It’s time for the game between the campers and the coaches and Coach Cole is trying to find a way to connect to his son while Alex is trying to ensure Evan doesn’t end up in the game in the latest episode of the Disney+ Original Series, “The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers.” While the game is the focus of the A story, the B story focuses on Koob, Maya and Sam running a candy gambling ring on the game and how they let it go to their heads leading to Nick saving the day.

This storyline encapsulates your pretty typical show targeting a younger teen, tween or pre-teen. Quite frankly, this storyline would have been perfect on a Disney Channel show more than what I would like to see in a Disney+ show. I’ve enjoyed the series so far, but this episode left me underwhelmed. I recognize I’m not the target demographic, but I’ve found ways to enjoy almost every episode of the first season and even the first two episodes of the second season, but this episode really felt like filler.

After three episodes, let’s address the elephant in the room, this show is missing Emilio Estevez. Gordon Bombay was the main connection between this series and the film series that he helmed in the 90s. While Estevez exited the show citing creative differences, and others have claimed he left due to vaccine mandates, there’s no way to not acknowledge the void his absence brings. This is no knock on Josh Duhamel who is actually doing a great job as the leader of the hockey camp, but it feels like the show needs some natural connection to the old Ducks. Getting the Bash Brothers in the first episode was nice, but the show needs more. Unfortunately, I don’t know how to connect the two without feeling forced at this point.

This is the worst episode of, not just this season, but the entire series, so far. This show has been a lot of potential and not quite living up to it. The nostalgia is great, and it’s fun for kids, but it could be so much more. I’m certain the show will be better than this episode, but I’m not certain it will improve overall. It’s found a very bland, generic groove, and it seems content to stay there.

Rating: 2 stars

What did you think of this episode of “The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers?”

Jeremy Brown

Jeremy has been a big Disney fan since he was a kid growing up during the Disney Renaissance. One day he hopes to go to every Disney Park in the world.

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