Les 101 Dalmatiens, la série

Although the original Disney cartoon for the 101 Dalmations was, in my very humble opinion, an awesome show, the series left much to be desired.

Instead of being cute, or old fashioned, or even great storytelling, the series focused on several of the puppies themselves as they were growing up on a farm. The recurring characters are mostly the puppies along with a few other animals thrown in for some diversity.

I think that perhaps if I were much younger, and this was one of my choices for a morning viewing, I would most certainly review my options to see if anything else caught my fancy. Considering this as a choice only if nothing else suited my early morning cartoon desires.

I do like the fact that most every episode teaches some sort of lesson, and it does so without the requirement of going the gross path that some modern cartoons are going, but then I would expect little else of Disney and thus I place them a little higher on the expectation pedestal.

Just my opinion. I hope that you give the show a shot for yourself and then make your own opinion.

Thanks.

Dan

I used to watch this show along with Aladdin all the time as a child. One time the Dearly family decided to move into General Smedley's old farm but Rolly, Lucky, and Cadpig didn't want to. Another time the main puppies decided to adopt an elephant that ran away from the circus. In another episode some pups decided to help out pug due to the fact there was a mean dog. Another time Lucky turned into a jerk to get somebody to be his partner on a game show. Another time Roly fell in love with Dumpling. This show can still be found on Toon Disney.

I loved this show! My favorite was Tripod. My fave episode is when the De Vil family tried to get rid of the Dearly family. Yup, those were the days... It's on Toon Disney if you want to see. I recommend this to any kid that loves the movie, or person that is young at heart.

Hey, I like it a lot!

As a kid, I grew up with the original animated 1961 movie and I liked it plenty. I also paid for the 1996 live-action movie (with Glenn Close as the diabolical Cruella DeVil) and I own the DVD of "101 Dalmatians 2: Patch's London Adventure". I've enjoyed them all. The only "Dalmatians" film I haven't seen (thus far) is "102 Dalmatians". (would anyone tip me off if it's any good? Or should I just not bother?)

However, my personal favorite "101D" medium is Disney's "101 Dalmatians: the Series". It combines many themes of the existing material (Dodie Smith book, 1961 and 1996 movies). But still does its own things, too.

Our main pups include brave Lucky, who gets a strong personality mirroring his character in the book, lovable Rolly, the gourmand of the pups, and sweet little Cadpig, who is the true runt of the litter. Also there is Spot the chicken, who longs to be a dog. I find them all extremely amiable and enjoyable to watch. They are usually foiling Cruella's schemes for their land, or outwitting Lt. Pug (I'll get to him later), or sneaking into Grutely, or...just having fun, making a very likable show.

I also like the majority of the other characters. There's Tripod, the resident athlete dalmatian pup, he has only has three legs and is a positive "handicapped" character. Patch is designed after his character in the book (he's supposed to be large). Pongo and Perdy are much like their characters in the original animated movie. Lucky's nemesis Mooch the Mutt is like all the jerks you knew in school. Two-Tone is really cute (she even has a pierced ear). Roger and Anita are written like their characters in the live-action movie, they were much more involving in that film. Of course, Cruella DeVil is now their neighbor, constantly scheming to take over Dearly Farm. Even Cruella can now have funny moments. The one-shot characters are also charming and likable (a popular example is Lucky's friend Blaze the German Shepard pup from "Dog's Best Friend"). The only character I just don't like is Lt. Pug. He feels rather tacked on, and the show never benefits from him: just a weak link.

I personally like the modern theme (I really just don't need a "That '60s Show"), and the American setting (evidence is through American flags in many places, cars driving on the right-hand side of the road, American Southerners, etc). It makes the characters more relatable, and the little truths the main pups discover in their lives lend a Simpson-esque feel. The focus on these modern-day puppies reminds me of "Tiny Toon Adventures" (another show I loved and still love. ^_^)

So, yes, I love this show. I believe it is better than the movies. It's just too good. Giving this show a chance on Toon Disney, I'm glad I took the time to see it. If the guys at Disney are listening, I'd just love to see more of this show. I'll recommend it to anyone. When the good points can override the flaws easily, and can even outdo a favorite film from my childhood, how can I refuse? Of course, you can't go wrong with so many cute puppies.

It receives an enthusiastic 101/10.

Ah, a show that is very nice indeed. Has all that a show could want, comedy, family oriented...stuff... Though, finding the show on TV is basically impossible now with the addition of the whole Jetix block (I myself haven't seen it, but have heard of it) replacing this show and a few others. You wont find it on DVD either though, as the series hasn't even been around to being produced for DVD, whether Disney wants to or not.

Basically, if you are a fan of the series, you can wait for it to come to DVD, but me, if it does, it does, if it doesn't, it doesn't, simple as that really. I'm not worried one bit, however, it was nice to have it on when it was on.

My rating for this show is...an average one, probably.... 6/10 (SpongeBob out does this series either way)