A Turma do Pato Bill

In a satellite and cable TV universe where originality is a sure-fire formula for obscurity, "Sitting Ducks" was one of the brightest spots on the Cartoon Network schedule. Now banished indefinitely, it's poised to become a home video classic.

"Sitting Ducks" strikes just the right balance between cuteness for the children and sophistication for grown-ups. The friendship between Bill, an amiable self-assured duck who lives in Ducktown and Aldo, a towering 'gator from neighboring Swampwood is at the heart of the series. And what heart!

Bill and Aldo's friendship begins in an unlikely manner (without divulging too much, one was hoping to eat the other) but grows into a partnership that offers no end of comic possibilities. Aldo, we find out over time, is not just another mindless green duck-eating machine but often displays wisdom, ingenuity and even morality.

The series' setting of Ducktown is populated with an assortment of other feathered folks who are as quirky as Bill and Aldo's friendship, including Dr. Cecil, a general practitioner and aspiring dentist in a burg where not a single citizen has a tooth! To him, Aldo is a godsend, a king-size chance to ply his long unused dental craft.

The cuteness of the series is pierced from time to time by the dangers of alligators and ducks living at each other's doorsteps. Though a truce exists between Swampwood and Ducktown, 'gators regularly plot to make a meal out Ducktown's citizens. In an episode poking fun at reality TV, a duck cameraman is eaten (off-camera) by alligators. In another, Aldo is trying to curb his appetite for duck by wearing duck hormone patches prescribed by Dr. Cecil. The patches give him a hankering for duck fare. When he chomps a fly right out of the air, the insect's dying cry reverberates all the way to the next spoken line. There are also a few instances of potty humor but that's probably what sold the show to Cartoon Network.

Though "Sitting Ducks" has gone dark on cable and satellite TV, it shines brighter than ever on home video.

First discovered this show as a kid watching Qubo. (those who remember know) All these years later I watched every episode on Peacock. What a fun and lighthearted show. I only wish there were more seasons. These are the kinds of shows I miss that I feel like you don't really see anymore. Just simple animation and a good story each episode.

My favorite character is probably Fred the Penguin. What a funny comparison to have a penguin living amongst ducks with 20 air conditioners in his apartment. It's also funny that Bill's biggest ambition is to be able to fly, but he can't because he's domesticated/evolved? Anyway, it's a kids show. I guess everything doesn't have to make sense.

For some reason, and don't ask me why, I took a chance on this DVD many years back. It delivered, and I was amused by a very touching children's TV series that teaches values and what it is to be a friend.

Lots of intelligent humor without the usual pre-teen crudeness mixed in, we have the tale of two cities, where two opposites find themselves befriending one another through common interests and a desire to care for one another as all true friends do.

We have mystery, action, adventure, intrigue, and of course lots of comedy. The laughs are occasionally subtle, but not always, and of course are usually geared for the grade school-er to catch and appreciate.

The CGI may feel a touch dated, but its simplicity in design allows good execution, which should please children and family alike. Please, if you do purchase a copy of this, sit and watch it with your children. You won't regret it.

Definitely a plus for television. Give it a chance.

This is an extremely odd but funny show. ^_^; I had no idea Scott McNeil was in it! Watch the show. It's based in a world where Ducks can talk and basically take over where humans used to be. They even make a reference back to when ducks were "primitive" check it out! lol

Despite the fact that almost everything about the show is incredibly mundane (solving a case of hick ups, trying to get a generally feared member of society to a picnic, etc etc).

Basically, the show centers around a well-liked member of Ducktown named Bill and his friend Aldo, an alligator (a species normally feared in town, but because of his passive attitude, makes him an exception). Usually the episodes are fairly simple, but are relevant to some adult problems (i.e. a gregarious and often preoccupied relative visiting and her timid cousin trying to spend some quality time with her). The show doesn't rely on crude humor or violence, using simple slapstick and goofiness to keep viewers entertained. The voice actors are generally very good and keep everyone sounding very natural. The music relies heavily on honking (you know, duck theme? . . .ahh nevermind) and bongo drums, as well as other percussion instruments and is very well done. The animation is entirely CG and is absolutely beautiful for a television series. The characters move incredibly fluidly and everything looks natural.

Some may find the show incredibly boring, because everything is very relaxed and laid back, in comparison to the normally faced media, but I find it to be a great change of pace, and I enjoy the show greatly. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys comedy or cartoons.