‘Common Side Effects’ And An All-Healing Mushroom | The Unique Smell Of Snow

Mushroom Discovery

In the new Adult Swim show "Common Side Effects," an eccentric scientist discovers a magical mushroom capable of curing any illness or injury. This unique fungus, described as the "ghost orchid of mushrooms," grows under rare conditions, making its discovery a one-in-a-billion event 1. The show's creators, Steve Hely and Joe Bennett, explore the mushroom's potential and the challenges faced in bringing its benefits to the public 2.

If there were a medicine that could cure almost anything, what would that look like? And mushrooms seemed exciting from a storytelling perspective.

--- Steve Hely

The narrative unfolds as a pharmaceutical company attempts to suppress this groundbreaking discovery, adding tension to the storyline.

   

Pharma Antagonist

The show portrays the pharmaceutical industry as a formidable antagonist, highlighting the tension between profit-driven motives and public health benefits. Steve Hely and Joe Bennett discuss how the industry's focus on shareholder value can lead to warped incentives and twisted outcomes 3. This depiction resonates with current societal discontent towards the pharmaceutical sector, emphasizing the complex dynamics at play.

Once you have systems that are profit-driven and motivated by things like stock price and shareholder value, warped incentives enter into the system.

--- Steve Hely

The creators aim to reflect these realities without villainizing individuals, instead focusing on systemic issues.

   

Character Depth

"Common Side Effects" breaks away from typical media stereotypes by portraying scientists as complex and charismatic figures. Steve Hely and Joe Bennett draw inspiration from real-life fringe scientists who challenge mainstream norms and often possess a mix of eccentricity and brilliance 3. These characters add depth and humor to the narrative, moving beyond the clichéd depiction of scientists as socially awkward or overly technical.

There are a whole bunch of characters who are kind of on the fringe of science, like, people who are out there kind of pushing it.

--- Steve Hely

This approach enriches the storytelling, making the characters relatable and engaging.