Review: Bless the Harts “The Dogchurian Candidate”

 

 

Overview:

Mayor Webb is up for re-election as the unopposed leader of Greenpoint.  Everyone in town seems satisfied with allowing Webb to continue his duties.  All except for Betty.

Being disgruntled about having to pay parking tickets, Betty wants to take the mayor down.  She becomes the campaign manager for the adorable candidate, Root Beer the dog.

Unfortunately, Betty’s plans collide with Jenny who has become the campaign manager for Webb. Though she is just trying to keep him from suling at the restaurant, things soon get ruthless between Jenny and her mother.

 

Our Take:

Bless the Harts has shown no fear when it comes to playing around with the continuity that has been established throughout the shows run.  A lot has transformed from the inaugural season including killing off certain characters and even phasing out the imaginary talking Jesus.

In this fresh episode, the town of Greenpoint is messing with its politics.

Though Mayor Webb is not a significant cast member, his appearances have been memorable.  The timid mayor has a strange relationship with the city and his mother.  Despite his strange behaviour, Webb does seem to be respected around town.  Enough so that his re-election nearly went unopposed.

But if anyone can change that for him it is going to be Betty.  And her motives for taking down the mayor are as silly and selfish as anything she does.

Of course, with this series, it is never about what is happening as much as it is the Harts sorting through their familial issues.  Characters like Mayor Webb just get caught in the middle.

It is hard to decipher who is the protagonist in this plot.  Both Jenny and Betty are in the political game for their own selfish needs.  They are equally guilty of playing dirty along the campaign trail.  And even as the polls get counted, it is difficult to decide a clear winner.

Though the best part of this episode comes when Betty gains power and becomes a mad tyrant.  Her promises, made on account of Root Beer, get a little out of hand.  And in the matter of, what must have been, a day, the town is in complete shambles.  All because she thinks she should be allowed to park in the emergency lane at the hospital.

It is hard not to love Betty.  She is quickly becoming one of the best characters on a stacked Animation Domination lineup.

Mixed into this plot are some great ongoing jokes.  Wayne obliviously supporting fascism and Jenny’s successful attempt to bring back the phrase “Miss thing”, keep the laugh coming through an already entertaining episode.

It is safe to say that this was one of the best all-round episodes of Bless the Harts.  The plot delivered an enjoyable ride, while the comedy was stacked from beginning to end.  If the show could keep up with this level of quality, it would quickly stand-out amongst the competition.  However, I did not start this review by praising the shows consistency.  Though it does seem to be finding its groove.