32-year-old Ashauntie Cox (DOB 2/15/1991) of Orlando, who caused serious bodily harm to two children in her vehicle while fleeing from two crashes and driving under the influence, was arrested in Polk County on Friday, May 19, 2023, and charged with several felonies.
According to witnesses and information developed during the investigation, the first crash occurred around 8:00 p.m. on US Hwy 27 at the intersection with US Hwy 98 near Frostproof. Cox was driving a blue Kia southbound on Hwy 27 when she struck a grey Chevy Silverado pickup truck and then fled at a high rate of speed. As she continued to recklessly speed south down Hwy 27, weaving in and out of slower moving traffic, she rear-ended a 2016 Honda CRV while trying to pass between that SUV and the vehicle next to it which were both also going southbound. The victim driving the CRV was taken to Sebring Hospital, where he was treated and released with minor injuries.
The collision caused Cox’s vehicle to flip several times, ejecting two Orlando children, ages 5 and 8 years old. Both sustained significant injuries, and they were taken to Tampa General Hospital where they are both in critical condition. A 27-year-old female passenger was also seriously injured along her spinal cord, hip, and back. She remains at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center in stable condition.
When deputies arrived at the scene of the crash, they detected the odor of marijuana and located a bottle of tequila in Cox’s vehicle. Cox was transported to the hospital and interview by deputies. Cox told deputies they were driving from Orlando to Avon Park to celebrate the 5-year-old’s kindergarten graduation. She admitted to smoking marijuana earlier in the day, and to having four shots of tequila. Her blood was drawn for further analysis, and she displayed several signs of impairment.
She was booked into the Polk County Jail and is being charged with:
· Three counts DUI with serious bodily injury (F3)
· Two counts negligent child abuse with great bodily harm (F2)
· Reckless driving (F3)
· One count DUI with property damage (M1)
· One count DUI (M2)
Further charges are pending the outcome of the investigation.
“This woman had no regard for anyone’s life when she got behind the wheel intoxicated and then drove recklessly down a major highway, but what’s worse is the blatant disregard she had for the lives of the innocent children in her car. I expect a successful prosecution to hold her accountable—and let’s hope she loses her driving privileges if she’s released from jail or prison. Please keep these babies and their families in your prayers.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
THIS IS A PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT: PAID FOR AND APPROVED BY JACK HILLIGOSS CAMPAIGN (NP)
by James Coulter
Mayor Jack Hilligoss has served as the Mayor of Lake Wales since 2022. In that time, the city has seen exciting change and growth. Now, he’s seeking re-election to ensure that the city continues to grow and thrive through the further implementation of the Lake Wales Connected Plan.
Here’s a sample of his thoughts on his political career and his expectations for the future:
1. Mr. Hilligoss, tell us about your current term as mayor. You originally started as the pastor of HighPoint Church in Lake Wales. Tell us, what inspired you to go from the podium to politics?
I became involved in August of 2021 when I was asked to accept a temporary appointment to Seat Four, which had been vacated on our commission. Our mayor at the time, Eugene Fultz, had made it clear that he was not wanting to seek a fourth term. When that happened, several local leaders reached out to me and asked me if I would consider running. And in my time on the commission, I become aware of a few pressing issues that I felt demanded some leadership.
I felt like my experience in policy governance (which is the way we run our church, and which is very similar to how the City of Lake Wales is structured to run) helped me address those issues and bring some cohesion between the Lake Wales Commission and the City Staff. So, I prayed about it and consulted with our church leadership and decided that I would throw my hat in the ring to become the mayor. And I won the election in 2022.
2. And since you first became Mayor in 2022, how has your current term been? What have been some of the highlights and accomplishments of your political career?
I would describe my first term with two words: effective and challenging.
I say challenging because it is a steep learning curve for anyone who comes out of civic life, out of private life, and into public service. There are so many layers of government that work together in the City of Lake Wales. We have local, country, state, and federal government all interacting together here in the City of Lake Wales. And there are so many laws that govern how we get to work together. We are required to work with developers. And most of the system understands that. And so, for that reason, I think we receive a lot of criticism for decisions that we do not have any jurisdiction or control over do impact our local community.
