Animaniacs: Taming of the Screwy (1993)
Season 1, Episode 5
8/10
Nothing tame here
7 June 2018
Love animation to bits. It was a big part of my life as a child, especially Disney, Looney Tunes, Hanna Barbera and Tom and Jerry (with tastes broadening further getting older with Pixar, Studio Ghibli and some of the more mature animations out there), and still love it to this day as a young adult whether it's film, television or cartoons. Actually appreciate it even more now, with more knowledge of the different animation styles, directors, studios and what work went into them.

'Animaniacs' has always been one of my favourites. From an early age, it always stood out as one of the most colourful, unique, funniest and cleverest shows, animated and otherwise, ever made. It is not to be dismissed as a show just for children. There is plenty for children to enjoy, any child who loves great animation, humour to laugh at and unique characters will be in heaven. There is more than plenty for adults too, especially the hugely clever in-jokes/poking fun that is likely to be better understood by older viewers with more familiarity for what is being referenced and poked fun at.

"Taming of the Screwy", the first one-story episode, is not as good as the previous episodes, with some of the humour in the first part of the episode being a bit corny. For me it is still a great episode rather than a clunker.

In "Taming of the Screwy", the animation is very well done, with vibrant colouring, crisp beautiful backgrounds and convincing movements for the characters. The music is not only catchy it is actually memorable as well, with an instantly hummable main theme.

The scripts and humour are witty and hilarious with clever references and inside jokes, particularly in the second half which is a riot and the inspired numerous cameos/caricatures. As are the situations no matter how silly they are the characters get into. This all springs from a great concept, some shows have a great concept but don't live up to it.

'Animaniacs' was always one of the finest examples of execution of a great concept doing that and superbly, with the story here being a lot of fun and easy to like. The characters are immensely likable with unique personalities, with no exception. Loved the numerous cameos, recognising them provided a huge part of the fun (was familiar with nearly all of them so there was no problem with unfamiliarity). The Warners are as endearing as ever.

Characters that are brilliantly voiced by the likes of Rob Paulsen, Tress MacNeille, Jess Harnell, Frank Welker and Maurice LaMarche.

Overall, very good if a step down from the previous episodes. 8/10 Bethany Cox
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