Gummi Bears (1985) + Gravity Falls (2012)

[Mandarin Dessert Version 0]

Something I have pondered these last couple of days to do to spend some time on: basically a sort of watching an old and a new Disney animated TV show side-and-side and writing my thoughts and comments about them. This is not meant to be in the vein of saying that one generation of shows is better than the other, it is mostly meant as collecting my thoughts on some of these shows and why I like them and stuff.

As far as old goes, it will mostly deal with the Disney Afternoon era of shows since I am mostly familiar with them and those are the shows I grew up with.

As far as new goes, I thought taking "Gravity Falls" as a starting point for what personally defines a modern Disney animated show for me:
-Humor that is certainly nothing like it was during the Disney Afternoon era. It is certainly a different brand of humor that I like that doesn't shy away from adult humor sometimes (while avoiding toilet humor for the most part).
-A more story-centric type of show that actually needs to be paid attention to where you cannot (by a certain point at least) miss a lot of episodes and still expect to see everything the way it was (like it was for most DA shows).
-More freakish imagery and pushing the boundaries. If I hadn't seen quite a bit of Adventure Time beforehand, this might have been my reaction to some of the stuff I saw during episodes of Gravity Falls, Amphibia, Owl House etc.:



Not only is the bestiary at times nightmare fuel inducing, but one series even had for one of its season finales a disclaimer warning of possible scenes that are intense for children (which amounted to one of the main characters getting stabbed right in the body on screen) as well as an episode that saw that character being subject to mind control in a rather intense manner. Again something that Disney shows in the past were not really known for.

I fully admit that most of these things above are probably child's play compared to live action shows or shows from the realm of anime (and heck, perhaps even compared to some of the shows that Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network sometimes put out), but since I have a certain fondness for animated shows and Disney since 2012 had a steady output of mostly awesome animated shows due to the factors listed above, those are some things that drew me right in.

I might even say that kids growing up in the 2010s might look at some of these shows back with the same fondness that people of my generation (born in the 1980s) look back at the Disney Afternoon shows.

And well, since I have both a fondness for the DA shows as well as these new shows I thought I might a project like this:
-I will watch an old show and a new show side-by-side, talk a bit about each episode and whether I liked it or not, giving general thoughts about them as I go through them and see whether I still like them or not. Two shows will start and end at the same time, so even if one show has 65 episodes and another 40, I will not start a new round until each show is finished.

-From the Disney "old" side, I decided to start with "Adventures Of The Gummi Bears" first. I thought about doing "The Wuzzles" first, but that is a show I have never seen and it is not available on Disney+ so it is not a show I have any particular nostalgic feelings for. "Gummi Bears" on the other hand, I have lots of nostalgic feelings for and since its final season aired on the Disney Afternoon, it also counts as a DA show.

-As for the "new" side, I decided to start with "Gravity Falls" since it is for me, as written above, the first show that provided the template for some of the aspects that many modern Disney animated shows adopted. Thought about perhaps doing "Phineas & Ferb" first but while I have watched some episodes here and there, it was never a show that particularly drew my attention either way.

So, we'll see whether I will get this started or will lose interest before or even a couple of episodes in. We shall see.

[Mandarin Dessert Version 0]

So let's get started with "Disney's Adventures Of The Gummi Bears" for the old-school portion!

Just to give everyone a bad case of the earworms:

Yeah, if that doesn't get your nostalgic heart pumpin then I don't know what will. Just a fantastic catchy theme song that passes the test of time perfectly. Also, something I just learned today: The singer is Joseph Williams, best known as the vocalist for the band Toto who are perhaps best known for their 1980s hit "Africa". Neat bit of trivia if I do say so myself. Also love how the opening uses both original and episode footage in it.

Episode 1: A New Beginning

Mark: A

Just a perfect introduction to a show. It introduces all our main players, offers both action as well as some character moments and sets up the universe in which we will be partaking in the next 60+ episodes in a good way with pacing that does not feel too rushed at all.