It’s also challenging because of the growth. I understand that angst. I kind of share it. I heard a local official say they would be happy if there wasn’t another homebuilding in Polk County. Personally, I kind of share that. But since there is no way that we can stop that from happening, we have to deal with it more realistically.
That leads, I think, to the biggest challenge, which is there is a contingent of people in Lake Wales who play upon that angst with overgrowth by demonizing the Commission and making kind of vague slanderous accusations about corruption with absolutely no evidence and promising that they will stand up to the developers and stop the growth, which they can’t do and they won’t do. And it’s really just a cynical kind of dishonest political ploy.
So those are the challenging aspects of it. But overall, the good outweighs the bad.
3. Tell us about your plans for your next term, if you become elected. One of your main priorities is long-term planning and quality development. I assume, then, that the Lake Wales Connected Plan has been a main priority for you. Tell us, what are your thoughts on Lake Wales Connected? And how successful would you say you have been in helping implement it?
The accomplishment I would say I am the most proud of in the first three years that I have served as the Mayor of Lake Wales is the long-term planning that we have done. And the Lake Wales Connected Plan was only the beginning of that. It was actually initiated by Lake Wales Main Street in 2019. It is a big, bold comprehensive plan for the city. It has 69 actions. We have already completed or enacted over 50 of those 69 action plans. That is important because these kinds of plans often just turn into expensive three-ring binders in some city manager’s office. But we’ve acted on it.
But in order to implement any of that, you have to have the money. So, the City Commission has secured the financing to actually get started with $13 million to get the work done on Park Avenue and the Market Street Plaza. The result of that work has been national recognition and national sources of funding. In the last three years, the city of Lake Wales has received $31 million in grants.
We have created a mixed-use district in Downtown with different forms of housing. We created a historic overlay district for our downtown so we can preserve that historic quality in the area while we were activating it. I think that will activate the Downtown area. So, this is not about business and housing. We have had visits just in the last couple of months from two different investment groups and business groups that are visiting the downtown area and thinking about moving there.
We were also part of Lake Wales Connected. The city put $1 million behind HUD to help them secure, which is a federal organization that manages the Garden Grove Housing, and our $1 million dollars in backing will help secure federal funding for a big renovation and rework of the Garden Grove housing area. We established a 180-utility service area that gives a footprint for our city for the future, it gives us a first right of refusal. When people want to annex, it helps us prioritize zoning.
In my second term, one of my top two priorities will be with economic development. We have a plan for the Central Florida Council on that. Also, we are increasing our quality of life, and the primary way that we are going to focus on that is a Parks and Recreation master plan which call for millions of dollars in investment in our parks. It is an exciting plan. And my priority will be to implement that plan and get that work done.
4. And when it comes to implementing Lake Wales Connected, what have been some challenges. Having watched many city commission meetings, I can tell there have been many local residents who have been quite vocal about it. Have the NIMBYs (Not In My Back Yard) been somewhat of a stumbling block for you and your fellow commissioners?
I will say there have been many residents who have voiced opposition to this. There have been a few who have shown up persistently and consistently at City Commission meetings and have been critical. But those few I will tell you are just, they have been kind of that way almost about any initiative that the city takes and it seems to be their reason for living sometimes.
And so they have complained about the type of bricks that we use, the type of trees that we planted, and have used every one of these setbacks as kind of an opportunity to criticize. Jesus said these are the kind of people who strain out gnats and swallow camels. And that can be frustrating at time, but it has been a stumbling block.
But outside of that, you know when merchants have voiced legitimate concerns they have had and struggles we have faced, we have been trying to be sympathetic and kind as possible, and I believe they will be able to reap some of the real benefits in this project now that it is done.
The future home of Hutson’s Discount Groceries, across Hwy. 60 from Walmart
It’s true; Lake Wales is getting a brand new discount grocery store. While you may not yet be familiar with the name, seeing the new sign on Highway 60 will probably help you to remember.
Hutson’s Discount Groceries, an independent chain, is planning to open their second Florida store on at 2039 Hwy. 60 in Lake Wales, in the plaza that currently houses All-Star Grill, across from Walmart. This location formerly housed a Food Lion grocery store.
The Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce currently has the company listed on their online business directory.
The store is on an expedited path to open within approximately 60 days, or sometime in May 2025.
