I was very excited for this new Disney Plus TV show: The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers, and Episode 1 proved to be a huge success. Here’s our review.
I recently just sat back and watched the original film series a few weeks ago.
Disney Plus has such a fantastic back catalogue to create so many spin-offs, that this potentially could spurn many more.
WARNING: There are SPOILERS coming For The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers Episode 1
The episode starts and we see a brand-new Mighty Ducks. And I mean brand new.
The Ducks of 2021 Are Not The Same As 1992
Credit: Disney Plus
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They are a far cry from the Ducks we meet in the 90’s and much more like The Hawks, the original nemesis in the series.
They are slick, professional, the parents have snack schedules, $1,000 clinics, camps and college counsellors to get their kids into the NHL.
I mean, I’d want to play for these Ducks, they look great, but they aren’t having fun.
We meet Evan Morrow, he’s a Duck (for about 10 minutes of the opening).
Evan is smaller and slower, and inevitably gets cut from the team, as they step up to 12-14 age bracket.
His mum, Alex played by Lauren Graham recognises the game should be fun, and less about the future.
Watching the episode, I was dying to meet Coach Gordon Bombay, Emilio Estevez, again.
What would he be up to?
Would he go back to law or hockey?
Almost 25 years after the film series ended, how has he changed?
Gordon Bombay 25 Years Later
Credit: Disney Plus
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Well, we first meet him, he’s different.
Although he’s beautifully set up with a golden light in a legendary/angelic vibe at an ice rink.
He hates Hockey, hates kids (sounds familiar?) and he runs an ice ring.
Far from the Gordon Bombay we saw in the Mighty Ducks 3.
He’s also become a ‘cake eater’.
Morrow’s mum sets about starting her own team, a team where people could have fun, those who had been rejected could have a place.
And convincing Gordon Bombay to be a part of it.
The problem is, they only have 2 players.
They need a coach, a rink and 4 more players at least, and sets up the rest of the episode.
Morrow tries to poach Sofi; the star player of the Ducks and he gets shut down.
He also becomes bit of an outcast as his mum goes viral in a video, after he gets kicked off the Ducks team.
But… there is nothing here that isn’t predictable or expected.
Predictable isn’t a bad thing…
Credit: Disney
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We can probably accurately predict that Alex & Gordon will tease romance.
Along with Sofi & Evan. Certain tropes are quite apparent early on.
However, it is only episode one, the pilot is always a little awkward, and most shows grow stronger as the initial season progresses.
The main draw for the series is absolutely the Mighty Ducks brand, and Emilio Estevez.
The show is absolutely aimed at a younger audience, just like the films were.
With the brand, the nostalgia, the episode is perfect for family viewing.
Hearing the original film musical themes (originally by David Newman) in the series, just capture your attention and really throw you back.
After being spoilt with WandaVision and The Falcon And The Winter Soldier recently, which have a broader audience reach, you do have to recalibrate your expectations.
In all, an enjoyable first episode, with some nicely placed nostalgia moments.
The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers is a brilliant show… so far…
Credit: Disney
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There is enough here to certainly stick it out for the rest of the series.
There is a nice warmth and feel-good factor underneath, along with the chance to see Gordon Bombay form a truer, newer version of The Mighty Ducks in 2021 is too good to miss.
Along with the original cast confirmed to show up, I’d say it’s worth sticking with.
Quack. Quack. Quack.
The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers is available via Disney Plus and showing a new episode every Friday.
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