Who can forget rushing home after school and enjoying The Disney Afternoon block? There were seven seasons of the Disney block spanning 1990–1997. I distinctly remember the second season lineup of DuckTales, Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers, Talespin and Darkwing Duck. Kids today just don’t understand! Fortunately, the majority of these series are still available so you can educate the nerdlings in your life.
There are so many great shows included in the Afternoon block, but Jams and I are going to focus on our favorite, Darkwing Duck. Let’s get dangerous!
Darkwing Duck when there’s trouble…
Roni’s View
A hero is only as good as his villains, and other various characters he has to play off of. Darkwing had many epic characters, and he had so many villains! Negaduck, Morgana, Bushroot, Megavolt, Quackerjack, and more. I particularly enjoy Morgana as she had quite a good story arc. She turned to the side of good after a few encounters with Darkwing. She had dabbled in the life of crime because she needed to pay off her student loans. Anyone with student loans, has had that thought once or twice. Don’t deny it.
Let’s talk about the other lady in Darkwing’s life, Gosalyn! Gosalyn is Drake’s adopted daughter, and man was she spunky! She was impulsive, athletic, bombastic, and a well-meaning 9 year old girl who often gets into trouble. She was so different from most other girl characters in that time and so much fun to watch.
You call DW!
Jaime’s View
I. Love. Darkwing. Duck. That is all…
No, but seriously! DW was probably definitely my favorite part of the Disney afternoon block. I loved the villains, Gosalyn, and Darkwing. It was great Launchpad came over from Duck Tales to become DW’s sidekick! Every single action figure was mine! I was obsessed!
One moment in the series premiere that has always stood out to me was this sweet little lullaby between Gosalyn and DW (also known by his civilian name, Drake Mallard). He wasn’t looking for a daughter, but he found one in the sweet Gosalyn. True she can’t really carry a tune very well (hence DW’s facial wincing) but when he does his improv spin on her lullaby and tucks her in….heart melting.
If I had to pick a favorite villain, I would say it was probably Negaduck. He was the Negaverse version of Darkwing who ruled over St. Canard. He had the ability to cross over dimensions!
A close second place though goes to Splatter Phoenix. She was an artist and just a downright badass!
Good writing is key, and these Disney series were not lacking. There is so much kids are exposed to today, that don’t seem to have as much substance as these. Maybe that’s the nostalgia talking, but we think these series should serve as inspiration for future animated series. What was your favorite Disney Afternoon show? Perhaps Gargoyles or Goof Troop? Let us know below.
Nerd On!
