The Raccoons

The Raccoons
The Raccoons
Genre	Animated television series/Children's
Created by	Kevin Gillis
Theme music composer	Kevin Gillis Jon Stroll
Country of origin	Canada
Original language	English
No. of seasons	5
No. of episodes	60 (plus 4 specials)
Production
Executive producers	Kevin Gillis Sheldon S. Wiseman
Producers	Atkinson Film-Arts (1985-1986) Hinton Animation Studios (1987-1992)
Running time	25 mins
Original release
Network	CBC
Release	1985 – 1992

The Raccoons is a Canadian animated television series, first broadcast from 1985 to 1992. The series was created by Kevin Gillis, and produced first at Atkinson Film-Arts (from 1985-1986), then at newly established Hinton Animation Studios (from 1987 on).

History

The series features the adventures in the Evergreen Forest of Bert Raccoon and his friends Ralph and Melissa, particularly in their attempts to thwart the industrialist actions of pink aardvark Cyril Sneer and his trio of pig henchmen. One unique element of the series is that Cyril gradually evolves from an unrepentantly destructive capitalist to a likeable and environmentally responsible, if still highly aggressive, businessman and occasional ally of the Raccoons. Another nasty character was the capitalist Mr. Knox—a crocodile with a New Orleans accent. Cyril's son Cedric is Bert's best friend.

Debuting in 1980 with The Christmas Raccoons TV special, The Raccoons slowly began its journey to becoming a regular animated series, using assorted specials over the next few years as stepping stones (The Raccoons On Ice, The Raccoons and the Lost Star, Let's Dance), before finally becoming a regular series in 1985. Five series of episodes were produced, airing from 1985 to 1992.

Usually, the series would feature the main characters learning major life lessons in teamwork, friendship, cooperation, and sometimes just helping out their fellow friends that live near the forest, human and animal alike, tangling with the tyrannical tycoon Cyril Sneer, who does not let anything as trivial as nature's defining highlights (trees, lakes, etc) prevent him attempting to attain a profit.

In 1989, a new character by the name of Lisa Raccoon was introduced into the series. Lisa is Ralph's niece, and the statuesque older sister of Bentley Raccoon, and the daughter of George and Nicole Raccoon. She is the love interest/best friend of Bert Raccoon. Lisa made her debut in Spring Fever, she was voiced by Lisa Lougheed, the singer of the series' ending theme.

The series had a New Wave soundtrack including the theme song "Run With Us" by cast member Lisa Lougheed a minor chart success in some countries, and covered more recently by Spray. The early episodes ended with a different version of the song, not sung by Lougheed. Many of the songs from the series featured on Lougheed's 1988 album Evergreen Nights. Unlike many cartoon series from the 1980s, The Raccoons was not heavily merchandised. Today it has a small cult following, particularly in Canada, the United Kingdom and the Russian Federation.

Unfortunately, the closing theme isn't heard on showings on Boomerang in the UK, as they close every episode with the same end credit sequence, which is from an early episode of the show and is absent of Lougheed's vocals and many of the lyrics (containing just the chorus), angering many UK fans of the series. However, when Boomerang Europe started broadcasting the show in areas such as Eastern Europe on November 6, 2006, each of the first episodes had different ending credits (featuring shots from the episode's scenes). When Season One's episodes ended on November 21, the following episodes started playing with Lougheed's version of the song in the ending credits.

In 2003, As Long As Forever: A Raccoons Movie was listed as being in development on the Canadian Television Fund's website [1], however since then no information has been posted to the Canadian Television Fund's website about it.

Characters

Bert Raccoon

File:Bert455.jpg

Bert Raccoon

Bert is a happy-go-lucky, energetic raccoon with a lot of imagination. Bert has plenty of confidence in his skills, though sometimes he can get carried away. This over-confidence sometimes gets him in trouble. He acts younger than Ralph and Melissa, and has a lot more youthful energy. He can also be quite hasty; normally Bert will be impatient in getting a plan executed or in bringing justice to the Evergreen Forest. Despite his faults Bert is very loyal to his friends. His best friend is Cedric Sneer.

