano-Mutator. However, the insects refuse to obey Parvo and attempt to cause a worldwide [[nuclear winter]] with them as the sole survivors until the Rovers stop them and return them to normal.
| LineColor = B0171F
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 10
| Title = Reigning Cats and Dogs
| DirectedBy = Herb Moore
| WrittenBy = Tom Ruegger and Mark Seidenberg
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1997|2|1}}
| ShortSummary = After a failed attempt to stabilize his body and become fully human, Parvo is reverted to his original form as a cat and transported back in time, where Shepherd adopts him. However, Shepherd's colleague Jeffrey Otitus kidnaps Parvo, transforms him back into his humanoid form, and works with him to experiment on Shepherd's dog Scout, transforming him into Muzzle. After the Rovers defeat Parvo and everyone returns to the present, it is revealed that Hunter and Muzzle first met after being captured by animal control officers.
| LineColor = B0171F
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 11
| Title = Gold and Retrievers
| DirectedBy = Jon McClenahan
| WrittenBy = Jeff Kwitny and Tom Ruegger
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1997|2|8}}
| ShortSummary = Luka, a blind Brazilian boy, has visions of the Road Rovers and a magic pyramid that can grant any wish to the pure of heart. Meanwhile, Parvo and the Groomer flood the global economy with gold from the pyramid, causing it to collapse. After meeting Luka and learning that Parvo kidnapped his [[guide dog]] Oso, the Rovers set out to rescue him. Parvo attempts to use the pyramid to wish for world domination, but it rejects him and instead grants Oso's wish to restore Luka's sight.
| LineColor = B0171F
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 12
| Title = Take Me to Your Leader
| DirectedBy = Brian Chin and Scott Jeralds
| WrittenBy = Nick Dubois and Mark Seidenberg
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1997|2|15}}
| ShortSummary = After his previous encounter with the Road Rovers, Zachary Storm is sentenced to [[life imprisonment]] before being rescued by mercenaries, who he works with to launch attacks around the world and brainwash world leaders into fighting one another. The Rovers defeat and capture Storm, but their owners continue to fight and threaten to declare war. Having no time to transform, the Rovers are forced to stop the threat as normal dogs, stalling their owners until the brainwashing wears off.
| LineColor = B0171F
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 13
| Title = A Day in the Life
| DirectedBy = Scott Jeralds
| WrittenBy = Tom Ruegger
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1997|2|22}}
| ShortSummary = The episode showcases an ordinary day for the Rovers, consisting of freeing hostages, attending a peace treaty signing at the [[United Nations]], and tracking down Parvo's [[UFO]]. Hunter takes time off to visit his mother on a ranch in [[Wyoming]], but returns to save his friends from Parvo, who threatens to kill them with lava.
| LineColor = B0171F
}}}}


==Home media==
*'''Exile''' ([[Kevin Michael Richardson]]): A [[Siberian husky]] from [[Siberia]]; Exile is the master of fixing and unfixing things. His superpowers are heat, freeze and [[night vision]], along with super-strength (though not as much as Shag). He also frequently mixes up common English phrases such as referring the term "May Day" as "April Day". His real name is "Exilo Michalovitch Sanhusky" as revealed in "A Day In The Life".
A multi-region DVD of the entire series was announced on February 4, 2015, by [[Warner Archive]] and released on February 10, 2015. All of the episodes can be purchased digitally on [[Amazon Prime]], [[Google TV (service)|Google TV]], [[Apple TV]], and [[YouTube]].


==In popular culture==
*'''Shag''' ([[Frank Welker]]): Either a [[ Polish Lowland Sheepdog]] or an [[ Old English Sheepdog]] from [[Switzerland]]; Shag is a kind of fluke as far as the transdogmafier process goes. Instead of becoming a complete cano-sapien, he is stuck at someplace in between, able to walk on two legs and having human dexterity, but is unable to speak English (though the others can still understand him). Shag was selected for his bravery, but is actually the biggest coward out of the team. He is the team's weapon specialist, most often using a bazooka which he invariably aims the wrong way. His fur also has seemingly unlimited storage capacity which has on various occasions housed food, articles of furniture (some bigger than himself), and fellow Road Rovers. Unlike the others he tends to still run on all fours. He's the only Rover who drinks out of the toilet and uses the water for his cooking.
A statue of Hunter makes a cameo appearance in ''[[The Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries]]'' episode "The Stilted Perch".


