The basic concept sounded intriguing, namely with Brain's plan which could pass for an episode of the original 'Pinky, Elmyra and the Brain'. Some of the show's story ideas were dubious from the get go, but some story ideas showed promise. "A Walk in the Park" being one of the latter. Was a bit worried though re-watching, due to intensely disliking Elmyra as a character on 'Pinky, Elmyra and the Brain' and seeing that she had a big role here (which never is a recipe for success).
"A Walk in the Park" is one of the mixed feelings episodes of 'Pinky, Elmyra and the Brain'. It is another one of the far from great, or even particularly good, but better than expected episodes of 'Pinky, Elmyra and the Brain'. One that showed some promise but had uneven execution, yet "A Walk in the Park" still is one of the better episodes as it does have a nice setting and attempts to have differences to the usual formula. Even if that was executed inconsistently.
Did think that there are a fair few things that are done right. Brain is nailed, as was near-consistently the case with 'Pinky, Elmyra and the Brain'. It was nice to see more of Pinky, who was generally severely under-utilised and dumbed down in the show, and when we do see them together there are signs of the Pinky and Brain relationship that we know and love.
Furthermore, the satire is some of the most amusing it's been since "My Fair Brainy" and some of it is quite clever. The ending was different and surprising, we don't usually see Brain written in this way. Maurice LaMarche's voice work is spot on and some of the animation is nice and colourful.
However, it does lack polish and finesse in the way the characters are drawn, especially Elmyra. On the whole, considering the premise, the writing could have been wittier and sharper and some of Elmyra's dialogue is rather childish and over-cute. The rollercoaster gags could have had more variety. The music generally grates and is banal, though at least the episode acknowledges that it's meant to be. The attempt at the replacement song has very little to it other than annoyance. While the ending is different, Brain's treatment once again is too cruel.
Would have liked to have seen a lot more of Pinky and Brain together, which is sacrificed by having too much of Elmyra who is as obnoxious and exaggerated negative as ever. The setting is nice but too little fresh is done with it and it feels sometimes like rehashes of familiar ground, would have liked more freshness and sharpness and less simplicity and trying too hard to appeal to the younger crowd. More energy would have been more welcome.
In conclusion, rather mixed here. There are definitely far worse 'Pinky, Elmyra and the Brain' episodes, this is actually one of the more tolerable episodes, but not particularly good. 5/10.
"A Walk in the Park" is one of the mixed feelings episodes of 'Pinky, Elmyra and the Brain'. It is another one of the far from great, or even particularly good, but better than expected episodes of 'Pinky, Elmyra and the Brain'. One that showed some promise but had uneven execution, yet "A Walk in the Park" still is one of the better episodes as it does have a nice setting and attempts to have differences to the usual formula. Even if that was executed inconsistently.
Did think that there are a fair few things that are done right. Brain is nailed, as was near-consistently the case with 'Pinky, Elmyra and the Brain'. It was nice to see more of Pinky, who was generally severely under-utilised and dumbed down in the show, and when we do see them together there are signs of the Pinky and Brain relationship that we know and love.
Furthermore, the satire is some of the most amusing it's been since "My Fair Brainy" and some of it is quite clever. The ending was different and surprising, we don't usually see Brain written in this way. Maurice LaMarche's voice work is spot on and some of the animation is nice and colourful.
However, it does lack polish and finesse in the way the characters are drawn, especially Elmyra. On the whole, considering the premise, the writing could have been wittier and sharper and some of Elmyra's dialogue is rather childish and over-cute. The rollercoaster gags could have had more variety. The music generally grates and is banal, though at least the episode acknowledges that it's meant to be. The attempt at the replacement song has very little to it other than annoyance. While the ending is different, Brain's treatment once again is too cruel.
Would have liked to have seen a lot more of Pinky and Brain together, which is sacrificed by having too much of Elmyra who is as obnoxious and exaggerated negative as ever. The setting is nice but too little fresh is done with it and it feels sometimes like rehashes of familiar ground, would have liked more freshness and sharpness and less simplicity and trying too hard to appeal to the younger crowd. More energy would have been more welcome.
In conclusion, rather mixed here. There are definitely far worse 'Pinky, Elmyra and the Brain' episodes, this is actually one of the more tolerable episodes, but not particularly good. 5/10.