*Episode premise spoilers.*
The majority of shows need at least one Christmas episode eventually, right? And given that this one features Scrooge McDuck, it’s no surprise which popular Christmas theme it riffs on, but it still does something entertaining and DuckTales-ish with it.
It’s Christmas time at the mansion, and while most everyone is decking the halls, Scrooge is being a moody curmudgeon (“He said it!” Webby exclaims excitedly when Scrooge tosses off a “Bah humbug!”) At least, that’s the official stance. In private, Scrooge is getting up to his annual time-traveling Christmas tradition of hanging out with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Be. He and the Ghosts spend every Christmas visiting the best yuletide parties in history, and this year, it’s all about Scrooge’s own history.
We’re continuing the trend of focusing heavily on just a couple of the main characters, in this case Scrooge and Dewey, who discovers Scrooge’s secret Christmas pastime. I’m still enjoying this season, and this is a fun episode, but I do miss getting more of the group dynamics. The rest of the regulars mostly just bookend the story, although what little we get of them is entertaining. I especially like Louie beginning his letter to Santa, “Dear Santa—look, I can explain….”
The modified Christmas Carol conceit offers up a good opportunity to play around in Scrooge’s past. This means fun Easter eggs, like getting a peak at Mrs. Beakley from her Agent 22 days, as well as larger character moments. We’re treated to Donald as a moody teenager, which is priceless, and after a number of references and hints, we’re given our first sustained look at the triplets’ mom Della via her younger self. Also, not for nothing, the Ghost of Christmas Past is voiced by 30 Rock’s Jack McBrayer.
It all adds up to a good mix between salty and schmaltzy. Dewey isn’t in the Christmas mood, and while Scrooge is certainly full of holiday cheer, it’s of a sort that doesn’t involve friends and family. Both of them learn to change their perspective after their experiences in this episode, but it’s done with a bit of heart and a lot of humor, so it doesn’t come away feeling like a Very Special Christmas lesson.
Lots of great lines for David Tennant today. Doing a roundup of my favorites:
· In response to Donald telling Scrooge he has “the perfect yard for a winter wonderland!” – “I also have a pilot that can’t tell the difference between Christmas lights and landing lights!” I mean, he’s not wrong.
· Of course Scrooge has a feud with Santa, and of course he refers to Santa in the most fantastically-derisive way – “That churlish chimney chaser is not to be trusted!”
· Finally, a simple line but wonderfully delivered, in response the old “Where’s the party?” / “Uh uh—when’s the party!” routine – “Ugh, time travelers….” It’s hard for me to pick a favorite Scrooge mood, but Disgustedly Over It Scrooge is definitely up there.
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