Speaking of our main players, let's introduce them:

The Gummi Bears

Zummi Gummi: The eldest of the Gummi Bears and, according to this episode, the "Keeper of Gummi Wisdom". Since he performs the first magic spell of the show, we also presume that he will be the magician of the Gummi Bears. Voiced by Paul Winchell, most famous for being the original voice of Tigger, Dick Dastardly, Gargamel and many more. Kind of a more subdued character compared to what he voiced previously.

Gruffi Gummi: Basically what Grouchy Smurf would be if he were a bear instead of a smurf. The most distrustful regarding humans though as some actions indicate, he may be more of a jerk with a heart of gold character. We shall see in future episodes. One of several characters in the first season voiced by Bill Scott, best known for being the creative head of Rocky & Bullwinkle.

Grammi Gummi: The matriarch of the Gummis (and wife to Gruffi? That kinda confused me as a child because I was unsure whether they were meant to be a married couple or just friends given that the show does not say anything outright). Seems to have a bit of a rivalry with Gruffi. Voiced by the legendary June Foray (and our second Rocky & Bullwinkle member of our cast).

Tummi Gummi: As his name (and what he is most interested to learn about humans) reveal, might be the glutton of the group. Nothing much more to say about him since he plays more of a background role in this one compared to the others. Voiced by the well-known Lorenzo Music though I don't know whether this role is as well-known as his Garfield and Peter Venkman performances are.

Sunni Gummi: One of the kid characters who we also don't get to know a lot about in this episode. Voiced by Katie Leigh whose other famous role might be voicing Alex in the first two seasons of everyone's favorite fetish animated show, Totally Spies!

Cubbi Gummi: The youngest of the Gummi Bears and the one who develops a sort of connection with the human boy Cavin first. Most interested in knights regarding humans. One of the roles voiced by Noelle North who doesn't appear to have anything else on her resumé.

Castle Dunwyn Residents

Cavin: A young page and squire who is one of the few who believes in Gummi Bears and gets ridiculed for it. Eventually befriends the Gummi Bears and although he sees them as his heroes, he is not shy to tell them the hard truth when they refuse to help him take down Duke Igthorn's catapult. A role that is apparently cursed since Cavin almost never managed to have a consistent VA from season to season (did the producers only select boys close to puberty to voice him or something?). As for this season, he is voiced by Christian Jacobs who became more famous as the co-creator of Yo Gabba Gabba and being the lead singer for The Aquabats.

Princess Calla: The princess who doesn't seem too shy from doing some unprincessy things from time to time (like jumping into a haystack from a great height when nobody's looking) going by this episode. Also seems to have an eye out for Cavin. Also voiced by Noelle North.

King Gregor: A kind and wise ruler according to Cavin and he does seem like a decent fellow from what we see of him in this episode. Voiced by Michael Rye who has had a long career in voice-over work until that point but nothing what I would call a stand-out role.

Sir Tuxford: Captain Of The Royal Guard (or head knight) to whom Cavin is the squire. Seems to be lazy though fiercely loyal to the king according to his episode. Another role voiced by Bill Scott.

Unwin: Another page and apparently quite the bully and loudmouth, mocking Cavin for his belief in gummi bears. Hopefully, he will never be a knight. Voiced by Will Ryan who also doesn't appear to have a resume.

Villains

Duke Igthorn: A renegade duke who wants to become the king instead of the king of Castle Dunwyn. Has quite the high opinion of himself. Another role by Michael Rye.

Toadie: A much smaller ogre than the other ones who seems to be the personal servant of Duke Igthorn. The third and final of the main roles for Bill Scott.

The ogres: Interesting to learn that they were ogres in the original. In the German dub which I am more familiar with they were simply referred to as "Ungeheuer" (or monsters translated to English).

Some general thoughts about the episode:

-I wonder whatever happened to Duke Igthorn's steed in the intro and this episode. It had a certain cool evil vibe to it and I kinda would have loved to see more of it even though it was not a sapient being. Though it did not appear in any other episode moving forward I think.

-Kinda wish they would have taken two things from the Gummi Bear show and turned it into attractions at the park: Gummi Glen (as a sort of small building for little kids to explore) and the Quick Tunnels (as a roller coaster type of thing). Too bad they never took that opportunity to do that (unless I am mistaken).

