'Peter Pan and the Pirates' very quickly not only became one of my favourite animated shows but also one of my favourites ever. Of all the adaptations of 'Peter Pan', it's also my personal favourite.
All the characters are not only interesting but remarkably complex, especially Hook, even when not looking like Barrie's Hook all the character traits of the character are fully explored and expanded upon. The show is advantaged furthermore by good animation (with some exceptions here and there). Great music particularly the theme tune, one of the best of any animated 90s show. Remarkably good writing that had real maturity and a wide range of emotions rare in animated shows today. Gripping and imaginative stories that maintain the spirit of Barrie's source material while expanding on the themes, events and characterisation. And really excellent voice acting, for one of the most talented voice actors in the business and near-unequalled in villain roles Captain Hook contains some of the best work Tim Curry has ever done.
"Dr. Livingstne and Captain Hook" is for me one of the best episodes of 'Peter Pan and the Pirates', and definitely one of the funniest. So many funny moments, namely Hook's behaviour when in Dr. Livingstone mode and how the pirates react and feel, and a lot of them so hilarious that tears were rolling down my cheeks from laughing.
The episode is one of the better-looking of the show. It is vibrant and detailed and has the drawing finesse that some episodes lack.
Music is a great mix of lively, haunting and lush, the theme tune immediately sticks in one's head and never leaves it.
Writing is as mature, intelligent and emotionally complex as one would expect, never feeling dumbed down for adults or too complicated for children. The story is gripping with lots of entertainment and tension in the character interplay and the conflict is thrilling.
Love all the characters as usual and they are all utilised wonderfully. The voice acting is top notch with it being Tim Curry's episode all the way, he was born to voice and portray Captain Hook and this and "The Play's the Thing" are notable examples of where he is particularly having a ball.
Overall, terrific episode and one of the show's best and funniest. 10/10 Bethany Cox