TV Review: Hulu Turns PEN15 Into An Animated Hit

I am completely unsurprised that PEN15’s  animated special, Jacuzzi, out on Hulu August 27, is the Adult Swim fantasy of my 00s childhood. This show has masterfully captured the awkwardness of being a girl to an almost universal level. When I watch Maya (Maya Erskine)  and Anna (Anna Konkle) play out their childhood version of themselves amongst actual kids, I bust out laughing more than in any other show. Thus, their transition into animation was a pleasant trip that only made me want part 2 of Season 2 EVEN MORE! 

I know this may sound strange, but something about this animated special brought out the underbelly of sadness in Pen15. I could gush all day about Konkle and Erskine’ acting, and how, amongst some of the best comedic chops on television, they also provide some sincere, dramatic breathes.They do not belittle how the awkwardness of being a girl, in this world, is a painful experience. here is a palpable, sad permission people feel they have at telling a little girl she’s ugly, unappealing, and simply cannot do… period. Even in animation, Maya and Anna are two “yes” personalities being told “No!” by boys, teenaged girls, and parents that can feel as lost as their kids when it comes to making better choices. 

The special takes place in a mini-vacay of sorts with Anna’s Dad, Curtis (Taylor Nichols),  to a place known for its clear-headedness and sanity…. Florida. Within 15 minutes our girls are crushing on two boys in a jacuzzi, trying to act like “adults” while buying over-priced soda, and  end up doing every kind of weird dance move to impress a niche of drinking teens. Yet, like the live-action, Pen15’s Jacuzzi brings a non-judgmental nuance to the poor decisions you make as a kid trying to be “cool.” In a way, Pen15’s ability to be preemptively forgiving and compassionate to all of its characters is what makes it such a positive, must-see show. 

I laughed so much in this animated special, and would not be surprised if it led to many more. Heck! I would NOT mind if it became an actual, animated series; as long as it did not mean the loss of the live-action. In fact, I think they complimented each other beautifully. Being a girl, in this world, means you have stories for days, and Pen15’s writers are some of the best storytellers streaming now.  Jacuzzi understood the assignment and came through!