I always think it’s great when something I loved as a kid turns out to be something my own kids love, too. It’s even better when that thing has changed juuuuuust enough to stay current, but retains everything you loved about it back in the day. This is what has made the new DuckTales series – now in its fourth season – such a blast. Prepare to have a certain theme song stuck in your head…..and to admit you’re a sentimental member of Generation X.
Back in action are all the classics: Scrooge, Donald, Huey, Dewey, and Louie! Webby Vanderquack and Mrs. Beakley! Launchpad, Gyro Gearloose, and Duckworth! Even arch nemeses Flintheart Glomgold and Magica De Spell! Sit down to watch with an after-school snack, and it’s like you’ve stepped back into the late 80’s.
Naturally, there have been some changes. The animation style is new, subtly altering the appearances of most characters, and there are new voice actors, whose work quickly grew on me. The series’ family-friendly humor was expected, but I appreciate the fact that some jokes seem intended for parents. However, some of the biggest (and among the most positive, in my opinion) changes were those made to Mrs. Beakley and Webby. No longer is Beakley a worrisome, grandmotherly type; she’s now a shrewd ex-secret agent who expertly navigates the chaos of McDuck Mansion. Webby no longer stands on the sidelines, clutching a stuffed toy; instead, she is intellectual, adventurous, independent, and exceptionally worldly for a kid. These character changes certainly make things more interesting, while making for some nice and unexpected storylines, and as someone with two young daughters, I really appreciated the stronger and more prominent female characters.
If you’re a fan of the original, or just love All Things Disney, I would highly suggest checking this reboot out! With episodes running at just 22 minutes each, they’re bite-size and well worth watching with the kids. You can find them on Amazon Video (like us), Disney Channel or Disney Now. https://amzn.to/2WY0ooq
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I will remember this when babysitting the grandkids.