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The House of the Lucky Gander
With the nature of this reboot established where it uses elements of the original series and shapes it into its own appealing adventure, this episode’s potential for fun is made clear. The final result more than lives up to that potential, coming off as a creative experience with a strong use of character.
One of the Duck family’s adventures leads them to a lavish expensive hotel located in the exotic city of Macaw. It’s here where a tie to an element of the original series is made when another uncle, Gladstone Gander, approaches the family for help. He turns out to be an interesting center for the adventure making good use of what the world of DuckTales has to offer considering his sparse appearances in the original series.
One advantage Gladstone’s appearance in this reboot has over the original is a look at his dynamic with other characters. Being an uncle, one can’t help but wonder what his relationship with Donald was like. Since Donald is featured more prominently in this reboot, this is the place to get that answer. There’s a major contrast with luck between the two with Gladstone always getting lucky enough, particularly through always finding $20, while Donald is always stuck with bad luck. For that it’s easy to see some tension between the two, and it seems unbelievable that Gladstone is the one who needs help.
As the family explores the hotel, it becomes even harder to believe with the many cool things it has to offer. There’s an enticing floor show with elaborate water effects; Dewey bonds with a jade tiger; the buffet temple is tempting and sumptuous; and Louie gets high class bonding time with his uncle Gladstone. Even Scrooge, who constantly belittles the amenities is partially swayed to stay at the hotel.
Then there’s consideration of Donald, the one Gladstone actually needs the help of. Apparently, Gladstone’s luck is so good, he can’t lose at any game or offer, and by extension, it means he can’t leave the hotel. This is further proven by mystical shackle holding him to the hotel. Naturally, if Donald is unlucky, this should mean he can actually allow Gladstone to lose and be able to leave. In other words, Gladstone’s good luck is actually more of a curse than a blessing, and it’s all a work of a seemingly friendly hotel manager, Liu Hai. In reality, Liu Hai is actually an ancient spirit who takes advantage of Gladstone’s luck by using his good fortune for his own gain.
To free Gladstone, someone must beat him in the ultimate challenge, an obstacle course made from the material that makes up the hotel (which creatively turns out to be playing cards). Scrooge offers to do it, but ultimately Donald is chosen because he is a sure loser. Though it seems like all hope is lost, a point is made by the nephews that Donald’s biggest strength is that he never gives up no matter what’s against him. As it turns out, this accurate statement is what’s needed for Donald to win the course. However, Gladstone still turns out lucky because while he’s ultimately set free, Donald must stay in his place. Even so, Donald being unlucky is actually the better outcome because his bad luck ends up getting the casino destroyed, and he’s set free by default.
By the end, this whole escapade is more or less something that just happens, especially since Gladstone rarely shows up again (still more than in the original series though). Still, with great atmosphere, creative challenges, memorable character moments, and interesting twists on concepts, it all comes together as a strong adventure.
A+
Series Ranking
1.
The House of the Lucky
Gander
2.
The Beagle Birthday Breakout
3.
The Impossible Summit of Mt. Neverrest
4.
Daytrip of Doom
5.
The Great Dime Chase
6.
Escape To/From Atlantis
7.
Woo-oo
The next review shows the boys compete for the position of an internship with tech wizard Mark Beaks.
Next time, all reviews are on hold so this blog can cover the series finale of The Owl House.
If you would like to check out other DuckTales reviews on this blog, click here for the guide made especially for them.
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