Ralph and Melissa

File:Ralph and melisa3.jpg

Ralph and Melissa

A pair of raccoons who live at (and presumably own) the Raccoondominium. Ralph and Melissa are portrayed as a young married couple. Generally, the two are the most level-headed of the gang and the most adult. They grew up together, and were childhood friends with Bert. Ralph normally comes up with plans and clever solutions to problems. Sometimes Ralph can get caught up in his logical reasoning and 'maturity'. Though he cares a lot for Melissa and looks out for her a lot. Ralph's family have a long tradition of aviation; they were witness to the Wright brothers's first flight and his uncle (from whom he obtained the scarf he always wears) was a great pilot. However, it is eventually revealed that Ralph is afraid of flying (Blast from the Past). Ralph was offered an editorship of a popular newspaper in the big city, but turned it down in order to start his own newspaper in the forest-- the Evergreen Standard (Opportunity Knocks). Melissa is a character who evolved during the course of the specials. At first she was quite timid, and quiet, though when the series began, Melissa gradually adopted a slightly more outgoing and independent attitude, as well as becoming more playful and cheeky. She works as a photographer for the Evergreen Standard. Her photography was so good that she even received a recruitment offer from a bigger paper.

Cyril Sneer

Cyril Sneer is an aardvark, and the principle villain of the series. He is a ruthless businessman who won't let anything stand in the way of profit. Originally, Cyril was portrayed as a much darker version of what he would ultimately become, often attempting to destroy the entire Evergreen Forest for lumber or industry. Once the TV series was established however, Sneer softened up a bit, and became more of a slightly crooked industrialist. All of his plans are foiled by the Raccoons, and occasionally even his own son Cedric.

Cyril has stepped on many of his former colleagues to get to where he is today, and as such he is slightly paranoid that they'll come after him (Surprise Attack, Blast from the Past).

Cedric Sneer

Cedric is the complete opposite to his father Cyril -- he's geeky, shy and initially rather weak, character-wise. In the specials, Cedric always gave into his father's will out of fear. While, in the specials, he is not able to help the heroes freely, Cedric does give help to his friends in anonymous form (disguising himself and playing for their hockey team, for example).

Later in the series Cedric becomes a little bolder and confident (most notably in Strictly by the Book). While he doesn't always oppose his father's decisions, he does more often speak his mind, or help his friends out. His intelligence also comes in handy often. He is best friends with Bert Raccoon, and is dating Sophia Tutu. His middle name is Sydney (Power Trip).

Cedric's age is unclear. although he appears to be the same age as Bert, it was originally stated that he left school three years prior to the beginning of the series, and that he had graduated from college (The Christmas Raccoons, The Runaways).

It is not clear what became of Cedric's mother. Flashbacks (The Runaways) indicate that Cyril raised him as a lone parent since he was in diapers. In Courting Disaster, it's implied that she died, rather than divorced Cyril.

Other Characters

• Schaeffer - the Raccoons' friend, a large sheepdog. Originally portrayed as slow and dim-witted, he quickly became one of the brightest characters on the show, and eventually opened the Blue Spruce Cafe.

• Broo - A sheepdog puppy with a star hanging from his collar (Lost Star goes into great detail over this). Seems to favour Bert as his owner.

• Sophia Tutu - Cedric's ditzy girlfriend. She was phased out of the show in later years, supposedly studying a school. The actual reason for her absence was apparently the writers' inability to decide how to portray her.

• The Pigs - Cyril Sneer's bumbling henchmen and assistants. Two of them apparently share the name Lloyd, while the third is called Floyd. Their mother visits them repeatedly during the series (Mom's the Word, Promises Promises).

• Bears - Cyril Sneer's additional henchmen, workers, soldiers, spies, etc... Anything that suits his needs for that particular episode.

• Mr. Knox - An acquaintance of Cyril Sneer's, a southern crocodile/business mogul who can be even more ruthless than Cyril.

• Lady Baden-Baden - A wealthy, melodramatic hen who eventually marries Mr. Knox (Courting Disaster).

• Mr. Mammoth - The richest, most powerful character on the show, who appears mostly in the form of a MacGuffin for Cyril Sneer (and often Mr. Knox as well), ie. looking to start a partnership, giving out a contract for a baseball team, etc. Instead of talking, he mumbles, and his assistant has to translate what he's trying to say. He has only spoken clearly twice, such as when he was impressed by Cedric's solar powered car (The Evergreen Grand Prix) and when Cyril refused to accept his offer to manage his baseball team, The Mammoth Mudhens (Double Play).

