8. Moone Boy: “Odd Man Out” #CaPC25

All this week, the writers of Christ and Pop Culture unveil their 25 most loved things of 2013. 

Previous #9: Orange is the New Black (Netflix)

#8: Moone Boy (Hulu)

Moone Boy, a delightful TV series that premiered to American audiences via Hulu this year focuses on 12-year-old Martin Moone and his adventures through prepubescence with his imaginary friend, Seán, in rural Ireland. While much of the show is semi-autobiographical of Chris O’Dowd, the actor who plays Seán, the show zeroes in on universal themes of belonging and friendship.

Between his family of three sisters , and his school, Martin often feels like the odd man out. But Martin’s resilience in the face of rejection from family, schoolmates is what kept me watching, most notably in one of my favorite episodes, when dealing with a mafia-esque set of choir boys. Martin’s relationship with Seán is heartwarming.  Martin’s adult imaginary friend fills a necessary void for companionship in his life while also giving him the courage to make connections with the real people around him, a social struggle that is as real today as it is for Martin pre-Internet.

There’s no attempt to pander to American audiences by diluting any of its cultural context—Moone Boy is as Irish as they come. Americans may feel like the odd man out at times, but that only helps us better relate to Martin’s triumphs and struggles.

Next #7: Welcome to Night Vale