'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.
"Slightly Duped" is terrific if not quite one of the best 'Peter Pan and the Pirates' episodes. Regarding the animation, there are some beautiful colours, well drawn characters (showing a pretty nuanced character design for Hook), meticulous and imaginative backgrounds and one is really immersed in the Neverland setting. The 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, never feeling dumbed down for adults or too complicated for children. There is some nice humour, especially Peter's stalling for time to Hook's disbelief. Hook as ever has great lines. The story is absorbing and fun with some beautifully written conflict. Liked the attention to detail of the little things, such as the gender of the crocodile.
Love the characters. Peter's likable and less likable traits are on display (really like how he genuinely cares for his friends), Tiger Lily and Hard-to-Hit are both flawed and likable, the pirates and the lost boys have more to them than just one personality trait and the episode demonstrates why Hook is my favourite character. Jason Marsden and especially Tim Curry are the vocal standouts as is often the case.
In conclusion, terrific. 10/10 Bethany Cox
