What Makes Aqua Teen So Special? (And why should you be sad that it’s ending)
What is it that makes Aqua Teen special? What sets this show apart from the rest? Why is Dirt Foot totally gay? Who IS The Drizzle?
Going over the top. Going past over the top. Looking down at the top from space and then pissing on the top.
In the world of Aqua, people can die – and then just come back to life the next episode. Celebrities can be somehow coerced to New Jersey to work for Master Shake. Everything that hits the floor bursts into flames. Microwaving kittens is somehow not censored. Nothing has to make sense and there are no rules.
The further things get out of control, the harder I laugh. I have had more “oh my god how can they show that on TV?” moments watching Aqua Teen than any other show. It’s been a glorious ride.
Aqua Teen is one of the few shows that when I watch I can honestly feel that the creators do not give a single fuck about what people think of their show. Now, I don’t mean they don’t give a fuck, like, they don’t take pride in their work. They absolutely do. The show is well made and features quality voice actors and hilarious writing. The fucks the creative team don’t care about are the type of fucks one might give who wants to try and attract more viewers. Aqua Teen almost puts off the vibe that they DON’T want new viewers. It’s that “we are not for most people” mentality that makes the fans of Aqua feel so proud of their show.
To a degree, everyone wants to feel they get a joke that nobody else does. Everyone enjoys that small sliver of elitism that comes from thinking, “Wow, how can you not like this?!” Aqua Teen gives me that feeling. It’s that feeling that keeps fans dedicated and coming back season after season.
As Aqua makes its way through its last season, if there is any lesson it can the teach new shows of the future, it’s not to limit yourself creatively. Even if some of the time you don’t hit your mark, at least all of the time you’ll keep yourself authentic and your audience on their toes – and that is rare in today’s entertainment market.
Aqua, I’m sad to see you go, but I love to watch you leave – YA KNOW WHAT I’M SAYIN?! [*Carl voice*]