-Ah, the gummiberry juice. Don't know whether it was only here in Germany or whether it was taken from the US, but here we had square juice boxes that were sold as gummi berry juice (though I didn't get super strength at all from it, *groan*). Causes gummi bears to bounce while giving humans super strength. A bit of early installment weirdness here as Cavin manages to drink gummiberry juice twice in one day (this would get important in the very next episode already).

-I don't know whether Gummi Bears introduced this pastiche or not, but it was perhaps notable that unlike many 1980s animated shows, they didn't blew their best animation on the opening while the show itself looked lackluster. What you see in the opening is what you get in the show proper. During this season (as well as the three following season), famous Japanese animation studio, Tokyo Movie Shinsha, would provide the animation and it definitely looks really good.

-Definitely a funny chuckleworthy line still for me today: "Gummi bears?! What kind of a fool do you take me for?" "I don't know. How many kinds are there?". Kinda similar to "Oh no, I am watching my figure." "Watching it...do what?".

So yeah, this was fun to write and I could definitely see doing some more of this. Next post will be the new show by doing the first episode of Gravity Falls.

[James Fabiano]

I am doing similar. Only we are watching the five OG Disney Afternoon shows in sequential order. (GB makes sense for you in a way cause it was the original/oldest TDA show)

Am I misremembering, or does the theme song ever change to be sung in the first person ("WE are the Gummi Bears," etc.)?

GB seemed to be a meeting place for legendary VAs...you got Scott and Foray together, along with Paul Winchell AND Lorenzo Music.

Michael Rye to me is best known as Superfriends Green Lantern. You may also remember him as the Dragon's Lair narrator.

[Mandarin Dessert Version 0]

Will definitely have an ear out whether the theme song changes. 

Though I wonder whether this is a change made for the album version (since that version on the album is also not sung by Joseph Williams).

[horsemen4ever]

I have said this for this for a while, Princess Calla was a heard of her time. You don't see princess characters like that in a kid show in 1985. Not accepting the role of the stereo type princess, and don't want to spoil too much there is this one episode called "Girls Night Out" from season 4, which you would think would happen in the 2012 series instead of the 1985 series. (technically it happened in 1988, but still)

[horsemen4ever]

Interesting the OP picked these two shows. One show is credited often for doing something that the other show actually did.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler} Gravity Falls is what people think of, when they think of Disney animated shows having the mean girl character redemption. And shows that follow like Owl House or The Ghost and Molly McGee, fans of those shows think of Gravity Falls has the one that laid that foundation.

But years before, Gummi Bears. Granted in Gravity Falls that character is more important and relevant oppose to what happened in Gummi Bears with a minor two episode character.

[horsemen4ever]

Apr 25, 2022 9:56:22 GMT -5 Mandarin Dessert Version 0 said:

Tummi Gummi: As his name (and what he is most interested to learn about humans) reveal, might be the glutton of the group. Nothing much more to say about him since he plays more of a background role in this one compared to the others. Voiced by the well-known Lorenzo Music though I don't know whether this role is as well-known as his Garfield and Peter Venkman performances are.

Cubbi Gummi: The youngest of the Gummi Bears and the one who develops a sort of connection with the human boy Cavin first. Most interested in knights regarding humans. One of the roles voiced by Noelle North who doesn't appear to have anything else on her resumé.

Mark my words, if there is a Gummi Bears live action movie or something, Bill Murry has to voice Tummi. It is his destiny.

As for Noelle North not have anything else on her resume, what are you talking about? She voiced Video on Jem.

[Lizuka #BLM]

Gravity Falls kind of occupies this weird space for me where I tend to enjoy it more while going back and watching it again than I do just sitting around thinking about it, though I think part of that might just be how I think on the whole it was probably for the better that the show ended when it did. While the second season is still largely very good and the show finishes pretty strong, I do think that you can see a pretty clear drop in quality happening in the tail-end of the season and most of the worst episodes of the show are around that point.

[horsemen4ever]

Is there any fan art of human Gummi Bears, I would love to see that.

[Mandarin Dessert Version 0]

Now let's jump ahead some 27 years towards Gravity Falls!

