I checked out this two-parter episode of the ABC Weekend Specials earlier this month on Youtube, watching it for what I think was the very first time, as it premiered a couple or over a couple years before I was born and I doubt I ever saw it rerun on t.v. And it is great. This story that inspired this special is about two kids named Karen and Andy Winsborrow, who assist in building their dad's time machine, then get into the time machine and they inadvertently time-travel back to the prehistoric era. There, they meet and befriend a creature named Bunjee, who may be a cross between a mammoth and an anteater. Bunjee has several special abilities pertaining to his snout or trunk, which include inflation allowing him to fly or float, attack by way of firing egg shells from it, and blowing it like a trumpet or bugle. After their adventure (and a few misadventures), the Winsborrow siblings decide they've had enough thrill-seeking for one day and it's time to return home, and to the present. Bunjee wants to join them, but the time machine has no room for three riders. Bunjee attempts to compact himself to make it possible, but it's no use, as shrinking isn't one of his special abilities. When a couple of T-rexes attempt to capture the kids again, Bunjee tells them to save themselves, but he's on top of the machine and his suction cup feet become stuck. He ends up returning with them and they all escape just in time (pun intended). He's safe and sound with them at their house. He samples some chicken eggs, but doesn't think they're as tasty as pterodactyl eggs and he's curious to learn more about the 20th century. The next day, Bunjee attempts to follow Karen and Andy to school, but they and their dad have to hide him from the mailman when he comes. After dashing back inside the house, Mr. Winsborrow tells Bunjee he has to be kept hidden from everyone outside of the family, as he's a scientific discovery. Later that night, after frightening a cat unintentionally, Bunjee goes out for a night on the town. He ends up entering a grocery store (which he thinks is a cave) and after finding some egg shells on the floor and him, a waxer immediately calls an exterminator who arrives to get rid of Bunjee. Then there's a scientist who wants to use Bunjee for study. Will Bunjee be able to escape and return to the Winsborrows and then home in one peace?
This is among the greatest stories and cartoons ever made. I love it because it has enough nice moments that kept me engaged. Like Bunjee and the kids becoming newfound friends and Bunjee saving them from a pterodactyl, Karen from a carnivorous plant, and saving both once again from the T-rexes. It's just all-around perfect. Now if only someone would post a copy of Return of the Bunjee on Youtube. I loved this so much I wish it had been expanded into a t.v. series. But this is my kind of cartoon. One of the best of not only the 1980s, but all time. One of my favorite ABC Weekend Specials so far.
1 out of 1 found this helpful.
Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
