Most of the previous 'Ducktales' episodes ranged from good to classic, Season 1 having the highest number of classics especially the earlier episodes. The very few exceptions being, though still watchable (none of the 'Ducktales' episodes are unwatchable), "Superdoo", "Take Me Out to the Ball Game", "Bubba Trubba" and "The Billionaire Beagle Boys Club", the last two being two parts of the two five part story arcs that made up Season 2.
"The Land of Trala La" is a well done and entertaining episode with a lot to like about it. It is also though not 'Ducktales', which to me is still a great show and made at a time when Disney were king of the Saturday morning cartoons, on top form and not quite as interesting as most of the "Time is Money" and "Super Ducktales" arcs that were instrumental in introducing two new characters Bubba and Fenton/Gizmoduck (doing better with the latter).
Fenton features prominently here, but after "Super Ducktales" did so well developing him after an uncertain start and using him creatively his presence left me with mixed feelings. There is some nice dry humour and his position is a relatable one, at the same time he can get irritating and is used too much with some occasional overdone idiocy. At least though his whining and self-pitying has been toned down since he was first introduced. Gizmoduck felt very shoehorned in and it did feel like it was for no reason, did not see the point to his inclusion at all. Do feel that Donald would have fitted within this story much better.
And for such intuitive and clever characters for the nephews, or anybody even, to not put together the connection between Fenton and Gizmoduck when very obvious made them look pretty foolish. Also found the climax rushed and to say that some of the logic at this point is questionable is an understatement.
On the other hand, despite some over-sized proportions here and there the animation is bright and colourful, with lively fluid movement, smooth drawing and meticulous attention to detail in the backgrounds. The music again is dynamic and beautifully orchestrated, never jarring with the action and full of energy. Disney had many theme songs that were irresistibly catchy to the extent one doesn't forget them, and that for 'Ducktales' to me was one of the best. The writing entertains and is smart.
Likewise with the story, which is good fun and intriguing and the conflict is suspenseful and doesn't get too dark, even if some may feel that the Tralla La inhabitants' change of character is somewhat sudden and extreme. Mostly the characters engage and the voice acting is excellent.
In summary, well done and entertaining but something felt missing. 7/10