I would consider it a good intro because it really does set the mood for the show and the instrumental music is really good. Though I admit that it misses the catchiness that the Gummi Bears (or most of the DA shows really) theme has. Curious to note that while the old DA shows had vocal intros exclusively, the current crop of shows have a mix between instrumental and vocal theme songs.

Episode 1: Tourist Trapped

A. As with the Gummi Bears first episode, I cannot find anything particularly wrong with this opening episode. We get some good introduction to our main characters, get the immediate direction for this show (Gravity Falls being surrounded by mystery as well as the mysterious book with the Number 3 on it), get a nice swerve going with the mystery of this particular episode (while the direction we were going in was nice, I seriously liked how it threw us a curveball like this) and we get a load of this show's type of humor. Definitely a good start.

As with Gummi Bears, let us introduce you to our main cast who may be not as colorful outwardly but certainly colorful inwardly:

Dipper Pines: The more responsible one of the Pines siblings who was not looking forward to spending the summer in Gravity Falls but becomes considerably more excited when he finds out that Gravity Falls has more to offer. Voiced by Jason Ritter who has a good resume but no roles from any shows I have ever watched. It is definitely a weirder type of performance compared to Cavin in Gummi Bears (who is supposed to be about the same age as Dipper), who sounds his age, while Dipper sounds kinda old for a 12-year-old IMHO.

Mabel Pines: The cuckoo one of the Pines siblings who strangely gets along fine with wearing sweaters in the summer. Have to be honest, until I rewatched this episode, I seriously forgot how ridiculously adorable and funny Mabel was, definitely being the comedic highlight of this episode: her attempts to attract boys, her having a kissing lesson with a leaf blower etc. immediately center her as my personal highlight of this first episode. It also helps that she is voiced by a comedian actress in Kristen Schaal. It's funny...when I first watched Gravity Falls, it was years before I actually got an interest and fell in love with Bob's Burgers where she plays a major part as Louise Belcher. Mabel is kind of like Louise if one would suck all the evil out of Louise and turned her girliness up to 11.

Stanley "Stan" Pines (also known as Grunkle Stan by his grand niece and nephew): From what we learn about him in this episode, he appears to be a Mr. Krabs type of business man, operating a tourist trap to try to get us much money out of people as possible. Though at the end, it is implied that he has perhaps kind of a soft spot for his grand niece and nephew...as well as hiding something as well behind his vending machine. Voiced by none other than show creator Alex Hirsch himself.

Soos Ramirez: The handyman around Stan's tourist trap who is also kind of weird (though probably not on the same level as Mabel) and who seems to be much more sensible to Dipper's theories than Mabel. Also voiced by Alex Hirsch

Wendy: Doesn't get a lot to show this episode but appears to be the Mystery Shack's cashier. Also apparently has no problem lending Dipper keys to a cart after what would sound like a ludicrous story to most. Voiced by Linda Cardellini who has also quite the sizable resume on her plate.

Some general thoughts about the episode:

-We learn that Gravity Falls is located in Oregon. Since I am not a US citizen, I wonder whether Gravity Falls and its surrounding area reflect actual Oregon topography. Otherwise, the main things about Oregon I know is that its one of two US states where you are not allowed to pump your own gas and also that the movie Short Circuit took place there.

-After all the weird stuff that happens in this and most modern Disney shows, is it weird that I find the most surprising that Standards & Practices let through that two of Mabel's crushes are somewhat older than her (both the Mattress King and Norman)? Mostly due to how sensitive that kind of topic is in other areas.

-I would have called anyone crazy if he/she had told me that the mysterious creature of this episode is not a zombie but rather a tribe of gnomes who look like your average run of the mill garden gnomes. Love how they can turn into a giant type of gnome by assembling...and it also gave us this gif which might be among the most famous associated with Gravity Falls:

-Also really like the feeling we get of Dipper and Mabel's sibling relationship: they get along well, they get on each other's nerves sometimes and it can lead to arguments (as seen when Mabel angrily tells him to stay out of her and Norman's relationship) but ultimately they do care for each other and it's really sweet.

-If I had a nickel for any time that a character voiced by Kristen Schaal has mentioned the word "grappling hook", I would have two nickels...which isn't much but still strangely more than I would have expected.

