While the premise is not a novel one, it has always been enormous fun when done well and evokes a lot of nostalgia for die hard film and animation lovers. "The Return of Batduck" is also notable for being the third and final appearance of Plucky's superhero alter ego Batduck, the previous two times to wonderful effect being in the "Bat's All Folks" segment of "Inside Plucky Duck" and the "Just-Us League of Supertoons" one of "New Class Day", both terrific episodes.
"The Return of Batduck", a single story this time rather than as a segment, is a wonderful final appearance for Batduck and is a wonderful 'Tiny Toon Adventures' episode. Actually consider it one of the best latter episodes and one of the best in a while. Anybody who loves 'Tiny Toon Adventures', classic Looney Tunes, animation in general, classic film and film in general should get an absolute kick out of "The Return of Batduck". That applies to me on all counts. Also if one loves Plucky, am one of those people.
Have no issues with the animation, which is full of vibrancy and fluidity and the big, wacky facial expressions are very imaginatively animated. The music is hip and infectiously characterful and the theme song will never stop being a classic, has yet to get old. One of my favourites from any 90s animated show and there were a number of classic animated theme songs/tunes in the 90s.
Absolutely loved the writing. The dialogue constantly brought such a smile to my face and made me laugh frequently. The in-jokes and references are razor sharp in wit and affectionate, also beautifully placed and not with a randomly inserted feel. They were more of a joy as a young adult, due to understanding them more and even being familiar since childhood. While the references were still very funny and inventive as a child, back then a lot of the films and people being referenced and sent up were not familiar to me.
Everybody involved seemed to be having an absolute blast with the premise. It's not novel but somehow thanks to the lively pace and the witty and imaginative humour it felt fresh. The Daffy and Porky-like chemistry between Plucky and Hamton is a plus point, as is the delightful character writing for Plucky. Great zany comic timing and easy to relate to in an initially fun but then seeing that there are downsides to being in the industry situation. Joe Alaskey is pitch perfect as Plucky and all the voice cast are on point, John Kassir is not on Charlie Adler's level as Buster but does admirably.
Concluding, a sheer delight from start to finish in every respect. 10/10.