• The humans - Julie, Tommy and their father Dan the Forest Ranger lived in a log cabin in the Evergreen Forest, and played a key role in the original "Christmas Raccoons" special. Since then, they became less and less important, until they were finally removed from the show at the end of the first season. They were the original owners of Schaeffer, and later Broo, and since their departure it is unclear where exactly Schaeffer and Broo live.

TV Specials

The Raccoons began life as four television specials:

• The Christmas Raccoons (1980)

Introduces the three principle Raccoons (Bert, Ralph, Melissa), Cyril Sneer, Cedric Sneer, Ranger Dan, Tommy, Julie, and Schaeffer.

• The Raccoons on Ice (1981)

Introduces Cedric's Girlfriend and Cyril's bear henchmen.

• The Raccoons and the Lost Star (1983)

Toyed with the series concepts and format, setting the Raccoons on an alien planet that Schaeffer the dog ends up on. Also introduces the concept of Sneer having pig flunkies as well as Broo, the puppy. Considered by many to be closest to the regular series in terms of tone, characterization, etc.

• The Raccoons: Let's Dance (1984)

A made-for-video "music video" consisting of clips from the previous specials set to songs also from the previous specials, all joined with newly animated footage. When this special was produced, it is assumed that the series had already been planned.

Episodes

Sixty episodes were broadcast between 1985 and 1992.

(Note: Years given here correspond to onscreen copyright dates; known information suggests that the final series had finished production in 1989, and that internal issues may have kept them from being completed and/or aired for several years.)

Season 1 (1985-1986)

Surprise Attack (1985)

After overhearing the Raccoons' plans to "teach Cyril a lesson once and for all", the pigs become convinced that the Raccoons are plotting to launch a surprise attack against Cyril Sneer. Cyril becomes paranoid, sends out his spies and locks Cedric in the dungeon, leading Bert and the gang to launch a rescue mission.

Musical interlude: Run With Us & Sooner or Later

Going It Alone (1985)

When Ralph and Melissa tell Bert they want some time alone, he gets offended and decides to climb Evergreen Mountain to prove his independence. Unknown to Bert, Cyril Sneer has a family secret hidden atop the mountain—a secret that he will do almost anything to protect.

Musical interlude: Night After Night

A Night to Remember (1985)

Bert and Ralph upset Melissa and Sophia when they decide to take Cedric on a 'guys only' hiking expedition to a fort that they built as children. However, things get spooky when the pigs play tricks on them in a haunted house.

Musical interlude: All Life Long

The Evergreen Grand Prix (1985)

The Raccoons' way of life is threatened when Cyril Sneer announces his bid for a lucrative contract from Mammoth Industries. If he wins he'll pave over the forest and build an automobile plant. Unless Cedric's solar powered car can defeat Cyril's gas guzzling hot rod in a race, the forest is doomed!

Musical interlude: Here I Go Again

The Runaways (1985)

Cedric runs away from home and moves in with Bert and the other Raccoons. However, he soon realizes how much he misses his father and all of the little things that made Sneer Mansion his home.

Musical interlude: Sooner or Later

Buried Treasure (1985)

An old treasure map sends Bert and Cedric on an adventure. Unfortunately, Cyril Sneer not only has eyes on the treasure, but also a fake deed to the land that it's buried on.

Musical interlude: Missing It

The Intruders (1985)

When Ralph and Cedric become trapped in his new vault, Cyril must team up with the Raccoons to get past his hi-tech security system in order to rescue them.

Musical interlude: Hang On, Hold On

Opportunity Knocks (1986)

Ralph is set to take an editing job in the city, taking Melisa with him, while Schaeffer and Broo are moving away with Ranger Dan, it looks like the gang is going to be split up...until they find something worth staying for.

Musical interlude: Ain't no Planes

Cry Wolf (1986)

Bert's attempts to liven up the Evergreen Standard with some 'creative writing' mean that nobody believes him when he stumbles upon a real story: An insomniac Cyril wants to pave over the forest so that he can get an uninterrupted night's sleep.

