Pirates of Dark Water Rewatch: The Beast and the Bell

Episode 8: The Beast and the Bell

Original Airdate: November 2, 1991

Written By: Matthew Malach and Bill Matheny

Directed By: Don Lusk and Paul Sommer (Supervising Direction: Ray Patterson)

In an open marketplace on an unnamed island at an unnamed port, Ren and Niddler shop for supplies, attempting to bargain as they have little money. A pair of merchants dismiss Ren for having little money, then go as far as to mock him and push him into the harbor when he dares to high hat them. They don’t know him to be the son of a king and really don’t care to hear it.

On the Wraith, Ioz kvetches about Ren’s dawdling as Tula worries more about strange feelings she’s been having. She’s shocked to spot a screaming, horned face appear on the surface of the mast, but has no explanation for Ioz, who doesn’t see it before it disappears.

Ren and Niddler return to the ship and get berated from Ioz for their lack of ability to gain supplies. Ren thinks his bloodline and their mission should be enough to get a discount, Ioz thinks real pirates don’t need to bargain, they should just steal what they need. Ren gets petulant about people not believing him and the compass goes berserk. Light starts shooting out of the compass, severing lines and ricocheting off bulkheads, driving Niddler off the ship and blinding the crew. The compass drags Ren to the bow, where the light beam causes water to erupt, bringing about a visage of Primus. This image of Primus tells Ren to go to the island of Banjamar and ring the Bell of the First Sound, a magical device even more powerful than the Thirteen Treasures of Rule. If he does so, he’ll be able to destroy all the Dark Water, thereby saving Mer. After the image fades, Ren tells an incredulous Ioz and Tula and orders the Wraith to set sail.

Amid stormy seas, Tula continues to voice her concerns about feeling uneasy before Banjamar is spotted. The island has a broken ring of stones orbiting it, from the waterline and up. Ren attempts to sail the Wraith through one of the breaks, failing by bouncing the ship off the swirling stones and sending Niddler overboard. Ren reinforces his desire to end the quest by ringing the bell, stunning the others into silence, who are seeing this trip as folly. Niddler climbs back aboard, covered in squid creatures called ‘amphicites’. Ren sees these critters as a way onto the island, as they are filled with oxygen. Leaving the Wraith at anchor and placing the amphicites on their heads, the crew swims underwater and below the ring of stones, to get to Banjamar.

Ashore, Ren is eager to continue quickly, while Ioz is less so. Two large-lobed, uniformed men with military forks spot Ren and pin him with sonic beams emitted from their weapons. With a threat from Ioz, the men capture the whole crew, calling them intruders.

Brought before a disbelieving elder named Kangent, Ren keeps up with his exuberant need to follow the directives of the Primus image. When he mentions the Bell of the First Sound, the soldiers and crowd gathered grow restless and wary. Kangent has the crew brought to the “still room” as Ren whines about no one ever believing he’s a prince. Once they’ve gone, a soldier and Kangent discuss whether Ren may be telling the truth, except that Primus would never have placed the Bell in jeopardy…

The “still room” is a prison cell where the sound of movement causes bars of light to erupt from the floor. Stay still, and the bars go away. Tula is pressed to use her ecomancer powers to keep the bars from appearing, freeing everyone.

Ren is sure of where the Bell is being kept, having watched how the crowd reacted to his mention of it earlier. Tula’s skepticism of the whole adventure grows, but Ren plods on, continuing to believe the image of his father. The crew is spotted by guards in their attempt to gain access to the building the Bell is in, but Ioz uses a stolen sonic fork to allow Ren and Tula in.

The Bell of the First Sound is a huge thing, easily dwarfing any of our heroes. Hung at about 8 feet off the floor, Ren gets ready to strike the Bell with a nearby sonic fork and rid Mer of Dark Water. Tula sees a design on the outer side of the Bell that looks like a winged creature with the same face that she saw on the Wraith earlier. She tries to stop Ren, but it’s too late. He strikes, ringing the Bell and freeing the creature Kiroptus.

Thanking Ren, Kiroptus grabs him, monologuing about being trapped for 17 years and also searching for the 13 Treasures. Ren is completely confused until Kiroptus transforms his head into that of Primus, teasing him. Ren is appalled at being tricked and vows revenge.

Kangent arrives in the building, shocked to see Kiroptus free. Tula takes his sonic fork and attacks the creature, who wants Ren’s compass. Ren gets free and Kangent calls everyone to join him under the Bell, as Kiroptus will not touch it. Soldiers arrive with Ioz, and they drive Kiroptus off, who then flies through the ceiling.

At the rooms of the Elder, Kangent apologizes for not believing the impetuous Ren. Ioz blames Kangent, though he explains that Primus requested that no one was ever to reveal knowledge of the Bell to any outsider. Kangent then begins to explain the history of Primus, Kiroptus and the 13 Treasures.