The Road Rovers make cameo appearances in the ''[[Histeria!]]'' episode "Big Fat Baby Theatre" and the ''[[Teen Titans Go!]]'' episode "Huggbees". Also, Loud Kiddington's dog "Fetch" bears a strong resemblance to Hunter.
*'''Muzzle''' (Frank Welker): A [[Rotweiler]]. Muzzle was "Scout", Professor Sheperd's dog that was kidnapped at the beginning of the first episode. Though he was subjected to the transdogmafier, Scout's exposure to its energies did not mutate him, instead it rendered him insane, unstable and horribly ferocious. Rescued by Hunter prior to his recruitment, the two became close friends. Muzzle is often physically restrained to a cart wearing a [[straitjacket]] and mask. He is typically called in to assist the team in desperate situations. Action involving Muzzle is done off-screen, and it is implied by the other Rovers that Muzzle is doing rather gruesome deeds that horrify even Blitz. He is always seen with a bloated stomach and heard belching at the end of his rampages, indicating that he has eaten most, if not all, of his victims.


==References==
*'''Professor William F. Shepherd "The Master"''' ([[Joseph Campanella]]): The [[geneticist]] behind the transdogmafier and the Road Rovers. He is the team’s boss and supplier for all their gear. He's always seen as a figure, apart from the episode "Let's Hit The Road" where we see him before his lab is blown up.
{{reflist}}


==External links==
*'''General Parvo''' ([[Jim Cummings]]): The Road Rovers' main [[antagonist]] who is out to destroy Professor Shepherd and conquer the world. He has a permanent cough. It was later in the series that General Parvo was at one time a Cat before being transformed into a "Felin Sapien", which resemble humans a great deal more than Shepherd's Cano-sapiens. He shares a very similar appearance to wrestler [[Hulk Hogan]]. The name [[Parvo]] derives from a canine disease which often kills puppies.
{{Portal|Television|United States|Animation|1990s}}
* {{IMDb title|title=Road Rovers}}
{{Wikiquote}}


==See Also==
*'''The Groomer''' ([[Sheena Easton]]): The Groomer is the mostly loyal assistant to General Parvo. She's generally armed with a portable hair clipper, though she uses other equipment when appropriate. She also provides Parvo with throat lozenges to calm his coughing fits.
* [[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]]
* [[Justice Leagues]]
* [[The Island of Doctor Moreau]] by [[H.G. Wells]]
* [[Ronin Warriors]]
* [[The Secret Files of the Spy Dogs]]
* [[Mucha Lucha]]
* [[Cyborg 009]]


==Episodes==
{{main|List of Road Rovers episodes}}


{{Warner Bros. animation and comics}}
==External links==
{{Portal|United States|Animation|Television}}
{{wikiquote}}
* {{IMDb title|115336}}

{{Warner Bros. cartoon characters}}
{{Kids' WB}}
{{Kids' WB}}


[[Category:1990s American animated television series]]
[[Category:1996 American television series debuts]]
[[Category:1996 American television series debuts]]
[[Category:1996 animated television series debuts]]
[[Category:1997 American television series endings]]
[[Category:1997 American television series endings]]
[[Category:Fictional dogs]]
[[Category:American children's animated action television series]]
[[Category:Animal superheroes]]
[[Category:American children's animated adventure television series]]
[[Category:American children's animated comedy television series]]
[[Category:American children's animated superhero television series]]
[[Category:American time travel television series]]
[[Category:American English-language television shows]]
[[Category:Dog superheroes]]
[[Category:Dog superheroes]]
[[Category:1990s American animated television series]]
[[Category:Animated television series about dogs]]
[[Category:Superhero comedy television series]]
[[Category:Kids' WB original shows]]
[[Category:Television programs featuring anthropomorphic characters]]
[[Category:The WB animated television series]]
[[Category:Kids' WB original programs]]
[[Category:Television series created by Tom Ruegger]]
[[Category:Time travel television series]]
[[Category:Television series by Warner Bros. Animation]]
[[Category:Television series by Warner Bros. Television]]
[[Category:Warner Bros. Cartoons]]
[[Category:Furry fandom]]
[[Category:Television superheroes]]
[[Category:Television superheroes]]
[[Category:Superhero television programs]]
[[Category:Television shows set in New Mexico]]
[[Category:Media franchises]]
[[Category:1990s American time travel television series]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of Bill Clinton]]
[[Category:Adventure fiction]]
[[Category:Children's television series about talking animals]]

