Review: Corner Gas Animated “Swing and a Mist”

 

 

Overview:

Wanda has brought a new essential oil diffuser into Corner Gas while she works. Unfortunately, aromatherapy is not a big hit with Brent and Lacey. That is until she proves to Brent that the smells can be good for business. Although, they are going to have to fight with Lacey if they are hoping to keep it around.

Meanwhile, Emma has invested in a new porch swing and has Oscar assemble the pieces. But when everyone starts complementing his fine craftsmanship it gets to his head. Thankfully for Emma, everything falls apart when he unveils his next project.

 

Our Take:

Four seasons of Corner Gas Animated on top of a successful live-action series and movie, and still this show finds little ways to improve. Of course, the series has a grasp on its simple premise and basic formulas. However, the evidence of growth and adaptation is spilt all over the latest batch of episodes.

It has taken Corner Gas some time to take advantage of the animated format. Much of the first couple of seasons avoided anything substantially different from the original series. Most episodes watched as they were still filmed with the limitations of live-action. In this latest episode, there are plenty of examples of ambitiousness previously avoided in the franchise such as flashbacks and crumbling infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the simplicity that makes Corner Gas what it is, remains. The stories continue the status quo established in the original series. 

The episodes never stray very far from the titular gas station. And the plots are driven through the relationships and interactions of the Dog River Eight. The isolated meandering and ongoings of this cast are what keeps this franchise going.

This episode manages to keep the show relevant with some solid humour directed at the rising essential oil trend.

If you have ever taken a road trip through the endless prairies of Canada, you know the pungent smell that comes from the only gas station for hundreds of kilometres. 

Sorry to say, I highly doubt a real Corner Gas would have an appealing odour. So, when Wanda brings in a new essential oil diffuser, it is hard to imagine it being bad for business. Never mind that anyone would have an objection to anything releasing a pleasant smell.

Though the best part of this episode is watching Karen absolutely destroy Hank with some memorable insults. Of course, discovering what is causing her outbursts is the premise of the plot. Still, the moments where she snaps on poor innocent Hank are some of the biggest throws that the series has pulled off. And don’t worry, Hank clears his name by the conclusion; nobody can hate on him for long.

It is astounding how Brent Butt and company have continued to keep Corner Gas comedically relevant. Considering how boring life in rural Saskatchewan probably is, the amount of content they have squeezed out is impressive. Still, 17 years, and near 150 episodes, and the show has outlasted and outperformed any expectations. And this latest episode proves that the series is as funny as it has ever been.