【eroticizing the rural】

If 2018 has shown us anything definitive,eroticizing the rural it is that human beings are garbage.

Dogs, on the other hand, remain literal angels whom we do not deserve.

Case in point: Last year, ABC had in its hands one of the purest, most hysterical, most heartwarming comedies on television. It was basically an Office-style mockumentary, but from the perspective of a dog who's the only one who gets to speak directly to camera in confessional-style interviews.

SEE ALSO: 'Isle of Dogs' reflects the bleak reality that we treat dogs like garbage

Through the lens of its irresistibly charming protagonist, Martin the Dog, we see the absurdity of human behavior. But it's also a reminder of the emotional lives our animal companions lead -- like the stress of needing at least fourteen hours of sleep a day, while also finding time to protect your person from the dangers of vacuums.

Because humans are garbage, however, Downward Dog was unceremoniously canceled only six episodes into its eight-episode debut season.

Despite an impressive critical reception, ABC didn't renew the show for logistical reasons (i.e., money and ratings). But ABC felt like the wrong fit for this comedy from the startyes. And since its abrupt cancelation, co-creators Sam Hodges and Michael Killen have been actively looking for other networks to pick it up.

So please, everyone start filling out your Netflix request forms now.

But we're getting ahead of ourselves. Because we've barely scratched the surface of what makes Downward Dogso special, and so deeply needed during this inescapable clusterfuck of humanity.

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A talking animal sitcom might sound like a hard pill to swallow. To extend the metaphor, though, it's a pill slathered in lots of peanut butter -- a treat that overwhelms the senses with pure joy.

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Downward Dogfollows the life and times of Martin and Nan (whom you might recognize as the Emmy-nominated Allison Tolman from Fargo). Their relationship has been on the rocks ever since Nan broke up with her boyfriend (Raising Hope's Lucas Neff), and she seems to only have time for her awful job or drunken nights out trying to forget about the breakup.

There's almost no quality time for the real love of her life anymore. He's had to deal with the show's main antagonist -- the "emotional terrorist" of a cat that lives next door -- all by himself.

The inquisitive, contemplative Martin has started feeling like Nan views "me as less of a life partner, and more like her weird hairy little child or something." And that just won't do. So our four-legged hero works his magic to turn Nan's life back around and focus on what really matters: him.

Like a dog's love, it's hard to put the unspeakable comfort of this series into words.

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The humor (and there's plenty of it) comes from just how straight they play Martin's dog logic. At the heart of the show is the much-needed compassion it demonstrates toward the inner world of a species we humans too often use, abuse, and neglect -- and who, in return, still gift us with their unwavering loyalty and affection.

(Side note: The creators insisted on rescuing a shelter mutt to play Martin, and trained him to become a TV star. By all accounts, he was a natural. Also, he looks a lot like my perfect rescue boy.)

Downward Dogisn't just for pup lovers, though. It's a testament to the transformative power of emotional connection, centered around two beings who find their confidence in the love they have for each other -- despite every barrier of their cross-species relationship.

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If you’ve found it hard to see the good in people recently, this is the show for you. If you’ve developed a reasonable hatred of mankind, Downward Dog will remind you why you should never completely lose faith in people. Because all the bad melts away when you’re lucky enough to find a soul that never stops seeing you for the goodest boy that you can be.

You can watch clips of Downward Dog for free here, and purchase the full season on Amazon Prime, YouTube, iTunes, or Google Play.

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