[7.2/10] We interrupt your regularly scheduled episode of Ewoks to give you a furry riff on Lord of the Rings. I’m not complaining though. The elements here are pretty stock -- exiled heir to the throne, ancient prophecy, neighboring aggressors -- but the results are fun and even epic.
I have no great affection for Ring Ring. Still, the line of succession intrigue and Tree Trekkers stealing the Gupins’ sacred key gives this one some extra oomph. Splitting the Ewoks into two groups, one to retrieve the key and one to warn the Gupins helps make the number of characters and necessary actions manageable on a scene-to-scene basis.
That said, there’s a bunch of wheel-spinning to get there. The gang hearing a dose of exposition from Ring RIng’s brother is necessary, but dull. And bits like the waterfall or falling into some bad guy territory waste time ahead of the real confrontation.
Nevertheless, once the show gets into the thick of things, business picks up. The show’s bestiary continues to be a highlight. The Tree Trekkers are unique designs that seem sufficiently scary for a kids’ show, and for whatever reason, I love the McAnts, the vaguely ostrich-like giant insects that our heroes ride to safety. The plots may be simple, but the animal animations are a treat.
Of course, Ring Ring fulfills the prophecy and opens the magic box without the aid of the key, giving his countrymen back their powers just in time to repel the invading force. There’s nothing new or groundbreaking about the story here. Yet, it’s age appropriate and even rousing when the Gupin we know best succeeds, ascends to the throne, and even shows mercy and trust for his power-hungry cousin. It’s simple, but it works, and it’s nice to see Ewoks continue to build out its ecosystem and the communities that surround the teddy bears’ enclave.
Overall, a high point for the season so far, even if it feels like a visit to a different series entirely for an episode.
Review by Andrew BloomVIP 9BlockedParentSpoilers2022-05-10T19:56:41Z
[7.2/10] We interrupt your regularly scheduled episode of Ewoks to give you a furry riff on Lord of the Rings. I’m not complaining though. The elements here are pretty stock -- exiled heir to the throne, ancient prophecy, neighboring aggressors -- but the results are fun and even epic.
I have no great affection for Ring Ring. Still, the line of succession intrigue and Tree Trekkers stealing the Gupins’ sacred key gives this one some extra oomph. Splitting the Ewoks into two groups, one to retrieve the key and one to warn the Gupins helps make the number of characters and necessary actions manageable on a scene-to-scene basis.
That said, there’s a bunch of wheel-spinning to get there. The gang hearing a dose of exposition from Ring RIng’s brother is necessary, but dull. And bits like the waterfall or falling into some bad guy territory waste time ahead of the real confrontation.
Nevertheless, once the show gets into the thick of things, business picks up. The show’s bestiary continues to be a highlight. The Tree Trekkers are unique designs that seem sufficiently scary for a kids’ show, and for whatever reason, I love the McAnts, the vaguely ostrich-like giant insects that our heroes ride to safety. The plots may be simple, but the animal animations are a treat.
Of course, Ring Ring fulfills the prophecy and opens the magic box without the aid of the key, giving his countrymen back their powers just in time to repel the invading force. There’s nothing new or groundbreaking about the story here. Yet, it’s age appropriate and even rousing when the Gupin we know best succeeds, ascends to the throne, and even shows mercy and trust for his power-hungry cousin. It’s simple, but it works, and it’s nice to see Ewoks continue to build out its ecosystem and the communities that surround the teddy bears’ enclave.
Overall, a high point for the season so far, even if it feels like a visit to a different series entirely for an episode.