According to their website, Hutson’s motto is “Shop with us, save with us.”
The company strategy to keeping food prices at a discount encompasses a few different factors. By minimizing overhead costs, bulk purchasing and having efficient supply chains, and offering private labels and limited inventory, this discount grocery store claims to be able to offer premium items at a fraction of the price of regular brand names.
The company’s first location is currently open in Port Ritchey, Florida.
Additional details regarding Hutson’s Discount Grocery will be forthcoming in an upcoming article.
Lake Wales, FL – A routine traffic complaint escalated into a dangerous situation on February 25, 2025, when officers responded to a DUI call on Burns Ave. The suspect, later identified as Audencio Castillo, was reported driving erratically, weaving through lanes, striking curbs, and forcing oncoming vehicles to honk to avoid a collision. A concerned citizen followed Castillo’s gray pickup truck into the Sunset Neighborhood and witnessed him park at home on Sunset Circle, stumble out of his vehicle with a beer can in hand, and fire a gunshot before police arrived. Castillo is charged with DUI (3rd offense in 10 years), Discharge A Firearm In Public, Use Of A Firearm Under The Influence Of Alcohol & Threatening A Law Enforcement Official.
Here is an excerpt of the arrest affidavit (It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Lake Wales Police Department. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. The Lake Wales Daily does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to their own understanding and conclusions)
“On February 25, 2025, at approximately 1936 hours I responded to a traffic complaint call on Burns Ave. in Lakes Wales, that was later reclassified to a DUI. On my way to the scene, dispatch advised the driver is now shooting. I responded with lights and siren the rest of the way there. Upon arrival, Mr. Castillo had been cuffed by other responding officers. I placed Mr. Castillo in my patrol vehicle. Mr. Castillo refused to comply with orders. Officer Blaser walked around the right side of my vehicle to assist Mr. Castillo into my vehicle at which point he threatened to hurt officer Blaser by stating he would beat the shit out of him.
I then met with the reportee, later identified as REDACTED. REDACTED advised she witnessed the defendant’s gray pickup truck traveling approximately 20 miles an hour in a 40 MPH zone. REDACTED noticed him weaving in and out of his lane. She also witnessed the vehicle hit a few curbs and ran over the median.
Vehicles coming in the opposite direction had to honk the horn to avoid getting hit by the defendant’s pickup truck. REDACTED considered the reckless driving alarming and decided to dial 911 to stop the truck before it hurt someone. REDACTED followed the pickup truck into the Sunset Neighborhood. The pickup drove into and parked in the driveway of REDACTED Sunset Circle in Lake Wales. REDACTED witnessed the driver, later identified as Audencio Castillo, got out of the pickup truck, stumbling with a beer can in bis hand. REDACTED explained that as she was parked on the street, in front of the address mentioned above, she heard a gunshot and soon after, LWPD arrived on scene.
I then checked the truck and area surrounding the defendant’s truck for evidence. I noticed a spent shell casing chambered in 9mm on the driveway by the left, rear wheel of the truck. I also noticed an unspent 9mm round on the driveway by the left rear passenger door. There were two other rounds on the floor of the driver’s cabin. 1 also found an unloaded, light gray 9mm Kimber brand pistol with wooden handles on the driver’s seat. There was also a large can of Modelo brand beer on the top of the truck bed just behind the driver’s seat of the pickup truck, the beer can was mostly empty, still cold to the touch, had an odor of alcoholic beverage emanating from it, and whea poured out was a yellow color consistent of urine, which had an odor of alcoholic beverage.
I then interviewed the reportee/witness, REDACTED. REDACTED reiterated everything she had related to dispatch. REDACTED gave us a written statement. REDACTED, reiterated that she has been following the vehicle since Burns Ave. REDACTED explained that the driver got out of the driver’s seat, was stumbling, and had a beer can in his hand. REDACTED also explained that immediately after she heard a gunshot and she saw the driver get back into the pickup truck’s driver seat before Police arrived.
I was informed by the initial responding officers on scene that Castillo was in the driver’s seat of the vehicle when they located him. His vehicle keys were later found in his right pocket. Defendant’s vehicle is equipped with push start system.
