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What You See Is Me/Toadie's Wild Ride
Reviewed: 07/27/2007
This episode is a wild ride of emotion and lots of Toadie.
Welcome to Disc 2 and it's back to the shorts again with two more. Both involve Tummi as the focus character this time around. Darkwing Duck disappointed me with their first episode on Disc 2. Will they do it again with Gummi Bears?! Let's rant on shall we....
What You See Is Me is written by Bob Langhans. Toadie's Wild Ride is written by the late Bruce Talkington. I have absolutely NOTHING on Bob Langhans from USIMDB so I'm speculating that it's a ghost writer name or Bob got out of the animation business quickly. This is the only DTVA writing credit that I'm aware of at this point.
What You See Is Me: We begin at the Gummi Glenn living room as Grammi has apparently suffered a broken foot at the hands of Tummi's misdeeds. We know this because the GRAMMI FOOT OF LAUGHS is on a stool in bandages as if she was auditioning to play the female role for the mummy in TaleSpin's In Search of Ancient Blunders. Tummi is apologizing of course because he's too dimwitted to do anything with malice I guess. Grammi blows him off because Tummi didn't really mean to do it; but he's becoming annoying and prone to self-loathing. Case in point: Tummi helping Grammi with simple matters such as holding Grammi's tea. Oh my goodness; Tummi called Grammi an invalid. I thought that word was forbidden in children's cartoons. Grammi gleefully blows that off for me (I don't stir tea with my foot. But it does laugh when you tickle it..) and Tummi blows her off in kind (Good thing too) as Grammi continues her Thank you for your concern; but I'm not a helpless cripple speech while getting off another religious reference. Boy did Disney start toning down those references after 1991 or what?! Tummi of course scratches her nose because Grammi pretty much asked for it. When are these characters going to realize that figure of speech is Tummi's biggest weakness? Even above his weight?! Grammi manages to get up and walk pretty well (only a few steps but still) and blows Tummi off which is enough to force Tummi to leave Grammi's happy place. IT'S A MIRACLE! SHE CAN WALK AGAIN!
Maybe she just couldn't stand Tummi's sense of caring and faked the injury..or worse she was injured but milking it to get out of work that Gruffi wanted her to do. You the viewer decide. We head into the forest as the ogres are doing nothing of any interest that I see; other than out ultra-cool sidekick Toadie stirring the pot. Is that a symbolic gesture to the next episode I'm going to rant or what?! We go to the pan shot as Dukie comes out of his pump tent looking like he's as cocky as ever despite the fact that all the heat he's losing is transferring over to Toadie. Aw; and he even has the horse skull on the opening to the pump tent; how cute?! See; Toadie's stirring the POT OF DOOM because it's going to be used to boil secrets out of those pesky Gummi Bears. Toadie laughs of course because he's the ultra-cool idiot sidekick and he amuses me. Dukie goes over to the ogres and shows off the GUMMI BEAR TRAP OF DOOM which looks like the COCONUT BOMB OF DOOM with a bear trap inside of it. I guess the real bear traps were excised by Disney BS&P. Then again; it's 1985 and a more innocent time back then when there was no pants falling down or Ron Stoppable giving sideways middle fingers to show his love to his dates that want no part of him or even people saying OH MY GOD. He puts some berries on the trap and uses a stick to demonstrate the awesome power of the trap.
The ogres blow it off because figure of speech is way beyond their brain power at this point; or any point in this series for that matter. Dukie of course proves my theory by banging on the ogre's head. You know that the Disney censors are on focus here because usually that stupidity is greeted with the hanging chains spot in his finer prison. He demonstrates it and it doesn't break the stick whatsoever. Which means it's a good trap as the ogres cheer for victory...badly...We continue on as Tummi is walking in the forest from the overhead shot while two ogres fiddle with the trap; but nothing happens. Must be one of those politically correct traps as they set berries on the trap and hide in the bushes. They are pretty good at jumping; so at least they aren't too worthless. Tummi steps into the trap (on the left side); eats about five berries) and leaves...and the trap does nothing...AND THE ROCK SEZS NOTHING! SOMEONE FIRE THAT TRAP! The ogres pop out and look completely dumbfounded by the lack of effectiveness that trap had. They decides to use their running power as the ogres spring into action while springing the trap in the process (check the ogre's foot in the trap pressing on the metal button to spring it). Tummi sees them and runs...like the wind...An easterly wind perhaps?! Tummi makes it to a sheep farm.
