'Peter Pan and the Pirates' very quickly not only became one of my favourite animated shows but also one of my favourites ever. Of all the adaptations of 'Peter Pan', it's also my personal favourite.
All the characters are not only interesting but remarkably complex, especially Hook, even when not looking like Barrie's Hook all the character traits of the characters are fully explored and expanded upon. the show is advantaged furthermore by good animation (with some exceptions here and there). Great music particularly the theme tune, one of the best of any animated 90s show. Remarkably good writing that had real maturity and a wide range of emotions rare in animated shows today. Gripping and imaginative stories that maintain the spirit of Barrie's source material while expanding on the themes, events and characterisation. And really excellent voice acting, for one of the most talented voice actors in the business and near-unequalled in villain roles Captain Hook contains the best work Tim Curry has ever done.
"Coldest Cut of All" is a terrific first episode that establishes the characters and Neverland remarkably well for so early on. Sure it does feel like events happened before the episode that aren't shown, but this didn't matter, one is too gripped by the characterisation and story to mind that much. The only real regret is Hook and the pirates being reduced to cameo roles, again this wasn't enough to harm the episode that significantly.
It is one of the best-looking episodes of the show, with some truly neat ice effects being especially noteworthy. There are some beautiful colours, well drawn characters (the episode's antagonist Kyros the Ice King, in regrettably his sole appearance, especially), meticulous and imaginative backgrounds and one is really immersed in the Neverland setting. The music is a great mix of lively, haunting and lush, the theme tune immediately sticks in one's head and never leaves it.
Writing is as mature, intelligent and emotionally complex as one would expect, never feeling dumbed down for adults or too complicated for children. The story draws one right in and never lets go with the conflicts grippingly done throughout. The characters have both flaws and strengths, nothing one-dimensional here. Even Kyros who is more than your standard villain.
The Darlings are never too cloying, the Lost Boys and Tinker Bell amuse and Peter is shown to have a lot of flawed traits (his egotistical side being most prominent) but there is enough to make him likable. Kyros is suitably menacing, particularly in the look, but actually come to think of it considering that it's Peter that starts the conflict he's not that bad a character. The voice acting is great, with top honours going to Jason Marsden as Peter and Jack Angel as Kyros.
Overall, terrific first episode. 10/10 Bethany Cox