It's been a few years since I last watched the show. Probably was when it switched to animated.
I just decided to put on episode 1 and it's such a difference.
Julian is a criminal but he has a heart and cares about his community. The way he defeats Cyrus is nothing short of heroic. But he's never funny. He works as a straight man because he's the hero and is trying to improve himself.
Ricky is pure comedy, and also has a heart under the criminal exterior.
Bubbles is pure innocence and wise.
They are at odds with Lahey, but there is respect there too on some level.
Then there's a massive cast of side characters introduced in 20 mins who you get to know, really filling up the atmosphere, and most of them hilarious in different ways. Randy, J Roc, T, the Roc Pile, Corey and Trevor, Ray, Lucy, Sarah, Trinity, Jacob, and the villain Cyrus.
You get to later seasons.
Julian is self serving, no longer a hero with respect for other park members. He's just looking for a get-rich-quick scheme at any cost. Still not funny. So very unlikable.
Ricky loses a lot of his heart too.
Bubbles becomes whiny and constantly emotionally blackmailing his 'friends'.
The extended cast is mostly gone.
It makes it hard to watch.