‘DuckTales’ Un-Plucked – Episode #16: “Day of the Only Child!”
Last episode we got a decidedly Scrooge centered episode, so it’s only fitting that this week we get a nephews centered adventure. Or should I say nephew centered? This week’s episode gave the triplets a chance to be their own ducks and in the end each of them… ended up in a lot of trouble.
What do a heartless robot, clingy criminals and a sociopathic billionaire have in common? Well, pull up your DVRs – or just click on the link below – and find out as we get ready to take a Closer Look at Ducktales (2017) Episode 16, “Day of the Only Child!”
Rebooting For Reboots – Nephews, Beagle Boys, Doofus & Robot:
Dewey’s problems arose when Webby decided to reboot Scrooge’s new security robot. Why do I bring this up? Because ‘reboot’ is kind of the central highlight of this episode – or rather how this reboot has changed these characters so much from their original incarnations and actually made them fully formed.
As I’ve said from the beginning, one of the most fundamental things the Ducktales reboot gets so right is how Huey, Dewey and Louie are all their own characters now. They’re no longer simply the same duck with different shirts. They have their own distinct personalities (honest/ rule-abiding Huey, lying/ greedy Louie, and adventurous Dewey) as well as their own voice actors. Though they are not the only ones who gain distinctions from this reboot.
The Beagle Boys were also a group of barely differing characters, but Episode 4 showed us how many different types of Beagle Boys there are. Though as for the core “Original Classics” Beagle Boy squad, that was something this episode showed quite well. Big Time, Bouncer (Tim) and Burger (Timbo) are all quite distinct and this episode did a great job of giving them their own characteristics while using them as a parallel to the nephews. In fact, they were the perfect trio to parallel the boys. Even Huey himself spends time comparing Bouncer and Burger to his brothers. Though most surprising choice/ reboot of this episode actually comes down to another character: Doofus Drake. In fact, considering this episode didn’t add character to him but actually completely changed it, he deserves his own category.
Alternate Dimensions: Doofus Drake – From Humble Friend To Sociopathic Enemy?
Much like how using the Beagle Boys to juxtapose the Nephews this episode was a deliberate idea, having Webby constantly bring up alternate universes/ doppelgangers was another when it comes to Doofus Drake. Why do you ask? Well, go back and watch an episode of the original Ducktales and you’ll quickly see why. Doofus was the nephew’s best friend and also a Jr Woodchuck. He was the epitome of doing the right thing and even became a superhero in one episode. That is NOT what we find in this episode.
Here Doofus started as the same nice, sweet boy; but was corrupted by money and power. He treats everyone he meets as possessions – with the exception of his Grandmother who gave him all this money. His characteristics range from the eccentric to the creepy and all the way to sociopathic. Even his own parents aren’t safe from his personality. What twisted alternated dimension is this and what has become of poor Doofus?!?!?!
Things That “Quacked” Us Up – Easter Eggs, Quotes & More:
- Dew-pelganger. HA!
- A few episodes later, and I’m sad Duckworth hasn’t shown up again L
- The subtle shot of Bouncer being afraid that Huey was going to slap them…. wow! Animated PTSD
- So when Doofus said “Friend present”, he didn’t mean “friend (adj) present (n). but rather was calling Louie a “friend present”…. CREEPY!!!!!
- “What Dewey, do” Okay, that was actually clever. I enjoyed it. Then again, I also say “this is Howie do it”. So who am I to judge…
- Favorite Quotes:
- “Not even one hour in and your stupid “Only Child Day” has already almost gotten one of us killed” (Huey)
- “I just want to use a rich kid for his infinity pool! Why can’t I have that for myself?” (Louie)
- “Uh, Big Time, we’re starting to think you have an unhealthy obsession with kidnapping” (Bouncer Beagle)
- “Possible Death. Definite Badge. Possible Death. Definite Badge. Definite Badge. DEFINITE BADGE! (Huey)
- “No one says so to Master Doofus…. No one.” (Mr Drake)
- “The sooner you give up the better. Hope only makes it worse” (Mr Drake)
Previous Reviews:
Episode 15 – Episode 14 – Episode 13 – Episode 12 – Episode 11 – Episode 10 – Episode 09 – Episode 08 – Episode 07 – Episode 06 – Episode 05 – Episode 04 – Episode 03 – Episode 02 – Episode 01
Joe primarily covers video games news (i.e.: Pokemon, Spyro & Destiny) as well as the occasional ‘Theory Thursday’ pieces. Before writing for FanFest, Joe was the Creator & Editor of TheInsightfulPanda.com. He is also an illustrator and is currently working on Season 3 of his not-for-profit, fan-art crossover series PokéRangers on Instagram.
