In a bold move, the creators of Adult Swim's latest animated series, 'Common Side Effects', have identified the US healthcare system as the primary villain in their show. Joe Bennett and Steve Hely, the masterminds behind the series, sat down with us to discuss their vision, which delves into the darker aspects of capitalism and its effects on humanity.

The show revolves around Marshall Cuso, a hero who discovers a miraculous mushroom that can heal any sickness or injury. However, this breakthrough sparks a cat-and-mouse game between Marshall and powerful pharmaceutical companies, as well as the American Drug Enforcement Administration. While Marshall's intentions are pure, the system he's up against is designed to prioritize profits over people's lives.

Bennett and Hely emphasized that the true antagonist of the series is not a particular character, but rather the US healthcare system itself. They explained that the system is designed to be violent and dehumanizing, with companies motivated by making money and increasing shareholder profits. This leads to cruel and twisted consequences that ultimately hurt people.

The creators drew inspiration from real-world figures like mycologist Paul Stamets and ethnobotanists Terence McKenna, Wade Davis, and Richard Evans Schultes to shape Marshall's character. They wanted to infuse him with an anti-establishment energy, making him relatable and likable despite his naivety. The show's characters, including Marshall's old high school lab partner Frances Applewhite and Reutical Pharmaceuticals' CEO Rick Kruger, are all trapped within the system, with their own motivations and incentives driving their actions.

Bennett and Hely also spoke with retired DEA agents to gain a deeper understanding of the war on drugs from their perspective. They discovered that agents like Copano and Harrington see themselves as patriots fighting against what they believe is evil, despite being under-resourced and endangered. This nuanced approach to character development adds depth to the show's exploration of the healthcare system.

The series takes an interesting turn as news about Marshall spreads, and he becomes a mythic folk hero. This arc was always part of Bennett and Hely's vision, but the show's parallels to real-life events, such as the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, gave Adult Swim pause. The creators stressed the importance of being sensitive to the reality of violence in the wake of recent events, but also saw the coincidence as a testament to their series tapping into a vital aspect of American life.

'Common Side Effects' premieres on Adult Swim on February 2nd, offering a thought-provoking and timely commentary on the US healthcare system. With its unique blend of animation and social commentary, the show is poised to spark important conversations about the role of capitalism in our lives.