We know this because there are sheep locked up in a fence on the left side of the stone house. Tummi needs to hide somewhere so he hides in with the sheep because apparently; blue blends with white very well. The sheep baa about as the ogres arrive and manage to find Tummi because his red hat and blue ears are showing. Darn it! I knew that red hat would be trouble someday. The ogres actually use their brains (HUH?!) and grab the sack as Tummi sneaks in the sheep farm which is amazing considering his weight. The yellow ogre dives and thinks he's got him; but he's slower than Tummi and misses completely as Tummi enters into the house via the window. Yeah; that didn't look contrived in the very least no siree! The yellow ogres captures a sheep of course and he's an idiot so the ogres leave without further incident. No wonder Dukie was a complete failure. We go to Tummi's view as the ogres leave. He waves his hat from his head because it's hotter than hell. Join the club Tummi; it's 38*C in Halifax right now as I'm writing this. However; the HOUND OF HELL sees him and starts growling on him like a rabid dog.
Tummi backs up and it looks like he's dog food until Patty Paris' voice (Helen Little, Lilly the Cat from Dumbo Circus, Skiddes from Ducktales etc. Small note: One other major voice talent was also in Dumbo Circus. One hint: He voiced over 40 characters in TaleSpin) beckons as she orders Watcher to sit. The gray dog sits on command as we see a woman walking with a cane and unblinking eyes (which is a cartoon sign that the woman is blind I should note) walking towards Tummi. Tummi is fearful because a human notices Tummi. But the woman pats his dog and tells Tummi that Watcher won't hurt you. I'm about to hurt the Crack Disney Captions Team for continuing to ignore what the people actually SAY in these episodes. The no vision lady kneels down and starts touching Tummi as Tummi hold out his hand and waves it. She doesn't flinch as Tummi admits that she's blind and therefore doesn't know that he is a Gummi Bear. More touching from Trina and let's face it: Touching is Good unless you signed up to be a witch in SNK Playmore's Witch Trial videogame for Nintendo DS. They exchange notes as Tummi takes exception to Trina calling him plump; but Trina is plump so he has no real right to complain and he knows it.
Trina helps Tummi up by herself basically which shows that she is truly independent. I got to give Bob credit for that at least. Trina offers some pancakes as Tummi is about to leave; but Tummi gets the LIGHTBULB OF BLOODY CLAIRTY and decides to take up on her offer. That spot looked really contrived and forced I should note. Trina goes outside with Tummi close behind as he grabs the bucket and offers her some help because she's helpless. Before I continue: Tummi is not sexist in any way or the prejudice is from malice. He really wants to help people who cannot help themselves. The problem with Tummi is that he thinks they are completely defenseless. Sure; the subject he's trying to help probably thinks Tummi is kind of heart; but often they get annoyed because he thinks Trina (and Grammi) are crippled and therefore completely. It's one or the other. So far; Disney is handling this subject well. I'm sadden that they handled the mute character in Rescue Rangers so badly because it would have helped a lot in showing that disabled characters can be both great and funny at the same time without being an offense or an annoyance. Trina doesn't buy it and takes the bucket back and goes to the well to show that she is truly independent and Tummi's amazed. One thing about blindness: It forces you into using your other senses as a backup when the sight goes down to zero. Trina's got that down pat. She gets her water perfectly which shows that Drake Mallard is a total idiot. Thankfully; Len wrote it for laughs; because if it was written for pathos like this episode does; Len would be considered one of the most disgusting human beings in the eyes of blind people everywhere.
We head to the camp where Dukie and Toadie are eating soup on a wooden picnic table. Isn't that a little out of place for this era guys?! Of course; Bearcat has lambasted me for saying that for object in TaleSpin which most of them were made in the time period so I have to be careful. The ogres return to him with the SACK OF KIDNAPS (or the SACK OF LIES; take your pick here) and show him the sheep of their loins. HA HA! If only the spot where the ogre was trying to grab Tummi wasn't so contrived. Dukie is ticked off and the urge to rack ogres is rising. The sheep hates Dukie's goatee so it runs away. Sadly; Dukie doesn't MURDER it for it's meat; grind its bones to make bread and wear it's white wool. It's Disney; what did you expect?! Toadie comes over to Dukie (after Dukie calls for him) and of course he gets grabbed by the vest and they have a meeting of the noses; and it's wasn't for the best nose contest. Dukie basically tells him to take the ogres back to Trina's house and capture the Gummi Bear; as Toadie salutes him and then Dukie throws him away like a girl. Well; that spot was better this time; but no bump is present because we cut to Tummi and Trina washing dishes near the well before Toadie falls to the ground. Curses! Foiled again! Trina and Tummi exchange notes and thanks until Trina hears something but Tummi doesn't.
