TaleSpin is a spin-off of sorts of the Jungle Book. Although the series takes place in a 1930's - era setting, several characters, like Baloo, Louie and Shere Khan all appear in prominent roles that parallel their places in the movie. Baloo, the only character to appear in every episode, is a bush pilot who transports cargo in and around the city-state of Cape Suzette. The high cliffs surrounding the city make air travel the only way in or out, which gives the show a very Sky Captain feel. Nearly every episode involves air travel, which along with the show's general adventure movie plotlines, help it to feel like the serialized shorts that inspired movies like Indiana Jones. Baloo and his side-kick, Kit Cloudkicker, have numerous run-ins with Don Karnage and his sky pirates, as well as Shere Khan, a rich industrialist who is basically the show's Lex Luthor.
Aside from Kit, Baloo's other companions are his mechanic Wildcat and Louie, the owner of Baloo's favorite hang-out, Louie's. Baloo is also frequently joined by Rebecca Cunningham, the owner of "Higher for Hire." Although it is never directly stated, a few hints are dropped that there might be something between Rebecca and Baloo.
Like other Disney Afternoon releases, TaleSpin: Volume 2 features 27, out-of-order episodes scattered across three discs. Most of the episodes feature stand-alone plots, though common themes and plot points will carry over between shows, such as Baloo trying to win his company back from Rebecca, or his constant tangles with the sky pirates, mobsters, Shere Khan or the militaristic Thembrians and their leader, Colonel Spigot.
Although kid-friendly, TaleSpin has a slightly older feel. Episodes are a tad more complex and follow a pacing similar to action/ adventure movies like Indiana Jones or Tomb Raider. In addition to stand-alone episodes, the set includes one two-part episode entitled "For Whom the Bell Klangs," which introduces the hooded villain Thaddeus E. Klang and Katie Dodd, an easy-on-the-eyes archaeologist. This is one of the set's more action-packed and enjoyable episodes. The most interesting addition to the set is the episode "Last Horizons," which was temporarily banned after its initial broadcast, presumably for its stereotyping of Asians and a possible allusion to Pearl Harbor. However, whatever "controversies" the episode may have stirred up look like they reach a little too far. Still, it is interesting that Disney included the episode.
Like nearly every Disney Afternoon show, TaleSpin: Volume 2 is a fun ride that can be enjoyed by kids of just about any age as well as adults. Episodes are action-packed and simple enough for kids to understand, but have complex undertones that can be appreciated by adults.
