It picks up after the sequel, actually, Return of Jafar, but before the third installment, King of Thieves. I refuse to explain the whole movie to any cultural yokels, but series-wise, it's centered around the street urchin betrothed to a princess, and his colorful friends, whilst they go on various adventures, most based on some legend or myth...or popular film...no, I'm not joking. Aladdin has been known to be awfully satirical, thanks in part to Iago and the Genie.
Taking place in the fictional kingdom of Agrabah, this is a pretty well kid-focused show. That doesn't mean older "kids" can't enjoy it though, as most of Iago and Aladdin's humor will fly over little goobers' heads and even some Genie references are 90's reminiscent. Aladdin, the main character street urchin, is a kind, heroic and crafty, if not a bit gullible, teenage boy who lives for adventure. Adventure that Genie, his, well, genie, is more than happy to supply. Genie, the big blue smokey comedian, is mostly the gag-source for the younger audience, but is still fun to watch. His flavor of fun seems to be constantly shape-shifting into cultural references that no one in that era will understand but him. He's fun-loving, but fairly well-incompetent.
Jasmine, Al's "chick" so to speak, is not the stereotypical bubblehead princess, as I'm sure many know, but she does lose a bit of her flair in the series. Nevertheless, she remains strong-willed, flirtatious, and fun to watch. Iago, the wise-cracking once-minion of defeated movie villain Jafar, is the gag-source for the older audience with his "Borsch-Beltz" comedian style humor. He seems to always be looking out for himself, and potential riches, but he has his sensitive side as well.
Finally, more of minor characters, are Abu the monkey, the magic Carpet, the absent-minded Sultan, the tiger Rajah, and Rasoul, w/ his guard buddies. Abu is a very sweet, very loyal pet to Aladdin, occasionally speaking half-English in a very Donald-like voice. Carpet is solely a pantomime character, shining in most action scenes by swooping in and saving the gang from certain destruction. Sultan, an odd little waddling ruler, is not all-incompetent, but perhaps just senile. He's not a bad ruler, but he rarely does anything terribly important on the show. Rajah, the burly tiger, is a bit overprotective of his mistress Jasmine, but fun to watch. Finally, Rasoul and the palace guards have always had a terrible disdain for Aladdin, but remain loyal to the throne and his highness. They are reliant servants, if not a bit biased...and hairy.
Together, they face unusual challenges, and new, more unusual villains like the clockwork Mekanicles, Evil Incarnate; Mirage, the stupid but funny Abis Mal, and the pale teen sorceror, Mozenrath
All in all, a fun watch on that Saturday morning when you're bored! ;)
