Agua Donkeys

Agua Donkeys, a short-form comedy series exclusively developed for the streaming platform Quibi in 2020, offers a unique mix of humor, sunshine, camaraderie, and a constant pursuit of the perfect tan. The show's peculiar title echoes the sunshine-evoking, Southern California vibe while instantly piquing the interest of potential viewers.

The series follows the comedic escapades of two pool cleaning partners, MP and Jer, who own and operate a small LA-based business named Agua Donkeys. They spend their time navigating not just the bright and beautiful neighborhoods of LA, but also the challenges and triumphs of their own friendship. Always striving for personal and professional excellence, their mission extends beyond merely having crystal clear pools—they endeavor to maintain a perfect tan year-round, symbolic of the laid-back, sun-soaked LA culture.

The characters and their relationship form the cornerstone of the show. MP, played by MP Cunningham, is an eccentric goofball, while Jeremy Jackson, played by Baby Darrington, provides a counterbalance with his more grounded personality. Together, they form a classic comedy duo reminiscent of Abbott and Costello or Laurel and Hardy. The characters are nuanced, with an interplay that results in dynamic on-screen chemistry and adds depth to the humor in everyday situations.

Describing the comedic content, it adeptly mixes absurdist humor with situational comedy, often portraying how the pair tackle unexpected and absurd situations. Though deeply committed to their pool cleaning profession, they frequently stray or get sidetracked, escalating simple tasks into comical, outrageous events. However, despite the absurdities, the comedy is rooted in reality, allowing viewers to relate to the characters' lives and their occasional misadventures.

Breaking from the convention of long-form sitcoms, Agua Donkeys adopts the unique format of short, bite-sized episodes that align with Quibi's vision for quick consumption of entertainment. Each episode runs for about six to ten minutes, packing in sharp comedy and character development within this limited timeframe. This format certainly adds a new layer of challenge for storytelling, but the creators have leveraged it to their advantage, creating punchy episodes that maximize the humor without dragging on the narrative.

The setting of sunny Los Angeles is not just a backdrop, but a character in itself that shapes the comedic identity of Agua Donkeys. The series consistently maintains a sunny, permanent-summer aesthetic, reflecting the city's vibrant and infectious energy. The perfect weather serves as a running gag, inspiring the characters' obsession with a perpetual tan, and the poolside settings are leveraged as a canvas for visually vibrant and increasingly ridiculous comedic scenes.

However, amidst the whimsical humor and over-the-top gags, Agua Donkeys manages to infuse relatable themes, enriching the narrative with warmth. The series explores the value of friendship, the tenacity that underlies small business endeavours, and the inherent comedy of navigating everyday life. In addition, the show often employs a softer, subtler humor, underscoring the charm of ordinary moments and the chemistry between characters.

In conclusion, Agua Donkeys is a unique short-form series that revels in its brand of laid-back, absurdist comedy. It subverts traditional sitcom elements, offering a fresh perspective with its unusual premise and dynamic. The pairing of iconic Los Angeles settings with the oddball characters of MP and Jer results in an eclectic, delightful aesthetic that's both cheerfully offbeat and warmly nostalgic. This eccentric series is sure to appeal to viewers seeking an unconventional, but nonetheless, thoroughly entertaining comedy experience.