See; a person who has practiced his/her methods for subbing other sense typically have better sense of hearing, smell or taste. Mister Magoo she is not. Trina grabs Tummi's arm and they go into the house and into the attic as she successfully traces her steps to the bale of hay where Tummi would hide. Tummi is impressed; but Trina explains that it is due to practice. I'm happy that Bob is handling this issue with grace and respect unless most blind plot devices; but the contrived spots are dragging this episode down. Tummi hides in the hay as we cut to Toadie showing that he's ultra-cool by knocking on the door in the name of Dukie. Trina doesn't sell so Toadie decides he'll break down the door because he's an idiot. But he's our idiot as the ogres giggle under their paws. Toadie of course backs up and run like an idiot towards the door...and it opens and he crashes into something off-screen with a decent bump as Trina pops out without suffering anything whatsoever. Considering all the bumps into blind people spots over the years; this is refreshing. She doesn't suspect a thing which is good as the ogres clap in unison because Toadie is an idiot of course. If Toadie was skipping to the Luu on that spot; that would have been absolutely funny. Trina goes back into the house as we see Toadie against the back door as a pink vase shatters on impact because let's face it: a cartoon isn't a cartoon without it. Right TaleSpin?!
Toadie invents the Ron “Blood In My Stool” Tussien spot before our very eyes and his neck doesn't crack as a result. She grabs him by the mouth and throws him on his back in a really cute spot. Toadie gets up and blows her off as he orders the ogres to search the cottage. Trina wants answers as Toadie states that they are looking for a hairy creature and then calls her girlie. I guess this is Magon's trip into forbidden words land. They search the house of course and Trina reminds Toadie that she is blind. Toadie is dumbfounded of course and blows her off as Toadie notices the ladder which leads to the hay loft. Toadie decides to be brave and strong while Trina tells him to look to his heart's content. Just watch out for the bats; which allows Toadie to get the FACE OF COWARDS and screeching occurs because Tummi is basically doing the bat call. Lorenzo Music is a genius sezs I and Toadie steps down because he is afraid of bats and heights of course. So the two ogres will search the loft instead and the yellow ogre's head gets stuck of course because he's just TOO FAT. That is just peachy as Trina (through her other senses of course) notices that Toadie is on the rug and she pulls it from underneath him. Toadie lands with a wussy bump as Trina asks if he's all right and then invokes the cane right on Toadie's midsection.
Yeah; like she's fooling anyone with her innocent act. She then invokes the cane right on the ladder and tips it down to ground level which allows the yellow ogre's head to become unstuck and he falls down and takes a wussy bump on the floor. Is TMS taking the day off here on the bumps?! She then uses the cane to invoke MOLLY VIOLENCE (ALL HAIL!) on the shin of the orange ogre and he sells it like he broke his shinbone. That is one devastating cane! She sezs her sorry (yeah right?!) and bumps into Toadie which looked like TMS slightly screwed up and Toadie falls to a decent bump. Trina goes over and offers a hand; but Toadie has had enough of Trina using her blindness as a deceptive weapon of mini destruction and the ogres run out of the house like scalded dogs. Only ogres would fall for such a trick. They also shut the door of course because they are cowards I guess. Trina puts the ladder back into position (What a strong lady; maybe way too strong..) and Tummi climbs down. Tummi wants to leave; but Trina insists on staying until dark. Tummi is worried about this but Trina gives him the wooden stool (NOT THAT ONE!) and states that they are going to invoke the blind version of the MIMI JOKE ZONE on Dukie who is a booby of course. Considering all the heat he is losing; I can see why she would say that...
We head back to the camp as the ogres are standing at attention so you know that this is serious now. Toadie tries to explain that he did everything possible to check the house; but the orange ogre of course screws up by telling the truth allowing Toadie to do the “Oh crap” head slap spot. Dukie is not happy with this because he missed the obvious place. He missed it because Trina got treated like a cripple by Toadie and Trina made him pay for it big time. Dukie uncorks the sword and shoves the ogres aside because he's going to check the house. Oh; you know he's serious now! We cut to Dukie knocking on the door with his sword (because it's cool to do it in 1985 see...) demanding that Trina open up in the name of Duke Igthorn. Trina opens the door just as Dukie gets as cocky as a Grade-B Don Karnage. Dukie enters as Trina states that she bows in his presence. Of course she's lying because we clearly see Tummi hiding behind the door and Trina hiding behind a pillar. It's pitch black inside as the wooden stool (NOT THAT ONE!) is in the front. Thankfully; Tummi locks the door from the inside and it's completely dark so Bob makes sure that at least one spot doesn't look contrived. Dukie trips and falls flat on his face with a decent bump from the stool of course..and swears in DUBBED ANIME STYLE (Blast!).Dukie gets up and demands that Trina show him the hay loft. Trina gleefully (read: she sounds like she's a zombie for some odd reason.) as they head to the hay loft via the ladder. Tummi sneaks to the ladder as we head into the hay loft as Dukie takes a wooden support beam right in the kisser with a ultra-sick MAN-SIZED bump.
