'Peter Pan and the Pirates' very quickly not only became one of my favourite animated shows but also one of my favourites ever. Of all the adaptations of 'Peter Pan', it's also my personal favourite.
All the characters are not only interesting but remarkably complex, especially Hook, even when not looking like Barrie's Hook all the character traits of the character are fully explored and expanded upon. The show is advantaged furthermore by good animation (with some exceptions here and there). Great music particularly the theme tune, one of the best of any animated 90s show. Remarkably good writing that had real maturity and a wide range of emotions rare in animated shows today. Gripping and imaginative stories that maintain the spirit of Barrie's source material while expanding on the themes, events and characterisation. And really excellent voice acting, for one of the most talented voice actors in the business and near-unequalled in villain roles Captain Hook contains some of the best work Tim Curry has ever done.
"Slightly in Stone" is not one of my favourite 'Peter Pan and the Pirates' episodes, but that just goes to show how amazing the best episodes are. It is still very much a thrilling adventure that takes a great idea and executes it in the most fun, inventive and compelling way possible. Some of the animation could have been better, a lot of it is very colourful, fluid and detailed with some inspired moments in the rescue-oriented moments. Some of the character designs lack refinement though and when the pirates are wading through grass in one scene it did to me look a bit odd.
The music is a great mix of lively, haunting and lush, the theme tune immediately sticks in one's head and never leaves it.
Writing is as mature, intelligent and emotionally complex as one would expect, never feeling dumbed down for adults or too complicated for children. The story is absorbing and fun with some beautifully written conflict and thrilling action.
Love that Peter is portrayed with a mix of likable traits and less than likable ones, which is exactly how he should be. With the pirates, there is much more to them than just one personality, even Smee for all his stupidity is funny and endearing. Likewise with the Lost Boys with Slightly faring most memorably. The Darlings aren't too cloying, Wendy being the most interesting though John's spouting of theories and facts were entertaining even at inappropriate times. Hook isn't in the episode enough but there is enough that still makes him my favourite. The voice acting all round is very good.
Overall, great if not one of the show's best. 9/10 Bethany Cox