I just finished my first ever YIJC "rewatch," via Disney+ of course. The series premiered while I was in 8th grade, so smack dab in the middle of the "target audience." I still made sure to collect the crappy Pizza Hut toys and some of the cards. I had a few comics as well, and the SEGA Genesis cart. Moreover, I was a few years off TLC release, and still ga-ga over all things Indy, also getting to see the Stunt Spectacular at Disney World around this time. Young Indy would be a "difficult" show to follow. The episodes seemed to run in chunks followed by months of TV Guide page flipping that found nothing or lacked the NEW circle indicating tonight was not a re-run. Anyway, so my recollection of the series has mostly been lost to memory by now. This re-watch would largely be a fresh slate.
Anywho, I really enjoyed the re-watch greatly. I know that many lament the loss of the bookends, but I think the reorganization into chronological order, with some added scenes, works well. Sure, the Corey Carrier mid-90s filmed scenes look kind of absurd, given he's so much older by then.
It's funny, because the episode I "watched" the most, taped, and was very excited for, was Mystery of the Blues. Frankly, it was one of the worst of the series. There's a lot to criticize about the series, namely the disjointed fashion in which it was filmed, and the lack of character development of Indy himself, particularly when the older young Jones ditches father and Mrs. Seymour. Then again, there were some absolutely wonderful episodes. Most all of the WWI trench/spy episodes were outstanding, and really I think they . So many great directors who helmed these episodes, and I especially loved the goofy ones from Python's Terry Jones.
Sean Patrick Flanery was underrated I felt, did a great job. The character itself was questionable though, but that was really the choice by Lucas to convert him into this Walter Mitty fellow who stumbles on the icons of world history like it's nothing, and romances every woman he sees.
It's a shame that Lucas decided to waste money on those historical documentaries that I doubt hardly anyone saw, rather than properly up-scaling the film, when the DVD's were released. The quality on some of the episodes was really poor. It was cool to see many well known actors as youngsters. I had no idea this was Daniel Craig's first role, for instance. Two of my favorites, Liz Hurley and Robyn Lively were there early on, too. I have read the concepts for "unfilmed" segments, and nothing was that appealing honestly. Perhaps with another season, we'd finally see Indy go on archaeological expeditions, but alas, it wasn't meant to be.