Pirates of Dark Water Rewatch: "Break Up"

Episode 3: Break Up
Original Air Date: February 27th, 1991
Written By: Lane Raichert and Bill Matheny
Directed By: Don Lusk

The Wraith sails on, as episode three begins, chasing Konk over rough seas. Ioz operates as lookout for Ren, who is piloting their ship and trying to avoid the flotsam being thrown overboard from the stolen Atani cruiser they're after. Konk is demanding the Lugg Brothers tear everything from the ship to lighten it in their attempt to outrun the Wraith.

With Niddler complaining about the rough travel, Ren tries to boost his spirits with an upbeat appraisal of the crew and the reason for the show’s title makes its first official appearance. Rising from beneath the cool, blue waters of Mer’s ocean, Dark Water rises as if it has a will of its own. Not oily, not transparent, it’s as if this stuff has some sort of tangential solidity while still flowing like water. Its effect is fairly creepy. Konk spots the dark stain on the seas first and deftly avoids it, with Ren and the Wraith following suit. A barrel slips from the deck of the Wraith from the sharp turn in direction landing directly atop the Dark Water. The barrel is grabbed by the Dark Water, pulled down beneath the waves as if it was made of solid appendages with directive. A worried Ioz claims to have not seen the stuff this far to the south and he is scolded by Ren to start shortening sail. Complaining about the lack of Tula on deck, he goes to get her.

Tula is in the aft hold of the Wraith, poring over the scroll she stole from the Atani in DISHONOR. It’s a list of items and names, which causes her to make a comment and pause on one particular name just before being interrupted by Ioz, who wants her on deck. Tucking the scroll away, she goads Ioz a bit, in their continuing battle of the sexes.

Konk realizes that his ship just can’t maintain the speeds that the Wraith can and decides to head to a place called Pandawa. Ren follows, curious at the new turn of direction. Ioz is first to spot the island, while an upset Niddler, who recognizes it, urges Ren to turn away. Ren dismisses Niddler, even though he’s insistent on not going to Pandawa.

The Lugg Brothers question Konk’s intent, as they were really looking forward to Jandatown, as mentioned in DISHONOR. Konk reminds them that getting rid of Ren and the others beforehand will make it easier to reunite with Bloth and the Maelstrom later, so they can hand in the gem and compass.

The harbor of Pandawa is busy, with many ships loading supplies. On one, a number of brightly colored monkeybirds are being led, in chains, into cages. It’s becoming clear why Niddler is upset and doesn’t want to follow Konk.

Konk slams his stolen ship into dock after discovering the Luggs tossed their anchor overboard when lightening the ship. Jumping off as their vessel begins to fill with water, the Luggs start running off, one of them carrying Konk on his back.

The Wraith docks as the Atani ship sinks in the harbor. With Ioz and Tula immediately headed after Konk, Niddler delays Ren, telling him that Pandawa is where he was born and sold into slavery. He has no desire to return to what he calls “this filthy island.” Many caged monkeybirds are shown during Niddler’s explanation of his history, stressing that his people are seen as nothing more than merchandise within the local trade. Tula comes back to remind them they can be left behind and Ren concocts a disguise for Niddler, not wanting to leave him aboard the Wraith.

Ioz chases the Luggs and Konk through the town bazaar, followed by Tula, then Ren with a tethered, flying Niddler behind. Konk unscrews his peg leg, transforming it into some sort of weapon that he throws at the heroes. It severs the tether between Ren and Niddler, then returning to Konk. Konk is pleased at his ability as he and the Lugg Brothers lose themselves in the busy streets.

Now walking next to Ren, Niddler continues to complain about remaining on Pandawa. It’s evident that he is extremely uncomfortable being here. Ren believes there to be more to the story, which has Niddler revealing that a man called Jargis divided up his family and sold him to Bloth. At the mention of Jargis, a hand drops onto Niddler’s wing, with the attached mutant auctioneer offering money to Ren for his slave. Ren, of course, rejects the offer, informing the auctioneer that Niddler is off the market right before war whoops are heard echoing through the bazaar.

The auctioneer curses as a group of monkeybirds fly overhead, all brandishing various weapons. The auctioneer is prepared with employed mercenaries, as this isn’t the first attack he’s been through. Some of his fighters are pulled away with grapple hooks, others have items dropped on them. Many of the attacking monkeybirds land to free caged fellows, flying away with them in the name of their queen.

