The concept is sort of intriguing, if not one of the best ones 'Ducktales' ever had. It was not one of those concepts that was troubling from the get go before watching. Despite finding that he was used too much, Fenton/Gizmoduck did grow me quite a fair bit over-time after being unsure on him at first (out of him and Bubba there is no question as to who is the better and more interesting character). Glomgold was always a fun and watchable antagonist.
"Attack of the Metal Mites" is not one of the worst episodes, there is much that is good here. It is a long way from being one of the best though, its flaws are quite glaring and could have done a lot more with its concept. While loving the final third, the rest of "Attack of the Metal Mites" left me somewhat more mixed, the lack of tension and chemistry hurting it (as will be summed up soon in the rest of the review) as well as it having a character that doesn't work.
Much is good in "Attack of the Metal Mites". There is some bright and colourful animation, especially in the final third. The music was a continual great quality throughout the show's entire run and that is the case here, no disappointments in this regard here. All the voice actors excel, cannot think of a better voice for Scrooge than Alan Young and Hal Smith was clearly having fun as Glomgold. Hamilton Camp brings a lot of spirit to Fenton/Gizmoduck.
Writing has enough moments where it is amusing, and the bugs and traffic lights part is one of the show's best gags in my view. Fenton is likeable and has come on a long way since when he was first introduced in the "Super Ducktales" five parter. Glomgold shows why he was always worth watching. What especially redeems "Attack of the Metal Mites" though is the final third, which is thrilling and beautifully staged and makes up for the rather ordinary, if still watchable, rest of the episode.
On the other hand, "Attack of the Metal Mites" could have done with a lot more tension, not helped by that generally the bugs are too few and relatively under-utilised meaning they weren't enough of a threat. There was no real point to Dijon here, who is a bland character and not only is he a pointless presence it also seemed like that writers did not know what to do with him. Evident in the lack of chemistry between him and most of the characters, almost to them like he didn't exist, Glomgold being the one exception.
Some of the logic is questionable, that the connection between Fenton and Gizmoduck has still not been picked up upon by the other characters, despite its blatant obviousness, continues to be a stretch. Too much of the animation is sloppy disappointingly, the finesse isn't there in the drawing enough and the backgrounds are uncharacteristically sparse.
Altogether, decent if bland. 6/10
"Attack of the Metal Mites" is not one of the worst episodes, there is much that is good here. It is a long way from being one of the best though, its flaws are quite glaring and could have done a lot more with its concept. While loving the final third, the rest of "Attack of the Metal Mites" left me somewhat more mixed, the lack of tension and chemistry hurting it (as will be summed up soon in the rest of the review) as well as it having a character that doesn't work.
Much is good in "Attack of the Metal Mites". There is some bright and colourful animation, especially in the final third. The music was a continual great quality throughout the show's entire run and that is the case here, no disappointments in this regard here. All the voice actors excel, cannot think of a better voice for Scrooge than Alan Young and Hal Smith was clearly having fun as Glomgold. Hamilton Camp brings a lot of spirit to Fenton/Gizmoduck.
Writing has enough moments where it is amusing, and the bugs and traffic lights part is one of the show's best gags in my view. Fenton is likeable and has come on a long way since when he was first introduced in the "Super Ducktales" five parter. Glomgold shows why he was always worth watching. What especially redeems "Attack of the Metal Mites" though is the final third, which is thrilling and beautifully staged and makes up for the rather ordinary, if still watchable, rest of the episode.
On the other hand, "Attack of the Metal Mites" could have done with a lot more tension, not helped by that generally the bugs are too few and relatively under-utilised meaning they weren't enough of a threat. There was no real point to Dijon here, who is a bland character and not only is he a pointless presence it also seemed like that writers did not know what to do with him. Evident in the lack of chemistry between him and most of the characters, almost to them like he didn't exist, Glomgold being the one exception.
Some of the logic is questionable, that the connection between Fenton and Gizmoduck has still not been picked up upon by the other characters, despite its blatant obviousness, continues to be a stretch. Too much of the animation is sloppy disappointingly, the finesse isn't there in the drawing enough and the backgrounds are uncharacteristically sparse.
Altogether, decent if bland. 6/10
