Have made it known more than once that 'Ducktales' is one of my favourite animated shows and has been since an early age when watching Disney and animation on a regular basis. Have also said about preferring Seasons 1 and 2 (Season 1 being the best and most consistent) over Seasons 3 and 4, which still entertained on the most part but the quality was not as consistent and they focused a little too much on Bubba and Fenton/Gizmoduck (the latter at least though was an interesting character).
"Blue Collar Scrooge" is not one of the best 'Ducktales' episodes, and would hesitate in calling it a great one let alone a classic. But it still entertains, intrigues (from as early on as reading the episode story summary, which immediately promises a lot), gives some nice development to Scrooge and especially Fenton and despite a serious-sounding subject things are not taken too seriously. There is more than enough in "Blue Collar Scrooge" that shows what is so massively appealing about 'Ducktales', but there is something missing.
Starting with the not so good, have always tried to not be critical of anything for having logic lapses, unless the lack of logic gets excessive and starting to affect the sense. Not that "Blue Collar Scrooge" does that exactly, but the logic can be sloppy at times and obvious in a quite blatant way. It is amazing that none of the other characters, even the ones that usually come over as smart, have figured out yet the very obvious connection between Fenton and Gizmoduck, have always had to suspend some disbelief on that one.
Did think too that how Scrooge's amnesia comes about couldn't have happened in a more contrived way. The animation is a little rushed looking at times.
Most of it though is vibrantly colourful with a lot of personality and energy. The music may not enhance the action but it never works against or be at odds with it, and not only does it fit like a glove but it has a lot of dynamic energy too. Love the theme song and consider it one of Disney's finest (Disney sure had some great theme songs in the late 80s-early 90s), it is still infectious and is memorable for a long time. The writing is a good mix of funny and also serious when needed. Fenton's Scrooge imitation is quite hilarious and never gets too silly even when Fenton gets increasingly lost in it, though also very odd because of the increasingly exaggerated accent.
The story may have its contrived and not so logical moments, but the writers clearly had fun with it, rather than it running out of steam like other episodes with promising concepts it becomes more fun actually as the situation gets wilder. While also treating the subject with tact and not depressingly, it was nice to see Scrooge go on a journey somewhat and to see what the work place can be like. It does sound like the portrayal of Scrooge is far from positive, it isn't positive but it isn't overly negative that doesn't come over as one-dimensional and cartoonish. It could be interpreted perhaps as a perception from another viewpoint.
Love what is done with Fenton here in "Blue Collar Scrooge", his comic timing and conflict making for one of his most interesting appearances, and it deserves more credit. The chemistry between him and Scrooge has heart and dimension, one feeling sorry for both in different ways while rooting for Fenton more. Despite Scrooge being the central character and his amnesia dominating the episode. That between Scrooge and Ms Crackshell is also sweet although the outcome of it is not in doubt early on. The voice acting is very good, Alan Young is the only voice for Scrooge from personal opinion and Hamilton Camp voices with a lot of spirit.
In conclusion, decent and entertaining though not representing the best of a great show. 7/10
"Blue Collar Scrooge" is not one of the best 'Ducktales' episodes, and would hesitate in calling it a great one let alone a classic. But it still entertains, intrigues (from as early on as reading the episode story summary, which immediately promises a lot), gives some nice development to Scrooge and especially Fenton and despite a serious-sounding subject things are not taken too seriously. There is more than enough in "Blue Collar Scrooge" that shows what is so massively appealing about 'Ducktales', but there is something missing.
Starting with the not so good, have always tried to not be critical of anything for having logic lapses, unless the lack of logic gets excessive and starting to affect the sense. Not that "Blue Collar Scrooge" does that exactly, but the logic can be sloppy at times and obvious in a quite blatant way. It is amazing that none of the other characters, even the ones that usually come over as smart, have figured out yet the very obvious connection between Fenton and Gizmoduck, have always had to suspend some disbelief on that one.
Did think too that how Scrooge's amnesia comes about couldn't have happened in a more contrived way. The animation is a little rushed looking at times.
Most of it though is vibrantly colourful with a lot of personality and energy. The music may not enhance the action but it never works against or be at odds with it, and not only does it fit like a glove but it has a lot of dynamic energy too. Love the theme song and consider it one of Disney's finest (Disney sure had some great theme songs in the late 80s-early 90s), it is still infectious and is memorable for a long time. The writing is a good mix of funny and also serious when needed. Fenton's Scrooge imitation is quite hilarious and never gets too silly even when Fenton gets increasingly lost in it, though also very odd because of the increasingly exaggerated accent.
The story may have its contrived and not so logical moments, but the writers clearly had fun with it, rather than it running out of steam like other episodes with promising concepts it becomes more fun actually as the situation gets wilder. While also treating the subject with tact and not depressingly, it was nice to see Scrooge go on a journey somewhat and to see what the work place can be like. It does sound like the portrayal of Scrooge is far from positive, it isn't positive but it isn't overly negative that doesn't come over as one-dimensional and cartoonish. It could be interpreted perhaps as a perception from another viewpoint.
Love what is done with Fenton here in "Blue Collar Scrooge", his comic timing and conflict making for one of his most interesting appearances, and it deserves more credit. The chemistry between him and Scrooge has heart and dimension, one feeling sorry for both in different ways while rooting for Fenton more. Despite Scrooge being the central character and his amnesia dominating the episode. That between Scrooge and Ms Crackshell is also sweet although the outcome of it is not in doubt early on. The voice acting is very good, Alan Young is the only voice for Scrooge from personal opinion and Hamilton Camp voices with a lot of spirit.
In conclusion, decent and entertaining though not representing the best of a great show. 7/10