The Thirteen Treasures of Rule are seals to the core of Mer, where an evil entity called the Dark Dweller is said to reside. Some time ago, he broke through the seal, and using his minion Kiroptus, had the treasures scattered all over Mer. The Dark Dweller cracked the bottom of the oceans, forcing out the Dark Water that now continues to plague the world. Primus’ goal was to recover the Treasures and rebuild the seal, which brought him into contact with Kiroptus. Primus discovered the power of Bell of the First Sound and asked Kangent to help in imprisoning the creature.

Ren offers to help recapture Kiroptus, who is likely still on the island, as he wants the compass and probably wouldn’t leave without it. A plan is committed to play, using the compass as a lure, much like the first time. Kiroptus hauls the Bell out of the building using an anchor to hook it, casting it aside so he can nab the compass. Kangent makes a hole in the stones around Banjamar with a sonic fork to allow Ren and Niddler to fly out to the Wraith and retrieve their Treasures of Rule.  Kiroptus follows them out, where a brief melee ensues. Ren escapes on a never-before-seen hang glider, returning to Banjamar. Kiroptus beats him back to the Bell, so Ren runs off to hide, scooting into a nearby house. Kiroptus follows him, using the compass to locate the treasures Ren carries. Ren leads him into the house, triumphantly exclaiming to Kiroptus. Why? The “house” is actually the real Bell of the First Sound, dressed up to look like a home. Ren strikes the side of the Bell, which starts drawing the evil servant of the Dark Dweller into the side of the Bell. Ren tried to regain the compass from Kiroptus, who grabs Ren. Ren is now also being drawn into the Bell! Tula, Ioz and Niddler are able to drag Ren free, Kiroptus is returned to imprisonment and everything is back to normal.

With the Bell restored to its original location, Kangent offers to throw a feast for Ren and his friends, while Ren asks to learn more of his father, as well as the Dark Dweller.

Mutant Scum – A few more peoples of Mer that look less than human appear in THE BEAST AND THE BELL, most significantly the denizens of Banjamar. These folk have stretched, lengthy earlobes and sallow colored skin. Kangent has a slightly feline look, while a few others have three fingers. Not one of them back down when it comes to fighting or seem stupid, which is a nice change. Also in the episode is the first appearance of the amphicites, cool squids with a transparent sac of oxygen within them. Seeing Niddler with one on his face as he swims underwater is an animated sight.

When Do We Get to Eat? Niddler is his hungry self, with numerous foodstuffs mentioned in the very beginning and the very ending of the episode. Anyone for pooka looka pie? Minga Muffins? Biperion eggs? Praja fruit? Still, Niddler has little to do here but be the hungry monkeybird. There is some inconsistency in his being able to fly with wet wings, but it’s all for the good of the story, right?

It’s All in the Art – Banjamar is physically appealing, from the water. The orbiting “sound stones” make the place seem like a prison is some ways, but it’s definitely interesting to look at. Nice design.

Ahoy, skarpango pirate! Welcome aboard, Kangent. Voiced by veteran actor Rene Auberjonois (either known from Clayton Endicott III from BENSON or Odo from STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE, it’s up to you), the story treats the viewer to another of Primus’ old friends, though this one has a ton more information than a few of the last. Kangent will be seen again, though not immediately.

This one feels like a mission directive from on high: tell these kids something about Dark Water or we’ll do it for you. There’s a lot to absorb in a short period of time, as usual. It’s not necessarily a bad thing and it’s not really forced on the viewer, it’s just Ren being a brat that’s grating. This is another episode in the rewatch that I don’t recall well. I remember Kiroptus and I remember the title giving away the plot when it popped on the screen – it’s pretty transparent. What makes the story lag is the lack of Ioz, Tula and even the pirates of the Maelstrom. Yes, there isn’t even one single appearance by anyone from their enemy’s ship, even at the marketplace in the opening. Although the plot may suffer, there is a larger mythology connected solely here, as the Dark Dweller has not even been mentioned in any earlier episodes. If you look deeper at the rhyme from THE QUEST, you can start to assume that the “other” searching for the treasures may not actually be Bloth, which opens the show way up in potential plots and stories. So, while the entirety of THE BEAST AND THE BELL may be exposition, it’s well desired and in some cases, needed after seven episodes. Talk about a lengthy build!

I’ve given this one three out of five minga melons, only because it’s got needed mythology. I’ll discuss the Dark Dweller’s appearance in a later episode, when he becomes active in the story.

Pirates of Dark Water Rewatch: A Drop of Darkness

Episode 7: A Drop of Darkness

Original Airdate: October 26, 1991

Written By: Laren Bright and Kristina Luckey

Directed By: Don Lusk, Paul Sommer (Supervising Direction – Ray Patterson)

The crew of the Wraith stands at the gunwale in choppy seas, waiting for Ren to return from below the water. He returns just as Ioz is prepared to dive after him and just as Tula is sensing “something”. Ren has located the Fourth Treasure of Rule, hidden beneath the waves! It’s a pretty bauble and everyone has to have a moment holding it to remark on its beauty and size. Friendly insults and barbs are traded until Tula gets a bad feeling and subsequently spots Dark Water. A sharply turned ship has Niddler drop the treasure, where it bounces about deck. Ren and Tula try to catch it, almost losing it overboard until Ren makes a heroic leap to save it.