Musical interlude: Here I Go Again

Rumours (1986)

Cedric and Sophia overhear that royalty is coming to the Evergreen Forest, sending Bert on a quest to become a knight, and leading Cyril to believe that his family title (taken away after his great great uncle Excalibur Sneer tried to steal the crown jewels) is about to be restored. Unfortunately for both of them, things are not quite what hey seem.

Musical interlude: Missing It

Gold Rush (1986)

Things look bad for the Evergreen Standard when Cyril Sneer tries to starve them of supplies, buying up every ink and paper company he can get his hands on. But has Cyril bit off more than he can chew, in promising to pay for them using gold bullions?

Musical Interlude: Don't Fear the Fire

Season 2 (1987)

Double Play (1987)

The Mammoth Mudhens are coming to town, and they are looking for the baseball stars of tomorrow. Rivalries flair when it becomes clear that there is only one contract on offer. Will it go to Bert or Cedric, and will their friendship survive?

Musical Interlude: Growing Up

The Sweet Smell of Success (1987)

Bert turns his back on his friends to become the spokesperson for Cyril Sneer's new cologne-- 'Success'. But is the world of super-stardom all it's cracked up to be?

Musical Interlude: Hang On, Hold On (sung by Bert Raccoon), The Sweet Smell of Success (sung by Cyril Sneer)

File:Sneerandsnarl.jpg

Sneer and Snarl, from Blast from the Past

Blast from the Past (1987)

Cyril is sent into a panic when he learns that his old business partner 'Karl Snarl', whom he double crossed years earlier, is about to return and "give him what he deserves". Meanwhile Bert finds an old helicopter, and Melissa must confront her fear of flying in order to save her friends.

Musical Interlude: This Time

Power Trip (1987)

Due to an unpaid bill, Mammoth power cuts Cyril's energy supply, and Cyril plans to build a power dam to put Mammoth in his place. But there's a catch—it must be completed in 48 hours. Ralph's old Aunt Gertie shows up when he and Melissa are about to go on a canoe trip. Upon hearing of peanut butter fudge, Bert volunteers to stay and look after her. Bert and Cedric learn the hard way that old folks aren't as helpless as they look.

Musical Interlude: Hold Back Tomorrow

Stop the Clock (1987)

Cousin Bentley comes to visit the Raccoons. Meanwhile, Cyril Sneer tries to regain his youthfulness with a magic potion.

Musical Interlude: Growing Up

The Artful Dodger (1987)

Bert and Melissa explore the mysterious Endless Echo caverns and happen upon some unusual cave paintings—and a monster! After bidding $50,000 on a small painting, Cyril Sneer learns of the profitability of the art market. The pigs try their hand at painting.

Musical Interlude: Here I Go Again

Last Legs (1987)

Cyril Sneer has a bad cold, and due to a misunderstanding, the pigs convince him he's dying. Bert, hearing the news, puts all of his printing press savings into a monument for Cyril, and even holds some odd jobs to gain more funding. But when Cyril finds out he isn't dying at all, he tries to take advantage of the opportunity to bankrupt the Evergreen Standard!

Musical Interlude: Stop the Clock

Read No Evil (1987)

After a close call in Beaver Bite Swamp, Bert and Cedric meet Herman the hermit, and learn the swamp may have oil under it. This grabs Cyril's attention, and he tries to buy the swamp out from underneath Herman. To further complicate matters, Herman can't read. Can the swamp be saved?

Musical Interlude: New World

Courting Disaster (1987)

After Cyril Sneer is heard talking about making a proposal at Lady Baden-Baden's party, and the pigs accidentally send Baden-Baden the wrong letter, it seems that the two are going to get married. Things take a turn for the worse when it turns out that Mr. Knox is in love with Lady Baden-Baden too, and soon Knox and Cyril are ducking it out for her hand in Marriage. Meanwhile, Cedric is torn over the situation.

Musical Interlude: Got Me Singing

Time Trap (1987)

Join Cyril Sneer, Lloyd, and T.O.M. the time machine in a journey to past episodes!