Dukie sells it like he is drunk. Finally; TMS does one of those spots and it's with Dukie what a shock?! More bumping from Dukie on those beams as they walk off-screen as the ladder is dropped down. Take one guess who did that. Dukie continues to bump his face on the beams. Memo to Dukie: Crawl. He sees a clump of hay and thinks it's Tummi. So he invokes the sword on it and we hear a loud klang off-screen since it cuts to outside where Toadie and the ogres are. Dukie screams as he struck the ANVIL OF NEIDHART. Darn it! I knew someone left it there and of course Trina notices it there. Dukie sells it like he's drunk and stoned now. Dukie goes into his classic blowoff in order to order the ogres to tear the house to splinters; but he falls from the trapdoor and goes splat with a MAN-SIZED bump off-screen. The ogres cheer for death outside on the appearance shot because they are idiots who would never suspect a thing. Tummi replaces the ladder as Dukie is selling it as if he's suffering from dizziness as Trina asks him for his status. Dukie barely gets up and stutters worse than Honker being bullied by Drake. Trina comes down and asks what Dukie is looking for and Dukie proclaims that it's a small fury creature. Trina offers him Watcher as the creature. Of course; it's dark and Dukie looks drunk so he assumes it's a Gummi Bear and grabs him. Bad move Dukie as Dukie get bit on the hand as a result. Not as cool as Kit biting Don on the butt; but whatever.
It works in 1985 as Dukie realizes that he has duped by his own men because they think that dog was a Gummi Bear. The fall really knocked him silly as Trina helps him up by touching him. Ewwwww! Evil germs; begone from her pure hands! Trina basically praises Dukie as Dukie gets up and accepts it like a Sony fanboy being lied to by Sony after their showing of PlayStation 3. Dukie and Trina walk outside as Dukie blows off the ogres for being REALLY STUPID. Since the ogres are REALLY STUPID; I'll let this slide. Dukie pats her on the head. Oh great; a human in the pet shop now with Kit. Gidget must be having a brain clot right about now. Dukie exchanges notes with Trina as he yells at his ogres to NEVER bother her again. Don't worry; they won't because this is Trina's only appearance in this series. Dukie speaks French to say goodbye to her to start the tradition of getting French speaking people to watch this show in English. It failed of course as Dukie kisses her hand and remounts on his black horse. The ogres leave off-screen as Trina waves goodbye to them...and then blows them off because they are the heels see. We head inside the dining room as Tummi and Trina have a wonderful last meal together and exchange notes. Tummi pats the dog (which is apporos in this case; so no pet shop joke here) admitting that it's time to go. Trina touches him one more time (to tell him that he's always welcome in her home) and tries to kiss him to say goodbye; but Tummi pushes her aside. Why?
Can't he take one last kiss before Trina fades into the one-character hall of fame joining the dozens of TaleSpin characters. Tummi runs out the door as the sun sets slowly in the west and waves goodbye. Well that was pretty rude of him. We head back to the living room of Gummi Glenn as Grammi is still sitting down on the footstool with the broken leg basically apologizing for her blowing off earlier in the episode. Why? Tummi was being annoying with his over the top helping. There's nothing to apologize for except for the yelling. Tummi accepts it and Grammi asks him to get a book on the shelf. Tummi blows it off because she should do it herself and walks out. Finally; that bear has learned something about independence and not being used as a footstool (which is symbolic in this case since the device is right there holding GRAMMI'S FOOT OF LAUGHS). Now if he would do that to Gruffi; he would learn the fine art of standing up to bullies. Grammi looks annoyed and dumbfounded to end the episode at 10:39. Okay; I want to give this episode the full monty because Bob handled the Trina character with style, grace and respect; but the contrived spots did this episode in. Bob didn't handle the writing part down as some of the spot looked so out of place that it made Bob look like an absolute rookie. Patty Paris' acting didn't help either. Sad really... *** ¾ ( 75%)
Toadie's Wild Ride: Now for those who wonder when I say that a logic break is popped right out of the episode; this is the episode to refer to for that joke. I believe Disney made a ride out of this if I'm not mistaken because I often hear about by Disney Television Animation fans. We begin this one inside the dining room of Drekmore as Dukie is talking about Castle Dumbwin...ERRR...Castle Dunwyn being his.. Yadda...Yadda...Yadda...Toadie; our focus character and ultra-cool sidekick shuffles paper because there's nothing better for him to do until he gets the heave-ho if you know what I mean. Dukie is drinking beer (or so we think since Disney would NEVER allow alcohol in children's animation now would it?) in the mug in a black nightgown which matches his black horse. Dukie proclaims that it's worth staying up all night because he's cocky and awesome.... Apparently....
