"Darkwing Duck" It's a Wonderful Leaf (TV Episode 1991) Poster

User Reviews

Review this title
2 Reviews
Sort by:
Filter by Rating:
9/10
Bushroot's Christmas havoc
TheLittleSongbird27 May 2018
'Darkwing Duck' has always been a show dear to my heart. One of those favourites from a young age that holds up really well, and is even more entertaining through adult eyes from appreciating the writing and stories even more.

Have been on a roll reviewing individual episodes for certain shows, animated, non-animated and of as many genres as possible (many as part of certain quests), and decided to do it with 'Darkwing Duck' and some others. Something that, as expected and hoped, has proven to be a more than worthwhile project and experience. "It's a Wonderful Leaf" is one of the best episodes, and exemplifies what is so great about the show.

Bushroot may not be one of my favourite villains on the show but he is fun (as is the conflict between him and Darkwing), has really grown as a character and Tino Insara voices him beautifully. Love the episode for its Christmas atmosphere, its 'It's a Wonderful Life' influence and the scattering of references to Christmas (like Darkwing's "two front teeth" line, after the famous song)

The animation is very colourful and atmospheric as always however. The music matches what is going on perfectly while it is impossible to forget one of the catchiest theme songs in animation.

Writing is witty, very funny without being too silly and thought-probing without being complicated. Things don't get too childish and it is all easy to follow. The story is compelling and lively in pace without being rushed, and executes a nice idea imaginatively without being too silly. Darkwing is an immensely likeable and fun title character and Launchpad never fails to bring a smile to my face. Gossalyn adds a lot of spunk and really spices things up even more, she is not a brat neither is she too overly-cute.

Jim Cummings fits Darkwing like a glove, it is always lovely to hear him in non-villain roles when he excels just as well in them. Christine Cavanaugh is a major part of why Gossalyn works so well as a character, and Terence McGovern is note-perfect for Launchpad.

In conclusion, great. 9/10 Bethany Cox
1 out of 1 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Wonderful indeed
gizmomogwai24 December 2020
Darkwing Duck's only Christmas episode, "It's a Wonderful Leaf," (hey, the pun was there for the taking), is given to Bushroot. Typically not my favourite villain due to his lack of villainous nature, his episodes can still be great when he's done right. "It's a Wonderful Life" is orchestrated well and apt for both children and older viewers to enjoy.

The episode plays off Bushroot and Darkwing smartly, with the typically innocent Bushroot becoming antagonized by a realistically pushy Black Friday rush; meanwhile, the typically dark Drake Mallard is shown to have a soft spot for the holiday. Gosalyn has issues with being patient and well-behaved for the season, which is true to her character. Bushroot's revenge scheme goes from prank-like to more criminal as the episode progresses.

The jokes are generally good, and not just because they play on the usual plant puns we can expect when Bushroot's around. There's plenty of physical humour that's smartly staged and varied commentary on the craziness of the Christmas season. Ho ho ho!
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

See also

Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews


Recently Viewed