DePatie-Freleng Enterprises' output is interesting but inconsistent. They did numerous theatrical series with several different lead characters, while some were well worth watching (i.e. prime-Pink Panther especially) there were others that also didn't click. For all of them, it was essential for the lead characters to work to have their series work, whether they did or not made or break the series. The Ant and the Aardvark turned out to be one of the studio's better and more popular series, because they were strong characters.
One of the best Ant and the Aardvark outings is 'Isle of Caprice'. The story is not an original one (then again the Ant and the Aardvark series was never known for having original stories, they were quite formulaic actually on this front), with it being slightly reminiscent in parts of the Bugs Bunny cartoon 'Rabbitson Crusoe', also directed by Friz Freleng, so it is a bit predictable and also quite slight. So much works in 'Isle of Caprice's' favour however and the good things are actually pretty great.
'Isle of Caprice's' animation is very well done. The finesse continues to improve in the drawing, but the rich colours, beautifully abstract backgrounds and the Aardvark's expressions and reactions continue to make, and make more of, an impact. The music is never scored with a heavy hand, its light touch being a striking asset here and throughout the series, it never loses the energy (the energy throughout the cartoon is constant too which is great) and its jazzy nature evokes a lot of nostalgia. The main theme accompanying the opening title sequence is memorable and doesn't grate, even when watching all seventeen cartoons in a row.
Like the previous seven cartoons in the Ant and the Aardvark series, 'Isle of Caprice' delivers on the humour. While the gags, even when not innovative, never let up on an energy level and the aardvark's expressions and reactions are beautifully done again, it's the dialogue in this regard that comes off best in unmistakable and classic Ant and the Aardvark fashion.
The aardvark may not be a complex character but he is a very entertaining and compelling one, and his conflict with the shark (similarly strong) is a lot of fun while also generating some tension. John Byner cannot be faulted.
Where 'Isle of Caprice' is at its weakest is the story for reasons said already.
Overall, enjoyed it very much and consider it one of the best of the series. 9/10