After securing Castillo, a Kimber Brand 9mm pistol was discovered on the seat where defendant had been sitting.
As I spoke with Castillo, I noted he had relaxed muscles in his face, he was stumbling and had a drunk like walk, his face was flush, he bad slurred speech, glassy bloodshot eyes, droopy eyellds, and he had a very strong odor of alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath.
Based on Castillo being in actual physical control of the vehicle upon contact with law enforcement, and based on the observations of my Field Training Officer’s training and experience, there is probable cause to charge Castillo with DUI.
Based on the location of the firearm and the spent shell casing immediately where REDACTED said Castillo was standing, there is sufficient evidence to charge Castillo with discharging a firearm in public.
Based on Castillo’s apparent intoxication from alcohol, and the location of the firearm when he came into contact with law enforcement, there is sufficient evidence to charge Castillo with use of a firearm while under the influence of alcohol.
Based on Castillo’s threats to cause harm to Ofc. Blaser while in the course of his duties, there is sufficient evidence to charge Castillo with threatening a law enforcement officer.
Audencio Castillo is being charged with DUI, 3rd offense greater than 10 years (316.193(2)(B)2). Castillo has two other DUI convictions, case# 532017CT007618A0000WT and case# 532012CT000894A000BA.
The use of a firearm while under the influence of Alcohol (790.151), Discharging a Firearm in public. (790.15(1)), and Threatening a Law Enforcement Officer (836.12). Issued a DUI citation AKWG6GE.
I attempted to interview Castillo however he refused to speak to us after I read his Miranda Rights.
Castillo was transported to the Polk County Processing Center for processing.
EVIDENCE:
A Kimber – Micro9, 9mm Firearm, one spent casing and three rounds have been submitted to evidence.
During the incident, I was wearing my agency-issued Class B uniform, which is a dark blue polyester shirt and dark blue polyester pants. On the polyester shirt is my agency-issued badge and nameplate, along with two patches on the sleeves which read, ‘City of Lake Wales – POLICE’. While wearing this uniform, it clearly indicates I am a sworn uniformed law enforcement officer. I was also wearing my agency-Issued Body Worn Camera (BWC). The Body Worn Camera video footage was uploaded to Evidence.com.”
Ready to make music and explore your vocal talents? Lake Wales Arts Council offers a variety of fun and engaging classes at the Lake Wales Arts Center! Whether you’re strumming a ukulele or working on your singing skills, there’s something for everyone:
Adult & Teens Ukulele Class Tuesdays, 6:15 – 7:15 pm All levels welcome! Learn technique, strumming styles, and fun songs in a relaxed, supportive environment. Perfect for beginners or seasoned strummers!
Voice Lessons for Adults & Teens Saturdays, 12:00 – 1:00 pm Whether you’re preparing for an audition, brushing up your skills, or just want to sing for fun, this workshop offers a supportive space to learn and grow!
No matter your age or experience, these classes are designed to nurture your creative expression and help you reach your musical goals!
The Lake Wales Public Library will receive assistance from Library Interiors of Florida through a piggyback agreement approved by the City Commission.
At their meeting on Tues. Mar. 4, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners voted 4-1 to enter into a piggyback agreement with Library Interiors of Florida utilizing the Orange County Public Schools Agreement for upcoming renovations to the city library.
The Lake Wales Public Library will be undergoing renovations with a new multi-purpose room and young adult rooms. These renovations are being done in response to increased demand and attendance.
“Due to significant business and residential growth within the city, the demand for extra space has never been higher than in the past couple of years,” Belle Reynoso, Library Director, wrote in the agenda memo.
“Our single meeting room is frequently booked, resulting in the library staff having to refuse five or more requests for it each month,” she further elaborated. “With an average of 40-50 library programs per month using the meeting room, public requests are often left without a space to conduct their business.”
Through the agreement, Library Interiors of Florida will assist the library with the moving of furniture and books during these refurbishments. Library Interiors has worked successfully with other libraries within the county.
The agreement was part of the commission’s consent agenda. Commissioner Carol Gillespie requested that it be pulled from the agenda for discussion. She expressed concerns about the lack of clarity within the agreement, which is why she was reluctant to vote to approve it.