A shadow crosses the deck of the Wraith from a balloon flying overhead, which stops above the Dark Water. A pilot drops a bucket in an attempt to retrieve some of the evil stuff and is almost pulled down as the Dark Water drags it in. The balloon is then assaulted by the far-reaching Dark Water, grabbing at the basket and reaching for the pilot.

Ren asks Niddler to help, which he reluctantly agrees to. The Dark Water is particularly difficult, with Niddler needing help himself when he gets tangled in the lines of the balloon. Ren uses a weapon to free the monkeybird, who then saves the pilot just as the Dark Water pulls the balloon under.

The pilot, an alchemist named Cray, introduces herself and explains she’s using the Dark Water in her experiments. In meeting Ren, she calls him ‘Primus’ and is overly excited to discover he’s a son of the king. The Maelstrom arrives to interrupt the discovery of how Cray knows Primus, which upsets Ren, as someone should have been on watch. Cray offers to help, pouring a liquid into the sea, from which a fog erupts, covering the Wraith’s escape from the Maelstrom. Cray offers sanctuary at her citadel, an austere castle on a tiny rock island.

Inside, the crew is amazed at the size of the rooms and furnishings. Tula is suspicious of Cray and her reasons for being so nice and Ren demands information on her history with his father when she appears with food. Cray tells Ren and the others that she was Primus’ favorite courtier until he met Ren’s mother. Cray flew into a rage, never to return to the court of Octopon, eking out a living at her citadel in solitude.

Later, at dinner, Cray continues to explain her need for Dark Water in her experiments, which doesn’t sit well with Tula. Ioz also has little desire to get mixed up with the stuff, until an extremely large offer of gold has him and Niddler doing spit-takes. Ren turns her down repeatedly, as he finds taking money to retrieve such an evil substance distasteful. Cray stalks off in a huff when her final offer is rebuked. Tula senses trouble from the alchemist and Ren ignores her.

Cray monologues to a locket with a picture of Primus in her private chambers. It’s becoming fairly obvious that Cray has an obsessive complex, particularly towards Primus. She’s also obviously setting up some naughty plan, which plays out rather quickly.

The boys are all sleeping in one room, Tula in another. Cray creeps in and ignites a bowl of leaves next to Tula, who wakes, only to pass out from the fumes. In the morning, Ren and the others cannot wake her, and Cray tells them if they get her the Dark Water she needs, she’ll give the antidote over. Ren is amazed at the way Cray is treating him and his friends, though she has no difficulty telling him he’s suffering for the sins of the father. A bucket made of leviathan skin is given as a receptacle for the Dark Water and the group needs to be quick; the longer Tula is out the harder it is to revive her.

Niddler is used as a distraction for the Dark Water, armed with the Fourth Treasure, so Ren can haul in a bucketful of the stuff. As they get underway to return to the citadel, the Maelstrom surprises and swallows the tiny Wraith into its maw.

Bloth’s pirates board the Wraith, though they are fought off. Konk is ordered to flush the Wraith out when Ren uses the Dark Water to scare off Bloth, which works effectively. With enough of the stuff left to bring to Cray, the heroes return to revive Tula. Cray exits to mix her alchemical concoction, using a single drop of the stuff to finish her potion. She ecstatically imbibes the mixture, speedily growing younger as the seconds tick. She’s excited with her new, younger exterior, believing she can relive her past with Ren in the place of Primus.

Tula is reawakened by Ioz and Ren, who runs off to fetch water for her. The reinvigorated Cray stalls him in the halls, though he doesn’t immediately recognize the alchemist. As he does, Cray comes onto Ren full bore, pledging to marry him as it’s their destiny. Ren is distressed and finally takes offense when Cray calls him Primus.

Returning to his friends, Ren tells them of the problems with Cray. She enters the room, shocking the others with her new look, while Ren attempts reasoning with her. Cray isn’t capable of being reasoned with at this point, wherein she pops a smoke pellet, distracting Ren enough to steal the Treasures of Rule and locking everyone in the room.

Mantus and Konk arrive on their dagrons, having spotted the Wraith at dock. In a brief exchange, Cray refuses to give up Ren and the treasures, offering instead a bargain to be brought to Bloth. The pirate king is dumbstruck by the bargain, but agrees to it for his own purposes. He is to marry Ren and Cray.

Ioz picks the lock on the door, opening it to the sight of Bloth on the opposite side. Brought as witnesses and prisoners to a decked-out hall, the pirates of the Maelstrom wait to also watch the farce. Mantus walks the bride down the aisle, where she begins to turn dark across her hair and skin. As Cray lifts her veil, Ren remarks on her condition, which has her run from the hall. Bloth chases Cray as the pirates guard our heroes. Cray tries to reverse her condition and is interrupted by an angry Bloth. He destroys her potions and mixes, ruining her hopes of salvaging whatever is happening to her. She quickly begins deteriorating and falls to the floor. Bloth erupts in anger and returns to the hall to kill Ren, though Cray creates one last reaction from her chemicals before she collapses.