The auctioneer accuses the attacking monkeybirds for being thieves, stealing the private property of Jargis himself. Ren steps up to keep the auctioneer from whipping a nearby monkeybird in the process of freeing another. When the caged monkeybird insists on being freed in the name of the queen and is carried off, the auctioneer offers to show the prisoners a prize, clapping his hands. A caged Queen of the Monkeybirds is brought out, demoralizing all imprisoned around. Cowed and begging for mercy, even Niddler pleads with the auctioneer. Ren is curious as to Niddler having a queen, where he explains that she isn’t just their ruler she’s also the mother to all monkeybirds. With the auctioneer continuing his posturing, Ren gives some much needed water to the caged queen, resulting in a whipping. The monkeybirds are astounded at Ren’s actions, causing much discussion amongst them. The locals are also amazed at Ren, with the exact opposite reaction. They’re a bit riled up and only a timely intervention by Ioz gets Ren free of them.

The auctioneer orders a pair of mercenaries to follow Ren and Ioz as they leave the marketplace to the murmurs of surprised monkeybirds. Ioz chastises Ren for losing sight of the treasures and Konk and Niddler whines that he should have done something for the queen instead of Ren doing so.

Catching up to Tula, they all spot Konk and the Luggs, cornering them in an alley. Konk and the Luggs run through a door near the back of the alley (how convenient!) allowing for Ren to knock comically for them. Tula kicks the door in, where Konk sits at a table with another man; Jargis. Around the room are a large number of men in uniform, giving the impression that they’re some form of soldier. Konk asks Jargis to intercede, which he happily does. At a snap of Jargis’ fingers, the uniformed men charge the heroes.

On the run, our intrepid questers are stopped by the auctioneer and his minions, who wonder where the Securitat is when you need them. With Ren’s exclamation that that is indeed what they need, Niddler points out that the uniformed men chasing them are the Securitat and Jargis leads them! Pinned between the mercenaries and the security force, Ren refuses to give up by climbing a building to escape.

Returning to harbor, Ren has a plan to take the Wraith to the far side of the island and find Konk more clandestinely. Only, shock! Someone’s stolen the Wraith! Trapped on the dock by the approaching Securitat, the monkeybirds come to the rescue, lifting Ren, Ioz and Tula to safety. The monkeybirds fly everyone deeper into the wilds of Pandawa, with their leader calling himself Yellowwing. Oddly, Yellowwing was one of the prisoners freed during the attack earlier.

At Jargis’, Konk and the Luggs eat a huge meal, with a clearly irritated slave lord. Jargis is worried that he’s raised the ire of Bloth, though Konk puts him at ease, explaining only that he needs help in getting rid of Ren. Jargis wants to help, but he’s busy with the rebellious monkeybird faction and can’t spare the men. That is, until Konk makes a thinly veiled threat regarding Bloth. Konk questions why Jargis hasn’t yet obliterated the rebellion, at which Jargis produces a map that shows the location of the monkeybird stronghold, telling Konk that is the plan…

In the monkeybird fortress, high in the trees, Ren is thanking them for their help in escaping the Securitat. A blue monkeybird introduces himself as Chieftan, leader of the rebels. He explains that they’ve taken the Wraith and hidden her. He wants to know about Ren, the man that has earned the respect of the monkeybirds. After some exposition, Chieftan says he’s aware of Octopon and her current state of decay and, believing Ren to be noble, asks for his help in the rebel plan to free their queen. Ren readily agrees, to the dismay of Ioz and Tula. Ren demands a choice be made between his crew, where Niddler remains with Ren to help the monkeybirds and the others leaving for the Wraith.

Not long after splitting up, and as Yellowwing leads Ioz and Tula through the tunnels of the stronghold, the Securitat invade. Even though he complained of Ren’s foolishness, Ioz turns with Tula to return to Ren when the sounds of battle reach them. The viewer is given pause when a close up of a sly, sneering Yellowwing fills the screen.

