DuckTales (2017) Season 1 Review

As Disney’s first reboot of an animated series, this show had a lot of potential and high expectations to meet. Despite the negative perception caused by recent cartoon reboots and Disney’s live-action remakes, this show managed to retain the charm of its predecessor while modernizing the franchise to become relevant in the modern age. The first season elaborated on the personalities of classic and new characters while combining them with overarching narratives and character arcs.

The highlight of the series is the characters, with their appeal coming from the stellar vocal performances of the star-studded cast. Even with the weaker episodes of the season, the strength of the characters and their chemistry helps to elevate the experience. For the first time since Quack Pack, Huey, Dewey, and Louie have distinct personalities. Their unique personalities are handled a lot better as they each represent a part of Scrooge’s overall personality. Characters such as Webby and Gyro Gearloose are more compelling due to their major overhauls, while characters such as Donald and Scrooge have the same appeal with only minor changes. New characters such as Lena and Mark Beaks fit in perfectly with the rest of the cast, and exploring new territory for the franchise.

Unlike most of its contemporaries, the visuals are distinct due to emulating the comic book style. In addition, some unique stills and in-universe artwork take inspiration from Carl Barks’ art style. There’s also plenty to love with smaller details such as Scrooge and Donald having their shirt colors match those of their comic counterparts, along with character designs that feel unique but in-line with the expanded Mickey Mouse universe.

Like the original DuckTales, the plots comprise of globe-trotting adventures and grounded experiences around Duckburg. With the use of overarching narratives, the stories have more stakes and emotional weight. In both types of plots, the show manages to incorporate some fantastical elements while having a sense of grounded realism. While the stories feel in-line with previous Uncle Scrooge stories from the comics, there’s some inspiration from modern Disney shows such as Gravity Falls.

The first season may be the weakest of the three, but it lays the groundwork for the evolution of the characters and storytelling for the next two seasons, while also being outstanding on its own right. It’s also a miracle that this show turned out to be an amazing reboot, with plenty of love for the source material while being able to create something unique and setting the standard for cartoon reboots.

SEASON 1 EPISODES – WORST TO BEST

23. “The Beagle Birthday Massacre!” = 7/10

Despite this episode’s significance, it’s the weakest episode of the series due to its more laidback and predictable nature. Lena and Webby’s friendship is established very well, but the writing doesn’t do much to create something unique from the premise of crashing a birthday party. The hijinks have their own level of fun, but the show (and even the rest of the season) would have better comedic moments.

22. “The Golden Lagoon of White Agony Plains!” = 7/10

While it’s nice to explore Scrooge’s love-hate relationship with Goldie O’Gilt, their adventure in this episode doesn’t do too much to stand out. The chemistry between Scrooge and Goldie is strong enough to overcome the predictability of the plot, as Goldie has a tendency to backstab Scrooge and temporarily has a change of heart to rescue him during the climax. The pacing is also slower than most episodes, which makes this episode harder to sit through.

21. “Terror of the Terra-firmians!” = 7/10

A mystery with a slow build and payoff, but balanced out with engaging character interactions and humor from Launchpad and Louie. The clash between Huey’s reliance on science and Webby’s belief of fantastical phenomena drives the plot and provides the suspense of finding the Terra-firmians. Meanwhile, the subplots involving Dewey and Launchpad and Mrs. Beakley and Lena feel run-of-the-mill for their respective plotlines.

20. “Jaw$!” = 8/10

While this episode is important for showcasing the first instance of Lena’s change of heart towards Webby, the entire episode lacks the stakes present in other episodes. The money shark monster is a clever idea that lends itself to intense and comedic moments, but the writing doesn’t do much to make the monster feel intimidating. Scrooge’s attempts at polishing his image towards the masses is more compelling than those same instances during the original series, but they’re not anything noteworthy outside of his actions during the climax.

19. “The Other Bin of Scrooge McDuck!” = 8/10

This episode is one of the darker episodes of the series, even if the plot is nothing more than a centralized treasure hunt that solidified Lena’s resistance to Magica and her scheme. What makes this specific episode interesting is the growing tension of Magica’s pursuit of Scrooge’s dime, and Lena’s increasing struggle to hide her true intentions from Webby. The subplot involving the nephews and the freeloading sasquatch named Tenderfeet has some charm, but isn’t that memorable outside of the conflict between Louie and Tenderfeet.