Bubbles of various size float about the citadel, created by Cray. They start exploding around the structure, freeing the prisoners as the pirates flee to save themselves. Walls and roof start falling in. Ren heads to save Cray and the others return to the Wraith. Ren finds Cray on the floor of her lab, melting ever more quickly than before. She hands Ren her marriage bouquet, apologizing for her inability to let go of the past. Ren exits through a window after she turns into a steamy puddle of black goo before the ceiling caves in.

Ren lands on the Wraith after his Errol Flynn leap from the citadel, which is pulling away from a rapidly disintegrating citadel. The island finally mushroom clouds and disappears beneath the water. Ren is not surprised to have recovered the Treasures of Rule, hidden in the bouquet. Cue music.

Noy Jitat! Not much new in the way of language for A DROP OF DARKNESS. A single noy jitat and a couple of chongo longos, that’s the extent of it. Ren does make a remark on the Mists of Malgar, whatever they may be.

Mutant Scum – No new creatures this episode. Ren does use what looks to be a sand dollar to fire in a crossbow when saving Niddler, which is kind of neat. Mostly, it’s the Dark Water that makes up the strange, here.

When do We Get to Eat? Niddler is completely unhappy to even be considered to help out when Dark Water is near. He repeats such through the episode and yet does not hesitate when Cray is about to be swallowed by the attacking Dark Water. Is he cowardly or more than that? Either way, he’s still a hungry bird. He’s also as greedy for money as Ioz is, which is fun to see.

It’s All in the Art – There isn’t much new to see for episode 7. A bit more of the inner workings of the Maelstrom are seen and the design of Cray’s citadel is quite amazing. Cray’s deterioration due to the Dark Water potion is something different, too. It’s either extremely bad animation or extremely experimental. I leave it to you to figure it out, I’m still out on it. Either way, it’s still bizarre and gruesome.

Hello and Goodbye – To the incredibly warped Cray. You’ll never see her again and honestly? It’s not a bad thing. Likely voiced by Darleen Carr (I have no confirmation on that, though), she’s definitely a villain you really don’t feel sorry for at the end, which says something for the writing here.

The first of what will be many message-driven stories, A DROP OF DARKNESS does quite a bit for what it can in a half-hour. This is the first time Ren’s mother is seen, much less any mention made of her. It’s the first lengthy view of Octopon at its heyday. Other than previously seen ecomancy, it’s the first time magic is used in any form. It’s the first real focus on the evils of Dark Water, though they’re still extremely vague. My recollection of the episode that it was good, if heavy handed. My rewatch view retains that belief, adding this for an adjective: brutal. This one really doesn’t hold back on how completely obsessed Cray is, and it isn’t pretty. Ren is naïve and truly out of his league with the complexities of this one and it only benefits him that Bloth is there to eliminate her from any future plots.

Cray’s melting into goo is brutal. Bloth’s cold-hearted elimination of her is brutal, as is his disinterest in what’s happening to her. The writers handling of the subject matter is equally brutal, as it pulls no punches in even trying to make anyone but Ren sympathetic. Obsessive/compulsive behavior isn’t a topic easy to get across to the kiddies and this one likely pushes the boundaries of the definition of such. The bright and shiny “sail into sunset” ending of the story does nothing but enforce the hideous reality of the overall topic, particularly in retrospection. A DROP OF DARKNESS is just plain mean and I like it. It’s a breakthrough episode, especially in knowing that the general themes of the program were softened to gain a younger audience, after the initial five episodes were produced. I’m laying out a solid 3½ minga melons for episode 7. The only detractors here are the lack of the main characters being involved as it focuses more on Cray and her psychosis. A fine story, even as brutally mean as it is.

Pirates of Dark Water Rewatch: "Andorus"

Episode 6: Andorus

Original Airdate: October 12, 1991

Written By: Kristina Luckey & Laren Bright and Peter Lawrence

Directed By: Don Lusk and Paul Sommer (Supervising Direction by Ray Patterson)

The first of the shows to officially be called “Pirates of Dark Water” begins with foreshadowing the plot with the weight of a wrecking ball. So much is telegraphed to the viewer in the opener that very little is a surprise when it finally appears. In any event, the Wraith is anchored in a small island cove for repairs and resupply, with Niddler flying overhead, carrying a sack of soil for Tula. Some of the soil spills onto the freshly swabbed deck, irritating Ioz, who doesn’t see the need to pot plants on the ship. While Tula explains that fresh herbs are nothing to complain about, her hand starts to glow with a mysterious energy. Teron interrupts with interest, which Tula brushes off so she can change her dirty clothes. As she leaves, Teron watches a seedling grow quickly in one of the pots, surrounded by the same energy that was around Tula’s hand.

Konk and two other dagron riders sit nearby, watching from cover. Konk chooses to move off and plan an attack on the Wraith, while the viewer is left wondering when and how he got to be where he is.

Ren is prepping to leave the cove until Tula comes from below decks dressed in silks. The boys all gape at her as she explains her change in wardrobe. Niddler distracts everyone with some comic antics, drawing Tula away from the men. Ioz and Ren remark to each other how different Tula seems of late and we the viewer (and this re-watcher) feel that plot hammer strike hard.

