After being disappointed in some of the previous late 'Ducktales' episodes, while not hating them (have never "hated" a 'Ducktales' episode), "The Masked Mallard" did appeal to me. The concept sounded great, one of the show's best and most unique, and sounded like a darker change of pace for the show. Changes of pace don't always work where strong potential is not fullfilled enough, but there are many instances where it has and in the best cases it has done so wonderfully.
"The Masked Mallard" turned out to be one of the better late 'Ducktales' episodes, one of the best-written anyhow in a way that stands out from most, if not one of the show's overall best. Loved the concept and thankfully it is executed very strongly if not completely nailed (quite close though), making for a very good if not quite brilliant episode. Although one with many great elements and where a standout concept is handled quite uniquely for 'Ducktales'.
With the exception of a rather noticeable and distracting continuity error/synchronisation issue with one of the Beagle Boys, the animation is great and almost graphic-novel-like. Making "The Masked Mallard" generally one of the best-looking and stylistically unique 'Ducktales' episodes. Could never fault the music throughout the show, even in lesser episodes. This is no exception and still can't get enough of the theme song, still one of Disney's best. Derived from one of the show's standout concepts, some questionable logic aside (though other 'Ducktales' episodes before and since did this aspect far worse), the story is thrilling with some imaginative and surprisingly dark (for 'Ducktales' that is) moments. A lot happens while not feeling too cluttered.
Regarding the writing, "The Masked Mallard" stands out as particularly distinctive. Not many of the show's episodes were this cynical, that isn't handled too safely, or this daring, the sharp wit and bite always shining. It may not be one of the show's funniest episodes or bursting in sentiment, but a change of pace is always welcome and that change of pace is very well handled here. Surprisingly, Scrooge was born for the role he plays here and Loudmouth is one of the show's best and most cunning adversaries up to a certain point. It was great too to see the Beagles at their most menacing in a while, having seen them written childishly in other episodes. Their big scene is one of "The Masked Mallard's" highlights. The voice acting is great, particularly Alan Young and Frank Welker (sounding as though he was having a great time as Loudmouth).
Did however find Loudmouth's motivations when revealed somewhat unsatisfying, such great build up but when revealed there was a "that's it?" feel to it. The climax is a bit messy and improbable, as well as on the abrupt side.
Gizmoduck also comes over as a bit inept here, how Scrooge was not recognised was hard to swallow when it really was not that hard to figure out.
Concluding, very good and unique episode with a couple of drawbacks. 8/10
"The Masked Mallard" turned out to be one of the better late 'Ducktales' episodes, one of the best-written anyhow in a way that stands out from most, if not one of the show's overall best. Loved the concept and thankfully it is executed very strongly if not completely nailed (quite close though), making for a very good if not quite brilliant episode. Although one with many great elements and where a standout concept is handled quite uniquely for 'Ducktales'.
With the exception of a rather noticeable and distracting continuity error/synchronisation issue with one of the Beagle Boys, the animation is great and almost graphic-novel-like. Making "The Masked Mallard" generally one of the best-looking and stylistically unique 'Ducktales' episodes. Could never fault the music throughout the show, even in lesser episodes. This is no exception and still can't get enough of the theme song, still one of Disney's best. Derived from one of the show's standout concepts, some questionable logic aside (though other 'Ducktales' episodes before and since did this aspect far worse), the story is thrilling with some imaginative and surprisingly dark (for 'Ducktales' that is) moments. A lot happens while not feeling too cluttered.
Regarding the writing, "The Masked Mallard" stands out as particularly distinctive. Not many of the show's episodes were this cynical, that isn't handled too safely, or this daring, the sharp wit and bite always shining. It may not be one of the show's funniest episodes or bursting in sentiment, but a change of pace is always welcome and that change of pace is very well handled here. Surprisingly, Scrooge was born for the role he plays here and Loudmouth is one of the show's best and most cunning adversaries up to a certain point. It was great too to see the Beagles at their most menacing in a while, having seen them written childishly in other episodes. Their big scene is one of "The Masked Mallard's" highlights. The voice acting is great, particularly Alan Young and Frank Welker (sounding as though he was having a great time as Loudmouth).
Did however find Loudmouth's motivations when revealed somewhat unsatisfying, such great build up but when revealed there was a "that's it?" feel to it. The climax is a bit messy and improbable, as well as on the abrupt side.
Gizmoduck also comes over as a bit inept here, how Scrooge was not recognised was hard to swallow when it really was not that hard to figure out.
Concluding, very good and unique episode with a couple of drawbacks. 8/10
