Garfield in the Rough

"Garfield in the Rough" is the third half hour animated special based on the Garfield comic strip. It features the voice and music talent common in Garfield animated specials including Lorenzo Music (the voice of Garfield) and Lou Rawls (provides the songs). The special premiered in 1984 and won an Emmy for outstanding animated program.

Storyline

Garfield is excited to learn that Jon wants to take him and Odie on vacation only to be disappointed to find out that they're just going camping. It takes a while for Garfield and Odie to adjust to the great outdoors and to Jon's banjo playing. Garfield eventually eats all of the food Jon packed, of course. However, there is news of a panther that escaped from a zoo lurking in the very woods they are in. Garfield tries to warn Jon of the danger but Jon insists that there is nothing to worry about, until the escaped panther enters their campsite. Garfield runs up a tree while Jon and Odie hide in the car, which the predator manages to break into by smashing through a window. In a dramatic scene, Garfield comes to the rescue when he leaps from the trees and takes on the panther. Garfield is in serious danger until two park rangers bring down the beast with a tranquilizer dart.

Trivia

The episode clearly references Lake Wobegon Days. The radio announcement warns that the escaped panther has been sighted in the Lake Wobegon area and for all people to steer clear. Jon's geography skills are off, as he says that Lake Wobegon is miles away. Garfield and Odie later pass a sign which says "Lake Wobegon", indicating they are much closer to the danger area than Jon thought.

In the comic adaptation Billy Bunny and Dicky Beaver played bigger parts and just before they leave, Garfield tells them of the panther's capture.

Also in the comic adaptation at the end Jon hears scratching at the door and tells Garfield to answer it. Garfield hopes it's the panther because he claims he is no longer afraid of it. He peers out into the dark and sees a pair of glowing eyes. After Garfield screams and faints, a little black kitten walks into the house.

ongs in "Garfield in the Rough"

* "Get Me Some 'R and 'R" performed by Lou Rawls
* "When I'm Out in the Rough" performed by Lorenzo Music and Thom Huge
* "Camping is My Life" performed by Thom Huge
* "The Music of Nature" performed by Desirée Goyette
* "Run-Run" performed by Thom Huge and Desirée Goyette

This special is available on the "Garfield: Travel Adventures" DVD.

Awards

*1985 Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program