Niddler and Tula gather fresh water from the island. While doing so, Tula’s hand starts glowing again, as she fills a skin. The fish in the stream surround her hand, drawing comments from Niddler. Tula is slightly shocked at what’s happening, more so when Teron appears to tell her she has the elemental fire of an ecomancer within her. Tula rejects this so-called “power to control nature”, having been trained a warrior.

Konk and his men, repositioned, spy on them. Konk would love to return Teron to Bloth, but his dagrons make enough noise to alert Tula. Niddler flies off with Teron with Konk following. The two other pirates charge Tula, who dismounts them quickly. She issues commands with her newfound ecomantic energy to the dagrons, and is amazed they listen to her.

As Konk chases Niddler and Teron, they are spied simultaneously by Bloth, on the rapidly approaching Maelstrom, and Ioz, on the apparently departed Wraith. Why the Wraith would set sail without three of their shipmates isn’t explained, but hey – who’s complaining? Tula arrives riding a dagron and bathed in her energy, surprising everyone. Ren and Bloth expound heavily how much Tula has changed (in the last five minutes of the show), where the plot hammer crashes down again, practically audible.

The air battle continues, showcasing all sorts of new abilities for Tula. After Konk’s defeat, Teron talks Tula and Niddler into flying to the nearby island of Andorus, a grey wasteland that Tula doesn’t even recognize as her home. Teron expounds on what was of Andorus, depressing Tula as she’s reminded of the reason of her mission to return the ecomancer to the island. Niddler is sent away so Teron can bring Tula to the Vivitree, a mighty plant that only supreme ecomancers are allowed to touch and use. Teron believes the two of them may be able to use it to revive Andorus, so they enter it, drawing upon their powers. Doing so, energy flows forth, making portions of the island green and living again, reviving the grey, dead areas.

Ioz and Ren finally arrive, commenting on the desiccation of the island, only to be trumped by Niddler dumping an armload of melons on to deck. Ren is confused as the compass starts to glow, though it doesn’t point to any specific direction. At that point, Konk is fished out of the drink by Bloth and subsequently sent back to search for Teron.

Ren is in disbelief as Niddler tells him of Tula becoming an ecomancer. Ioz is awed by the powerful forces at work. Niddler continues to eat as they all head inland. At the Vivitree, Teron continues to instruct Tula until she comes in contact with an evil presence that draws the life energy from her. She topples out of the Vivitree and into Ren’s arms, aged beyond her years. Teron explains she’s been attacked by the Blight, an old enemy of the ecomancers, long thought destroyed. He revives and re-energizes Tula, extrapolating that the Dark Water may have restored the Blight. He then surprised everyone with the fact that he was one of Primus’ captains, hiding the Third Treasure of Rule underneath Andorus. (Plot hammer… SMASH!) The compass isn’t pointing in any particular direction because the treasure has a protection spell on it, allowing only those with the blood of Primus to see and locate it when alone. Ren descends by himself into the underground caverns of Andorus to find the treasure, Teron and Tula return to the Vivitree to give mystic aid and above, Konk views the whole thing from his dagron.

Teron calls out to Ren as he discovers much in the way of death and decay, letting him know the two ecomancers are watching from above. Ioz and Niddler argue as they wait, helpless. They aren’t out of the action too long, as Konk arrives with Bloth to attack them.

Just as Ren remarks on Teron’s ability to hide things, he locates a doorway with a keyhole that fits his broken sword. Behind the door is the treasure and – SURPRISE! – the Blight. The Blight attacks Ren in the form of a lizard made of the blackened roots of dead Andorus. It sounds a lot like every nasty critter ever voiced by Frank Welker, since it is. Ren is having difficulty and calls Tula for help, since Teron has conveniently passed out. Tula uses her powers to trap the Blight and return Ren to the surface. Unfortunatley, he’s deposited right at the feet of Bloth.

Captured and caged, Ioz, Niddler and Ren are interrogated by Bloth as they hang from a cliff. He wants Teron badly. Ren won’t give up his location, so Bloth proceeds to cut the rope suspending their cage. Tula appears, challenging Bloth, who has his men attack her. As she distracts the pirates, Ren breaks out of the cage. Tula defeats the pirates soundly, showing off her prowess at swordplay. Soon after, she uses her new powers to drop all the pirates off the cliff and into the sea, shocking Bloth.

Teron sends the Wraith off with his blessing, as he remains behind to restore Andorus.

Noy Jitat! Quite a bit of the language of Mer in this episode, with Noy Jitat spoken most often. Chongo Longo is spoken for the first time by Ioz, as Niddler drops dirt onto his clean deck. It’s also used by Konk later, when he mentions Bloth. So, it can be used as a description or a complaint. Interesting.

Mutant Scum – While there is little new in ANDORUS, you’ll notice the ‘dagroth’ is now known as ‘dagron’. This actually started to occur in VICTORY, but I held off on replacing it until this episode. I’m curious as to what caused the change, though it could be postulated that it’s just another spelling of dragon. In the attack on Niddler by Konk, he uses a strange little octopus to grapple the monkeybird. It isn’t all that odd in appearance compared to earlier (and later) creatures, though I do believe we get to see it’s like again in future episodes.

