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Apparently Frisky Dingo, was originally going to be called ‘Whiskey Tango’, possibly a reference to the expression “whiskey-tango-foxtrot”, an alternative to ‘WTF’, which, I believe, is an initialism that all the jive cats are using to abbreviate ‘what the funk’. Unfortunately, the name ‘Whiskey Tango’ was already being used by a classic and modern rock cover band in Missouri, so the show’s producers opted for the rhyming alternative ‘Frisky Dingo’. The former would have at least alluded to the fact that the show seems almost entirely random, but that would probably have been a bit too logical for a show that is completely illogical.
And yet, Frisky Dingo has just the right combination of randomness, oddity, and humor to make it strangely mesmerizing. I don’t know what to call it, but I like it.
The Movie
Considering how random the series is, there is a surprisingly coherent (certainly not logical, but understandable) plot that unfolds throughout the season. The plot is a little convoluted due to the highly random story points, but the season essentially revolves around the conflict between would-be villain Killface and millionaire/superhero Xander Crews/Awesome-X. This conflict, however, doesn’t unfold in the conventional sense that might involve fast-paced fight scenes and intense physical battles. Instead, it plays out as an odd chess game of moves and countermoves, with the ultimate goals of the two rivals hampered by the relative ineptitude of all parties involved.
Some prominent subplots include Killface’s ironic role as a concerned and overprotective father, the dire financial situation of Crews’ company, and the romantic relationship between Crews and news reporter Grace Ryan.
The series so defies traditional literary devices that I really don’t know how to describe it. Effectively, though, it fits the artistic and thematic standards set by several fellow [adult swim] shows, such as Aqua Teen Hunger Force,Harvey Birdman, and Sealab 2021 (which was co-created by the creators of Frisky Dingo, Matt Thompson and Adam Reed). Like these shows, the artwork is relatively detailed, but there is extensive use of cel animation, producing a low-quality aesthetic typical of some adult-oriented animation.
If you like random, weird, and sometimes offensive comedy, I would highly recommend Frisky Dingo. It is certainly appropriate for fans of other [adult swim] programs, and although the series doesn’t rely on social commentary and pop culture references like South Park and Family Guy, the form of humor employed is very similar to that of these comedies.
Again, the animation is admittedly of poor quality, but the characters are cleverly developed and even more cleverly voiced. While there is not much detailed or in-depth character development, the characters are given distinct and likeable personalities, complete with humorous idiosyncrasies and personality traits. The plot is completely implausible, but simultaneously coherent and understandable. And, most importantly, it’s funny. It’s all funny.
Honestly, I can’t accurately describe the series, but I would certainly recommend that you experience it for yourself. I admit that I was skeptical at first, but after watching a few episodes, I couldn’t get enough. It won’t have you rolling on the floor or splitting your side laughing, but the show has a clever wit that is difficult to explain yet undeniably and irresistibly funny.
Special Features
As much as I would have loved whatever random additional content they might have included, sadly, there are no special features on the DVD.
Presentation
Of similar aesthetic quality to that of the series’ animation, the DVD setup has only minimal artistic value. There is no moving video on any of the menus and there are no transitions among any of the menus. However, there is an appropriately ridiculous (and annoyingly catchy) audio track that plays on all the menus that perfectly sets the tone for the randomness that inevitably follows in the episodes.
Overall
An animated comedy typical of [adult swim], Frisky Dingo contains the same types of humor as Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Sealab 2021, and even South Park and Family Guy. The animation is intentionally poor, and the plot is absurd but tolerably coherent. While the series is random and weird, it is nonetheless clever, witty, and funny. If you can set your skepticism aside, you will find a thoroughly enjoyable, and even addicting, form of comedy in Frisky Dingo that will leave you wanting more.