Toadie thinks so too because he doesn't want to be racked of course as Dukie puts the mug on Toadie's little pinhead and it stays there because Toadie is an idiot of course. Dukie covers his face because he's tired and it looks like the two are going to have a meeting of the minds; but they don't as Dukie reclaims his mug. Dukie then asks Toadie what the details of his awesome plan are and of course Toadie forgets as he cowers in fear because he's an idiot and knows he's going to get MURDERED by Dukie. When you do a skip to my lou spot and get squashed; you have to be one. Toadie also lost all of his work for no apparent reason as he cowers in fear. That spot is awesome and would have be even more if the writer just explained how Toadie lost the notes. I would LOVE to hear Toadie's excuse for THAT one. Dukie is ticked off and the urge to rack ogres is rising. He even gets the CHEAP HEAT OF LAUGHS just to amuse me. Well; cheap heat is better than losing you heat so I'll allow THAT one. So we head to the catapult as Toadie is on the cup side of course as per his punishment for losing his notes in front of Dukie. I don't get it; the notes were IN HIS HANDS THE WHOLE TIME. How could he lost them?!
So what was he shuffling?! Papers of Dukie getting racked himself in a sick fantasy?! Just wondering...Dukie completely blows him off like Toadie is getting a dishonorable discharge. Toadie should only be so lucky; Dukie could have tickled his feet or worse get racked by the two horses from MXC and do the splits. Toadie gets off one last whimper before Dukie completely blows him off. The shark joke was amusing though and I finally get to say it: TOADIE HAS BEEN POPPED OUT OF THE CASTLE! Baloo and Louie; this is your future. Learn to love it! Learn to live with it! Diamonds are forever and so is Kit Cloudkicker! That was just great as Toadie gets off one more Dukie before flying into parts unknown....Well; Dukie got back most of his heat; now can he keep that heel heat?
We head to the Quick Tunnels as the Gummi Bears are in the Quick Cars (so sezs Cavin) as everyone gets in because they are going outside for a picnic. Tummi's around which means that I...must... refrain...from...making....tasteless... Yogi...Bear. ...Joke! Gruffi is of course blowing off Grammi's cooking (What a shock?!) because she cannot ruin carrot sticks and hard-boiled eggs while carrying the PICNIC BASKET OF YOGI'S. Oh crap! I just did one...I must go and confess my sins now and repent...I'll be back in a moment...(Two hours later)....Okay; I'm back. Grammi calls out the boys to pack the leftover cake carefully and of course Tummi eats it...and of course he denies it while having icing on his nose. He has learned NOTHING from The Oracle. So much for his diet. Tummi's attempt to deny is downright lame. As if the ogre story would EVER work. Use a slumber sprite next time; it's more BELIEVABLE! Even Zummi's not buying Tummi's story and Tummi uses a little ogre.
Even Toadie wouldn't eat something with Tummi's germs on it. EWWWWW! Grammi rightfully blows Tummi off and Tummi looks stupid. What a surprise?! Honestly; Toadie and Tummi would make a fine homosexual couple. Tummi does the roll off the heels spot that Kit would later steal and quite honestly; Kit's much better. It looks a lot less jerky. No one's buying Tummi's lack of control when it comes to food and this time; I don't blame them. If you are going to deny; come up with a better story..and make sure there is no evidence leftover! Grammi proclaims to Tummi to not eat anymore until supper and Tummi doesn't like that because the Quick Cars makes him hungry. I perfer Quick Sleds better since it's based on Bobsledding; an official Olympic Sport. Gruffi blows him off in response with the jaw on elbow spot which is more annoying than his stubborn pose as the Quick Cars rides away....
Scene changer and we go to the forest as Toadie is walking without any injuries whatsoever. He must have landed in the JELLO MOUNTAIN OF DOOM to not suffer any injuries after that awesome spot. That sort of kills the spot for me. Toadie blows off Dukie ala Kit Cloudkicker (I love that spot; although Kit does it better) and then he sobs like a baby. HAHA! That is much better! Great spot from Toadie! I WANT MY DUKIE! BWHAHAHAHAHA! Oh man; I got a real kick out of that! Toadie trips on the TREE ROOTS OF IRONY and falls down on his can. Wow! That was different. Usually it ends with a Disney character falling flat on his face in a MAN-SIZED bump. Toadie sounds so wimpy that he's taking wussy bumps as a result. Toadie's over dramatic speech would have been funnier if he was acting with over dramatics. He sounds normal in this episode. He gets up realizing that the wolves would eat him (As if Loopy would EVER do that?!) and continues walking until he realizes that he should stay in one spot and sits down. The educational line of the episode which is fine in theory but you need to do a LOT more than that to stay alive in the lost woods. He proclaims that nothing will make him move from this spot; which allows the two Quick Cars to pop out right behind him and basically MURDER Toadie.
