Expectations were very mixed for this 'Animaniacs' reboot. The original 'Animaniacs' is one of my favourite animated shows and a favourite overall. Likewise with 'Pinky and the Brain' (not the case with its spin off 'Pinky, Elmyra and the Brain'). Part of me was interested to see how they would work in a contemporary setting, but much of me also questioned its point because it didn't sound necessary to me as can be the case with a lot of reboots.
Almost all the previous episodes of the show falls in the very inconsistent but also very watchable category, excepting Episode 5 which for me was great. "Anima-Nyet"/"Babysitter's Flub"/The Warners' Press Conference" is another one of the very inconsistent but also very watchable episodes, actually thought that generally it was pretty good despite not caring for one segment (which was not a surprise for me as that was the case with a lot of the episodes from this reboot).
In almost all the episodes of 'Animaniacs', the best segments were those of Pinky and the Brain. That is true here with "Babysitter's Flub". On paper, this is not one of Brain's most appealing or most inspired plans and if it were any cuter it would have belonged more in 'Pinky, Elmyra and the Brain' (not a good thing). It is not near as corny or as cutesy as it could easily have been and is instead sharp and witty and Brain's character writing continues to be a delight. Both Pinky and Brain and their chemistry clearly showed writers that understood and loved the characters.
Got that sense also with the Warners siblings in "The Warners' Press Conference". Really enjoyed the self-awareness, documentary-like/life in the day-like structure and also the witty referencing that wasn't hard to get and in no way do they feel shoehorned or out of date. It is a scenario that would have been right at home in the original 'Animaniacs' and is executed in a way that's true to it. It is also a scenario that is relevant so the attempts to make the material relevant felt unforced.
Was less keen on "Anima-Nyet". Really liked the setting, but it doesn't have the same energy and wit the other two segments have, it felt a little too on the safe side and the Warners could have been wackier and less smug. Some of it could have been a lot more subtle as well.
There are a lot of individual elements done incredibly well, and they are good things apparent in all the episodes up to this point and since. The animation is bright and beautifully detailed with some suitably wild expressions in faces, eyes and body language, despite preferring the bolder and more traditional look. The music fits well and while it may not enhance the action it adds to it in a way that's appealing and accessible. The theme tune is hip and catchy. The voice acting, done by some of the best and most prolific voice actors in the business now and ever, is impeccable. It was a masterstroke bringing the voice actors back and the right thing to do. Cannot for instance imagine Brain being voiced by somebody other than Maurice La Marche.
Overall, liked it but didn't love it. 7/10.