The battle continues, with Chieftan fighting alongside Ren, wondering how Jargis discovered the stronghold. Ren is knocked unconscious while Ioz and Tula are driven off, only to discover the hiding spot of the Wraith. A number of Securitat chasing the two fall from the tunnels and into the water, with one being dragged onto a glowing orb by tendrils of Dark Water. He doesn’t get a chance to move before the tendrils envelop him, a horrifying scream coming from the Dark Water as it vanishes below the waves. The Wraith sails away, with Ioz and Tula commenting on the abundance of Dark Water and saddened by the loss of Ren.

On the outskirts of town, a march of wounded and captured monkeybirds appear, causing hubbub from the caged creatures being passed. Ren, still unconscious, is carried on a makeshift stretcher. On a balcony above, Konk compliments Jargis on his win. Jargis gives much credit to his ace in the hole, Yellowwing, who steps in from off screen. Yellowwing is offered the position of second-in-command by Jargis, which incites Niddler to rouse the others to open revolt. Rather quickly, the entirety of the monkeybirds’ anger comes out, giving Konk good cause to leave. Jargis and Yellowwing try to leave with them but are stopped.

Konk and the Luggs escape Pandawa, spotted by Ioz and Tula, who begin their pursuit again. Ioz makes a promise in Ren’s absence to regain the First Treasure and compass, with Tula agreeing.

A weeping, wounded Niddler waits at Ren’s side as he wakes. A quick report informs Ren that the monkeybirds have taken Pandawa back from the slave traders. A now resplendent Queen Mother of the Monkeybirds arrives, appreciating the small part Ren played in the uprising, all while he bemoans his current situation.

Chieftan interrupts, having relocated the crown of the queen, hidden for many years – underneath Jargis’ house. The recrowned queen wishes to help Ren, though he isn’t sure how, calling himself a failure in his quest. Pulling the gem from her crown and handing it to Ren, the queen tells him he is no failure, and that the gem is actually the Second Treasure of Rule.

Given a ship and promise of a friendly port, Ren and Niddler set sail for Jandatown amid foggy seas. Niddler is pleased, having been a part of a major revolt that led to the return of the Queen Mother to power on Pandawa. He makes overtures to Ren, setting into place a firm friendship between the two unlikely crewmates. Missing Ioz and Tula, Ren asks Niddler if he heard something in the fog. Out of the mists comes the Maelstrom, plowing straight into their newly gained ship. Sunk, covered in a brown paste, Niddler can’t get himself aloft nor carry Ren. The great maw of the Maelstrom opens up to swallow the two as Niddler hopes that Bloth hasn’t seen them. Fade to black, end episode.

Noy Jitat! Much like DISHONOR before, BREAK UP is filled with the language of Mer. Noy Jitat is said three times, twice by the allegedly foul mouth of the auctioneer, who also uses the word ‘Jatwa’, which is likely another curse. Take note as to how Ren says his curse at his one point; it seems particularly foul. Niddler has his fair share this time too, calling the the slave traders ‘Jitatan’ and the Securitat ‘dunder mullets’, which may not be all that alien, really.

Mutant Scum – O, the lovely people of Pandawa. What a crude and unusual bunch. Jargis is the most normal, with his Securitat. The auctioneer is the real mutant here, with a rubbery fish-face and long fingers. He calls Ren “Two-legs” which makes you think that he may not actually have legs, considering you don’t see them at all.

There isn’t much more here than plot, plot, plot. It’s a heavy episode theme, handled well for the half-hour timeframe. I recall enjoying this episode much, much more when it was new, but it still holds up to a point. The best thing about it is the focus on the monkeybirds, a wildly crazy creation that hearkens to the flying monkeys of Wizard of Oz fame. A great performance by Nan Martin (likely remembered best as Mrs. Louder from the Drew Carey Show) as the queen and Jim Cummings as Jargis just add to the cast as they are really getting into their characters. Not far down the road viewers get to see Jargis and the queen again.

Pirates of Dark Water Rewatch: Dishonor

Episode 2: Dishonor

Original Airdate: February 26^th, 1991

Written by: Lane Raichert, Mark Young and Kelly Ward (Additional dialogue by Jim Woodring)

Directed by: Don Lusk, with Ray Patterson as Supervising Director

The second episode of Pirates of Dark Water, initially just called Dark Water, opens below deck on the Wraith, with a just waking Ren and a sleeping Niddler. Ren spots some of the scout ships sent to pursue the Wraith at the conclusion of episode 1, THE QUEST. While attempting to wake Niddler and stir him to action, the ship is bombarded with rocks fired from one of the pursuing scouts. Here, Niddler already starts to slide away from his scheming, conniving ways of the first episode, falling more into the realm of comic relief.

