DuckTales Reminds Me Immortality is Overrated

DuckTales! Season 3, Episode 11 Review

Ahh, the Fountain of Youth; that mythical wellspring of water that’s said to restore the youth of those who drink it, granting nigh immortality. As such, it’s easily one of the most popular tropes found in adventure stories, and a perfect fit for the likes of DuckTales! Especially when you have the likes of Scrooge and Goldie and their love/hate relationship in play in this week’s episode.

Quest For the Fountain

As part of their ongoing quest for the lost mysteries of Isabella Finch, Scrooge takes Webby and the boys to a hotel in the Neveraglades. Scrooge’s goal, to find the Fountain of Youth, gets complicated by his rival/love, Goldie O’Gilt, who’s after the same thing. Then their old enemy, John D. Rockerduck, shows up to make things even crazier. But the thing that tops this all off is that Scrooge and Goldie end up turning back into teens as a result of the Fountain’s power.

As part of their ongoing quest for the lost mysteries of Isabella Finch, Scrooge takes Webby and the boys to a hotel in the Neveraglades. Scrooge’s goal, to find the Fountain of Youth, gets complicated by his rival/love, Goldie O’Gilt, who’s after the same thing. Then their old enemy, John D. Rockerduck, shows up to make things even crazier. But the thing that tops this all off is that Scrooge and Goldie end up turning back into teens as a result of the Fountain’s power.

Only one problem: they hadn’t made it to the Fountain yet, so how is that possible? The answer can be found in the episode’s sub-plot. After Dewey takes a dip in the pool, he becomes taller than the others. Louie then uses his detective skills to work everything out: the pool’s using the water from the Fountain to drain its users of their youth. The hotel owner, centuries-old Ponce de Leon, then uses it to keep himself young. That’s pretty messed up when you think about it.

Personally, I don’t see the appeal behind immortality. An extra century or two would be nice, but who wants to live forever when everyone you know will die? Still, it’s fun to see fictional characters grapple with the prospect of immortality. For Scrooge and Goldie, in particular, the idea of being young again (and rekindling their romance) is an enticing prospect. However, they wind up rejecting it in the end for each other’s sakes. As for Leon, don’t ask.

Classic DuckTales!

With all the alien adventures and the looming threat of F.O.W.L. on the horizon, it’s nice to see the show return to its roots of adventure. But this episode will pale in comparison to what’s in store for next week. Check this out!

DARKWING DUCK IS BACK!

I Give “The Forbidden Fountain of the Foreverglades” a 3/5

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