When do we Get to Eat? Niddler… oh, Niddler. As the first of the episodes after the initiating story arc, Niddler gets dumbed down to cowardly, cringing, comic relief. His insatiable hunger is ramped up here, with the first mention of the minga melon. While his sneakiness and deviancy from the first five episodes were being replaced by his friendship and devotion to Ren, in this episode he becomes nearly pathetic, literally wringing his hands in the cage when captured. He wants to give up Teron to Bloth, which has Ren erupt in anger. A sad destruction of a character that has really grown. From here on in, Niddler is akin to Dr. Smith from LOST IN SPACE (the television series, not the film).

It’s all in the Art – Wow, do we get nothing new here. Andorus and the blight of her nature is something, but not really all that great. The animation is fair but not great or noteworthy. What can be seen is Mantus and Joat (more on him later) as two of the dagron riders with Konk, a mistake made worse when Mantus is seen two scenes later at the wheel of the Maelstrom.  Likely the best thing in the show is the interesting difference in the two ecomancers as they join with the Vivitree. Tula has a much more overt and pretty effect to her power compared to Teron’s attachment to the soil with roots grown out of him. Fun to watch, nevertheless.

ANDORUS is poor in the rewatch, getting two out of five minga melons from me. While Tula’s added power is nice and interesting, the jackhammer way it’s pushed upon the viewer is uncomplimentary.  As mentioned in the review, it’s all about the plot, less about development of the story or character. This could have been a great two-part story, with a bit more on the Blight, more interaction with Bloth and definitely more reasoning as to why Tula has these powers. From the standpoint I have now, it seems obvious that Tula needed something to be more interesting. Though that may be true, it’s handled far too quickly. Other flaws? Konk is now an idiot, as opposed to a clever unfortunate. So much of an idiot, he can’t even lead his own captain to where the Vivitree and Teron are. Bloth also has the Third Treasure after capturing Ren, never actually relinquishing it when he falls into the water. Meh, it’s okay, no one will notice. Will things pick up? You bet.

Pirates of Dark Water Rewatch will return next week. Until then, read this:  http://ctboom.com/for-ct-by-ct-in-defense-of-rob-zombie/

Pirates of Dark Water Rewatch: Episode 5 "Victory"

Episode 5: Victory

Original Airdate: March 1, 1991

Written by: Kristina Luckey and Laren Bright

Directed by: Don Lusk (Supervising Direction by Ray Patterson)

Continuing directly from BETRAYAL, the concluding chapter of this five part serial begins with Bloth congratulating Tula for bringing him what his own men couldn’t: the First of the Treasures of Rule. Tula and Bloth negotiate a price, after which she’ll turn over the compass as well. Ren and Niddler watch from below, in the Constrictus Pit. Ren refuses to believe Tula would throw in with Bloth and watches patiently.

From behind a nearby prison door on the main deck, the strange man called Teron, wide eyed and crazed, warns of coming Dark Water. Bloth calls to his lookout, a pirate in an elevated ball turret. With nothing to be seen, Bloth berates Teron, who claims only he has the vision to see the approaching Dark Water.

Behind Ren and Niddler, the Constrictus appears, chasing them from one end of the pit to another. Above, Konk begs to be released, now that Bloth has the treasure. Laughing evilly, Bloth drops Konk into the pit and Mantus repeats his standing bet on the survival of their fellow pirate. Ren assists Konk out of the pit muck, who is surprised, having thought Ren dead on Pandawa (see episode 3, BREAK UP). The Constrictus interrupts, tiny Konk attacking it without hesitation. Ren grabs Konk off the back of the creature and they and Niddler head down a smaller sewer pipe to escape. Exiting to an inner complex of smaller shipbuilding (or dismantling), the group is surprised as the Constrictus squeezes itself through the pipe and continuing the chase. Ren is receives a glancing strike from a poisonous stinger and Niddler flies in to defend him, distracting the Constrictus long enough for Ren to make a counterattack. A ship frame is dropped from above and the crane that held the hull captures the Constrictus, hauling it off the deck of the Maelstrom. Sneaky Konk locates another passage, with Niddler and a wounded Ren following after. Konk finds his way back to the main deck, though he gets stuck in a vent behind the pirates betting on his survival, around the Constrictus Pit. Konk gets an assist from Niddler biting his backside and he runs to Mantus to report Ren being below decks. Mantus isn’t listening and neither are his fellow shipmates, who assault Konk for ruining their bets. Mantus collects his winnings, extremely pleased in Konk’s survival but wholly uninterested in his beating from the other pirates.

In the Cramadorm, Avagon is trying to organize the other prisoners into a revolt when Niddler calls for help from within a nearby sewer grate. Avagon hauls a feverish, muttering Ren from the sewerway, recognizing the wound immediately. She applies a curative as Ren continues to talk feverish nonsense.

