Mickey Mouse Short: Bronco Busted

Season 2, Episode 19: “Bronco Busted” 6/9/15
Starring: Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse and Goofy
Setting: The American Southwest

Plot: The gang’s car breaks down and, in order to raise the money to fix it, Mickey and Donald enter themselves into a bronco busting competition at the local rodeo.

Short Stuff: 

Although unofficial, I believe Donald deserves top billing in this episode.  It’s the fourth such time he’s been the “main character” after Flipperboobootosis, Down the Hatch and Donald’s Boat.  

There’s a Route 66 sign on the side of Bobby Joe’s gas station.  Route 66 was one of the country’s first highways which began in Chicago, IL, and treavled down through the Southwest and finished in Santa Monica, CA.  

With the steam billowing from Mickey’s car, I’d guess he has a busted radiator (I know less than your mom about cars).  $350, which Bobby Joe charges, is about the cost of parts and labour for a new radiator.  

Mickey had similar car troubles in last season’s Ghoul Friend.  

I’m no expert on rodeo sanctioned bronco busting (nor am I willing to look it up) but I believe Mickey is right to be confused when the dudes ask him where his horse is.  Shouldn’t the rodeo supply broncos as to ensure they’re the “bucking” type?  

The way Donald loses his temper is reminiscent of Tapped Out.  Except, here, it has a better payoff for him.  

Goofy isn’t given much to do here except wear pink underwear and a cowboy hat with an arrow sticking through it.  In fact, his only line isn’t until the very end when he mentions Donald’s girlfriend “Daisy.”  

Speaking of Daisy, Donald looks pretty flirty with those mares in the Jacuzzi.   

Mickey and Goofy were paid out well above the $350 since we last see them driving off in a fixed car with surplus dollar bills flying out the back. 

Final Grade: B+
It’s great to finally see the gang in a western but also disappointing not to get any Frontierland references.  The shorts are usually really good about this: i.e. Tomorrowland in Down the Hatch/Space Walkies and Adventureland in Mickey Monkey. Other than that, this episode is aiiight.  Mickey is funny, Goofy underused and Donald steals the show as his temper, once again, gets the best of him.  However, he also gets the best of his temper as he’s now living in the lap of luxury as a rodeo horse touring the country.