Review: Corner Gas Animated “Pact Rat”

 

Overview:

The mayor has assigned a special project to Hank and Wanda, forming the Special Rat Unit of Dog River to deal with a growing rodent problem. Lacey is concerned that rumours of rats will have a negative impact on customer relations at The Ruby. Brent has a more relaxed, logical theory about rats naturally living in a rural farm town. Although he may be more responsible for the infestation than he thinks.

Meanwhile, Davis has negligently crashed the cop car. After attempting to cover up his mistake, Karen works to get to the bottom of things. Though when someone else is about to be held responsible, it is time for Davis to come clean.

 

Our Take:

Despite the success and popularity of Corner Gas, there are still a great many people out there that will not give the franchise a fair shot. Because honestly, on paper the comedy does not have that much to get excited about. Out of everything the abundant nation of Canada has to offer, nothing screams more boring than a gas station in rural Saskatchewan. However, that is the beauty of the show.

Corner Gas has never had to rely on heavy themes or thrilling settings, it is characters that drive the show. 

You could put this group of diversely comedic characters anywhere along the Great White North, and still get the quirky plots and situational humour that defines Corner Gas. The fact that this show can succeed as it has while taking place in Boringsville, Saskatchewan, is a testament to the franchise.

This episode could be the thesis of how Corner Gas works as a concept. It put each of the starring players in a position where they could be most effective.

Wanda and Hank are the wacky relief that leads us through the comedy. When placed together, their antics multiply that much more. And giving them minor responsibility and power, like heading up a special rat-catching division, is setting the episode up for comedic success right off the bat.

Davis and Karen are the odd couple united through duty and loyalty. Having Davis screw something up and expecting Karen to fix it for him is the definitive use of there unique relationship.

Forcing Oscar to do anything gives his pessimistic and argumentative personality a place to vent.

Meanwhile, Brent and Lacey are what drives the whole story and series. Lacey can be much more hands-on, while Brent brings the comedic irony. 

But even when subtly used as much as they are in this episode, nothing would make sense without them.

This episode was the base formula of which makes the Corner Gas franchise tick. Each character is used effectively in their respective range. All of their unique plots work together, feeding on each other, and deliver a solid story from front to back.

Corner Gas Animated has established itself and no longer has to live in the shadow of its live-action predecessor. The storytelling has matched where the original series peaked. And the cartoon has learned to utilize its world with childhood flashbacks and impactful cutscenes, where live-action can be limiting.

It is beginning to look as if season three of Corner Gas Animated can bring the franchise to new levels.