Musical Interlude: Stop the Clock

Season 3 (1988)

The Prism of Zenda (1988)

When Lady Baden-Baden's priceless Prism of Zenda is stolen out from under Cyril Sneer's nose, it is up to Bert Raccoon (Ace Detective) to find it and save the day before Mr. Knox and Lady Baden-Baden find out what has happened.

Musical interlude: Missing It

Paperback Hero (1988)

When the famous explorer and author Sir Malcolm Havelock arrives in the Evergreen Forest, Bert is bent on coming along on his next expedition. Cyril hears about the expedition, and the possibility of finding treasure, and decides to invest in it. But Sir Malcolm has a dark secret...

Musical interlude: Here I Go Again

The Chips Are Down (1988)

Before Cyril Sneer can sell his feeble potato chip plant to Mr. Knox, he desperately needs to increase his sales figures. So he and the pigs hold a phony contest for a new bike. Bert gets sucked into the contest and wastes all his money on it... until the pigs screw up on the assembly line.

Musical interlude: Restless in the Night

Life in the Fast Lane (1988)

When local dirt bike champ Bix Wheelie comes to town, trouble is not far behind for Cedric, who takes the blame for Bix's antics, and Bert, who has to learn that life in the fast lane is not always as much fun as it appears to be.

Musical interlude: Run With Us, Hold Back Tomorrow (heard on radio)

Monster Mania (1988)

When Melissa and Bert spot a fire breathing monster in Evergreen Lake, tourists begin flocking to see it. Cyril Sneer, takes advantage of the opportunity and tries to sell overpriced monster merchandise. In the end, the monster is exposed as a fake.

Musical interlude: Growing Up

Mom's the Word (1988)

Cyril Sneer just bought a 1930s "Clarence Cyclone" limousine and is souping it up for the big antique car show. A surprise visitor shows up at Sneer mansion, in the form of Ms. Pig, the pigs' mother. She is convinced the pigs are tycoons due to their misleading letters, and so she asks them for some cash to help rebuild the old family home after its destruction by a hurricane. Ms. Pig also brings along her old "Harvey Hurricane" Coup. When Cyril Sneer sees Bert and Schaeffer fixing it up for her, he sees some competition...

Musical interlude: Restless in the Night

Picture Perfect (1988)

When Melissa manages to get some photos of Snag saving Cedric from a fire, she is offered a job for World Times Magazine. Word of Snag's heroics also gets out to a TV producer, and he gets a chance to become the star of a television show.

Musical interlude: Here I Go Again

Strictly by the Book (1988)

After Cedric is derided by his friends for not being assertive or confident enough, Cyril ships him off to Improve University, and he comes back a changed aardvark. Eventually, nobody can stand the 'new and improved' Cedric. It's up to Cyril and the Raccoons to change Cedric back to his old self.

Musical interlude: Stop The Clock

The Evergreen Express (1988)

As Cyril Sneer faces losing his mansion over a huge unpaid debt, Bert discovers a long-lost steam locomotive where an infamous train robber apparently stashed ten million dollars!

Musical Interlude: Run With Us

Trouble Shooter (1988)

When Bert and Cedric find Bentley in the old fort, they take him in and find out that he went through a personal crisis and has run away from home. Meanwhile, the Sneer Mansion's new computerized security system goes on the fritz, and attempts to kill Cyril and the pigs.

Musical interlude: Come On Home

Paper Chase (1988)

Musical interlude: When the Sun Comes Up

Simon Says (1988)

Simon Sneer, Cyril's supposed brother, shows up at Sneer Mansion expecting inheritance, and it's up to Bert Raccoon to unmask him as an imposter.

Musical interlude: Growing Up

Games People Play (1988)

Season 4 (1989)

Second Chance (1989)

Cyril Sneer's childhood friend Woodchuck Berry shows up in the Evergreen forest.

Musical interlude: Woodchuck Breakdown(Insturmental)

The Sky's the Limit (1989)

Bully for You (1989)

A Catered Affair (1989)

Search and Rescue (1989)

Bert and Cedric go exploring on Jack Pine Island to find a fallen meteorite, but they don't tell anyone where they're going, and get stranded. Soon everyone else is desperately scouring the forest, and consulting Lady Baden-Baden's astrology, to find them. Meanwhile, the pigs use some astrology of their own in attempt to get a raise out of the boss, only to have him take a plunge in Banana sales.

