While the whole of the Ant and the Aardvark series lasting from 1969 to 1971 is very enjoyable, it was at its best when, on top of it having the same great things in every one of the seventeen cartoons it's comprised of, it had great supporting characters. And particularly when there was a little more storyline that tried to break away a little from the basic formula, there were a few cartoons in the series that did this and very well.
Despite the low rating as of now, 'Scratch a Tiger' to me is actually one of the best Ant and the Aardvark cartoons and one of the series' outings that shows best what is appealing about the Ant and the Aardvark cartoons. It has every single one of the great things that the series did continually (which are many) and executes all very well indeed. It also has a few extra great things that sets it apart from some of the other Ant and the Aardvark cartoons and makes 'Scratch a Tiger' an even better cartoon than it already is.
The animation is not completely perfect, the finesse in the drawing is not always there and can look a little on the scrappy.
It is a little predictable at times with not much original about it, with a familiar ground feel to it.
Most of the animation is nicely done though, especially the stylised but richly coloured backgrounds and the character animation for the aardvark. The music is as ever outstanding, it really lifts the spirits, with the wonderfully jazzy rhythms, and sticks in the mind for a while without being repetitious, the main theme is unforgettable. It's beautifully performed too. Both the ant and the aardvark are compelling and amusing characters, especially the aardvark, and the tiger is one of the series' best supporting characters, a lot of fun and sympathetic. Loved his support towards the ant and the entertaining animosity towards the aardvark that is the source of some of the humour. The tiger repellent gag was nicely done.
'Scratch a Tiger' is funnier though in the dialogue, which at its best is hilariously irreverent. While the aardvark's lines are witty and clever the writers were clearly having great fun with the writing for the tiger. Although any surprises in the story may not be many, there is more of this asset than usual thanks to the chemistry between the ant and the tiger and the latter's role in the story. The ending is refreshingly different. John Byner's voice acting is one of 'Scratch a Tiger's' gems, the variety and individuality really striking. Marvin Miller is not quite as good but is a good addition.
All in all, very, very good and often great. 8/10