Toadie flips and flops better than anyone else. Kuzo and the animators from Emperor's New Skool should take the hint from TMS: that's how you do that spot. Watch this 100 times...Take notes...Thank you...and he still manages to get into the Quick Car (the one with Gruffi and Tummi) and we go to the riding sequence as Toadie bites on the cloth to prevent from throwing up. Gruffi accuses Tummi of rocking the car and Tummi blows him off because he didn't do it. Gruffi returns the favor. So much for standing up to Gruffi. More Gruffi blows offs as Tummi tries to grab the cloth; but Toadie gives him the apple to Tummi. I suspect that he's screwed right now. They stop at the check point and Toadie scatters to hide right behind the steps. That hiding spot is REALLY STUPID because it's right next to the stairs where EVERYONE can see him when the bears go topside. It's Toadie; what did you expect. Oh wait; the bears are coming back from a picnic; my mistake! Bruce got me confused there. Grammi orders everyone except Cubbi to get the stuff in. Cubbi gets to make his bed and Cubbi blows Grammi off calling her a woman and storms off. Oooooo..I see Gruffi has rubbed off on the awesome pink bear. Toadie likes this because this is the way to get into his good graces with Dukie.
Toadie runs upstairs after Cubbi as Tummi takes out the PICNIC BASKET OF Y....DOOM and of course Tummi notices the white cloth has a hole in it; plus an apple is rotten to the core with a chicken bone. The whole leftovers are gone of course and the Gummi's give him the eye contact violence. Well; half of them anyway as Tummi is in full denial mode. No one is buying it of course. Tummi invokes the POINTY FINGER OF DOOM to finger Toadie which is one responsible of course; but the Gummi's think he's accusing Cubbi of the deed. Considering that Cubbi is not in the room; that hardly qualifies as Tummi accusing Cubbi guys. Well at least they didn't call Tummi out for accusing Cubbi. Of course; no one buys Tummi's defense because Tummi's TOO FAT and Toadie's TOO THIN.
Grammi orders Tummi to take in the baskets; but Tummi refuses and runs upstairs to catch Toadie. Wow; he finally stood up for himself and is willing to take measures to prove himself. Now if he can lose some weight; he's got it made. Toadie now enters Zummi's book room as we go with the side pan shot of the Great Book of Gummi. Toadie slowly walks towards the book and is in awe. Toadie sees the book and this is an AMAZING DISCOVERY and Dukie must know about this. He goes over to the desk which contains paper and a ink well with the Wii Feather. It's 1985 and Nintendo is ALREADY starting the Wii ad blitz! He grabs the notes and declares that he's going to tell all of the secrets to Dukie; but he still doesn't have a way home. Until he notices the map which shows the paths of the Quick Tunnels. He notices it and decides to start his map making.
He walks out of the room and of course Tummi is right there in front of him. UH OH! Tummi turns around and Toadie is so BUSTED! Well; in theory anyway. Toadie runs away and it's the SCOOBY DOO running sequence which is pointless because TMS doesn't do limited animation techniques like that. Tummi's got a high energy level because he manages to catch up to Tummi; but Toadie pulls the conviently placed lever (WRONG LEVER!) which opens the trapdoor. Oy vey guys as Tummi falls down and Toadie's hands slip and he falls with him down the cave slide to end the segment about five minutes in....
After the commercial break; we continue the wacky sliding as they finally land right on Cubbi's bed. And all of Cubbi's fine work is wasted as the bed gets messed up of course. Toadie then grows a brain and smothers Tummi with the purple sheet and then runs out of the room and locks the door. Tummi struggles like a fool as Toadie runs stage right in the hallway just as Grammi and Cubbi appear stage left. Cubbi is going to be so disappointed when he opens the door. Because Toadie is not in there for Cubbi to bash so to speak. Cubbi opens the door and they are shocked and appalled (in that order) as the PURPLE PHANTOM OF THE PURPLE PIEMAN OF PORUPINE PEAK arises from the grave of Cubbi's bed. Or not as Tummi thrashes around like a madman calling Toadie bad names as Grammi manages to give Tummi some air. His brain seems to be low on that resource. Grammi blows him off and wants him to stop talking about ogres...Or what Grammi?! Jettison him from the episode?! That would be hypocritical since you should have done that to Gruffi in the middle of this season already.
Tummi storms out as he is going to have to show them the truth. Good luck fool; you failed in trying to do THAT already. We head back to the dining room of Drekmore as Dukie is doing his usual grandstanding (complete with mug) and the yellow ogre takes notes down. Dukie demands that the yellow ogre read it back and the yellow ogre blows him off because he cannot do both reading and writing. What a moron and Dukie about to let him have it as Disney proves that alcohol is not on this show because the MUG of BEERS is filled with non-alcoholic root beer. Cannot win them all and Dukie's suit is ruined. So that means yellow ogre is forced to kneel for mercy I guess. The yellow ogre kneels down and Dukie puts the mug on his head. It's just not the same without Toadie to screw up and even Dukie knows that now. He wants to know where Toadie is and of course that logically leads to Toadie being in the kitchen eating the Gummi Bears out of house and home. Boy; this makes even Baloo look like an angel in comparison. Toadie hears something and he then jumps up and hides in the conveniently place basket of lemons on top of a beam hung by a rope. Even Toadie's becoming a sourpuss as Tummi enters with the fly swatter. To quote Ron Sparks: Oooo; that's naughty. Tummi's going to hit Toadie on the fanny with a flyswatter. Imagine him being giddy when he said that and you get the picture. Believe it or not; it was a video featuring bugs singing and rocking while going up a ladies skirt..and everyone gave it a thumbs way up on Video on Trial. Of course Grammi arrives to blow him off and tells him to get a broom.