The scout ships of the Maelstrom, of which three are seen here, are all much smaller than the Wraith. All have a catamaran style, with the body of the boat above water, supported by pontoon runners. All have a small deck attached to the mainmast, raised above the rest of the craft, sort of a mini stern castle. There are a number of armaments with each, including a catapult on at least one. Three pirates man each ship, really showcasing the small size of them. There are some really fun designs here, pirates and scout ships both.

Ren arrives from below, just as a missle fired from the scout ship catapult sails down, smashing the aft door and putting a hole in the deck. Deftly avoiding being hit, Ren is then propelled to the wheel by Ioz, appearing smartly on the scene. As Tula struggles with the sails, more rocks are shot at the Wraith, damaging her further. Ren is curious as to how they got so far off course, which sets off Ioz and Tula’s constant bickering. This, while usually annoying in a show of this sort, actually becomes great character development as the series progresses. Ren admonishes his crew with a smile as they head into battle.

Post scene break, the fade in has Ren spinning the wheel of the Wraith, slamming into and destroying one of the pursuing ships. An exhultant Ren is then lassoed by peg-legged Konk, aboard another scout. He hauls Ren into the water as the Lugg Brothers, two more of Bloth’s crew (and usually partnered with Konk), grapple and board the Wraith. Tula severs a boarding line with some sort of throwing star, sending Lugg 1 into the water. Lugg 2 (these characters were never given proper names) lands on the trap door in the main deck just as Niddler pops his head out, starting a string of silly comedy-of-errors for the poor monkeybird, affirming his comic relief standing. He then launches himself at Ioz, who steps on a loose deck board, propelling him into the water. Ren decides to start hauling himself out of the water using the line he’s being dragged with. He appears aboard the scout, surprising Konk, who’s been firing arrows at the crew of the Wraith. After tossing Konk into the drink, he swings acrobatically to his own ship.

With a brief reprieve, Niddler is finally able to come out from below deck just as land is spotted through the nearby mists. An oddly shaped island, it appears as a massive dome, made up of a plant’s root system, turned upside down. Whether or not these “roots” are made of wood or stone is never quite made clear. There doesn’t seem to be a clear passage or port, causing Ioz and Tula to argue over a heading, pulling the wheel in different directions and making the Wraith zig-zag.

Konk and the Lugg Brothers have regained their craft and continue pursuit with the other scout, colliding when they are confused by the Wraith’s actions. Ren ends the argument by using the compass to put them in the direction of the next Treasure of Rule, but their way is blocked by the sudden appearance of the Maelstrom!

Bloth’s arrival heralds the first appearance of Mantus, first mate of the Maelstrom. Emaciated, fierce and greedy, Mantus will be seen more in later episodes. Bloth and his first mate revel in the success of their feint to catch the Wraith, as the rest of the scouts ships seen at the end of THE QUEST arrive to box in our intrepid heroes. Desperate, Ren sends the Wraith into the “tunnels” of the oncoming island, smashing the crow’s nest and drawing the ire of Ioz.

 

With all of his vessels converging, Bloth throws a hissy, ordering Konk and the brothers after Ren and into the “caves” of the island. Konk is reluctant, as this is the “Island of the Pale Warriors”, making Bloth threaten Konk to a second round with the Constrictus. A quick pan and a wan look from Konk to his peg leg are all the impression needed to understand that story.

Inside the “caves”, Ren steers the Wraith through more open areas, though you do wonder what propels the ship. Is there wind blowing through? Is the water moving in a tidal flow? It’s hard to say for certain, then you remember two things: cartoon and it’s Mer, not Earth. Physics mean little here.

Ioz complains about the maze of passages as an ominous foot appears half off screen, high above the ship. Debris hits the water and Ioz and Niddler grow nervous as red eyes appear from the dark. An arrow puts out the torchlight on the Wraith and by the time Ren relights it, the crew is surrounded by red-eyed, white-haired, pale-skinned warriors.

