The 2020 reboot of 'Animaniacs' proved to be better than expected and not as pointless as feared, considering that some reboots don't have the best reputations. It is inconsistent and nowhere near on the same level as the original 'Animaniacs', but none of the previous episodes were less than decent (with episodes 5 and 11 actually being excellent). With most being uneven, often with one great segment, one good one and in some episodes the odd one that doesn't work, but with more good than bad.
For me, "Rug of War"/"Run Pinky Run"/"The Hamburg Tickler" is one of the best episodes from the 'Animaniacs' reboot, and one of the few episodes that are great and where all the segments work (the weakest still being very good). Absolutely loved the premises for all the segments, especially for "Run Pinky Run" (not a surprise as the 'Pinky and the Brain' segments were always the segments that worked consistently), and a vast majority of the time the execution is great. The episode starts off slightly blandly but very quickly becomes absolutely terrific.
"Rug of War" is the weakest of the three. Still amusing and energetic, with the Warners being faithfully characterised, but not hilarious or inspired.
Hilarious and inspired sums up "Run Pinky Run" brilliantly however. Once again there is plenty of hilarious and irreverent writing, sharply clever wit and exuberant energy, with some unsettling atmosphere. The writers clearly loved Pinky and the Brain too, had fun with them and understood them, because they were consistent delights throughout the show. Especially Brain, my favourite character from the reboot.
Did like "The Hamburg Tickler" very much. Was not expecting to in all honesty with the fear of it being heavy handed, something that can be the case with anything centered around a lesson. Instead it was delivered with witty humour and the right amount of force and tact and that the lesson is an important and relevant one that will never get old helps.
Coming on to the individual elements, the animation is bright and beautifully detailed with some suitably wild expressions in faces, eyes and body language, despite preferring the bolder and more traditional look. The music fits well and while it may not enhance the action it adds to it in a way that's appealing and accessible. The theme tune is hip and catchy. The voice acting, done by some of the best and most prolific voice actors in the business now and ever, is impeccable. It was a masterstroke bringing the voice actors back and the right thing to do. Cannot for instance imagine Brain being voiced by somebody other than Maurice La Marche.
Great episode overall. 9/10.
For me, "Rug of War"/"Run Pinky Run"/"The Hamburg Tickler" is one of the best episodes from the 'Animaniacs' reboot, and one of the few episodes that are great and where all the segments work (the weakest still being very good). Absolutely loved the premises for all the segments, especially for "Run Pinky Run" (not a surprise as the 'Pinky and the Brain' segments were always the segments that worked consistently), and a vast majority of the time the execution is great. The episode starts off slightly blandly but very quickly becomes absolutely terrific.
"Rug of War" is the weakest of the three. Still amusing and energetic, with the Warners being faithfully characterised, but not hilarious or inspired.
Hilarious and inspired sums up "Run Pinky Run" brilliantly however. Once again there is plenty of hilarious and irreverent writing, sharply clever wit and exuberant energy, with some unsettling atmosphere. The writers clearly loved Pinky and the Brain too, had fun with them and understood them, because they were consistent delights throughout the show. Especially Brain, my favourite character from the reboot.
Did like "The Hamburg Tickler" very much. Was not expecting to in all honesty with the fear of it being heavy handed, something that can be the case with anything centered around a lesson. Instead it was delivered with witty humour and the right amount of force and tact and that the lesson is an important and relevant one that will never get old helps.
Coming on to the individual elements, the animation is bright and beautifully detailed with some suitably wild expressions in faces, eyes and body language, despite preferring the bolder and more traditional look. The music fits well and while it may not enhance the action it adds to it in a way that's appealing and accessible. The theme tune is hip and catchy. The voice acting, done by some of the best and most prolific voice actors in the business now and ever, is impeccable. It was a masterstroke bringing the voice actors back and the right thing to do. Cannot for instance imagine Brain being voiced by somebody other than Maurice La Marche.
Great episode overall. 9/10.