Ep 1. Rats

"Animals." is an animated television series that debuted on HBO in 2016. The show was created by Phil Matarese and Mike Luciano and produced by Duplass Brothers Television. Noteworthy for its genre-bending elements and unique storytelling, "Animals." provides a satirical look at the lives of various creatures residing in New York City.

Season 1, Episode 1 with the title Rats ventures into the anthropomorphic world of two young male rats named Mike and Phil who are dealing with the complexities of modern life and relationships in the bustling urban backdrop of New York City. The episode boldly explores themes of ambition, maturity, and social dynamics through the eyes of its rodent protagonists.

The show kicks off its pilot by throwing viewers into the gritty reality of being a rat in the city, creating an immediate comedic and satirical contrast with actual human city living. Viewers are introduced to Mike and Phil as they embark on a journey that covers both their personal and social lives, providing insight into an overlooked perspective of the urban ecosystem.

The story begins with Mike and Phil attending a party, setting the mood for the kinds of situations these city-dwelling animals get themselves into. At the party, the viewer begins to understand the complex social hierarchy and the rat culture that pervades their society. The interactions amongst the rat characters are infused with adult humor and wit, indicative of the show's target audience.

In this episode, Matarese and Luciano take advantage of the animated format to create distinctive visual storytelling, exploiting the absurdity of animals experiencing human-like scenarios. The animation style itself is simplistic yet expressive, allowing the characters' personalities and emotions to take the forefront of the narrative.

Throughout the episode, the world of rats is explored in-depth, touching on their dietary habits, mating rituals, and even their dreams and aspirations. Mike and Phil's friendship is at the core of the story; their banter and chemistry provide much of the series' comedic element while also setting up for poignant moments that address deeper existential themes. Moreover, "Animals." doesn’t shy away from presenting the more somber aspects of these creatures' existence, as they are often seen scavenging for food or dodging dangers in the urban environment.

Beneath the veneer of animal lives lies a parody of human behaviors, and "Rats" effectively sets this tone for the entire series of "Animals." The episode utilizes background stories and side characters to enrich the main narrative, depicting a vast array of animals that call the city home, from pigeons to bedbugs, each with their own unique struggles and points of view.

The voice acting in "Rats" is notable for its effectiveness in bringing these creatures to life. With a cast that includes comedians and actors voicing various roles, each animal is given a distinct personality that resonates with the viewer. The dialogue is sharp and filled with mature humor, exploring the facets of city life, relationships, and existential crises in offbeat, yet relatable ways.

In terms of structure, "Rats" sets the standard for the series by telling an episodic tale while also hinting at the larger world-building established by the creators. The storyline for this particular episode is self-contained, allowing viewers to get a full experience while introducing the overarching narrative that connects the episodes. It is a rich blend of slice-of-life storytelling with the absurdity afforded by the anthropomorphized animal cast.

The music and sound design complement the visual aesthetics and storytelling, grounding the bizarre scenarios in a believable soundscape. Whether it’s the bustling sound of the city or the eclectic soundtrack that highlights the comedic and dramatic beats, the audio elements add another layer to the immersive environment of "Animals."

“Rats” is a bold and creative introduction to the world of "Animals.", setting up a series that is willing to tackle different genres and messages using non-human main characters. It promises an entertaining and often thought-provoking journey into the lives of city animals, and the very human issues they parody, as the series continues beyond the pilot episode.

Overall, the premiere episode of "Animals." with its focus on the rat characters Mike and Phil, provides a foundation that mixes humor, societal commentary, and a touch of surrealism, leaving viewers curious about the urban animal tales that are yet to unfold in the subsequent episodes.