18. “The Spear of Selene!” = 8/10

In comparison to other episodes that focused on Dewey’s search for the whereabouts of his mother, this episode has the least amount of emotional weight due to the predictable journey through Zeus’ temple. Serving as a change in direction to the overarching narrative of the season, the outcome is unique but the journey to get there is nothing special (but still entertaining). While Scrooge’s rivalry with Zeus could have stood out more, Storkules’ unrequited friendship with Donald is a major highlight that leads to some comedic moments and would eventually be expanded in later episodes.

17. “Sky Pirates… In the Sky!” = 8/10

Don Karnage makes a stellar guest appearance in this episode, even if his character is less menacing that before. A conflict that feels out-of-place for these characters, the plot follows the usual tropes of the ignored sibling storyline without bringing anything new. Despite the stale plot, the characters elevate the episode with their interactions, along with a memorable climax and catchy musical segments. Louie’s internal conflict in the subplot may have been brief, but it provides some instances of humor.

16. “Woo-oo!” = 8/10

The start of the series manages to establish the characters and world while providing a classic adventure. While the first part feels predictable in establishing the premise, the second part raises the stakes and creates a memorable experience that highlights the strengths of the character interactions. There’s plenty of Easter eggs to the original series and nods to other Disney Afternoon shows. Like the rest of the season, the pilot establishes Dewey’s love for adventure and using that to kickstart the search for his mother.

15. “The Secret(s) of Castle McDuck!” = 8/10

Despite the gradual build-up of the emotional weight in this episode’s climax, there’s a good amount of adventure, humor, and suspense that comes from Dewey trying to hide the findings about his mother. The plot’s emotional impact is executed well, but the resolution feels rushed. While Scrooge’s subplot with his father provides some information about his past, it’s not very engaging outside of the scene where Launchpad pretends to be Donald.

14. “The Last Crash of the Sunchaser!” = 8/10

As the episode set before the season finale, the stakes are raised higher than ever before in a figurative and literal sense. However, the impact of those stakes takes a while to develop throughout the episode, with Dewey’s attempts to get back a lost piece of paper being drawn out more than expected. Balancing that out is the arguments between Scrooge and Beakley in figuring out how to get the plane unstuck. Even with the slower impact of the first two acts, the third act is emotionally heavy and perfectly sets up the rift that would eventually be resolved in the season finale.

13. “McMystery at McDuck McManor!” = 8/10

Even with a smaller-scale mystery, this episode manages to create a lot of suspense to uncover who was behind Scrooge’s temporary disappearance at his birthday party. Some humor comes out of Louie inviting Scrooge’s worst enemies, and how they each wanted to bring down Scrooge during Huey’s investigation. Huey’s conflict from his need to outdo Duckworth at party-planning is interesting but feels forgotten when Scrooge goes missing.

12. “The Great Dime Chase!” = 8/10

Another laidback episode that is elevated with the fantastical elements of Little Bulb’s mad power trip and Mrs. Quackfaster’s “trials” in the McDuck archives. While Louie learns the literal value of a hard day’s work, it doesn’t feel that significant, especially with his major arc that would occur in the next season. The subplot, on the other hand, holds a lot more weight due to starting Dewey’s search for his mother. Even with the subplot slightly dragging at the start, it does a good job at expanding Webby’s fascination for the McDuck family.

11. “The Impossible Summit of Mt. Neverrest!” = 8/10

There’s plenty of adventure that comes from exploring a mountain covered with wormholes. Scrooge’s ego check in this episode is welcome and showcases the extreme dangers that can come from adventuring. Webby’s and Dewey’s dynamic continues to flourish with the simple act of Dewey helping Webby go sledding for the first time. Launchpad’s subplot has plenty of humor, as Louie is able to use his manipulation to help Launchpad.

10. “The Living Mummies of Toth-Ra!” = 9/10

Leave it to this series to make a revolution with comedic appeal. Louie and Webby work well off each other as they each have different views in getting value out of Toth-Ra’s legacy. The pyramid’s society is fleshed out well for a 22-minute episode, and feels rooted in history while highlighting the current struggles and living conditions of the residents. Launchpad’s dimwittedness is effective in providing some humor and doing a good job at marketing burritos.

9. “Day of the Only Child!” = 9/10

Here’s an episode that answers an in-universe version of the question: “What if the triplets were the only child in their family?”. All three brothers have familiar but unique experiences in being an only child, with the lesson of the power of siblings being naturally conveyed in the climax. Despite the dramatic change of character in Doofus, his counterpart in this reboot adds an interesting dynamic to the cast and showcases the corruption of wealth in a grounded but suppressive manner.

