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| DuckTales Season 1 (2017-18) |
I know a lot of people were thrown off initially by the animation style, but this show is beautiful to watch. They've gone for a mix between the original show's animation style and the look of the comic books from which the characters are based, and weirdly, this helps the show stand out even more. The attention to detail in some shots is stunning, and what's even more impressive is how this, really, simple style of animation is able to carry across the more emotional moments whenever they come up, though that's more for later. The soundtrack isn't over-the-top or too ambitious, which I like. It more helps to service the story, and though it isn't something I'd download and listen to on my own time, it wasn't intended to be, and it works fine for the show. That is, of course, with the exception of the opening theme song. Again, while it's a different take on the original theme song, it really works, and I found myself jumping in my seat and singing along every time it came on.
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| David Tennant as Scrooge McDuck |
The voice actors are unbelievable. Honestly, I find it hard to believe they got some of these people; they're honestly the best thing about the show. Every inflection, every stutter, every word is wonderfully read, and each and every one of these people brought their characters to life like no one else could. This is the perfect cast. David Tennant shines as Uncle Scrooge, and he has the exact right level of comedic-timing and emotional gravitas that you'd want in a role like this. Kate Micucci is flawless as Webby, and she's quickly becoming one of my favourite actors full-stop. Initially, you may find it hard to believe that Huey, Dewey and Louie are actually kids, given their adult voice actors, but once you get used to their voices, you too will understand that Pudi, Schwartz and Moynihan are absolutely perfect picks for the three triplets. They're able to sound similar enough that you believe they could be related, but distinct enough that you can tell them apart even from off-screen. I'll take 'vaguely adult' over 'the same person voicing all three of them' any day of the week. The only thing I have a slight issue with is Donald's voice. They use the regular Donald Duck voice actor, and at times I had a little trouble understanding what he was saying, but that's not new. The show even addresses it on numerous occasions, and he's not in the show very often, so I can let it slide. Oh, and did I mention the recurring/guest cast? Keith Ferguson, Jim Rash, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Kimiko Glenn, Catherine Tate, Allison Janney, I could rave about this cast all day, but I do need to move on to other things.
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| Ben Schwartz as Dewey Duck, Danny Pudi as Huey Duck and Bobby Moynihan as Louie Duck |
The cast is great, and thankfully, their characters are just as wonderful. Scrooge is delightful to watch, and he has that exact right balance of energetic adventurer and elderly miser that makes him such an amazing character. Even when Scrooge isn't the focus of an episode, he's usually the comic relief on the side, and he does wonders in that role. What I also really appreciate is that they actually gave the triplets unique personalities of their own. This not only helps us remember who each of them are, but allows the three of them to bounce off each other in ways we haven't seen before. Huey is a bright-eyed boy scout, Dewey is an impetuous rogue and Louie is a shady con-artist, and their dynamic when they butt heads is glorious. Launchpad steals the comedic spotlight, however, and every line out of his mouth is a winner, or, at the very least, a grinner. But the real treats were from the characters I wasn't expecting to be what they ended up being. Webby at one point stole the runner-up spot as funniest character on the show, and a lot of that comes down to Micucci's performance, but it's really all a result of her role as a Clan McDuck fanatic. In one episode, I was splitting my sides watching her just lie on the ground and take in her surroundings. I will not dare spoil what they do with Mrs. Beakley, because it's another wonderful surprise. Just know that every single one of these characters, even the recurring/one-off ones, are memorable as anything, and there's not a single weak link in the chain.
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| Kate Micucci as Webby Vanderquack |
And the writing? Oh, my God, don't get me started on the writing. If I could sum it up with one word it would be this: clever. It's such a clever show. The comedy is clever. It doesn't resort to poop-jokes for the sake of entertaining the kids. In fact, in 23 episodes, I don't think there was a single low-brow joke, and if there was one, it was always smarter than just having a character fart for no reason. The stories are clever. A lot of them are standalone adventures, but they're all so incredibly unique and interesting that I just don't care. Each standalone story takes it premise and dials it all the way up to its maximum level all within 20 minutes. There is one episode that takes place within the span of one place crash, and it's perhaps the most emotionally stirring of them all. On that note, the emotion is clever. There are some real tear-jerker scenes here. I know, in DUCKTALES, I could hardly believe it. And, a lot of that comes down to the season-long story arcs, which are gold. Pure 24-carat gold. There are a few of them that all weave throughout the season, and even though there are a lot of standalone stories, the plot threads woven throughout all come together in the last 4 episodes or so to deal us some really intense action, emotion and comedy that intertwine with each other superbly. This is a show that knows exactly what it wants to do and does it in the most entertaining way possible. It's honestly infuriating how good this is for a kid's show.
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| Beck Bennett as Launchpad McQuack |
Curse me kilts, DuckTales Season 1 (2017-18) is just amazing. Watch it if you haven't already. I cannot wait for Season 2. Bring it on. Woo-oo. 9.5/10.
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