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‘DuckTales’ Un-Plucked – S2, Ep04: “The Town Where Everyone Was Nice!”

One mark of a great show is how they bring in multiple universes. Ducktales (2017) began to achieve that in Season 1 with their Darkwing Duck references; but it’s here in Season 2 where they really hit the mark. Or should I say 3 marks? The Three Caballeros – the famous trio of Donald Duck, José Carioca and Panchito Pistoles – have been introduced into the Ducktales universe in a way that both honors the legacy of this cartoon as well as adds some hilarious new dynamics.

So pull up your DVRs – or just click on the link below – and let’s get ready to take a Closer Look at Ducktales (2017) Season 2, Episode 4: “The Town Where Everyone Was Nice!”

–WATCH HERE ON DISNEY XD –

 Age Old Story – Faking Success to Someone Who is also Faking Success:

In many ways this could be considered a “filler episode” to introduce an old fan favorite set of characters. Though given how entertaining it was, the small moral lessons and how it surprisingly contributed to a developing season story line, I don’t think you can call it that. It certainly explored Donald’s opinions of himself, and whereas Scrooge said Donald has never expressed discontent with feeling like a failure before, he actually has! Back in Season 1, he exclaimed “I wasted my life” when he thought the plane was going to crash in the ‘House of the Lucky Gander” episode. This isn’t to say Scrooge’s comment is a continuity issue; but rather to remind fans that Donald has struggled with this ever so slightly; and seeing his former band-mates being so successful stirs up those old feelings again.

This leads to the whole ‘Donald pretending to be heir of McDuck Enterprises’ fiasco. Though it’s at dinner where we see a familiar scene play out – at least for us older viewers. When the check arrives, José, Panchito and Donald all whistle to avoid paying. If these were old friends who were all wealthy (or 2/3rds of them) then they’d be fighting over the check at least a little. This is a story element that has been used as far back as the Honeymooners (mid ‘5os) – and probably even before – having someone lie about being successful only to impress an old friend who also lied about being successful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31-soKXexBY

They each had their dreams (Donald being an heir, José an exotic travel agent, and Panchito as an international Pop Star) and it was a really nice touch having them verbally acknowledge how they haven’t changed much since college. Though that doesn’t end their dreams. If these characters do return, we could see Season 2 expand on their dreams. And who knows. Perhaps if Scrooge does pass the company over to Donald, that could be a loophole to cancel out his bet with Glomgold. It’s only episode 4, we have a long way to go; but it’s important to keep all these things in mind as we enjoy this musically and humor-filled episode.

Things That “Quacked” Us Up – Easter Eggs, Quotes & More:

  • I love that they made the Three Caballeros “Donald’s old college band”.
  • Fun Fact: If Scrooge’s seemed more thrifty than usual this episode it’s because of his bet with Glomgold last episode.
  • The build-up for this episode’s town reveal was really fun. From the first moment, they were dropping hints, such as Webby referencing how this was a cultural tradition even she didn’t know. This later expanded when she read the legend of the town and then admits ‘or something like that’ because her Portuguese isn’t that good.
  • Sir Reginald VonHoofey III
  • Sometimes when I hear a holiday called as “Feast of the _____”, I always joke that “____” are the ones who are going to be feasting. As such, I particularly enjoyed the “You mean WE are the feast of the flower?” comment.
  • Wait, did we actually get a post credits? Well, pre-credits/ post episode shot of the plant forming a new bud? Does this mean we’ll see it again? Will it have importance later on in the season? What does it all mean?
  • One thing I love about this series is how it presents both sides of a discussion and finds that common ground moral/ lesson. This episode’s was ‘ How do you experience a trip: Pictures vs Experience’, and the answer was that you should be present. Enjoy your trip and adventure, but have a few photos to remember that adventure later.
  • Favorite Quotes:
    • “I was so awesome….” (Donald as he pulls out a fanny pack)
    • “And why haven’t we ever heard of them? And why did you all stop speaking? And…” / “Please, not everything is a dark family secret.” / “Kids, I have a dark family secret” (Huey/ Louie/ Donald)
    • “You’re more impressive than those two worgulling mistrals are….” *entrance* “Awg, they are much more impressive than you!” (Scrooge)
    • “Remember when you insisted you could juggle the eggs, and you dropped one!” / *Dewey blinks oddly* (José)
    • “You raised 3 boys and are rich in love! Isn’t that the true measure of success?”/ “No!” (Huey/ Donald & Scrooge)
    • “Webigail, a wise old man once gave me this advice. ‘Pics or it didn’t happen’.” (Louie)
    • “You can drop the old man act now” / “I can’t. All that pretending threw out my back!” (Huey/ Scrooge)
    • “You know, this does explain why the trip was so cheap. And the brochure was printed on a lead” (José)

Previous Reviews:

 Episode S2-03     –     Episode S2-02     –      Episode S2-01     –     Season 1 Episodes