Actually really liked the premise for 'Blue Racer Blues', it was different from the previous cartoons and for the Blue Racer series it was one of the standout ones. Was not too thrilled about the beetle, one of DePatie-Freleng Enterprises' worst and most annoying creations along with Crazylegs Crane's son in the Crazylegs Crane cartoons, returning, and the Blue Racer series is on the whole one of the studio's worst theatrical series.
There were a couple of surprisingly decent efforts, and 'Blue Racer Blues' is one of them. Actually would go as far to say that it is a contender for the best cartoon in the series. It is not perfect or great, with it not to be seen if you want anything innovative. But if you want to see any Blue Racer cartoon that improves upon most of the previous cartoons' common problems and proof that the series was capable of something good, 'Blue Racer Blues' is the closest one is going to get to that.
'Blue Racer Blues' isn't anything extraordinary. The story is thin and there is never any doubt about the outcome of the attempts to get affection. Not all the animation is great, especially at the end where the drawing is some of the series' cheapest. This time too Blue Racer looks a bit odd and his shade of blue keeps changing, sometimes vivid in between light and dark blue and at other times washed out blue and it was jarring.
It was of no surprise that the beetle is still pretty annoying, too much of a stereotype not done in good taste and Tom Holland's voice acting is going to induce cringing. Having said that, this is probably his most slightly tolerable appearance as there is a different more appealing dynamic between him and Blue Racer and his advice and witticisms were interesting and deceptively helpful.
However, a lot is good here. Blue Racer has shown growth as a character, found him very bland and one note at first but his personality did grow the craftier he became and he became more rootable. He is rootable in this situation where he wants love and affection, which is relatable to anybody. Did like his chemistry with the beetle in the one time they really gelled together. Larry D. Mann does nicely with the voice acting and has gotten more confident with each cartoon. While the animation is not always great, there are some beautiful colours and the backgrounds are a little more elaborate this time.
While the story is not an original one in animation, for a Blue Racer and beetle cartoon it was different and like the old formula turned on its head. It has a lot more energy than the previous cartoons and the following too and is more eventful than most cartoons in the series. The outcomes of the gags are predictable but it doesn't become too repetitive and the gags aren't as old as those in most of the rest of the series. There are more gags than usual and while they aren't fresh they are well timed and amusing at least for the first time of the series. The music is characterful and upbeat with an infectious main theme and the opening credits are well designed.
Overall, surprisingly decent. 7/10.