Musical interlude: Come On Home, Bananazz (Sung by the pigs)

Spring Fever (1989)

Bert falls in love with Lisa, Bentley's older sister, when she comes to visit the Evergreen Forest. After much procrastination, he gets a date with her. But will Lisa return his feelings?

Musical interlude: Teach Me

The Family Secret (1989)

The Great Escape (1989)

When Tromboni the magician shows up in the Evergreen forest, Bert is bent on becoming his apprentice, even if it kills him!

Meanwhile, Cyril Sneer tries to sell Knox his new $75000 secure vault.

Musical interlude: Can't Trust Myself

Science Friction (1989)

Cyril goes out of control trying to be a good father for Cedric, when he builds an amateur flying machine to enter in the science fair. When Bert finds a tar pit with dinosaur bones in it, The pigs see some competition, and sabotage Bert's science project in the form of pouring Snag's bones into the pit, with Snag hell-bent on revenge.

Musical Interlude: Growing Up

Making the Grade (1989)

When Bentley comes for his annual visit to the forest, Bert and Cedric take him to see the old Evergreen Schoolhouse. There, they meet their old teacher, Ms. Primrose, and learn the school is too small for government regulation, and must be closed. Will Cyril Sneer help them out, or is the school really going to close?

Musical interlude: Teach Me

Stealing the Show (1989)

The Phantom of Sneer Mansion (1989)

Strange things happen down at the old theater, when Cyril tries to put on Cedric's play. It's up to Detective Bert (and the others) to find the culprit! All the while, Cyril tries to get Lady Baden-Baden a larger roll in Cedric's play so he can get in on Knox's 'big deal'.

Musical interlude: Never even know what time it is

The Headline Hunter (1989)

It was bound to happen -- The pigs get sick of Cyril's treatment, and hire ace TV reporter Barbara LaFrum to ruin his reputation, and get them that raise they've always wanted! Meanwhile, Bert and the gang recall past episodes as they prepare for the big Bachelor auction.

Musical interlude: Never give up (Sung by Cyril Sneer)

Season 5 (1990-1991)

Cold Feet (1990)

Stress Test (1990)

When Cyril Sneer is taken to the hospital after getting an ulcer, It's up to the pigs to keep track of his big land deal. Meanwhile, Bert gets ripped off by Milton Midas, and attempts to retrive a refund.

Musical interlude: Run With Us

Moving In (1990)

Ralph's brother George moves into the Evergreen Forest, along with his wife Nicole, and Lisa and Bentley. Lisa has trouble getting adjusted to living in the forest, away from all her friends. Meanwhile, the pigs are fired, and get a job working at Mr. Knox's TV station.

Musical interlude: All Life Long

End of the Line (1990)

Easy Money (1990)

When Bently destroys Bert's new RC car, he turns to an advertising scam to repay the debt, resulting in he and the pigs getting trapped in the endless echo caverns. Now Bert, Lisa and Cedric must brave the underground tunnels of evergreen lake to set them free.

Musical interlude: Restless in the Night

Endless Summer (1990)

When the pigs talk Bentley into taking a job at Cyril's new robotics company, he does too good a job, and Cyril promotes him right off the bat. The pigs take offence at this, as they figure they deserve the raise for "Bringing Bentley into the organizaton". Thus, they screw up the computer system resulting in Bentley's dissmissal. When Cyril finds out, he must confront Bentley, who is now on a camping trip with Bert and Cedric.

Musical interlude: Endless Summer(Insturmental)

Promises Promises (1990)

Bert bites off more than he can chew, trying to please everyone in preparation for the fair. The pigs' mother visits again, just in time too witness their little Jam making scheme.

This episode has no Musical interlude

Black Belt Bentley (1990)

The Wrong Stuff(1990)

Cyril Sneer takes a dive in Sattelite TV, and Bentley is craving some canine companionship. His parent's need some convincing that he can handel his own dog, so Bert allows Bentley look after Broo to prove that he can be responsible. Bentley fails at this, and Broo get's trapped inside Cyril's satelite, thus leading to a time sensetive chase to save him.