And to close some Mabel highlights:

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And bouncing back to the Gummi Bears with something to note about...I kinda wonder whether Disney was the first to implement that sort of mix regarding episode lengths (as in mixing up one story taking up 22 minutes or two story segments taking up 11 minutes each). But I am not that knowledgable about Western TV animation history, so perhaps others here in the forum might have better knowledge of this.

Anywho, onwards to the first episode having two stories in it:

Episode 2A: The Sinister Sculptor

B. The sculptor and his M.O. made for a nice one-shot villain, the story had a good pace, but Gruffi and Grammi's arguing, in this segment at least, went on a bit too aggressive for my opinion (under the assumption that they are a married couple who have known each other for several years).

Thoughts about the segment:

-Kinda wondering about the prices this sculptor charges for his statues. I mean, even going by Disney one-shot villain logic, he should know that eventually his magic powder would run out and then he would have no other way of turning animals into inanimate objects. Especially since he mentions that he stole the magic powder from someone else.

-Well, he could always go back to the kind of sculptures he was doing before:

Although I doubt people in the Middle Ages would be interested in those."Sure, dragons, trolls, ogres as well as mythical multi-colored bears we can buy? But ducks in sailor suits and mice in shirts and pants? That's really unbelievable and ridiculous!"

-Interesting that Princess Calla had her eye on one particular gummi bear (Sunni). Hint-hint?

-Yum yum, those bed time treats Cavin provided sure looked yummy. I probably would have taken all of it for a late night snack. Too bad it had to be wasted (for a good cause, of course).

-Something that was notable: Calla seemed much more concerned about the intrusion into her room rather than anyone seeing her in her night gown (both regarding the sculptor and Cavin). Granted, that was not really something Disney did in those days and I might be too used to this type of situation in other animated shows but I found it curious. Another sign that Calla is not your stereotypical Disney princess or no thoughts like that crossed her mind yet (since despite her rather tall height, I sometimes forget that like Cavin she is supposed to only 11/12 years old).

Episode 2B: Zummi Makes It Hot

A. A good character episode for Zummi, loved the art and design of the Gummi pumping station (basically the first indication that the Great Gummis had quite the competence to build amazing works of craftsmanship), nice action sequences and all around a good use of only 11 minutes of story.

-The most important piece of information we learn from this episode is that humans only gain super strength from the gummi berry juice once a day. While they can still drink additional bottles afterwards with no side effects, it will not give them super strength anymore. It is odd since in the first episode Cavin managed to drink twice in one day and getting super strength every time. I guess that's why you should not take anything in a pilot episode taken for granted.

-We also learn about the area that Duke Igthorn rules over, Drekmore. Which in this episode looks like a fairly normal piece of countryside compared to later episode.

-Another thing we learn is that Zummi is scared of heights. Well, everyone has their little phobias. Also Zummi learns his first spell by heart (a flame spell) where usually he has to use his notes to recite spells (makes sense since this episode shows that he can be quite absent-minded as in forgetting to tell Cavin that vital piece of information about the juice).

-Hopefully Cavin gets used to the quick tunnels sooner rather than later.

-Something that just came to mind: In case of emergency, could they not just get water from a river or something? I acknowledge that having a constant water supply within their home would be preferable but in case of emergency, they could find another source. Unless of course, the water from that pumping station fits the requirements needed to actually make that juice.

And that's it for another day from the past.

[Mandarin Dessert Version 0]

Now back to Gravity Falls with the second episode...

Episode 2: The Legend Of The Gobblewonker

A-. The first regular episode flawlessly holds up to the quality of the episode with some really funny humor (Mabel's hamster ball imagine spot, the running gag with the cameras being among the funniest running gags I have seen in a show recently), a first introduction to some of the other Gravity Falls residents, some well-paced action sequence with the gobble wonker and a sweet ending which IMHO became a kind of a stable with Gravity Falls (the mystery being mostly the surface backdrop for some more deeply layered moral beneath). Only things speaking against this episode were that the whole set-up with the "Loch Ness monster" trope is not exactly as original as what we got in the pilot episode (even the explanation of the monster just being a human-powered machine I have seen elsewhere before), so it loses some points in that regard. Otherwise, I like that the episode continues the series' fine form from before.