Teron, still in his cell, pokes at a globe of Mer and grumbles in parallel with Ren. Bloth shouts at the ecomancer through the cell door window, demanding favorable winds. Teron argues with Bloth, saying his meddling with nature is adding to the damage being done to their world. Bloth counters, explaining that with the Treasures of Rule, he can renew the planet, threatening to throw Teron’s bed of “Andorus soil” overboard if he refuses to follow through with the order. Outdone, Teron uses his staff to calm the sea.

Zoolie and Ioz (remember them?) wake from their slumber and run to the deck of the Wraith. They spot Tula aboard the Maelstrom and make a quick deal between themselves before heading to Bloth’s ship. Apparently, the gas has them forgetting they’ve already made a deal in the last chapter.

Ren enters a fever dream while clasping the Second Treasure in his fist. An image of his father explains the prophetic rhyme seen at the Abbey of Galdabar in THE QUEST, acknowledging that the creeping Dark Water must be defeated or all of Mer will be lost to it. It’s hinted that Bloth wants the 13 Treasures to control the Dark Water and that they can also be used to destroy it.

Avagon continues to plead her case to the other prisoners as Ren awakes, his fever now broken. They aren’t overly willing to help Ren, but finally are convinced and join as the heroes make their way through the sewers.

Bloth is in his cabin, excited to be getting the compass. He acts like a desperate bachelor, attracted by the beautiful Tula and her deceptive motives. Flirting heavily with her, Bloth even goes so far as to offer Mantus’ position on the Maelstrom to Tula! The creep factor is high, so after their exchange of goods, Tula leaves to count her gold. Nearby, Ren and Niddler have found their way onto the main deck. They spot Tula and follow her as she heads directly to Teron’s cell. Inside, Teron is resting on his bed of soil, feeding from it through root-like protuberances from his body. Tula has been sent to rescue the ecomancer, who recognizes her. She is also from Andorus and their homeland has been suffering from Dark Water decay and they need their ecomantic healer back. Sadly, Andorus has been swallowed by the Dark Water since Tula left their homeland, or so Teron tells her. He’s also just a bit miffed with her that she betrayed Ren when the Treasures of Rule can do more for Mer than one overworked ecomancer. Ren overhears the conversation and understands that his Quest has a bigger depth to it than he was aware of. Niddler knocks over a stack of food barrels, drawing a surprised Tula (and no one else, oddly) to them. She brings Ren to Teron, who wants to free him, knowing that Avagon’s people will soon start their revolt below decks. Tula plots how she’s going to regain the compass and treasure from Bloth just as the lookout announces spotting Dark Water.

Zoolie and Bloth board the Maelstrom while her sailors are distracted by the Dark Water. Mantus informs his captain of the sighting, where the pirate lord explains he can use the First Treasure as a deterrent. Ioz surprises them both with a barrage of arrows from a dragonbow, pinning them both to the deck. Bloth frees himself fairly easily and engages Ioz in combat.

On the main deck, Zoolie is defending himself against many pirates with little difficulty. Mantus spots him from the captain’s cabin and attacks. Zoolie falls back, admitting defeat to the aggressive first mate, but not before snatching up Mantus’ chest of gold and leaping overboard, chained servant still attached! True to a previous situation (in DISHONOR), gold still floats and Zoolie swims away with the chest, an enraged Mantus watching helplessly.

Ioz is defeated by a nimble Bloth, who has him captured and tied to a mast. Ren, Avagon and the other prisoners lay undetected nearby, waiting for Tula to flirt with Bloth – the plan she formed to retrieve the treasures. Ioz, incensed by Tula’s actions, breaks free from his bonds and attacks Bloth to get to his former shipmate. Their plan broken, Avagon and the prisoners attack the pirates of the Maelstrom. Ioz continues his attack, now focused on Tula until Ren steps in, surprising Ioz and ending his angry tirade. A quick reunion is all that’s needed to smooth over past deeds; Ioz and Ren press to regain the treasures from Bloth and Tula rushes to Teron’s cell, gathering up his special soil.

During the revolt, Avagon is pushed over the rail by Mantus. Ren rushes to save her, as the Dark Water is surrounding the Maelstrom. A surprised, angry Bloth attacks them both as they try to climb back on deck. Knocking Ren aside, he grabs Avagon to dispatch her, but drops her overboard when Ren sets Bloth afire from burning pitch. Avagon lands directly into the Dark Water and is consumed (mostly offscreen). Angry, Ren doubles his attack on Bloth, which is disrupted by the Dark Water grabbing the Maelstrom, pulling her into a heavy list. Ren and Bloth both tumble over the rail and into the Dark Water – or rather, onto it. They are both briefly able to stand upon the inky stuff, at least until it starts to grab at them as well.

Tula recovers both the compass and the First Treasure, dropped by Bloth as he went over the side. She wants to save Ren but is pulled away by Ioz, who believes he’s lost to the evil blackness. Oddly, the pirates of the Maelstrom seem to know more, throwing grapple lines to Bloth, rescuing him. Shortly after, the Wraith approaches, piloted by Zoolie. Ioz and Tula try to reach Ren but are not close enough as he starts to be drawn down by the Dark Water. Ren attempts to throw them the Second Treasure until Teron calls out to him to thrust it into the vileness. The power of the gem dissolves the Dark Water, leaving Ren to be picked up by the Wraith. Teron is lifted from the Maelstrom by Niddler, who head to the Wraith as the pirates are putting out a deck fire. Zoolie abandons the crew of the Wraith, leaving with his newly gained booty and wishing them luck.

