Ep 1. Monsters R Us

Darkwing Duck season 3 episode 1 "Monsters R Us" sees our feathered hero facing off against a new villain, Count Nefarious, who has opened a store selling monsters to the citizens of St. Canard. The episode opens with Darkwing and his sidekick, Launchpad, investigating some unusual activity at a warehouse only to be greeted by a group of monsters. They barely escape and return to the Ratcatcher, but not before Darkwing is hit with a mysterious potion that causes him to shrink in size. The rest of the episode sees Darkwing and Launchpad attempting to stop Count Nefarious while dealing with Darkwing's new tiny stature.

As they investigate Count Nefarious' store, Darkwing and Launchpad discover that he's using a machine to turn ordinary citizens into monsters for his own profit. Count Nefarious is an interesting villain, with a comedic side to him, making him a fun addition to the series. As they confront Count Nefarious, he turns Darkwing into a monster, kicking off a chase through St. Canard as Darkwing tries to prove to the citizens that he's not the villain, but rather the hero they know and trust.

One thing that stands out about "Monsters R Us" is the return of one of Darkwing's most memorable foes, Bushroot. He's initially lured into becoming a monster by Count Nefarious, but eventually realizes his mistake and joins forces with Darkwing, helping him to develop a cure for the citizens who have been turned into monsters.

Overall, "Monsters R Us" is a fun episode that showcases some uniquely creative monster designs and humor. Despite the serious nature of Count Nefarious' scheme, the episode remains light-hearted and enjoyable to watch. The addition of Bushroot adds a layer of nostalgia for longtime viewers, giving us a sense of familiarity amongst the new storyline.

One standout aspect of the episode is its use of size as a plot device. Darkwing's transformation into a tiny monster plays heavily into the action and humor, presenting new challenges for our hero and his sidekick. Launchpad's attempts to protect the shrunken Darkwing are especially amusing, adding a comedic element to the episode.

Additionally, "Monsters R Us" features some impressive action sequences that keep the episode engaging. The fight scenes are well choreographed and animated, showcasing the unique abilities of each of the monsters, from the electric eel-like Zaborg to the tentacle-covered Kraken.

All in all, "Monsters R Us" is a strong start to the third season of Darkwing Duck. It features a fun new villain, old favorites, and a creative storyline that keeps viewers engaged throughout. Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or just looking for an entertaining cartoon to watch, this episode is definitely worth a watch.