Review: Aquadonk Side Pieces “The Dumbest Doll of All”

Overview:

By all accounts, Happy Time Harry should have died back in 2004 when Master Shake threw him over a cliff. However, the plan back then may have worked. 18 years later, Happy Time Harry has returned, confident that he is a Highlander. The only way for him to finally die is to return to where it all began and have his head removed.

Our Take:

Aquadonk Side Pieces is the mini-revival of the classic animated Adult Swim series, Aqua Teen Hunger Force. Seven years after the show was cancelled, all the beloved characters have returned for a collection of ten animated shorts. Available on the Adult Swim YouTube channel, each Aquadonk features the return of another great villain from the series. This includes the heavy hitters like the Plutonians and the Mooninites, but also some forgotten treasures like the Frat Aliens or the Ghost of Christmas Past from the Future.

The latest Side Piece, “The Dumbest Doll of All”, features the return of another nearly-forgotten character from The Force’s past, Happy Time Harry. For memories sake, the toy, voiced by David Cross, was a gift to Meatwad, that had some suicidal and nihilistic tendencies. After freaking out the boys, Master Shake did what he had to and threw Happy Time Harry over a cliff in hopes of making him an immortal Highlander.

18 years later, Happy Time Harry still lives. Obviously, the plan worked, and he is now a legendary Highlander. Although, it did not change Harry’s desire for the sweet silence of death. Which brings him back to a reunion with his old friend Meatwad. Unfortunately, Meatwad has a new doll now in Juan Wick.

This was one of the more exciting Side Pieces of the collection. Mainly because it happens in real-time. Starting with a flashback to 2004, when Harry’s first appearance aired in season one’s “Dumber Dolls”. Now, in 2022, with the airing of this collection of shorts, 18 years have passed in the real world and for the characters. A fact that could have been overlooked had it not been pointed out in the episode itself.

Finally, Happy Time Harry has found his peace, thanks to the overly explosive carpeting in the Force’s house. It is an excellent throwback for the dedicated fans who have been watching all these years. The small throwaway joke of turning the doll into a Highlander was so easily forgettable. But it held such a significant payoff when the show got resurrected for these ten animated shorts.

With only one Side Piece left to air, it will be hard to let them go. This mini-revival has reminded fans of the brilliance of Aqua Teen Hunger Force and how many minute jokes offered such great moments of hilarity. Long live this show.