I hadn't watched anything related to Peanuts since the movie years ago (which I liked - it was very well done). I got curious about this special because Lucy is the focus, which was something new and different for a Peanuts special. And this special is different indeed, without discarding all the good things we remember from past Peanuts specials. Lucy grows as a character - showing a vulnerability and depth I didn't expect, but was absolutely delighted with. As written and performed, it's a logical progression, and she's a stronger character for it. All of the other characters are handled just as well, and the laughs are there, but oh the feels! I really didn't expect that, and I think it's that feature that puts it at the top of the list of all the Peanuts specials. And the animation, which is in 2D, thank goodness, is incredible. The characters look exactly the way Charles Schulz drew them, and none of the sloppiness that often occurred in the old specials is evident. The movement is smooth and expressive, but not Flash-y - indeed, this looks like authentic 2D, even though we know that computer animation was also employed. The music is traditional Peanuts-style jazz, and, well, everything in this special is so satisfying to anyone with an affection for good ol' Charlie Brown and the gang. If this is the new level for Peanuts specials, then I eagerly await next one. I give this one a solid and very happy 10!
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