'Peter Pan and the Pirates' very quickly not only became one of my favourite animated shows but also one of my favourites ever. Of all the adaptations of 'Peter Pan', it's also my personal favourite.
All the characters are not only interesting but remarkably complex, especially Hook, even when not looking like Barrie's Hook all the character traits of the character are fully explored and expanded upon. The show is advantaged furthermore by good animation (with some exceptions here and there). Great music particularly the theme tune, one of the best of any animated 90s show. Remarkably good writing that had real maturity and a wide range of emotions rare in animated shows today. Gripping and imaginative stories that maintain the spirit of Barrie's source material while expanding on the themes, events and characterisation. And really excellent voice acting, for one of the most talented voice actors in the business and near-unequalled in villain roles Captain Hook contains some of the best work Tim Curry has ever done.
Despite being a undying lifelong animation fan, there are not many episodes from animated shows that leave such a powerfully profound effect on me. This is something that is the case with both parts of "Ages of Pan", especially the second, one of the best and most special 'Peter Pan and the Pirates' episodes.
Just when one thinks that Hook's speech (a masterpiece of writing) in the first part couldn't be topped in terms of unforgettable emotional power, it actually is topped in that regard by the ending which gave me chills and brought me to tears. 'Peter Pan and the Pirates' is no stranger to imaginative ideas, but not many as much as the two part "Ages of Pan" and in a way that connects on an emotional level. Of all the episodes that makes me cry, "Ages of Pan" does that.
It is one of the best-looking episodes of the show. The animation is colourful and rich and loving in detail in regard to both the backgrounds and the effects. The drawing is suitably smooth and nuanced.
Music is a great mix of lively, haunting and lush, the theme tune immediately sticks in one's head and never leaves it.
Writing is as mature, intelligent and emotionally complex as one would expect, with "Ages of Pan" (both parts) being in the top 5 finest examples of this for 'Peter Pan and the Pirates'. "Ages of Pan's" story is extremely absorbing and remarkably emotional and deep.
Characters are beautifully characterised. Hook is still my favourite but this is an episode where one really feels sorry for Peter. Tim Curry and Jason Marden are especially superb with the uniformly high quality voice acting.
In summation, wonderful powerful episode. 10/10 Bethany Cox