Latest revision as of 00:55, 7 December 2024

Road Rovers
Created byTom Ruegger
Jeff Gordon
Written byTom Ruegger
Mark Seidenberg
Directed byHerb Moore
StarringJess Harnell
Tress MacNeille
Jeff Bennett
Kevin Michael Richardson
Frank Welker
Joseph Campanella
Jim Cummings
Rob Paulsen
Sheena Easton
Theme music composerRichard Stone
ComposersGordon Goodwin
Don Harper
Country of originUnited States
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes13
Production
Executive producerTom Ruegger
ProducerBob Doucette
Running time22 minutes
Production companyWarner Bros. Television Animation
Original release
NetworkKids' WB
ReleaseSeptember 7, 1996 (1996-09-07) –
February 22, 1997 (1997-02-22)

Road Rovers is an American animated television series produced by Warner Bros. Television Animation that premiered on Kids' WB on September 7, 1996, and ended after one season on February 22, 1997.[1] It was later shown on Cartoon Network from February 7, 1998, until 2000.

The show follows the adventures of the Road Rovers, a team of five super-powered crime-fighting anthropomorphic dogs, known as "cano-sapiens". The characters all live with world leaders, including the President of the United States, the British Prime Minister, the Chancellor of Germany, the Swiss President and the President of Russia.[2]

Plot

[edit]

One year prior, in Socorro, New Mexico, Professor Shepherd was forced to relinquish his experimental transdogmafier technology to General Parvo in exchange for having his kidnapped dog Scout returned to him, but Parvo refused to do so and destroyed his laboratory. One year later, as Parvo mutates normal dogs into monsters, Shepherd, who miraculously survived the attack, takes measures to stop him.

Shepherd selects five different dogs and in his new, secret underground lab, he uses his new transdogmifier on the five, turning them into "Cano sapiens." These dogs are the pets of world leaders, and when called to action, they are a team of crime fighters known as the Road Rovers.

Characters

[edit]
  • Hunter (Jess Harnell)[3] – A Goldador from the United States and the leader of the team. Hunter is optimistic, funny, devoted, friendly, level-headed, and an effective leader. Hunter's power is super speed; this allows him to run faster than the speed of sound. He lives with President Bill Clinton in the White House. He also has a flirtatious relationship with Colleen in the later episodes of the series, which the latter reciprocates.
  • Colleen (Tress MacNeille)[3] – A no-nonsense Rough Collie from the United Kingdom, and the only female member of the Road Rovers. She is the coordinator of the team, always checking to see if everything is going well without any problems or issues. Colleen is also very athletic, being a skilled martial artist. She resides with the prime minister of the United Kingdom, John Major, and his wife Norma Johnson. She is openly attracted to Hunter, who she developed a flirtatious relationship with during later episodes of the series.
  • Exile (Kevin Michael Richardson)[3] – A Siberian Husky from Russia. His full name is Exilo Michalovitch Sanhusky. Exile speaks English with a thick Russian accent, sometimes mixing up words in the process. He is somewhat friendly and easygoing, but often clashes with Blitz. Exile is super strong and also has heat, ice, and night vision. He used to work with other huskies as a sled dog, but now lives with Russian president Boris Yeltsin. Exile and Blitz shared a running gag in which Blitz would make a comment that could be interpreted in various ways, to which Exile would reprimand Blitz for being a "weird boy".
  • Blitz (Jeff Bennett impersonating Arnold Schwarzenegger)[3] – A Doberman from Germany. Unlike Hunter, Blitz is often selfish, immature, spiteful, faint-hearted, and has an ill temper. He has razor-sharp claws and strong jaws, which allow him to bite and cut through almost any substance. Blitz was formerly a guard dog for thieves, but now lives with German chancellor Helmut Kohl. Blitz attempts to flirt with Colleen several times over the series, part of a running gag in which his flirting is met with her pretending not to know who he is. This joke ran up until the series' final episode, at which point she finally acknowledges Blitz by name.
  • Shag (Frank Welker)[3] – A cowardly Old English Sheepdog from Switzerland, who lives with President Arnold Koller. Unlike the other Rovers, Shag is not fully anthropomorphic, is incapable of speech, and does not wear clothes. However, his dense fur enables him to store various objects for later use.
  • Muzzle (Frank Welker) – Professor Shepherd's Rottweiler, who was previously known as Scout before being kidnapped and experimented on by Parvo and driven insane. As a result, he is often restrained on a cart and only released when the Rovers need him.
  • Persia (Sheena Easton) – An Afghan Hound and commander of the Space Rovers.
  • Professor Hubert (David Doyle)[3] – A Bloodhound scientist.
  • Confusus – A wise dog who lives in the mountains.
  • Professor William Shepherd / "The Master" (Joseph Campanella)[3] – A geneticist who created the transdogmafier and the Road Rovers.
  • General Parvo (Jim Cummings)[3] – The Road Rovers' main enemy, who seeks to destroy Professor Shepherd and conquer the world. He was previously a cat before Shephard's assistant Jeffrey Otitus captured him and transformed him into a "Felo-Sapien". Unlike other transformed animals, he largely resembles a human except for his cat-like ears, which are usually hidden by his helmet.
  • The Groomer (Sheena Easton)[3] – General Parvo's assistant.
  • Zachary Storm (Larry Drake)[3] – A former member of the Navy with aspirations of world domination.
  • Eugene Atwater (Steve Franken)[3] – A professor and bug enthusiast.
  • Cano-mutants – Dogs who were turned into humanoid monsters and led by Parvo.
  • Werewolves – A pack of werewolves appearing in "A Hair of the Dog That Bit You". They are led by the Wolf King (Rob Paulsen).[3]

