All the seventeen Ant and the Aardvark cartoons from 1969-1971 are worth watching at least once and their series is one of the better representations of DePatie-Freleng Enterprises. The weakest Ant and the Aardvark cartoons 'Ants in the Pantry', 'Science Friction' and 'Rough Brunch' are still well above average cartoons, and the best 'Technology, Phooey', 'Dune Bug', 'Scratch a Tiger' and 'Never Hustle an Ant with Muscle' are great.
'From Bed to Worse' is the last Ant and the Aardvark cartoon and one of the best of the series. All of the numerous great things of all the cartoons are here in 'From Bed to Worse' and executed quite brilliantly. It may not quite be an animated masterpiece or anything like that, but it is as a long way from being an abomination as one can get. For anybody wanting a nice enough alternative to anything from Disney or Looney Tunes etc, the Ant and the Aardvark series is a more than serviceable alternative.
The story is unexceptional, there was a lot of energy but the actual story itself had a seen it all before vibe. Couldn't help being reminded of the Sylvester and Tweety cartoon 'Greedy for Tweety', which also had animal anarchy in a hospital that 'From Bed to Worse' reminded me slightly of.
Did think that the aardvark's actions were a bit cruel at the end, there have been Ant and the Aardvark cartoons where the viewer is entirely on the aardvark's side at the end (i.e. 'The Froze Nose Knows') but not here.
However, there is a huge amount to like here. The animation is strikingly stylised and richly coloured, the simple character designs in drawing and colour for the ant and the aardvark blend beautifully within the more varied background colours. Have always loved the expressions, reactions etc. of the aardvark. The music is light-hearted and infectiously jazzy, will never tire of that main theme.
While the story is not the greatest, there are still some well timed and amusing gags, a lot of juicy dialogue (the writing for the aardvark has always been genius even in the lesser efforts) and the energy is lively enough. The chemistry between the characters is electric, while the bulldog more than holds his own against the aardvark particularly. The hospital setting is made good use of. John Byner as ever delivers brilliantly on the vocal characterisations.
In summary, a very solid way to end an enjoyable series. 8/10
'From Bed to Worse' is the last Ant and the Aardvark cartoon and one of the best of the series. All of the numerous great things of all the cartoons are here in 'From Bed to Worse' and executed quite brilliantly. It may not quite be an animated masterpiece or anything like that, but it is as a long way from being an abomination as one can get. For anybody wanting a nice enough alternative to anything from Disney or Looney Tunes etc, the Ant and the Aardvark series is a more than serviceable alternative.
The story is unexceptional, there was a lot of energy but the actual story itself had a seen it all before vibe. Couldn't help being reminded of the Sylvester and Tweety cartoon 'Greedy for Tweety', which also had animal anarchy in a hospital that 'From Bed to Worse' reminded me slightly of.
Did think that the aardvark's actions were a bit cruel at the end, there have been Ant and the Aardvark cartoons where the viewer is entirely on the aardvark's side at the end (i.e. 'The Froze Nose Knows') but not here.
However, there is a huge amount to like here. The animation is strikingly stylised and richly coloured, the simple character designs in drawing and colour for the ant and the aardvark blend beautifully within the more varied background colours. Have always loved the expressions, reactions etc. of the aardvark. The music is light-hearted and infectiously jazzy, will never tire of that main theme.
While the story is not the greatest, there are still some well timed and amusing gags, a lot of juicy dialogue (the writing for the aardvark has always been genius even in the lesser efforts) and the energy is lively enough. The chemistry between the characters is electric, while the bulldog more than holds his own against the aardvark particularly. The hospital setting is made good use of. John Byner as ever delivers brilliantly on the vocal characterisations.
In summary, a very solid way to end an enjoyable series. 8/10
