Review: Human Discoveries “And Then They Became Best Friends”

Overview (Spoilers Below)

Greg and Jane are enjoying the sweeter side of their new relationship, but are finding it hard to get space from Trog.  Greg decides it is time for him to get a cave for himself, which Trog is understanding of and tries to help him find a new dwelling.  That is until the idea comes up of Jane moving in with Greg.  Seeing the trouble things are causing, Jane assures Trog that he is Greg’s “best” friend.  Feeling comforted by that Trog decides to let the couple have the cave they’re living in.

Meanwhile, Ugg finds himself in a precarious position during his latest hunt.  He is surprisingly saved by the very elk that he was trying to kill.  With newfound compassion, Ugg decides to become a vegetarian.  Unfortunately, the tribe finds it challenging to follow his example.  When a new hunter starts to take over his duties, Ugg reasserts himself as the alpha.

Our Take:

There is clever storytelling to Human Discoveries that allows the prehistoric setting to take on modern themes.  Where most episodes focus on more societal issues such as gun control or feminism, this one went for a more personal touch.  This time, approaching a situation that we all have faced in one way or another, that awkward third wheel scenario.  Simplified we’re talking about Greg having a new girlfriend and Trog feeling insecure with his position in his friend’s life.  Chances are at some point any of us have been in one of these characters places.  What Human Discoveries does is show us the silliness of it all, and simplifies it in an honest and open manner.

The way that Jane handled the third-wheel-problem was brilliant.  She essentially had to comfort Trog by inventing the concept of a “best friend”.  What that actually means is up for debate, and nonessential according to the show.  The truth is, all Trog needed to understand was that his friend wasn’t going anywhere.  She offered him that with an obscure title.  There are some hidden lessons all over this show, but this one is clear, just let your friends now you appreciate them once and a while.

The elk have been a consistent favourite throughout the series thus far.  Not only do they account for some of the best laughs in the show, but they have established a brilliant ongoing plot.  They have become the thing that you can’t wait to see.  Who is the new leader?  What’s their new plan?  How are they going to die this time?  This episode sees them attempt peace once again and almost succeed.  If only they weren’t so tasty!

As mentioned, this was much more of a personal story compared to the broader topics that the series has taken on.  This is also the first time we have seen them do an A-plot and B-plot without having them collide, or offer a similar theme.  A lot of this episode steps away from the formula that we have been becoming accustomed to.  I would say that isn’t a bad thing; unfortunately, it does feel like a step back into a more traditional form of sitcom storytelling.  There is much more weight to the show when the themes are more substantial and more impactful upon the tribe but hat’s not to say that the humour doesn’t hold up just that there is a lot of additional character progression for the ongoing plot.