Tummi tries to say it but it's a forbidden word now in Gummi Glenn I guess. Grammi storms off as she goes to the MINI BARREL OF MINI LAUGHS (HEE HEE!) inside the cupboard which is where the secret emergency ROIDED JUICE OF DEATH is hidden I guess. Toadie goes over and nearly blows his cover (Gummi Berry Juice) before hiding back in the lemons. Not surprisely; this episode is lemonade for the soul as Grammi fills the vials with ROIDED JUICE. Remember that spot for later as he covers his mouth. Grammi doesn't suspect a thing as she corks the barrel so to speak and walks off. Toadie tips the basket and the lemons drops out and that's enough for Grammi to notice as she walks to it (after locking the cupboard containing the barrel) and throws it back into the basket which catches Toadie square in the left eye with a decent bump. OUCH! That's got to leave a mark! Tears flow on that spot as Grammi walks out with the VIALS OF ROIDED JUICE. Toadie jumps out with the lemons pouring out of the basket and puts the notes underneath his leather vest (EWWWW!) and manages to open the cupboard and takes out the barrel.
Grammi really needs Gruffi to learn how to be a locksmith after that spot. Tummi has the RIC FLAIR BROOMSTICK OF DOOM which means that he rules the roost (it's 1985 after all) and Toadie is BUSTED...AGAIN! Toadie runs as Tummi bashes the lemon basket and lemons pour out. Gee whiz; how many lemons were in that basket?! Tummi slips on the lemon peel and falls to a wussy bumps and gets nearly entombed in lemons. We head to the far living room shot as Grammi puts the tray containing the VIALS OF ROIDED JUICE on the table while Toadie practices the art of not being seen without any incident. Which logically leads to Tummi storming in complete with lemon shower (I think) saying that a little ogre has the secret barrel of Gummi Berry Juice. Of course; NO ONE buys it. So Tummi does the last thing that he could do: steal the tray containing the VIAL OF ROIDED JUICE and run after Toadie! Now where was this quick thinking before?! Gruffi thinks Tummi is insane. I think Grammi's losing it since she clearly HEARD Toadie's voice earlier. It's her fault. Remember that. Everyone runs after Tummi of course towards the Quick Tunnels. And after eight minutes of denying; Zummi realizes that Tummi's telling the truth. Gruffi fears Toadie's procession of the ROIDED JUICE because nothing would stop Dukie. One problem: Unless they revamped the formula to make the juice long lasting; I doubt Dukie will have enough strength to conquer Castle Dunwyn with that barrel. Bad CONTINUITY ERROR there Bruce. Great twirling animation from TMS as Toadie unintentionally pulls the lever (WRONG LEVER!) and he's zipping through the tunnels in fear. The Gummi Bears follow him in an overloaded Quick Car.
Sadly; there's too much weight for the Gummi side as Toadie is far ahead. Bobsledding commences as the Gummi Bears just basically created interest in bobsledding for generations to come....and the waterfall splash spot occurs of course complete with Toadie eating fish. I guess crow isn't available in this series. Great spot occurs as the Gummi Bears duck (Gruffi telling them to duck of course) except Tummi and he eats fish..and blows off Gruffi in the process. Too funny and of course Tummi's cravings are coming back. They try to go up the hill; but the Gummi sled is too heavy and Zummi is force to pull the lever (WRONG LEVER!) to stop the sled just inches from actually making it. Toadie cheers for victory on that spot; but since he's an idiot (but he's OUR idiot!) he basically gets MURDERED by the ceiling spike right in the back of the head just as he does a Grade S Molly worthy raspberry. HAHA! Too funny. Nice bump on the floor by Toadie as Grammi blows him off for not wearing his seatbelt. See; it's educational and it's funny. When you do that; morals can be fun. Disney used to be AWESOME in doing that and TaleSpin got it down to an artform. Everyone unbuckles as Toadie goes to the rope ladder and goes up topside. The babyfaces follow him topside and now they have the advantage as the Gummi Bears uncork their VIALS OF ROIDED JUICE. They drink up (in stereo) and it's BUTT BOUNCING TIME! Toadie is so finished now as Tummi cuts Toadie off in a funny way. When Lorenzo Music is on; he is on FIRE BABEE! Toadie tries another route; but is cut off by Gruffi. Toadie is quickly surrounded by the rest of the Gummi's and they stop bouncing.