“As I reviewed these documents, I found no mention of what the contractor will do for the city or how much he would get paid,” she explained. “I have a problem because I feel the contract is grossly inadequate, and if there ever is a problem that comes up, I do not feel we have the kind of protection that we would need to be sure we have money for performance or a product of what we are paying.”
Commissioner Keith Thompson, in contrast, voted to approve the agreement, claiming he did not wish to quibble over the details, and in doing so, delay any valuable work the library required.
“My personal opinion is that I do not want to delay what the library needs to do to go into minutia on contract law,” he explained.
Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson likewise voted in favor of the agreement, claiming that it proved sufficient for the staff’s and library’s needs.
“If our folks are satisfied with it, and if the library is satisfied with it, and our attorney is satisfied with it, then I am inclined to go along with this proven commodity,” he said.
City Commissioners voted 4-1 through a roll call vote to approve the agreement. Commissioner Gillespie offered the only vote against it.
On weeknights, many families rush around trying to prepare for the next day. While these moments can be stressful, the silver lining of the evening is when everyone pauses to enjoy a perfectly cooked family dinner together.
From tough homework assignments and soccer practice to getting everyone tucked into bed, the days can seem long, but those special moments make cooking a memorable meal worthwhile.
When life gets busy, you need a family recipe that is quick to make, easy to bake and mouthwatering to eat. Try this recipe for Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole next time you are in a pinch.
It’s made with hearty ground turkey breast, delicious bell peppers, crushed tomatoes and brown rice then topped with gooey sharp cheddar cheese. This short ingredient list makes it easy to assemble. Brown the turkey and onions then combine all the ingredients, in a layered fashion, ina baking dish. It’s simple to prepare before baking to perfection.
It’s just right for little ones who are hungry and ready for a wholesome and appetizing home-cooked meal. Adults enjoy the natural flavors and fresh ingredients that keep all ages happy and content.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Servings: 4
20 ounces ground turkey breast
1 yellow onion, chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 large bell peppers, chopped (1 each red, yellow and green)
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup long-grain brown rice
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Heat oven to 350 F.
In large skillet over medium heat, add turkey, onions, salt and pepper. Break up turkey and cook until browned.
Add turkey mixture to 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Add bell peppers, crushed tomatoes, brown rice, oregano and garlic powder. Mix until combined. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake 80-90 minutes until rice is tender.
Remove foil, add shredded cheese and bake 5 minutes until cheese is melted.
Mary Elizabeth Kelley of Lake Wales passed away Thursday, March 6, 2025 at her residence.
She was born April 13, 1943 in Douglas, Georgia to the late Frank and Frances Saunders; she moved to Lake Wales from Melbourne 11 years ago. Mary was a homemaker and earned her Associates Degree. She loved to sew and was active in the community in New England. She lead church groups and youth groups.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, James Horton Kelley. She is survived by her son, Jim Kelley, Jr.; sisters, Nancy Rateau, Dawn Barkley, and Frances; and brother, Jim Saunders.
The Tower Lakes Community Annual Carport sale is open to the public today, March 8, 2025, from 8 a.m. to noon.
A White Elephant sale will be in the Clubhouse on Tower Lakes Blvd. starting at 8 a.m.
In addition to the White Elephant sale, there will be over 75 individual carport sales . A map will be provided to highlight the homes participating in the event.
A pancake breakfast is available in the clubhouse from opening until 10 a.m.
Several exceptionally talented crafters will be offering their items for sale at the White Elephant sale.
Delicious treats will also be available at a bakery sale at the event.
Tower Lakes Retirement Community is located on Hwy. 27 in Lake Wales, two miles south of Eagle Ridge Mall.
Grab your kayak and join the LW Outdoor Adventure Club while kayaking around Lake Wailes! Meet at the Lake Wailes Boat Ramp and Dock at 8am. In total, the kayaking venture will last approximately 1-2 hours, weather and participation permitted. *Note: If you would like to reserve (for free) one of the 2 available Rent Fun kayaks, please register.
Angel Studios has proven to be one of the most surprising indie media companies to break into the mainstream. This Utah-based company achieved public acclaim through The Chosen, a live-action television chronicling the life of Jesus Christ. It has also dipped its toes into animation, producing animated shows including The Tuttle Twins, The Wingfeather Saga, and its latest project, the anime-inspired Gabriel and the Guardians.