Episodes

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Series overview

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SeasonEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast airedNetwork
113September 7, 1996 (1996-09-07)February 22, 1997 (1997-02-22)Kids' WB

Season 1 (1996-1997)

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No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air date
1"Let's Hit the Road"Herb MooreTom Ruegger and Mark SeidenbergSeptember 7, 1996 (1996-09-07)
One year prior, General Parvo destroys Professor Shepherd's laboratory and steals his transdogmifier technology. In the present, Shepherd builds a new lab underground and recruits several dogs from around the world to become the Road Rovers and stop Parvo from perfecting the unstable transformation process. Afterwards, Shepherd arranges for the Rovers to be adopted by world leaders.
2"Storm from the Pacific"Jon McClenahanEarl Kress and Tom RueggerSeptember 14, 1996 (1996-09-14)
An unidentified assailant attacks a destroyer ship and steals the codes for a defense satellite. The Rovers eventually learn that the culprit is Zachary Storm, a disgruntled former Navy member who seeks to destroy the United States with the satellite. Storm captures the group, but Muzzle manages to free them and stop Storm, who escapes.
3"A Hair of the Dog That Bit You"Scott JeraldsJohn Ludin and Mark SeidenbergSeptember 21, 1996 (1996-09-21)
A werewolf pack attacks London and transforms several citizens, including the British royal family. While retrieving special swamp water to cure them, the Rovers discover that Colleen was turned into a werewolf after a battle with one and has been chosen to become the pack's leader. However, they manage to cure the wolves after intercepting their meeting at Stonehenge.
4"Where Rovers Dare"Herb MooreBrian Chin and Tom RueggerOctober 12, 1996 (1996-10-12)
Centuries prior, the bordering nations of Eisneria and Katzenstok lived in peace until eventually ravaging each other in a war. In the present, a group of rebels from Ovitznia led by Gustav Hovac steal a golden scepter from Katzenstok, with its residents accusing Eisnerian spies of being responsible and threatening to declare war again if the scepter is not recovered. Eventually, the Rovers learn of Hovac's plans and defeat him with help from a local wolf pack.
5"Let Sleeping Dogs Lie"Blair PetersNick DuboisOctober 26, 1996 (1996-10-26)
Several ninjas coordinate robberies around the world, stealing ancient Japanese artifacts that previously belonged to samurai. After infiltrating the ninjas' hideout, the Rovers learn that they are dog soldiers working for Parvo, who uses the artifacts to locate a cave containing living dinosaurs. After defeating Parvo, the Rovers seal the cave's entrance and return several of his dogs to normal.
6"The Dog Who Knew Too Much"Jon McClenahanEarl Kress and Tom RueggerNovember 2, 1996 (1996-11-02)
The Road Rovers rescue a dog, Sport, from a kidnapping operation and temporarily recruit him to testify against the suspected perpetrators. While traveling to the courthouse in Miami, the Rovers learn that Parvo and the Groomer are responsible and have forced Sport to work for them in exchange for reuniting with his owner Olivia Peru. However, they allow him to stay with them and expose the culprits.
7"Hunter's Heroes"Scott JeraldsJohn Ludin and Mark SeidenbergNovember 9, 1996 (1996-11-09)
Shag and Colleen infiltrate the headquarters of Parvo, who plans to transport his dog army around the world for a mass attack. As the two try to escape, the Rovers infiltrate the base themselves to rescue them. Eventually, they cut the base's power supply and rescue the captured dogs before returning them to their owners.
8"Dawn of the Groomer"Herb MooreMark SeidenbergNovember 16, 1996 (1996-11-16)
In 3,000 BC, two Egyptians attempt to perform a ritual to gain immortality before a storm buries the pyramid in sand. In the present, the Groomer acts against Parvo to capture and weaponize cats rather than dogs and chooses to leave his service, to his dismay. She attempts to perform the same ritual, which involves sacrificing the Rovers to the Egyptian gods, only to be foiled by them and rescued by Parvo. He reveals that he objected to her plans due to being part cat himself.