Musical interlude: When the Sun Comes Up

Join the Club (1991)

Bowing to peer pressure, Lisa starts smoking; meanwhile, Cyril Sneer tries to join an exclusive golf club. In the end, the two discuss the merits of individuality.

Musical interlude: Can't Trust Myself

The Evergreen Election (1991)

Bert decides to run against Cyril Sneer for mayor of the Evergreen Forest. They use references from past episodes to support their political views.

Musical Interlude: Here I Go Again

The One That Got Away (1991)

The pigs need cash. Something they simply can't get from the boss. The answer? Moonlight for Milton Midas, Dump some odd drums in the gorge, and all of your troubles are gone! That is, if the drums weren't to land in a river that empties into the forest's waterhole. But this is no ordinary waterhole. It is part of Cyril's new add campagin, Bert and Cedric's fishing hole, as well as home to the largest cat fish in the area.

Musical interlude: Ain't no Planes

Go for Gold (1991)

In the series' final episode, Cyril Sneer retires and Cedric takes over the family business. Robin Steel, a sleazy con artist, soon convinces him to organize a bogus race, in which Bert and Lisa compete, putting a strain on their relationship.

Musical interlude: Hold Back Tomorrow

Cast

Character	Voice Actor
Bentley Raccoon	Noam Zylberman (1987-1990) Stuart Stone (1990-1992)
Bert Raccoon	Len Carlson (1980-1992)
Broo the puppy	Sharon Lewis (1983-1992)
Cedric Sneer	Fred Little (1980-1983) Marvin Goldhar (1985-1992)
Cyril Sneer	Michael Magee (1980-1992)
Dan the Forest Ranger	Rupert Holmes (1980) Leo Sayer (1981) John Schneider (1983) Murray Cruchley (1985-1986)
Ferlin	Danny Gallivan(The Raccoons on Ice)(1981)
George Raccoon	Dan Hennessey (1990-1992)
Julie	Tammy Bourne (1980-1983) Vanessa Lindores (1985-1986)
Lady Baden-Baden	Bob Dermer (1987-1992)
Lisa Raccoon	Lisa Lougheed (1989-1992)
Melissa Raccoon	Rita Coolidge (1980-1981) Dottie West (1983) Linda Feige (1985-86) Susan Roman (1987-1992)
Mr. Knox	Len Carlson (1985-1992)
Mr. Mammoth	Carl Banas (1985-1992)
Mr. Willow	Carl Banas (1988-1992)
Narrator	Rich Little (1980-1983) Geoffrey Winter (1985-1992)
Nicole Raccoon	Liz Hanna (1990-1992)
Pig One	Nick Nichols (1983-1990) Keith Hampshire (1990-1992)
Pig Two	Len Carlson (1983-1992)
Pig Three	Fred Little (1983) Len Carlson (1985-1992)
Ralph Raccoon	Bob Dermer (1980-1992)
Schaeffer	Carl Banas (1980-1992)
Snag	Michael Magee (1981-1992)
Sophia Tutu	Sharon Lewis (1981-1988)
Tommy	Hadley Kay (1980-1983) Noam Zylberman (1985-1986)

Broadcast details

The series was broadcast around the world by the following channels:

• Canada: CBC Television (flagship broadcaster), Aboriginal Peoples Television Network, and Teletoon, A-Channel (now Citytv)
• United Kingdom: BBC (BBC One and BBC Two) and Boomerang
• United States: Disney Channel, Toon Disney, TRIO
• Eastern Europe: Boomerang Europe
• Greece: ERT (Hellenic Broadcasting And Television)
• Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia: TVZ
• Russia: REN TV (Currently showing), Teleinform, NTV+
• Germany: Super RTL, Tele 5
• Ireland: RTÉ 2 (Network 2)
• The Netherlands: Kindernet, RTL (Telekids)

DVD Release

On June 21, 2004, Morningstar Entertainment released The Raccoons on DVD for the very first time. They released two 9-episode boxsets entitled- The Raccoons: Series 1 and The Raccoons: Series 2.

External links

• The Raccoons at IMDb
• The UnOfficial Raccoons Home Page
• History of the Making of The Raccoons
• UnOfficial Russian Raccoons site
• The Raccoons Mailing List on Yahoo!