The initial season of the British Claymation series Creature Comforts consists of 13 episodes, in which animated animals are interviewed on the topics that concern them most (and, as it turns out, many of the topics are of equal concern to human beings). In "The Circus," we meet an elephant suffering from stage fright, and a performing seal who chronicles his extensive musical training. "Pets at the Vets" is highlighted by a variety of complaints about a variety of animal ailments, many of the best ones offered by a piranha suffering from a toothache. Among those profiled in "Working Animals" are a multi-tasking cockroach and a group of lab rats grimly looking forward to retirement. "The Sea" features a shark with a phobia about depth, and a walrus with cramps. In "The Garden" we learn why worms abhor fresh air, watch a contemplative woodpecker in his off-hours, and witness a pond converting into a singles bar for frogs. The question of whether or not bloodhounds should eat oysters and the ethical dilemma of a pigeon with a taste for fried chicken are probed in "Feeding Time." In "The Beach," a group of sea anemones wax wroth about sharing their water space, while an octopus develops a taste for sweets. "What's It All About, Then" has several animals pondering the purpose of their lives, notably a group of quizzical cats and some spiritual slugs. Issues addressed in "Pet Shop" include a goldfish who takes the "gold" part of his name too much to heart and the conversational skills of stick-insects. "Being a Bird" casts light upon such matters as the homing instinct and the problems of navigating around skylights. "Is There Anyone Out There?" finds a few animals discoursing about "invaders," both extraterrestrial and terrestrial. "Cats or Dogs" serves up comparisons of the two species, including an assessment of their abilities to alert their masters about burglars. And "Merry Christmas" proves beyond question that the Yuletide season isn't just for dogs.
by Hal Erickson
synopsis