Thoughts about the episode:

-As mentioned, we get some more looks at the residents of Gravity Falls with the most prominent being:

*Old Man McGucket: a stereotypical crazy old man at first sight...but he seems really intelligent due to being able to construct a mechanical device like the Gobblewonker and it is kinda sad that the main reason he wants the attention is because his family ignores him.

*Sheriff Blubs and Deputy Durland: Again the stereotypical set-up of the rural town tough-appearing sheriff and his dim-witted-appearing sidekick. However I mention them here because their relationship is interesting in a way (more on that as we go along).

-As seen in the small scene at the end of the last episode, we do learn that Grunkle Stan's greedy, business-minded surface overlays a part that does seem to care about his grandniece and nephew by wanting to go through with this Family Bonding Day. Certainly good to see that he may be more than what he appears to be.

-And since I mentioned it already, Mabel's hamster ball imagine spot (that "Squeak squeak squeak" just about killed me when I watched it this timeXD):

Also why does Mabel imagine boyfriends looking like they came straight out of an anime or something?

Alright, Gummi Bears next time!

[Mandarin Dessert Version 0]

Episode 3A: Someday My Prints Will Come

B. It is kinda interesting to see what neat stuff the ancient Gummis created even though this dragon decoy machine seems a bit on the difficult to use. We also meet our first dragon in the show...and well, I probably didn't expect the first dragon of the show to be the kind of sweet elderly lady you would meet at a coffee chit-chat of some kind. It is still kind of neat in subverting our expectations of what we would think of a show set in medieval times. There are some fun moments here and the Dragon Decoy is a good gimmick. The only real issue I have is that despite all the time they have been living in Gummi Glen they did not explore every nook and granny in this place (especially since the door through which they discover the Dragon Decoy is not a door that has to be opened by the Gummi Medallion).

-While there could be a counter argument regarding the previous segment name ("Zummi Makes It Hot" being kinda similar to "Some Like It Hot"), "Someday My Prints Will Come" definitely reaches into the PUN-ishing type of episode title.

-Hmm, those bath toys look kinda familiar there. Do some artists in the kingdom of Dunwyn belong to a cult that believes that ducks in sailor suits and mice in pants exist or something?

-The peaceful dragon in this episode is voiced by series regular June Foray. Goes to show how versatile some VAs are because you would never think that it is the same actress who voices Grammi.

-While he is not that much of a major focus in this episode (despite instigating the problem of this segment), it goes to show a nice side towards Tummi's character: he may be the glutton and also a bit slow, but he is not one to duck away from taking responsibility for the messes he made (when he takes it upon himself to lead the knights away and make them believe that they killed a dragon).

-Kinda wondering whether a knight could have two pages/squires at once in real medieval times. Since both Unwin and Cavin seem to be subservient to Sir Tuxford.

Episode 3B: Can I Keep Him?

A-. Our first episode focusing more on the smaller members of the Gummi Glen gummis: Sunni and Cubbi. I really liked their interactions in this episode mostly for how it does seem to hit right at home regarding how difficult it is for siblings with a few years apart to interact with each other when their interests don't match up anymore: Cubbi, still being a child enjoying games and playing knight, is bored of Sunni just wanting to talk while Sunni, the more mature one, is more interested in other things but gets constantly ignored by the others who think that she should be hanging out with Cubbi more. Definitely an interesting conflict for the episode and I loved how they worked together by the end and came to an understanding. Also loved the brine dragon design as well as the concept of him reacting to different whistle calls and also getting to see Duke Igthorn's castle for the first time. Only small problem I have is: does the brine dragon normally just sit underwater until a Gummi Bear with a whistle comes by and when it is destroyed, does he continue just sitting underwater for the rest of eternity? Really weird.

-Granted I am not a native English speaker so perhaps the terminology is correct but does that really count as a whistle? I would probably call it either a flute or a recorder personally.

-Seriously, that flight of the two bears with the dragon has quite the beautiful backgrounds and animation.

-As said, our first look at Castle Drekmore, Duke Igthorn's abode. Quite the stunning piece of architecture and design.

-OK, what kind of creature is that? Normally I would probably put it as a griffon but since we actually see griffons later in the show, I don't know what to call it. Nice frog legs though.

