Expectations were not high on first watch for "A Ducktales Valentine". Through a child's eyes, the concept of the episode made it sound like the episode itself would be corny and too over-cute. Which was what my initial memories and thoughts of "A Ducktales Valentine" actually were, despite enjoying the climax. With it being one of the few episodes of the show not seen in a while, there were fears that the episode would be worse than remembered.
Imagine my surprise and relief when, despite not being one of the best 'Ducktales' episodes (a long way from being that), "A Ducktales Valentine" was actually better than remembered and one of not many cases where an episode was better through the eyes of a young adult (the case with me). Considering the concept/premise, that was not expected. Honestly expected it to be the opposite. Of course there are elements of what made me have a relatively low initial opinion of it still, but not in as bad a way.
Admittedly, "A Ducktales Valentine" does have parts that suffer from syrup overkill. Such as the unnecessary and rather unsubtle one with the pulsating heart, that basically does little more than reinforces in the most cliched of ways what we already know. It is also a bit too cutesy.
Webby's good intentions are admirable and infinitely more preferable to her off-putting characterisation in "Attack of the 50 Foot Webby", some of her dialogue can veer on too saccharine and melodramatic. Scrooge has his fair share of unlikeable moments, namely early on.
However, "A Ducktales Valentine" is a good looking episode. Especially during the climax. The music is great as always, have never tired of the theme and never will while the incidental music fits perfectly in tone and placement. The writing is amusing, if never quite hilarious, and heart-warming. The story may not have a lot special to it perhaps but it is energetically paced and charming. With some exciting, robust action that fondly reminds one at its best of some of Season 1's set pieces.
Great to see Launchpad again and he is good fun, and while the kids' actions make them flawed characters they show good intentions and don't come over as obnoxious. Aphroducky (once you get past the somewhat corny name) and Vulcan are very worthy supporting characters, Vulcan's role in the thrillingly staged climax is particularly note-worthy. The voice acting is fine all round, Linda Gary and Kenneth Mars standing out.
In summary, much better than expected and not a bad episode at all. 7/10
Imagine my surprise and relief when, despite not being one of the best 'Ducktales' episodes (a long way from being that), "A Ducktales Valentine" was actually better than remembered and one of not many cases where an episode was better through the eyes of a young adult (the case with me). Considering the concept/premise, that was not expected. Honestly expected it to be the opposite. Of course there are elements of what made me have a relatively low initial opinion of it still, but not in as bad a way.
Admittedly, "A Ducktales Valentine" does have parts that suffer from syrup overkill. Such as the unnecessary and rather unsubtle one with the pulsating heart, that basically does little more than reinforces in the most cliched of ways what we already know. It is also a bit too cutesy.
Webby's good intentions are admirable and infinitely more preferable to her off-putting characterisation in "Attack of the 50 Foot Webby", some of her dialogue can veer on too saccharine and melodramatic. Scrooge has his fair share of unlikeable moments, namely early on.
However, "A Ducktales Valentine" is a good looking episode. Especially during the climax. The music is great as always, have never tired of the theme and never will while the incidental music fits perfectly in tone and placement. The writing is amusing, if never quite hilarious, and heart-warming. The story may not have a lot special to it perhaps but it is energetically paced and charming. With some exciting, robust action that fondly reminds one at its best of some of Season 1's set pieces.
Great to see Launchpad again and he is good fun, and while the kids' actions make them flawed characters they show good intentions and don't come over as obnoxious. Aphroducky (once you get past the somewhat corny name) and Vulcan are very worthy supporting characters, Vulcan's role in the thrillingly staged climax is particularly note-worthy. The voice acting is fine all round, Linda Gary and Kenneth Mars standing out.
In summary, much better than expected and not a bad episode at all. 7/10