The reunited crew of the Wraith has gained a new purpose and a new heading, a new ally and a lofty goal. Sailing off into the sunset, fair winds ahead, High Adventure continues.

Noy Jitat! Not many new words of Mer are brought up in VICTORY. Bloth says the curse once, as does Konk. A few new creatures are mentioned as insults, such as Ioz calling Tula a ‘dartha eel’, likely a slippery fish of dubious reliability. Niddler topples over a barrel of pickled goyja, which are a fish he seems to like. Regardless, when Bloth says noy jitat, you tend to think that when he says it, get the hell out of the way.

Mutant Scum – The story for the conclusion is dense, so there isn’t a huge amount of new critters, either. Avagon has a ‘dreem’ brought to her to heal Ren; a globulous creature with no eyes. It absorbs the poison from Ren, its skin color darkening as it does. It’s kept in a cage, so maybe it’s slightly dangerous, as well. The Constrictus gets a lot of screen time, size changing to fit the needs of the story. Konk also makes mention that it isn’t a single creature, there are more somewhere on Mer.

When Do We Get to Eat? Niddler shows quite a bit of bravery here. He defends Ren from the Constrictus in a great scene, against Ren’s wishes. He also doesn’t want to be left behind during the prisoner revolt, excited to be a part of the action. It’s likely that his actions on Pandawa have given him a higher purpose, but I’d like to think that he’s just that good of a character to begin with. That said, his stomach does fuel some of his character, as well. His desire to get at the pickled goyja fish gets them noticed by Tula (though no one else). He seemingly has made a deal with Teron for a year supply of a fruit for rescuing him from the Maelstrom, a point that does come up again in later episodes.

It’s all in the Art – Most of VICTORY is spent aboard the Maelstrom, so more detail is given to that rather large vessel. The backgrounds are amazing, as usual. The design of things on the Maelstrom is amazing, as usual. The animation is, like the previous three episodes, uneven in places. Tula seems to have gotten animated by whoever did Avagon in BETRAYAL, as she is fluid and gorgeously rendered. She stands out in places though, as Mantus, Konk and some of the other pirates are off-model at times. Most notable are the scenes in Bloth’s cabin, though. His decorations make for more than just scenery and really show the creativity being added to keep the animation from being static.

Ahoy, skarpango pirate! Officially welcome aboard, Teron. The ecomancer will be around for a bit, handled admirably in the position of sage and advisor by actor Dan O’Herlihy, a veteran of substantial pedigree, including being an Oscar nominee (in 1954, for THE ADVENTURES OF ROBINSON CRUESOE). Big developments are coming, so keep an eye on this guy.

Watching VICTORY again after such a long time had me recalling how much I liked it then. The death of Avagon was such a big deal to me the first time it aired, I didn’t remember it mostly happened off screen. Seeing it again, some large part of guilt could have been placed on Ren, as it was his action that caused Bloth to drop her into the Dark Water. Does this play out as the series progresses? I’m sure we’ll find out. Zoolie’s quick in-and-out was a bit overdone, as I believe I thought then. Why bring him in to just dump him so quickly? Well, he does make another appearance, so maybe there’s more going on for further plot development. The Quest is solidified, with the threat of Dark Water stressed more so here. It was a slow build from the first episode but we still don’t really have an idea of what it is. At least we have a better idea of what the Treasures of Rule are supposed to be, even if it isn’t detailed. It’s not a bad thing for a story of this nature. It’s ambitious and you can’t fault it for that. Few American animated series have ever tried something as intense and serialized as this, especially from Hanna-Barbera. For all the glaring holes this chapter has, such as the pirates of the Maelstrom being unobservant schmoes, Zoolie’s quick coming and going and the exact size and placement of the Maelstrom, it’s a good conclusion to the premise.

What really pushes the episode over the top though, is the amazing acting talent of Brock Peters. His incredible nuances and inflections just motivate every scene Bloth is in, particularly that of the meeting of the pirate and Tula in his cabin. Watching Bloth fawn over Tula like a horny bachelor, kicking a dead rat out of sight to keep up appearances is both hysterical and icky. Jodi Benson holds her own here, as well as the rest of the episode, as we get to the truth of what Tula has been up to since DISHONOR. I also think that when Brock Peters put his talent in there, everyone stepped it up to match. Not one of these actors is a slouch and I don’t know for a fact any of them recorded with each other but you definitely get the feeling they enjoyed the characters they were portraying. The accents, the inflections, the words given to them to speak elevated this show.

For an episode, I’m being generous and giving VICTORY four out of five minga melons. For the conclusion to the opening arc, I’m giving the first five episodes FIVE out of five minga melons. It’s not without flaws, but the ambition and creativity outweigh them by a long, heavy mile.