Review: Duncanville “Judge Annie”

Overview:

After Annie wins a contested parking violation with a heartfelt speech about justice and equality, she is offered a job as a television judge on public access television. 

Her thoughtful judgments, slick catchphrase, and Jack as her bailiff officer, make her a star. However, when the kids favourite swimming hole becomes the centre of her next case, Annie has mixed feelings. Does she allow the rich to destroy her family’s beloved swimming spot, or uphold the law?

Our Take:

It may be as shocking for you as it was for me when I say that Duncanville was the highlight of Animation Domination tonight. That may have to do with the other shows offering mediocre episodes, but Duncanville has found its stride. The witty dialogue highlighted by stars Ty Burrell and Amy Poehler has brought us past the cusp and into this becoming a beloved addition to Sunday night’s animated sitcom lineup.

As far as the story and writing go, this was the best we have seen out of this series thus far. Beginning with a heatwave, the episode leads through to the unpredictable conclusion involving Duncan and friends skinny dipping in front of the whole town. And all the steps of the way were more entertaining than the next.

Ty Burrell’s “Jack” has made some strides to prove he has a place beside the other great animated sitcom dads. His insecurities and sincerity make him impossible not to love. Each week he stands out more and more as an essential piece to the puzzle of the show’s success. Amy Poehler may be the star and the second star, but you could not have found better support than Burrell.

One criticism that has been thrown around about this series is that it lacks individuality from other sitcoms. There has been a lack of motive for the characters, and the middle-income family thing has been done countless times before. However, episodes like this one help to highlight what makes Duncanville unique. A lot of it has to do with the quirky teenager that is the show’s namesake. Still, there is also an elaborate honesty to the situations and humour that make the series.

There was a lot of stories packed into this little episode from the battle between the rich and the poor, to the folklore of the Squirrel Man who lives in “The Hole”. But, what makes this such a substantial addition to the series is the fact that it all comes together in the end in a satisfying way.  Such plots are hard to find in modern sitcoms which often rely on the A-plot, B-plot formula. Helping Duncanville define itself and stand out in the crowd of long-running fan favourite shows, this was one of the series best episodes yet.