It's all over for Toadie until he realizes that he has the barrel of ROIDED JUICE and uncorks it. This ought to be fun. “I'll use this forest like a club” has got to be one of my favorite Toadie lines of all time as he drinks up (Grammi pleads for him not to drink so much juice for an added suspense touch) and it's ROID RAGE TIME. Everyone backs up (as ordered by Zummi because that's way too much juice for one ogre) because Toadie drinking more roids than anyone could humanly drink in one sitting. Toadie destroys the barrel and is ready to MURDER some Gummi Bears; but he does the whistle spot. UH OH! Do you now understand why the Gummi Bears only drink a small vial of roided juice?! THAT'S WHY as Toadie bounces like a uncontrolled goof and then ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE on the poor little ogre as he gulps. WHAT?! Disney wouldn't allow him to burp? That's so lame as he rockets into the sky and Toadie HAS BEEN POPPED RIGHT OUT OF GUMMI GLEN. He loses his notes of course as the whole experience makes Tummi have more cravings again. Time to put him on the water diet.
We head back to Drekmore at the window sill as Dukie still wants Toadie back as Toadie rockets right into Dukie and nearly MURDERS him with a MAN-SIZED bump. OUCH! That was a Kit worthy MAN-SIZED bump rocket spot there. He loses more papers of course. Dukie is unharmed of course as he notices Toadie and praises him because he needs him to screw with and get his heat back I guess. They have a bonding moment for about one second as Dukie blows him off and pushes him off. Some things never change. Nice bump by Toadie on the floor as he tells him that he's been to Gummi Glen and Dukie changes his tune as he wants to hear all of the gory details. He goes into his vest and of course he's screwed because he lost all his notes..AGAIN! BWHAHAHAHAHAHA! Some things never change. Dukie even gets the forbidden religious word pray in there as Toadie sobs on that spot. Dukie calls Toadie an intellectual midget (So true Dukie!) and of course Dukie wants to pop Toadie out of this episode. Thankfully; Toadie is smart enough to realize that and runs away into the hallway. Dukie follows him and that is the end of the episode at 10:38. Okay; the episode itself wasn't that great with the use of Tummi's faults and Tummi's somewhat un-natural out of character routine; but it was the Toadie show and it made up for it. At least for one episode; Duke Igthorn got most of his heat back. A few logic breaks prevented the full monty though. **** ½ (90%).
THE REVIEW LINE
Two more shorts are in the books and there is no let down unlike Darkwing Duck suffered. In all honestly; What You See Is Me should have been a ***** short. It had the makings of being a real issue driven episode as Tummi learns that disabled people are not really disabled at all. Bob did an excellent job in making Trina's character work well and show that Tummi's attempt to help the defenseless was really over the top and it showed that he should prejudge people just because they are injured or blind in the case of Trina. The whole attempt of Dukie and his men getting screwed was priceless and in a surprise, Duke Igthorn actually gained heat from the experience even if it was sympathy heat. Tummi's role as the helpful but annoying plump bear worked wonders as well. It really didn't matter if Trina was blind because I doubt she would just give away the secret of the Gummi Bears with that kind hear of hers. Bob somehow looked like a million dollars as a writer until you fully dissect the episode and you could see some scenes that were so contrived. When the yellow ogre caught a sheep he jumped just after Tummi was well away from danger (right up to the house by then) and Bob made the yellow ogre catch a sheep instead and the ogres sell it as if they had Tummi. It was a really contrived spot along with Tummi's contradicting ending where he was rude when he forced himself away from Trina while running out. That is completely against Tummi's character. Pat Paris' acting left something to be desired when Dukie entered as she sounded like a zombie. Again; good episode which suffered from some glaring flaws.
Toadie's Wild Ride was much better as only a few logic breaks and Tummi's out of character stand up for himself routine didn't like all that natural to me. However; Toadie completely ruled this episode with is silly acting; great spots (including the ones with Duke Igthorn and the catapult of course) and of course a really silly ending that developed the Gummi Berry Juice plot some more. Toadie proves that he is smarter than he looks; he only made one tiny mistake (drink too much juice) through out the whole ordeal and of course in the end; he is completely screwed and at the mercy of Duke Igthorn who thanks to Toadie's selfless attempt to take punishment and get into Gummi Glenn allowed Iggy to get most of the heat he lost in the previous episodes. Sadly; he's going to lose it again soon enough. Again; a few mistakes marred an otherwise great episode. Next up is Bubble Trouble and Gummi in a Strange Land. A bubble breathing dragon firing the most awesome weapon in existence and a slumber sprite who puts Gruffi to sleep. Sign me up. Too bad Sunni is in one of the shorts....So.....
Thumbs in the middle for What You See Is Me and thumbs up for Toadie's Wild Ride and I'll see you all next time.