A Review of ‘When Duck Met Goose’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Duck (voiced by Connor Andrade), Goose (voiced by JeCobi Swain), Bluebird (voiced by Chanel Umoh) and Thistle (voiced by Eden Jacob) in "Duck & Goose," now streaming on Apple TV+.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the ‘Duck and Goose’ special, ‘When Duck Met Goose’.
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It really is quite amazing, how animated television for children has evolved in recent years. For it is no longer just a collection of enticing images and big songs and silly moments to make a child laugh, this is a format that so many now understand… can teach a child so much, and it can provide those lessons… while making them laugh and entertaining them every step of the way. Which makes this type of story, valuable to both the kids that watch and the parents that watch alongside them, since the heads of households can latch onto what lesson the show is sending forth and have meaningful and thoughtful conversations with their kids about what they just learned, and one network leading the way in offering up programming that is rich in this is Apple TV+.
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For they understand the tool that is in front of parents and want the family to utilize the true wonder of this type of entertainment and that is why they are making a point to cultivate family-themed stories that are rich with positive and thoughtful messaging, and this is top of mind today, simply because a special episode from an established franchise embodied that unique learning experience. For When Duck Met Goose (A Duck and Goose special) made its debut on the network yesterday and it has plenty to say about friendship and our differences and what makes a successful friendship in this world and it of course… accomplishes such a feat by offering up a story that explored how Duck and Goose met.

Wherein we came to learn that they weren’t the best of friends that we know them to be now. They were instead, a pair of waterfowl that came from opposite sides of thinking. Since Goose truly held to his organized line of thinking, whereas Duck was all about just doing as he pleased and that led to friction and ups and downs for this duo. The kind that featured misunderstandings and fights and other such conflict until one day… this duo figured out how to respect one another and use their differences to their advantage to become the dynamic duo that charmed families everywhere and well, that really is an entertaining story that leaves anyone watching, especially kids, utterly engaged to see that process play out. But sandwiched into that origin story, one filled with song and dance and quirky moments, are the messages in question. 

Because looking to the past, is precipitated by way of a conflict for Thistle. Since a new neighbor happens to frustrate him in this tale. Prompting Bluejay to tell the tale in question and teach us along the way… how not every amazing friendship immediately begins in a perfect manner. Sometimes… two deeply polar opposites will struggle to be friends. In fact, they may clash often, and it may seem as though a friendship will never come to fruition. But with time and patience, and through making an effort to get to know one another and how a new friend operates… common ground can be reached. Bonds can be forged, and the friendship of a lifetime can come to life. Which teaches the viewer the importance of acceptance, the power of patience and the need to really understand what makes a person tick. Because understanding is how we find common ground and bond, and well… those are some powerful messages to find in this tale. 

Which makes this, a brilliant special for certain. One that really does explore the kind of lessons that are truly invaluable to children. Because as they grow older, they will indeed clash with people and run into others that don’t think much of others and knowing how to approach those situations and those more frustrating individuals in a more patient and kindhearted light, is invaluable. Which makes this essential viewing really, the kind that you can enjoy right now since it is streaming on Apple TV+, and we certainly hope you and your family give it a look. Because it really does offer up some powerful and beautiful message in a manner that isn’t overwhelming, and also because… you can never go wrong with an uplifting story that celebrates the wonder and the power of friendship.

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