'Tiny Toon Adventures' proved frequently that it could do episodes structured as (mostly three) segments very well. The quality in most may not have been consistent, with for example one segment being especially great and another only average, but all the show's segment-structured episodes have a huge amount to recommend. "Playtime Toons" intrigued me from the get go, being somebody who was obsessed with toys when younger and who is still fond of them, so a very nostalgic sounding story here.
"Playtime Toons" and the writers clearly had fun with the toys scenario. Absolutely love the Fantastic Toyland setting that is introduced in the wraparound story. When it comes to "Playtime Toons" three segments ("Happy Birthday Hamton", "Fit to be Toyed" and "Strung Along Kitty"), one didn't quite do for it. The other two did, one being very good and the other being pretty brilliant. While far from one of the best 'Tiny Toon Adventures' episode, this was very good.
"Strung Along Kitty" was the segment that could have been (much) better and doesn't quite come off. The segment succeeds when it comes to the nostalgia and is well animated and voiced, but elsewhere it did feel a bit bland, a bit too cute and is not particularly funny. Whether one likes it is dependent on your general opinion of Furrball, to me he has always been inoffensive enough but personality-wise he is not one of the most interesting characters on the show.
Luckily the other two segments do work and to a high standard. The very good segment is "Fit to be Toyed", it is suitably wild without feeling too manic, very smart writing that is lots of fun (having and bringing fun to a story that could have been mean-spirited if not done right) if not always imaginative and it is affectionately nostalgic. Montana Max has also grown on me a good deal as a character.
Best of all is the brilliant "Happy Birthday Hamton". The wackiness is big and full of energy, the wit is sharp as a razor in the dialogue, it has the imagination that "Fit to be Toyed" didn't quite have as much, it really did make me nostalgic for toys (always has done), it has a scenario that is closest to the style of classic Looney Tunes and it is never less than very funny and at its best it is hilarious. The characters don't seem likeable at first when their good intentions waver and they become more selfish but they learn from their mistakes and there is some messaging that isn't laid on too thick. The chemistry between the characters is witty and irresistible.
Did love the wraparound story, which introduces the colourful Toyland setting and it does play to Babs' character characteristics so well, the writers and Tress MacNeille did have fun with Babs here. Animation is rich in detail and vibrant, while the music is characterful and full of infectious energy and dynamic orchestration. The theme song is one of early 90s animation's catchiest. The voice acting is excellent.
Concluding, very good and lots of fun. 8/10