Now prisoners, the crew is brought before the king of the island, Aubric. On the way, they are marched through rooms laden with gold objects and items of high value. Ioz is beside himself, Ren chastises him and the king introduces himself and his Atani warriors. Aubric is unhappy at the intrusion of the Wraith and does not believe Ren’s wild tale until the First Treasure of Rule is shown to him. He then recognizes Ren’s resemblance to Primus, of whom he’s acquainted. Ordering the release of the crew, the king announces a feast to celebrate Ren’s arrival, as well as having the Wraith repaired and stocked. Telling a story of his own, Aubric informs the others that Bloth has been preying on the Atani ships since the “year of the Black Tide”, keeping other nations from trading with them. It’s inferred that the king would love some aid in fending off Bloth and his pirates. Ioz and Tula get greedy, with Ioz practically drooling over the gold items all over the place. Tula slinks off to a map room and steals some maps and scrolls, apparently searching for some other treasure. In a rewatch, it’s not that big of a surprise. I do recall the first time seeing the episode and enjoying this turn of events considerably. Tula is a bit of a cypher until this, a huge jump for her character and definitely adding more to her exclamation of wanting adventure in THE QUEST.

During the repairs of the Wraith, Konk and the Lugg Brothers sneak aboard, hiding below deck. It’s becoming apparent that if you want to hide anywhere, the hold of the Wraith is the place to be. No one will find you, no matter how many are on ship. Presumably, they’d sailed in as well, with much more stealth than the Wraith.

The following day, the crew is returned to their ship. Niddler, sitting on a gunwale and chowing down, remarks on the heavy robe Ioz is now wearing. Ioz loudly and with a bow, claims it’s a gift of the king. Yeah, it’s a plot hammer, you get used to them. King Aubric blesses Ren and watches the Wraith depart, only to be interrupted by the Atani captain, with news of thieves! Dubious initially, then angry that Ren would use his good father’s name to steal, the king orders the fleet mobilized to recapture the Wraith.

Ren and the crew discuss the stay with the Atani, while Konk attempts to leave the hold through the trap door, causing yet another series of mishaps in the same, tired vein that Niddler suffered through. Just as they think things are going well, crossbow bolts fired from an Atani ship rain down on the Wraith. Ioz and Tula jump into action to run from the assault, though Ren is skeptical. Ioz is struck by a quarrel, revealing he’s stolen from the king, lining the robe with items of gold. Ren isn’t pleased, but Ioz reasserts that it’s his nature – he’s a pirate! That sort of logic is worth the entire episode, endearing this viewer to like the show, and the character of Ioz, that much more. Ren tries to turn the Wraith around after arguing with Tula and Ioz, who think he should just head out to sea. All three struggle for control of the wheel and the Atani witness it, with the king concluding that there may be more going on. Ren drops sail and the Atani surround the Wraith.

Captured and boarded, the Atani demand the return of the gold objects and library scrolls from the crew of the Wraith. Ioz is confused about scrolls, which he didn’t steal, as he hands over the gold. Ren takes the scrolls from Tula, though she sneaks one into her boot, turning the goods over to the Atani. The king demands the thieves remain with him and Ren offers himself up in recompense. Aubric is swayed by the noble gesture, banishing the crew of the Wraith from the island of the Atani. With things settled, Konk surprises everyone from below, taking the king prisoner. He demands the compass and First Treasure in exchange, which Ren is forced to comply with. The Lugg Brothers and Konk commandeer an Atani ship, letting them know a king’s ransom will free their leader. Ren grabs a gold disc and throws it at Konk, distracting him enough for Aubric to leap overboard and escape. Konk sails off in the stolen ship, still in possession of the treasure and compass.

Bloth’s scout ships spot Konk and he enters open water, where they also notice he’s gained the compass and First Treasure. Early celebrations are cut short as the Wraith appears and provides a little payback when it collides with the scout ship that caused all the damage the previous day. Cut off with rendezvous with the Maelstrom, Konk turns his ship on a heading to Jandatown, to much enjoyment from the Lugg Brothers. Jandatown must be a place, to get pirates so excited.

