As far as experiments go, it's not the worst, but there is just a bit of awkward characterization in it that's not just from the fact that it is a role-reversal. For example, there's this one scene where Laurel is crying about how he just wanted to do his job. He does the famous Laurel cry, but it's hard to laugh at because of how the situation is set up and the fact that Hardy actually does seem to realize for a second that he went too far. For a second, it seems like they're actually attempting an emotional moment. However, the next time we see Hardy, he suddenly is in a prankster mood again and we literally get another scene of him pranking Laurel and Laurel reaching another breaking point. It's also a bit hard to laugh at Ollie's pranks considering how malicious it tends to appear. Laurel getting Hardy hurt was usually unintentional and indirect and if Laurel directly hurt Hardy, it was usually after Hardy hurt him (think the ending fight in YOU'RE DARN TOOTIN'). At first you can argue that it's the liquor, but Hardy continues to act this way the next day.
I do like the idea of the role-reversal, but the way it plays out just does not work for me. Hardy comes off as way too harsh and Laurel seems to be in this weird middle ground throughout the short of being both more assertive while still maintaining his more established character throughout the short. Towards the end, though, there is some good payoff with Laurel reaching his breaking point and I do like the gag of Hardy disguising himself in the fountain.
If you like it, that's perfectly fine, as it is fascinating to see the role-reversal at all. I just felt that it needed better writing in terms of the characterizations. I give them credit for trying something different, but unfortunately, I think it was a bit of a misfire.
5 out of 10
