'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.
"The Croc and the Clock" is as ever great and also an interesting episode, mainly because of the gender of the crocodile. Somewhat strange, one does have to get over how the crocodile's teeth looks (in all honesty despite loving the show it's not a strong suit when it comes to logic, then again it is fantasy), but very entertaining indeed. Peter and Hook's rapport is as always a pleasure to watch.
Animation lacks finesse at times in some of the characters, though it's vibrantly coloured and the backgrounds are detailed and imaginative as to be expected.
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. Hook's last line is pretty profound. The story is a lot of fun and is never less than absorbing.
Peter and Hook carry the episode brilliantly and the crocodile provides some nice tension. Jason Marsden and especially Tim Curry provide as always impeccable voice work.
Altogether, great if not one of the show's best. 9/10 Bethany Cox