9"Still a Few Bugs in the System"Brad NeaveNick DuboisNovember 23, 1996 (1996-11-23)
Seeing that their dog army is not effective or aggressive enough, Parvo and the Groomer steal the research of professor and bug enthusiast Eugene Atwater and mutate his insects using radiation treatments and the Cano-Mutator. However, the insects refuse to obey Parvo and attempt to cause a worldwide nuclear winter with them as the sole survivors until the Rovers stop them and return them to normal.
10"Reigning Cats and Dogs"Herb MooreTom Ruegger and Mark SeidenbergFebruary 1, 1997 (1997-02-01)
After a failed attempt to stabilize his body and become fully human, Parvo is reverted to his original form as a cat and transported back in time, where Shepherd adopts him. However, Shepherd's colleague Jeffrey Otitus kidnaps Parvo, transforms him back into his humanoid form, and works with him to experiment on Shepherd's dog Scout, transforming him into Muzzle. After the Rovers defeat Parvo and everyone returns to the present, it is revealed that Hunter and Muzzle first met after being captured by animal control officers.
11"Gold and Retrievers"Jon McClenahanJeff Kwitny and Tom RueggerFebruary 8, 1997 (1997-02-08)
Luka, a blind Brazilian boy, has visions of the Road Rovers and a magic pyramid that can grant any wish to the pure of heart. Meanwhile, Parvo and the Groomer flood the global economy with gold from the pyramid, causing it to collapse. After meeting Luka and learning that Parvo kidnapped his guide dog Oso, the Rovers set out to rescue him. Parvo attempts to use the pyramid to wish for world domination, but it rejects him and instead grants Oso's wish to restore Luka's sight.
12"Take Me to Your Leader"Brian Chin and Scott JeraldsNick Dubois and Mark SeidenbergFebruary 15, 1997 (1997-02-15)
After his previous encounter with the Road Rovers, Zachary Storm is sentenced to life imprisonment before being rescued by mercenaries, who he works with to launch attacks around the world and brainwash world leaders into fighting one another. The Rovers defeat and capture Storm, but their owners continue to fight and threaten to declare war. Having no time to transform, the Rovers are forced to stop the threat as normal dogs, stalling their owners until the brainwashing wears off.
13"A Day in the Life"Scott JeraldsTom RueggerFebruary 22, 1997 (1997-02-22)
The episode showcases an ordinary day for the Rovers, consisting of freeing hostages, attending a peace treaty signing at the United Nations, and tracking down Parvo's UFO. Hunter takes time off to visit his mother on a ranch in Wyoming, but returns to save his friends from Parvo, who threatens to kill them with lava.

Home media

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A multi-region DVD of the entire series was announced on February 4, 2015, by Warner Archive and released on February 10, 2015. All of the episodes can be purchased digitally on Amazon Prime, Google TV, Apple TV, and YouTube.

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A statue of Hunter makes a cameo appearance in The Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries episode "The Stilted Perch".

The Road Rovers make cameo appearances in the Histeria! episode "Big Fat Baby Theatre" and the Teen Titans Go! episode "Huggbees". Also, Loud Kiddington's dog "Fetch" bears a strong resemblance to Hunter.

References

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  1. ^ Perlmutter, David (2018). The Encyclopedia of American Animated Television Shows. Rowman & Littlefield. pp. 507–508. ISBN 978-1538103739.
  2. ^ Erickson, Hal (2005). Television Cartoon Shows: An Illustrated Encyclopedia, 1949 Through 2003 (2nd ed.). McFarland & Co. pp. 669–670. ISBN 978-1476665993.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Road Rovers (1996 TV Show)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved June 19, 2024. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.
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Wikiquote has quotations related to Road Rovers.

See Also

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