I Am Not An Animal

British animation at its finest, I Am Not An Animal, first aired in 2004, is an extraordinary amalgamation of surreal humor, poignant satire, and memorable characters, fronted by none other than the prominent British comedian Steve Coogan. This animated comedy series is a product of the highly creative minds of Peter Baynham, known for his work on "Borat" and "Alan Partridge," and the production team of the reputable British Broadcasting Corporation's (BBC) Natural History Unit.

Set in a world as curious and satirically offbeat as its title suggests, I Am Not An Animal begins in an advanced vivisectionist laboratory named 'Vivi-Sec UK,' ironically set in the serene and pastoral English countryside. The focal point of this facility is a group of talking animal test subjects, with IQs artificially enhanced to match that of a typical human. However, their understanding and perception of the real world are fashioned entirely based on a catalogue of glossy lifestyle magazines and daytime TV that they have been exposed to.

Six creatures star as the primary characters - a fastidious English horse named Philip, a vain and materialistic cat named Winona, a self-doubting and pessimistic rat named Niall, a sweet-natured yet somewhat dim sparrow named Kieron, a naively cheerful dog named Mark, and a deeply intellectual and pragmatic monkey named Hugh. Steve Coogan lends his voice to several key characters, with his interpretations bringing out their eccentricities magnificently.

The plot kicks off when these animals are unexpectedly liberated by a group of animal rights activists, assuming that they are freeing them back into their natural habitat. Little do they know, these are no ordinary animals. Unprepared for the harsh realities of the real world and its wilderness, the animals find themselves plunged into this alien environment with their distorted, human-like consciousness, struggling to reconcile their expectation of a world based on media influences with the grueling and mundane reality.

Throughout its limited run, consisting of just six episodes, I Am Not An Animal cultivates its characters and their bizarre world, dealing with mature and complex themes veiled under the cloak of absurd humor. It cleverly critiques contemporary Western Culture, anthropocentrism, environmentalism, and the media's influence on perception and worldview. It paints a satirical portrait of the human condition and our society through the eyes of these intelligent, yet thwartedly naive beasts, exploring how they adapt, survive, and navigate through human-like problems and predicaments.

One can’t help but appreciate the show for its audacious unorthodoxy and remarkable voice acting. The series employs a unique blend of photo-collage and animation, creating a striking visual style that adds to its thematic distinctiveness. The visually eccentric art style reflects the series' thematic depth and idiosyncratic humor.

Coogan’s voice acting embodies the distinct personality traits of each character with precision and flair, injecting dynamism, self-importance, and a childlike innocence to the characters of Philip and Mark, two roles that are in stark contrast to each other. The likes of Amelia Bullmore, Julia Davis, and Kevin Eldon also lend their considerable skills to the show, adding more depth and texture to its quirky ensemble.

However, noticeably dark undertones accompany the comedic exterior of I Am Not An Animal. The show does not flinch from the disturbing realities of animal testing, and fully recognizes the ethics and questions that stem from such practices. It challenges easy laughter, spurs thought, and stimulates intellectual discourse.

In sum, I Am Not An Animal is a series steeped in intellectual sophistication and surreal humor. It portrays an atypical, yet intriguing perspective on the human world through the eyes of hilariously flawed anthropomorphic animals. It's a unique show that has something to offer to anyone who appreciates originality and depth, and isn't afraid to dive into the eccentric waters of satire and social critique. Ultimately, it's a testimony to Steve Coogan's versatility as an actor and the innovative vision of its creators, offering an unusual and memorable viewing experience.