Expectations were very mixed for this 'Animaniacs' reboot. The original 'Animaniacs' is one of my favourite animated shows and a favourite overall. Likewise with 'Pinky and the Brain' (not the case with its spin off 'Pinky, Elmyra and the Brain'). Part of me was interested to see how they would work in a contemporary setting, but much of me also questioned its point because it didn't sound necessary to me as can be the case with a lot of reboots.
With the exception of the great previous episode, the episodes that came before "The Cutening"/"Close Encounters of the Worst Kind"/"Equal Time" were uneven, each with one great segment (commonly the Pinky and the Brain ones) and the others being a mixed bag of decent to eh. "The Cutening"/"Close Enounters of the Worst Kind"/"Equal Time" is another one of the uneven episodes, a shame because it did feel like the reboot was starting to pick up with the previous episode.
"Close Encounters of the Worst Kind" is by far the best segment. A classic 'Pinky and the Brain' scenario with an unmistakably Brain plan, done justice by the witty, smart scripting and character writing for both characters that showed a love and understanding of the characters (particularly Brain).
"The Cutening" was cute and amusing in places and Dot is true to character (apart from one of her worst ever mistakes with the exploiting of the cute powers, which was silly), if a bit bland and not as full of energy as it could have been. "Equal Time" is the weakest of the three, for my tastes too heavy handed and the Warners are inconsistently characterised, veering on too smug.
A lot of fine individual components can be found. The animation is bright and beautifully detailed with some suitably wild expressions in faces, eyes and body language, despite preferring the bolder and more traditional look. The music fits well and while it may not enhance the action it adds to it in a way that's appealing and accessible. The theme tune is hip and catchy as is "What If". The voice acting, done by some of the best and most prolific voice actors in the business now and ever, is impeccable. It was a masterstroke bringing the voice actors back and the right thing to do. Cannot for instance imagine Brain being voiced by somebody other than Maurice La Marche.
Uneven by thankfully elevated from very average to slightly above average by "Close Encounters of the Worst Kind". 6/10.