[Mandarin Dessert Version 0]

Episode 3: Headhunters

A-. Again, a very funny episode dealing with the beheading of a wax figure of Grunkle Stan. Loved how we get to meet some more of the townsfolk like Manly Dan, Toby Determined as well as seeing more of the cops Sheriff Blubs and Deputy Darland, the collection of wax figures was funny (especially how they actually got Coolio and Larry King to voice their respective wax figures), Mabel continues to be as adorably cuckoo as always and the final fight against the wax figures was both hilarious but also quite exciting and brutal (they couldn't have done some of the scenes they did if they were real humans) with the way Dipper outsmarts wax Sherlock Holmes being quite ingenious. Add to that some fun moments (like Ducktective, Mabel making friends with a tough guy biker etc.) and learning that Stan might not be that much of a well-respected citizen in Gravity Falls and you got yourself another very good episode. Though again, it loses a bit for its reveal that the wax figures were behind it all not being all that original.

-I know I should probably groan at that terrible pun but the reaction of the duck just kills me:

-Ok, that's the second time in a row that this weird man who only says "Get him! Get him!" appears. What the hay is his problem? Is that what he does all day?

-The main antagonist of this episode, Wax Sherlock Holmes, is voiced by John Oliver who is apparently quite the famous figure on TV. I am sure he is more well-known to the US and British fans here but I have not heard of him before.

-And so inadvertantly Mabel gave somebody the inspiration for Centaurworld...probably. Also the imagination of that girl...:

-OK, I would have bet some pretty good money on that scene where Blubs and Durland spit coffee at each other would be the scene used during the credits. Actually surprising that they used a (sort of) short story for that. I wonder whether Wax Larry King's head will play a role in a future episode.

[tirtefaa]

Apr 25, 2022 11:00:43 GMT -5 James Fabiano said:

I am doing similar. Only we are watching the five OG Disney Afternoon shows in sequential order. (GB makes sense for you in a way cause it was the original/oldest TDA show)

I rewatched several of the Disney Afternoon shows about a year ago and I can attest to watching Gummi Bears first. It's not a bad show, but compared to everything that came after it, the show is definitely less whacky and has less adult humor in it.

I actually went out of order after that, watching Tail Spin, which was probably my least favorite show as a kid. But this was a big mistake as it turned out to be my favorite after I was all said and done. Rescue Rangers was probably the weakest.

If I had to rank the shows I watched from Best to Worst;

Tail Spin
DuckTales
Darkwing Duck
Goof Troop
Gummi Bear
Bonkers
Rescue Rangers

[Mandarin Dessert Version 0]

Interesting. Based on my memories of the other shows and what I have seen so far of Gummi Bears, I would tend to see the Gummi Bears as my favorite DA show mostly because it has many features prevalent in the shows of the 2010s.

But we shall see as we move along.

[Mandarin Dessert Version 0]

Episode 4: A Gummi In A Gilded Cage

A. Just a fantastic adventure-type episode dealing with the Gummis having to rescue Sunni of a flock of bird-like creatures called the Carpies. The latter provide some pretty good, creepy villains, there is some great humor derived from Gruffi being used as a sort of punching bag for most of the episode (though he still gets his time to shine), "Gummiberry Juice" is a nice little tune (though Sunni would probably disagree by the end of this episode), some gorgeous animation throughout, the escape from Carpy Mountain is a very good climax etc. etc.. All in all, just a fantastic episode they have here and perhaps one of the best in the first season.

-Take a shot anytime the phrase "Gummis weren't meant to fly" in this episode.

-The Carpies: Given their bodily structure probably meant to evoke harpies and look kinda like vultures (though the "c" in carpy and some of their noises made me think more of crows for some reason). Be it as it may, I really would have liked to see more appearances by them throughout the shows run because they made for some pretty terrifying looking villains (and they do appear in the theme song). Yet they only appeared one more time and if I remember that episode correctly, they were rather toned down in that one compared to here. All of the carpies (including the king) are voiced by Will Ryan who, as written above, is the regular VA for Unwin.

-Love the continuity with the show remembering Zummi being afraid of heights and his lamp lighting spell he knows by heart.

