'Ultimate Book of Spells' "The New Librarian" (2001)
Opening thoughts: 'Ultimate Book of Spells' first aired when this reviewer was 9. Liked it a lot back then, and have revisited it a number of times since as a fan of animation. It is far from ground-breaking or one of the best shows, animated and not, ever made, but it also does not deserve its now relatively forgotten status. Thank goodness for good old Youtube. Can totally see the criticisms it garners for being closely indebted to Harry Potter (only picked up upon some while after the show first aired), and there are elements throughout that are very similar and clearly inspired, but this viewer considers it more of a love letter rather than a rip off.
All the previous episodes are well worth watching and more, especially "Time and Again", though neither are full on great episodes. Neither is "The New Librarian". Actually didn't remember it very much as a child, but seeing it again a few times through older eyes it is better than remembered, very like "Fire with Fire". It is not one of the best episodes of 'Ultimate Book of Spells' and may not be that original, but it is still well worth watching and entertaining.
Bad things: It does take a little time to get going perhaps.
Snerrett and Rowce are as opposite of amusing and very obnoxious as to be expected, though luckily their roles aren't large.
Good things: "The New Librarian" has a lot that is good though. Am continuing to love the distinct personalities of Cassy, Gus and Verne and their chemistry together. Gus and Verne are very cute together and the tensions caused when everybody else doesn't believe Verne when he discovers the truth didn't come over as forced. UBOS continues to be wise, funny and firm and Zarlak is a suitably sinister antagonist even in his small screen time. Beagleboyce is a good addition, though it is with his character where one can see a definite Harry Potter influence with shades of Gilderoy Lockhart and Horace Slughorn.
Really liked the Vonderland setting, which is magical, and Zarlak's lair has the right amount of creepiness. The animation is crisp and colourful and the music fits well and doesn't sound out of date. The voice acting is fine, especially for UBOS and Zarlak. The writing is fun and entertaining, really liked the Renaissance Italy references with Lucretia and Borgia's names (a play on one of the Renaissance's most notorious historical figures) and the Medicis mention. Very surprising to have them on a show primarily targeted for younger audiences. Once the story got going, it had a nice energy and atmosphere even if it was predictable (with the viewer guessing the truth even before Verne does).
Closing thoughts: Overall, nice episode.
8/10.
