Fleischer Studios made many good to fine cartoons in the Popeye series (109 between 1933 and 1942, before Famous Studios took over all the way through to the late-50s), while liking a good deal of their work Popeye to me was one of their better series to feature a regular character. Speaking as someone who likes the Koko cartoons and pre-code Betty Boop. The Gabby, Stone Age and Animated Antics series don't do the studio justice.
'The Jeep' is from the series' best period (the late-30s in my opinion), yet it is not one of the best cartoons. While still enjoyable, to me it's a lesser Popeye cartoon from the year of 1938. This is not a Popeye versus Bluto cartoon, and another change of pace for Popeye, which are every bit as enjoyable and in a good deal of them even more so than the Popeye versus Bluto efforts. The premise is not an original one, so 'The Jeep' is on the formulaic side with few surprises going on, but it doesn't get too repetitive and has enough amusement.
Do agree about not getting much out of the Jeep character, not particularly funny, interesting or appealing and even not adding very much to the cartoon. This could easily have been a cartoon where Popeye searched for Popeye on his own, it happened before just fine.
It was very common for Olive to have little to do and that's the case here in 'The Jeep', did question what the point was for having her there if the cartoon was going to do so little with her. Do prefer Mae Questel voicing her too, namely because Olive is so closely associated with Questel that when anybody else voices her it doesn't feel the same, also though because Margie Hines' voice doesn't fit the character design like a glove as much as Questel's. Just my opinion though and apologies if it does come over as too nit-picky, it's just me thinking out loud.
Popeye and Swee'Pea are dead on however. Popeye is very easy to like and is is amusing yet easy to feel sympathy for, but despite being a baby Swee'Pea manages to be an even more interesting character, avoiding being obnoxious or too cute and is both adorable and funny. Their chemistry/interaction was essential for 'The Jeep' to work and luckily it is done very well, though Popeye sparkles more with Bluto because the animosity is stronger. The gags are numerous, are well timed and very amusing. Most of the best of the humour though comes from Popeye's mumblings which is something of an art form in the Popeye cartoons.
Regarding the animation, it is very good as always from this period. It's beautifully drawn and with immaculate visual detail, that doesn't ever feel cluttered or static, and lively and smooth movement. The music likewise, lots of merry energy and lush orchestration, adding a lot to the action and making the impact even better without being too cartoonish. Fleischer's direction is always accomplished and his style is all over it. Jack Mercer does a typically great job as Popeye, with him clearly enjoying the asides and mumblings the viewer enjoys them too.
Overall, pretty good. 7/10