-Again appreciate that Tummi is shown to have great courage despite being the glutton and a bit slow as he shows no hesitation in trying to rescue Sunni from the Carpies.

-Snuzzles are always adorable to see:

-Also kinda going into some dark territory with the implication that the carpies' previous "songbird" died and also Gruffi doing the very definition of a heroic sacrifice by wanting to stay behind to let the others escape. Granted, being a Disney show from the 1980s, Gruffi gets roped into safety (literally), but still the implication existing is kinda neat.

[James Fabiano]

May 11, 2022 22:41:19 GMT -5 tirtefaa said:

Apr 25, 2022 11:00:43 GMT -5 James Fabiano said:

I am doing similar. Only we are watching the five OG Disney Afternoon shows in sequential order. (GB makes sense for you in a way cause it was the original/oldest TDA show)

I rewatched several of the Disney Afternoon shows about a year ago and I can attest to watching Gummi Bears first. It's not a bad show, but compared to everything that came after it, the show is definitely less whacky and has less adult humor in it.

I actually went out of order after that, watching Tail Spin, which was probably my least favorite show as a kid. But this was a big mistake as it turned out to be my favorite after I was all said and done. Rescue Rangers was probably the weakest.

If I had to rank the shows I watched from Best to Worst;

Tail Spin
DuckTales
Darkwing Duck
Goof Troop
Gummi Bear
Bonkers
Rescue Rangers

Oh yes, I totally overlooked TaleSpin. Is it me, or is it the DA show that usually has the most stakes per episode?

Darkwing Duck is like this too. We're up to like the 6th or 7th episode of each, and there's been some wacky eps that threw me off a little though. (didn't help that one such ep. was a KENNEDY CARTOONS one...)

Def. hold RR higher but that's jusy my own bias.

[Mandarin Dessert Version 0]

May 12, 2022 6:49:52 GMT -5 James Fabiano said:

May 11, 2022 22:41:19 GMT -5 tirtefaa said:

I rewatched several of the Disney Afternoon shows about a year ago and I can attest to watching Gummi Bears first. It's not a bad show, but compared to everything that came after it, the show is definitely less whacky and has less adult humor in it.

I actually went out of order after that, watching Tail Spin, which was probably my least favorite show as a kid. But this was a big mistake as it turned out to be my favorite after I was all said and done. Rescue Rangers was probably the weakest.

If I had to rank the shows I watched from Best to Worst;

Tail Spin
DuckTales
Darkwing Duck
Goof Troop
Gummi Bear
Bonkers
Rescue Rangers

Oh yes, I totally overlooked TaleSpin. Is it me, or is it the DA show that usually has the most stakes per episode?

Darkwing Duck is like this too. We're up to like the 6th or 7th episode of each, and there's been some wacky eps that threw me off a little though. (didn't help that one such ep. was a KENNEDY CARTOONS one...)

Def. hold RR higher but that's jusy my own bias.

Lemme guess the Kennedy Cartoons one was the one taking place in Oilrabia (?) with Steelbeak as the villain and the gimmick that Darkwing and Launchpad switch sidekick/hero roles?

Because I always distinctly remember that episode for having a kind of "rubbery" animation style that I don't remember from any other Darkwing episode.

[James Fabiano]

May 12, 2022 7:12:25 GMT -5 Mandarin Dessert Version 0 said:

May 12, 2022 6:49:52 GMT -5 James Fabiano said:

Oh yes, I totally overlooked TaleSpin. Is it me, or is it the DA show that usually has the most stakes per episode?

Darkwing Duck is like this too. We're up to like the 6th or 7th episode of each, and there's been some wacky eps that threw me off a little though. (didn't help that one such ep. was a KENNEDY CARTOONS one...)

Def. hold RR higher but that's jusy my own bias.

Lemme guess the Kennedy Cartoons one was the one taking place in Oilrabia (?) with Steelbeak as the villain and the gimmick that Darkwing and Launchpad switch sidekick/hero roles?

Because I always distinctly remember that episode for having a kind of "rubbery" animation style that I don't remember from any other Darkwing episode.

Yep that's the one.

I guess I wasn't used to the really out there episodes yet.