Based on what I’ve seen of him, I’d say Launchpad McQuack is
a great addition to the cast. Even in
the weaker episodes he’s in, he shows off a lot to love, willing to help those
in need with devotion to everyone he’s close to despite his apparent naiveté
and habit of crashing. It’s these
qualities that make him a likable character, so it’s great that we get this
episode all about him. It starts off
with his flaws being seen as a major problem when Launchpad crashes into
Scrooge’s newly-built bank and gets fired.
As Launchpad tries and constantly fails to find ways he can be a
hero so to continue making a living, it’s easy to get a good laugh out of how
Launchpad fails to be a hero, but also feel for him. You know you’re watching something great if
it can play with your emotions so well.
The plot really gets going when Launchpad’s attempts to be a hero get
the attention of the Beagle Boys working with Ma Beagle. They come up with an admittedly clever plan
of tricking Launchpad into robbing banks by making him think he’s doing it as a
movie star. The scenes of the “film
shooting” are strong comedic highlights of the episode with how passionate
Launchpad is about the role, and how that delays the Beagle family’s true goal
of stealing the money. However, what
makes these moments really work is that he’s not stupid enough to buy this scam
until it’s too late. It’s when the
episode is about halfway through that Launchpad realizes his acting gig was a
setup to make him look like a criminal. That leaves plenty of time to clear his
name, thwart the Beagle family, get Scrooge’s money back, and get rehired,
including hilarious banter with the bad guys, gags with cakes and pies filled with
weapons, car chases, and big crashes to finish everything off. It’s truly a climax to call Launchpad’s own
and it’s just amazing. It’s not just
Launchpad and the Beagles who are great here.
Scrooge has a nice subplot where he slowly regrets firing Launchpad, displaying
his more human layer within his greedy persona.
It’s especially apparent when he blames himself for Launchpad supposedly
going criminal and shows major sorrow when it looks like he committed suicide
by flying into a bridge which is a pretty emotional scene before we find out
the truth. Doofus Drake is also used
well here since it’s he who inspires Launchpad to keep on trying when the going
gets tough by reminding him that everyone needs a hero, which to me is the best
way to write a number one fan type character.
With its engaging story, great character moments, and ability to play
with your emotions, this is not just a great starring episode for Launchpad,
but a major winner for the series. 10/10
The Ranking
If you would like to check out other reviews on this blog, click here for the guide to all the reviews posted so far.The Ranking
- Hotel Strangeduck
- Hero for Hire
- Robot Robbers
- Magica’s Shadow War
- Duckman of Aquatraz
- Armstrong
- Sir Gyro de Gearloose
- Master of the Djinni
- Sphinx for the Memories
- Send in the Clones
- The Lost Crown of Genghis Kahn
- The Money Vanishes
- Where No Duck Has Gone Before
- Dinosaur Ducks
Be sure to stay tuned for the review of the next episode where Doofus Drake gets his own starring role when he becomes "Superdoo!"
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