Chucky Choo
As likable as the characters of this show generally are, they’re far from the most interesting cast for an animated series. This seems to make them prone to stories that aren’t very compelling and are weak in premise. For that, this episode is one entry for that category.
While the Xiaolin Warriors are out searching for Shen Gong Wu, all while Dojo is constantly freaking out over missing Master Fung, there’s suspicious activity going on elsewhere. One other dragon is seemingly selling Shen Gong Wu to villains, including some who shouldn’t even exist, as if they’re mere trinkets. His name is Chucky Choo, and his impression is pretty mixed. From the looks of his setup, it’s easy to tell that what he has is a total scam. The Shen Gong Wu he sells are counterfeits which already showcases a major drawback if you think about it. They’re bound to figure out that what they have isn’t real which will surely result in major backlash, so how can Chucky possibly think his plan can work? The only way his plan does seem to work is because he just happens to pull off the stunt on the one villain dumb enough to believe his lies, evil boy genius Jack Spicer. As for Chucky’s general character, his smooth-talking shady ways can be mildly enjoyable, but it isn’t too far off from a typical con artist. At that, it’s kind of hard to fully enjoy a lead with the most basic of motivations which aren’t even sympathetic.
As is the case with most con artists, Chucky quickly leaves his post to find a place to hide, and by chance, he chooses the temple where the Xiaolin Warriors currently reside. He easily wins the team over with his mannerisms and seemingly pleasing attitude, though it’s hard to fully enjoy with what the audience knows of what Chucky is really like. On the surface, Chucky’s ways are still somewhat enjoyable, but it would make total sense if they would get old fast for people. Then more conflict arises when Dojo discovers Chucky and is immediately apprehensive about the new dragon’s arrival. Apparently, Chucky wronged him many years ago by losing his prized family yo-yo. This was referenced before, but it didn’t seem worth taking seriously. It’s basically a conflict that’s hard for most audiences to get invested in. It seems like it’s on its way to an easy resolution when Chucky admits his wrongdoing and that he wants to make up with Dojo, right down to giving him the yo-yo. It’s still hard to believe if Chucky is even genuine, especially with apparent phoniness to his self-wallowing prior to his apology, but Dojo doesn’t have much sympathy either. It seems that something as inconsequential as a yo-yo is enough to make him trust Chucky, and that just feels weak.
Then, to very little surprise, Chucky’s counterfeits get him confronted by his customers, particularly Wuya, who captures him and Dojo, and plans to sell them for real Shen Gong Wu. The results lead back to the temple for an admittedly fun Xiaolin Showdown modeled after the favorite game, pinball with Wuya and Dojo as the balls. It reaches a somewhat somber end with Dojo losing and Wuya seeming to vaporize all the other Shen Gong Wu with the new Kuzusu Atom, but then turn to Chucky. His con artist ways are used for good where he only had Wuya vaporize the counterfeits and hid the real Shen Gong Wu in Dojo’s nose. While there were no hints to the plan and his reasons for doing this to get Wuya to leave the Warriors alone go nowhere, it’s decent redemption there.
Nevertheless, the take of this episode is
that it’s simply a weak story with a mostly unengaging conflict highlighting
the less pleasing sides of the characters.
Add on nothing more being done with Chucky, and it’s ultimately not one
to really do this show justice.
D+
The Ranking
1. Bird of Paradise
2. Oil in the Family
3. The Treasure of the Blind Swordsman
4. The Dream Stalker
5. Finding Omi
6. Omi Town
7. The Life and Times of Hannibal Roy
Bean
8. Chucky Choo
9. The Return of Master Monk Guan
Be sure to stay tuned for the review of the next episode highlighting an epic battle between Omi and Hannibal Bean.
If you would like to check out other Xiaolin Showdown reviews on this blog, click here for the guide made especially for them.
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