The people in TV shows are all good and well, but won’t someone think of the animals? Alex Casey ranks her favourite pets scurrying around on Lightbox.
It’s always the boring old humans that are remembered for their good work. Everyone’s clapping for Tony Soprano, nobody spares a thought for Adriana’s dog, violently killed onscreen in the name of “story”. I want to change that. I want to give a moment’s praise to the animals working tirelessly to not poop, squawk or hiss during takes. The animals that have endured humiliating scenes, dangerous names and bad storylines just to flesh out the world of a show. Because, if there’s no animals in your TV world – then it’s a not a real world after all. Here are some of my favourite critters:
Mother from Arrested Development
In the third season, Buster buys a terrible pet turtle to try and make his mother Lucille jealous that his affections are going elsewhere. He names it Mother, just to keep things subtle. Mother met a slow demise after getting tucked away with Uncle-Father’s enormous stash of medicinal marijuana.
Nelson from The Office
David Brent brings Nelson to meet everyone at The Office in the second Christmas Special, much to Neil’s dismay. This pooch keeps David company as he travels up and down the country peddling cleaning products. He’s a charming relaxed black labrador, named Nelson after Nelson Mandela. As they say: great man, great dog.
Sue White’s Camel from Green Wing
Nothing like an inexplicable camel showing up to work. Fun fact: they had to remove a wall on set to get this big girl into Sue’s office.
Isis from Downton Abbey
This friendly yellow labrador is an honoured member of the Crawley family, who loves a bit of cheeky leftover crepe from the kitchen. Much like her namesake, Isis is renowned for persistently showing up unannounced where she is not wanted. In season two she loves sneaking into patient’s rooms, because she knows nobody can control her. Risky name, great dog. Sadly she was killed off, as this synthy news video explains
Very Fluffy Dog Thing from Vikings
This incredible nameless bear-dog belongs to princess Aslaug, and I’m told is an Alaskan Malamute. These giants can haul massive amounts with their strong bodies, and have also been bred as sled dogs. Could use some of these guys down south right about now! Ha ha, we have fun.
Sad Guy from Super City
Here’s a little insider gossip from Madeleine Sami herself – they wanted to change Sad Guy’s name to C*** but realised they’d have to yell it loudly too many times in public. Like that’s the worst thing that’s ever happened in Myers Park. Sad Guy is a loyal pooch who loves to play, an homage to friendly dogs belonging to rough sleepers everywhere.
Peanuts from The X Files
Oh, it’s a only a chimp that can send bloody emails. And attach audio files. As you were.
Mr Kitty from South Park
Mr Kitty is Cartman’s female family cat. She rose to prominence in Cat Orgy (S03E07), wherein she seduces a large group of male cats together whilst she is in heat. What follows is an extreme example of mass catnip gone wrong. Mr Kitty is also famed for trying to eat Cartman’s food at every opportunity. No Mr Kitty, that’s his pot pie.
Leslie’s Adoption Haul from Parks and Recreation
Dogs, cats, rabbits, a lovely affable pig. As if we needed another reason to worship Leslie.
Argus from 30 Rock
Jack Donaghy’s handsome peacock Argus appears in the fourth season of 30 Rock. After the death of his beloved mentor Don Geiss, Jack inherits this flamboyant boy to look after. Argus starts to make unusual noises, so Jack enlists the hell of Kenneth the page, who can obviously talk bird. Clever Argus manages to say “master and pupil” in peafowl, leading Jack to believe that he is Geiss resurrected. Oh, and he’s particularly fond of Liz Lemon:
Honourable mention:
Although there are no animals in the actual show, this Dexter parody video Dogster is one for the ages.
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