Ep 11. Antenna

In the eleventh episode of season 5 of Aqua Teen Hunger Force, entitled "Antenna," the adventurous food trio--consisting of Master Shake, Frylock, and Meatwad--are on a mission to retrieve an antenna for their TV. They had noticed that their TV signal had been disrupted, and they could not bear the thought of being stuck with a non-functional TV. Master Shake receives a call from a mysterious voice claiming to have an antenna, but they could only give it to him in exchange for Shake's prized lava lamp. After a stern warning from Frylock suggesting they should be careful, the gang meets up with the stranger to make the trade.

Things prove strange from the start, as Shake discovers that the antenna they're trading has an unusual connection to the world of art. Frylock is the first to realize that it holds additional powers when they discover it is, in fact, an alien artifact. The trio becomes entangled in a web of deception and betrayal as they attempt to unlock the full potential of the object and its extraterrestrial characteristics.

As they explore the art world in search of answers, each member of the Aqua Teen Hunger Force encounters different groups of eccentric art enthusiasts with their bizarre views about art and their unique perspectives on the world. The trio finds itself embroiled in an art heist involving an influential, although steadily declining, artist named Sergei, and a group of art collectors who will do anything to acquire his work.

Meanwhile, Shake is continually chased by an enigmatic figure who works for the collectors, simply referred to as "The Cleaner." The Cleaner is a silent figure who will stop at nothing to retrieve the artifact, and vents his frustration towards Shake by issuing a violent ultimatum; that he will invariably confront Shake, one way or the other.

Furthermore, Meatwad becomes enthused by the art world and starts making sculptures of his own. Frylock quickly realizes that Meatwad's creative prowess might be the key to understanding the true power of the antenna. However, Meatwad's newfound success in the art world also leads to new-found hubris, and he is soon confronted with the capitalistic and sycophantic aspects of modern art.

As the Aqua Teen Hunger Force struggles to interpret the enigma of the art world, they eventually uncover a dark secret hidden beneath the work of Sergei. They must use all of their acquired knowledge in the world of art to both uncover the mystery and keep the artifact out of harm’s way.

Overall, the episode "Antenna" offers a satirical exploration of the art world while preserving the humor and unpredictability that comes with every Aqua Teen Hunger Force episode. Music enthusiasts will surely notice the use of the famous synthesizer, the ARP 2600, which is used to create the soundscape for the guests on an art show. The episode’s plotline of the quest for an alien artifact is a compelling concept that keeps viewers engaged and entertained from start to finish. While the art-world satire might be more evident in this episode than in others, it still manages to keep the absurdity and humor that happens to this trio and their often crazy, violent, and inappropriate scenarios.