'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.
Boasting another one of the show's most interesting and inventive concepts (similar a little to "Pirate Shadows" but not with shadows and with a little more of a sense of danger), "Pirate Boys, Lost Men" has plenty of entertainment and tension to keep fans immensely satisfied. Also appreciated seeing the mermaids in a different light, usually they are cruel with a deceptive charm but here they show a caring side (though actually it may depend on the character, for example liking Peter yet being jealous somewhat of Wendy in particular).
When it comes to the animation, "Pirate Boys, Lost Men" is not one of the show's best-looking episodes, others have more nuances and finesse in how some of the characters are drawn, but there is a lot of vibrant colour and detail. It's far from the worst-looking though, like "The Plucking of Short Tom" and "Evicted".
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 also some funny moments. The story is gripping with lots of entertainment and tension in the character interplay and the conflict is thrilling.
Love all the characters as usual and they are all utilised wonderfully. The body swapping is really interesting and well done, though it was odd that Peter didn't seem to cotton on to what had happened when he knows everyone in Neverland so well and would recognise their voices easily.
Voice acting is spot on, from particularly Jason Marsden and Tim Curry.
In summary, great fun once again. 9/10 Bethany Cox
