Pixar has utilized the platform of Disney+ well by releasing shows, miniseries, and shorts that surround characters from already established franchises, but they’ve finally decided to bring us the first original series in the form of Win or Lose. It’s quite a risk that Pixar has taken to create a brand new original world for the small screen instead of the big screen, but they’ve managed to create a story that’s befitting for Disney+. Disney seems to usually run into issues where a show such as The Falcon and the Winter Soldier or even Obi-Wan Kenobi would be a better fit as a film, but it seems like they’ve finally hit the nail on the head.
Win or Lose is an anthology series that follows a co-ed middle school softball team called the Pickles in the week leading up to their big championship game. Each episode takes the same events from one different participant and their perspective as the game approaches, such as players and their parents.
This show still leans into what Pixar is known for, and that’s creating projects that dive into specific emotions, such as Inside Out, Luca, and Turning Red. Towards the start of the show, it’s quite difficult to pinpoint exactly what Win or Lose wants to focus on at its core, but it’s the opening message that gives it away. “If someone wins, somebody has to lose, or maybe, maybe, winning is just a matter of how you look at it.” Each episode starts off one week before the game as we’re let into the respective character’s life and follow them to see what struggles they may be dealing with that might have a chance of affecting the big state championship game.
In the first episode, “Coach Dad,” we’re introduced to the Pickles and their coach, Dan (Will Forte), and his daughter, Laurie (Rosie Foss), who this episode focuses on. She suffers from anxiety, and instead of Maya Hawke in her head (quite possible in the world of Pixar), her anxiety manifests in the form of a very cute but also quite slimy blob called Sweaty (Jo Firestone). This is all beautifully represented with Win or Lose’s animation style that helps the characters express themselves. With them all having a unique way to tackle their problems through the power of visual manifestation, it helps each episode feel refreshing as although every episode shares the same animation, each one manages to retain its own identity for the character it focuses on.
Win or Lose plays around with these metaphors that we see in the various episodes, from Rochelle seeing herself as this businesswoman due to her being an overachiever to Frank, who protects and shields himself from facing reality with his shining armor. This is a show that’s made to challenge not only the kids that are watching it but also adults. The decision to make this an anthology that not only focuses on the children but also allows for the adults to get their shine. Everyone struggles. There are characters who may seem full of sunshine just for another episode to reveal that there’s a lot in life taking them down. It can range from losing a job and trying to find a way to provide for your kids and be a good parent to simply screwing up a relationship and trying to get back into the dating scene.
The only major issue with Win or Lose that resides is the controversy that arose from it a couple of months ago. It was reported that Disney removed an episode of Win or Lose, which focused on removing a transgender storyline from the show. Without any context, this already seemed like a bad decision, and it caused outrage between people who would’ve loved to have seen this storyline play out. From getting the pleasure to view the first four episodes of the series, it’s a shame to see that such a storyline was cut out.
“When it comes to animated content for a younger audience, we recognize that many parents would prefer to discuss certain subjects with their children on their own terms and timeline.” This is what a Disney spokesperson said in regard to the storyline being cut. It makes you question why they think it would be okay for kids to learn about divorce, dating apps, and their parents possibly losing their jobs trying to support them, but not for kids to feel protected within their own environment and learn how to respect people who may be different from them. It’s not the first time that Disney has removed a transgender storyline from an animated show, as Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur also suffered the same fate. Unfortunately, it’s a trend that we may continue to see from Disney unless they’re spoken up against.
It’s a show that tackles all these different layers to help the kids that are watching it learn. To remove a storyline such as that only sends the opposite message and destroys the initial vision that Carrie Hobson and Michael Yates had intended for the show. While only the first four episodes have been viewed, this show could be reaching its fullest potential if Disney had full faith in the shows and films they greenlit. No amount of backlash could bring a giant like Disney down, and it’s not something they need to worry about.
Win or Lose is a successful attempt from Pixar to create a show bursting with life and color that represents their ideals that they’ve represented in many of their films in the past. Carrie Hobson and Michael Yates bring a shift in Pixar’s usual storytelling by switching up the perspective each episode, highlighting the growth within Pixar as they showcase the stylistic animation that brings out the characteristics of their characters. It follows in line with some of Pixar’s previous works, such as Inside Out and Turning Red, when it comes down to talking about emotions, but Win or Lose focuses more on just a specific emotion and instead tells a story that’s representative of everyone who decides to watch.
Although I find it hard to call this show a home run with how Disney have handled it, the creators have no part in that and have done an outstanding job of bringing this humorous, energetic and emotional show to our screens.
Win or Lose is streaming now on Disney+ with new episodes releasing every Wednesday.
Episodes Watched: 4 out of 8.
IF YOU’RE ENJOYING WIN OR LOSE BUT ARE IN THE MOOD FOR SOME ACTION, CHECK OUT OUR REVIEW FOR REACHER SEASON 3.
