[8.0/10] I like both parts of this one. The misadventures on the Frog Ferry are the perfect bit of loopy humor and escapades that tickle my funny bone. Seeing a trio of well-dressed frogs lapping hors dourves out of the sky, our heroes pretend to be a tall man in a band outfit, or everyone tries to outrace the amphibian constables trying to kick out stowaways makes for some really fun hijinks.
I also really like Greg looking out for his pet frog amid a group of more anthropomorphic amphibians. The fact that he’s now dubbed his pet “George Washington” and is worried that he’ll be cold and ostracized because of his nudity is a laugh. I also really like the musical interlude, as the froggy’s song has a charming, melancholy quality that fits the show,especially as accompanied by Wirt’s reluctant bassoon playing. The fact that “George Washington” earns himself a frog recording contract out of the deal is the icing on the cake.
I also like the subtle hints that Beatrice doesn’t want our crew to make it to Adelaide’s. I assumed it was because she had started to enjoy Wirt and Greg’s company and so didn’t want their adventure to end. But the reveal that she had actually promised Adelaide two boys to be the witch’s servants in exchange for scissors that can free Beatrice and her family complicates things nicely.
What follows deepens the show, with Beatrice earnestly trying to avoid sacrificing her new friends for her family, only to have Wirt again rush to judgment and feel betrayed, even after Beatrice kills Adelaide, Wizard of Oz style, with a dose of night air to free her traveling companions. There’s a real sense of tragedy there, with Beatrice doing something selfless and trying to avoid the fate that she arrived at nonetheless. It’s especially poignant after Beatrice commended Wirt for becoming a hero, somebody braver, out here than he ever was at home.
Overall, this is a funny and charming bit of slapstick, capped off with a really meaningful development that changes the relationship among our heroes.
Shout by Clobby ClobstersBlockedParentSpoilers2021-10-10T00:08:46Z