Jonny Quest "Skull and Double Crossbones" #1.11 (1964) (TV)

Don't judge the series by this episode, 19 December 2008

While Dr. Quest is busy doing some underwater research, Jonny and Hadji (and Bandit) take the opportunity get in some swimming and general relaxation. On his way back to the boat, Jonny discovers an old gold doubloon on the ocean's floor. His discovery, however, is noted by a band of pirates looking for the same treasure Jonny stumbled on. To what lengths will this band of criminals go to get Jonny's secret?

Skull and Double Crossbones is what I would call a very weak episode of Jonny Quest. I've got several issues with it. First, there's way too much padding. While every episode of Jonny Quest has a certain amount of "down time", Skull and Double Crossbones takes it to the extreme. Half the episode is made up of Jonny and Hadji swimming, Dr. Quest examining ridiculously large fish, and Bandit's comic relief. That brings me to my second problem – Bandit. That crazy dog has always been my biggest problem with the series, but here he's more annoying than usual. Swimming into a fish's mouth, riding a dolphin, or going for help – it takes out any drama that the episode might have had going for it. Finally, the bad guys in Skull and Double Crossbones don't really do much for me. Other than being overt stereotypes, their not overly memorable. End the end, a 4/10 is about the best I can do for this one.

4/10