The Wraith sails off in pursuit of Konk, with Ioz and Tula apologizing, abashed that Ren put himself up in their place for their actions. Ren accepts their apology and stops Tula before they return to their duties, curious as to her reason for stealing. She brushes him off, which has him turn to Niddler for advice. The monkeybird tries to comfort Ren, while our hero considers possibly having to leave Ioz and Tula if they don’t get with the goal of the quest. Niddler also has a strange notion of time, claiming it’s only been two days since Ren was a lighthouse keeper, while it was explained in the last episode that Tula stowed away for five days before revealing herself. Maybe more will be revealed in the next episode of High Adventure!

Noy Jitat! DISHONOR is rife with the language of Mer, likely overcompensating for the fact that there wasn’t any in the first episode. Noy Jitat is first spoken by Ren as he spots the scout ships in the opener. The phrase is used in any number of ways, usually in exclamation or cursing. Ren also uses the word ‘scrollops’ which could mean anything your mind wants it to, considering it’s a place to put things, and not nicely. Tula calls Ioz a “smool brain”, which she’ll use again in the future. It’s clever to give some of the characters phrases they’d use more often than the others might. She also uses ‘noy jijajitat’ as a way to rile herself up before battle. Ioz is our winner of the episode for new phrases and words, such as ‘skarpango’ and some things probably made up by Hector Elizondo as he grumbled into the microphone. He calls the stolen scrolls ‘kurbisek’, or similar spelling, another curse word.

Mutant Scum – The viewer is introduced to a number of new pirates of all shapes and sizes, including the creepy Mantus. The “Pale Warriors”, the Atani, are lanky and stand much taller than Ren and the others. They have a somewhat Albino appearance, likely caused by their environment. Later, when Tula searches out scrolls, she uses a lantern that is nothing more than a living, luminescent fish in a glass globe with a handle, carried like a torch. To get more light, you agitate the fish by moving the globe, which gives off more luminescence. Interesting and clever. Also, gold floats on Mer. Ioz tries to catch the disc thrown by Ren in freeing the king by using a boarding pike. I don’t think this maintains through the series.

When do we get to eat? Niddler is relegated to little more than comic relief and occasional pilot of the Wraith. With plenty to eat and a place to sleep, he has little to complain about or do.

It’s all in the art – This episode is filled with continuity flubs typical of budget-conscious animation and characters that go off model frequently. The interior of the Wraith looks like a Motel 6, rustic style. It makes one wonder what exactly the previous owner of the Wraith was doing with it. There are times when the faces of Ioz, Tula and Bloth all distort immensely. Ioz’s eyes are drawn nearly off his face, Bloth’s lips encase his head and Tula looks like a petulant child, complete with pursed lips. The whole deal smacks of a different animation company handling this episode compared to the last. When the Maelstrom shows off the fact her stern opens up to capture smaller vessels, the color is off, the style is off and it looks superimposed over existing animation. Which is unfortunate, as it’s an excellent effect, once again increasing the threat that the ship is. The island of the Atani is also a disappointment, as it’s never really seen with any detail. The general design is great, why skimp out now?

Ahoy, skarpango pirate! As stated, this is the first appearance of Mantus, voiced by the veteran Peter Cullen, best known as the voice of Optimus Prime. His deep resonance is a great compliment to Brock Peters and really gives the impression that the crew of the Maelstrom are not to be trifled with. He doesn’t get much to do here, but Mantus is seen again, soon. This is also the first real dialogue from Konk, who made his first appearance in THE QUEST. Konk is voiced by the multi-talented Tim Curry, who has done a little of everything and may be best known to someone for one thing or another. Depending on your generation, you either know him from his portrayal of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW, his musical albums or as Darkness in LEGEND. Konk makes the most of his antics in every episode and you can’t get over the accent Curry came up with for him. The Lugg Brothers are split between veteran character and voice actor Earl Boen (arguably best known as the police psychiatrist seen in all four Schwarzenegger TERMINATOR movies) and Peter Cullen. While the brothers have a few appearances, they sadly disappear before long.

 

Overall, this is a mediocre episode with good character development. Whatever magic was in the bottle for exposition in THE QUEST seems lost here. The animation is poor at times, with errors that glare. Ren just goes through the motions with a negligibly present Niddler, while Konk, Tula and Ioz steal the fun. The mystery of what Tula is after is interesting and, other wanting to know what Jandatown is, totals out the tally of curiosity for DISHONOR. I’m giving the second episode 2 minga melons out of 5. How often does the bad guy actually get away with the treasure, really?