Created by Jason Moody, Gabriel and the Guardians is an animated series that aspires to be an action-adventure fantasy inspired by equal parts Biblical mythology and Japanese anime—and with a staff of animators from throughout the animation industry working on it, the show certainly captures the look and feel of anime.
Gabriel and the Guardians recently released its pilot episode on the Angel Studios app, and the remainder of the series is currently in production. But will this anime-inspired show ascend to the same power level as shows like Dragonball Z or One Piece? Or will it be fated to fall from its lofty heights like the mythical Icarus?
Gabriel and the Guardians is set within the mythical realm of Ara, a world that once basked in light before falling into darkness and chaos. When an ancient artifact, the Celestial Seed, is stolen from the heavenly realm of Parahdem, a celestial guardian named Gabriel must descend to Ara to retrieve it. There, he is joined by an adventurer named Nok and a princess named Namay’ah. Can the trio work together to save the ancient artifact before it can fall into evil hands and potentially undo all of creation?
I’ve been following the production of this series for quite some time. As both a believer and an anime fan, the prospect of a Christian-inspired anime certainly sounds intriguing. And with it being an American production inspired by Japanese anime, the show certainly looks and feels like other American anime-inspired shows like Avatar: The Last Airbender, of which I’m a huge fan.
So far, only a pilot episode has been released. And while the episode is far from perfect, it certainly has the potential to be a real diamond in the rough.
The show has employed many animators who have worked on other hit animated shows including X-Men ’97, Invincible, and Castlevania—and it really shows! Undoubtedly, the best part about the show is its animation, with a vivid art style and fast-paced action scenes that truly live up to its anime influence.
Moreover, the fantastical fantasy setting is likewise, well, fantastic, with landscapes that truly look and feel otherworldly. I especially love the scenes in the heaven-inspired celestial realm of Parahdem with its floating gardens and larger-than-life colorful flora.
However, it appears the animation is mostly what the show has going for it. Because while the pilot episode was certainly intriguing, it was far from perfect. But before I touch upon my own criticisms, I want to dispel other criticisms that have been made against the show.
First, while the show is inspired by the Bible, most notably the first few chapters of Genesis, many believers have criticized it for drawing from apocryphal extra-Biblical sources like the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Book of Enoch. Personally, I have no problem with this. It’s quite evident the show is inspired by the Bible and not an adaptation of it, so taking some creative liberties is fine for this purely fictional fantasy setting.
Another common criticism has been the show’s use of magic, something which many believers considered forbidden by the Bible. Again, personally, as someone who can tell the obvious difference between fantasy-style magic and real-life witchcraft and occult practices, I don’t have a problem with this, and thus I don’t consider it a legit criticism.
However, that doesn’t mean this pilot is without criticism, and I have a few. For one, the series’ backstory is told through a rather bland block of text at the beginning of the episode. In contrast, many popular shows like Avatar: The Last Avatar have very vivid and memorable opening sequences that recount the show’s premise at the start of every episode.
Granted the show may have a proper prologue once it officially releases, but still, there’s no reason for the backstory to be conveyed so lazily. In fact, many teasers for the show have told the backstory through more vivid animatics. So, honestly, there’s no excuse to have cut corners here.
As for the characters, while the main character of Gabriel is introduced and developed quite well, the other two characters,Nok and Namay’ah, aren’t as much. While we clearly understand Gabriel to be a plucky underdog who has the potential to achieve great things, the most we know about the other two is that Nok is a cleric (whatever that means in the context of the show, as it’s not explained) and Namay’ah is a princess.
Understandably, some elements of the story and setting would be left ambiguous to draw intrigue for the show. However, in contrast, many other pilots for indie animated projects like Hazbin Hotel and Lackadaisy manage to flesh out their stories’ plot and premise in a way the audience can fully understand, while this pilot doesn’t explain much of anything at all. In the end, it comes across more as an elaborate tech demo that emphasizes style over substance.
If I come across as harsh, it’s only because I’m rooting for this show to succeed. It has real potential to be the next big animated series, and while the pilot has a few rough edges, given enough time before the series’ release, those edges can easily be sanded off to reveal a real hidden gem.
