REVIEW: ‘The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers,’ Episode 2 – “Dusters”

The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers is a Disney+ Original based on the movies of the same name about a ragtag group of kids who start their own hockey team when The Mighty Ducks won’t accept them. The Mighty Ducks episode 2, “Dusters” continues to showcase Emilio Estévez as he returns as a grumpy Gordon Bombay alongside Lauren Graham and a team of teens who have been growing on me more and more.

I have to start by saying that I was totally wrong to say the line delivery was just okay in my review of the first episode of The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers. Maxwell Simkins as Nick Gaines is absolutely hilarious and his comedic timing is perfect. Every single scene he’s in, he comes in with the perfect line for the mood. Nick’s podcasting gig may be a perfect vehicle for both comedy and drama on its own, but Simkins’ delivery and timing is just perfect. Now, the other kids are still not completely convincing me with their every line delivery, but Simkins nailed it every single time.

The show as a whole continues its trend towards totally cliche, but that remains its greatest charm. It doesn’t need to do anything so special or different to be a standout. Its charm is enough to carry it completely. In fact, nothing of great note even really transpires in this episode. Sure, the Don’t Bothers have their first game and it goes exactly as you would expect it to. And sure, there’s some classic coach/mom (Graham) wants the kids to take the game less seriously but the kids realize it’s not fun if they don’t take it at least a little serious. And Bombay is still pretending he couldn’t care less even though he obviously does. But it doesn’t even really bother me that the plot and characters didn’t go far. It was just fun anyway.

Going through the ropes of building an underdog story in these first two episodes just feels like the first act of any other sports movie. And I’m here for it. However, that said, if the next episodes don’t start either picking up the pace or mixing up the standard formula, the quality is going to drop as fast as my patience. The episode did feature a heist, where the team, with the full support and sanction of their coach, essentially steals hockey equipment from the lost and found at the Mighty Ducks’ facility to outfit their team. It was a bit odd, but in its oddity offered a great chance to get to know a few of the characters at least a little bit better. All while adding some humor and unexpected flair.

The Mighty Ducks episode 2 continues the show’s delightfully charming streak as “Dusters” carries the first act on by rote. Its simplicity continues to work on me, though if the pace or formula don’t pick up soon, I may start changing my tune on this show.

The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers airs on Disney+ every Friday.