As a fan of Winnie the Pooh, 'The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh' was always one of my favourite shows as a child. Not all childhood favourites have held up, but 'The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh' is one of the strongest examples of those that have.
While the original three 60s-70s short films ('Honey Tree', 'Blustery Day' and 'Tigger Too') and the 1977 'The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh' are just a little better, 'The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh' is one of the Winnie the Pooh franchise's high points. 'The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh' is, as said a few times already, a rare example of a show with not a bad episode for the whole four seasons it ran, and has something for kids and adults alike.
Both "Easy Come, Easy Gopher" and "Invasion of the Pooh Snatcher" are fantastic episodes, and elevated to a greater level by Gopher and Tigger. Would even say that "Easy Come, Easy Gopher" is one of Gopher's best and "Invasion of the Pooh Snatcher" Tigger's.
The animation is very bright, well drawn and colourful, everything looking lush, detailed and smooth. In addition to that, the music is playfully jaunty and beautifully orchestrated, enhancing sadder moments with poignant and particularly lush and emotional scoring, whimsical parts with an energy but also pathos and the more playful moments with a jaunty touch. The theme tune is very rousing and one of the catchiest theme songs of any animated show of the late 80s.
Writing has a perfect mix of whimsy, drollness, wit, charm and childhood innocence.
"Easy Come, Easy Gopher" has a charming and innocent story and even greater writing. Pooh's "It's the most wonderful I don't know what I have ever seen" is a real laugh out loud moment not to mention it is adorable. All the characters are very likable, Rabbit is much more considerate of others than he can be, but my favourite was Gopher. Just love it that this show gives him more to do than he has in the movies, specials and other TV series where he is little more than a cameo or not even used. Usually Tigger has the best lines, and sometimes Pooh, but Gopher has the lion's share here, which was refreshing.
"Invasion of the Pooh Snatcher" is a classic Tigger-oriented episode. Tigger once again steals the show especially with "I'm Too Late. Pooh's been snatched by the springing jagular. I gotta save Pooh... I gotta protect my friends from The Dreadiful Danger that lurks and springs. Rrrrrgh" and "bounce don't fail me now". Also fell off my bed laughing with Gopher's "don't you know you could hurt the floor or something?", is it just me or does anybody else love it that Gopher has many moments to shine in this show.
Love the characters and their chemistry, and the voice acting is excellent all round, Tigger especially is superbly voiced.
To conclude, among the best episodes for both Gopher for "Easy Come, Easy Gopher" and Tigger for "Invasion of the Pooh Snatcher". 10/10 Bethany Cox