Peter Pan and the Pirates Billy Jukes, Lost Boy (1990–1991) Online

'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 character 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 some of the best work Tim Curry has ever done.

"Billy Jukes, Lost Boy" is not quite one of my absolute favourite 'Peter Pan and the Pirates' episodes. It is a terrific episode, although some of the characters are not in the episode enough for my tastes. Loved what was done with Billy Jukes and that he has more focus than in a lot of the show, despite his occupation there was the sense here that he really isn't that bad a guy.

Loved just as much his chemistry with Slightly, which had the right amount of charm and tension. Having more focus on Slightly was a nice touch, always liked him but this is one for the more interesting episodes revolving around him.

Regarding the animation, it's bright and colourful with a lot of attention to detail in the backgrounds and the characters appeal visually, the animation on the shadows and their movements is particularly impressive.

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 is absorbing and beautifully paced while the voice acting is very good.

Overall, terrific. 9/10 Bethany Cox