8. “From the Confidential Casefiles of Agent 22!” = 9/10

Webby has her time to shine in this episode, as her passion for Scrooge leads to memorable dialogue and action scenes between the two characters. The parallels between Webby’s and Scrooge’s first missions is an engaging way to integrate past history and showcase Scrooge’s growth. Black Heron is a formidable threat that serves as the first catalyst of F.O.W.L.’s modern attempts at world domination. The use of gummiberry juice and the several nods to the Gummi Bears TV series is clever and expands on the presence of Disney Afternoon lore in this series.

7. “Daytrip of Doom!” = 9/10

Despite being one of the most grounded episodes of the series, the adventurous but awkward personality of Webby makes an average trip into an exciting adventure. As an eccentric kid, Webby’s personality allows for a variety of comedic scenes and being able to shine in the climax while outwitting Ma Beagle. The subplot involving Donald and Beakley also has some humor, with their love for the triplets and Webby, respectively, coming out in full force when they confront the Beagle Boys.

6. “The House of the Lucky Gander!” = 9/10

As one of the handful of Donald-centric episodes, this episode is effective in showcasing the perseverance of his character despite his tendency to encounter bad luck. The juxtaposition of Gladstone’s and Donald’s experiences at the casino provides plenty of comedic moments and makes the climax feel intense. Toad Liu Hai’s casino is a visual marvel, as the kids gradually become succumbed to its offerings. Launchpad’s off-screen side story showcases an interesting side of the character that is begging to be explored.

5. “The Infernal Internship of Mark Beaks!” = 9/10

Another grounded episode that has plenty of humor and heart, with Mark Beaks’ first appearance being a standout character. Mark Beaks works as a great foil to Scrooge and serves as a relevant parody of Mark Zuckerberg and other Silicon Valley figures. The rivalry between Huey and Dewey provides plenty of memorable moments and highlights the philosophies of those that “know what they’re doing” and those who “fake it until they make it”. In an unusual turn of events, the temporary collaboration between Scrooge and Glomgold is funny, even if it ends up going nowhere in the long run.

4. “The Missing Links of Moorshire!” = 9/10

There’s a sense of subtlety in this episode, as this golf game gradually went from being a regular sports rivalry to an underlying sense of doom. Even with the subtle sense of danger, it doesn’t make Scrooge’s internal conflict any less engaging. Another instance of Scrooge keeping his ego in check, he must face the reality of Dewey being a better golfer than him. All of the kids have their own time to shine, with memorable character moments reflective of their personalities. There’s also some humor that comes from the pony kelpies, Briar and Bramble, as both characters are nods to the My Little Pony franchise.

3. “Who is Gizmoduck?!” = 9/10

Fenton’s character is expanded in a compelling way, as he learns how to become an effective hero using the Gizmoduck suit. Having a character like Huey as the beacon of hope is something that hasn’t been seen in superhero stories in a while, and sets Huey up as an indirect sidekick of Gizmoduck. The clash between Fenton and Mark Beaks creates a Superman-Lex Luthor dynamic that is rooted in popularity rather than heroics or wit. There’s also some noteworthy small details such as the subtle but shared similarities between Fenton’s mother in the original and the reboot and Mark Beaks’ subtle racism.

2. “Beware the B.U.D.D.Y. System!” = 10/10

This episode manages to flawlessly introduce two superheroes to the mix, with the Darkwing Duck opening scene emulating the magic and ambiance of his show in the show’s universe. Gizmoduck also has a welcome update to his origin story, with Fenton’s desire to help others is put to good use with his first use of the Gizmoduck suit. Launchpad’s conflict is very engaging, as it features memorable lines of dialogue and a somewhat unique take on the man vs. machine trope.

1. “The Shadow War!” = 10/10

Season finales are meant to be epic, as this show manages to have an epic two-part experience for its first season finale. Magica De Spell shines as a formidable threat while still retaining the comedic charm of her predecessor. Many familiar faces come together to fight off Magica’s shadow army, highlighting their chemistry and action skills. Meanwhile, the events of this episode would eventually lead to different consequences for the next season. The episode also has plenty of memorable moments, such as the “going away” party of the Duck family and Donald’s intelligible voice.

SEASON 1 SCORE: 8/10