Winned or lost: Has Pixar succeeded in his bet with his first original series? (critical)

An ordinary tale where it is (still) a question of making emotions speak! Not very innovative, but nicely executed.

Great first for Pixar! The countless Oscars studio is on the small screen with its very first original creation for television. Certainly there had already been Dreams Productions (in 2024) or Monsters & Cie: at work (in 2021). But it was then series derived from successful films. This time, Pixar imagined with Won or lost A brand new concept around an episodic format.

We follow a softball team (baseball for children) made up of young college and college students, while a decisive match awaits them. From coach to players, from parents to referees, everyone manages stress in their own way, juggling at the same time with their little daily galleys. Each episode thus tells the same event by adopting the point of view of a different character.

You will understand, the destinies of each other thus intertwine beautifully, through a millimeter narrative choreography and very intelligently written. The goal of the cartoon is to explore in passing the feelings, insecurity and hopes of these ordinary people …

Yes, there is still a question of emotions in Won or lost. Eight months later Vice-versa 2the Pixar disc seems to be somewhat scratched and the series sounds like a repetition. Again, emotions are materialized on the screen in various forms (an anxiety monster, self-defense armor, overwhelmed super-maman powers …). Again, the studio still plays the card of the animated, poetic and fun metaphor, to tell the complexity of human feelings.

All this leaves an annoying impression of deja vu. The concept is not very innovative, but however offers an amazing depth to the characters. Won or lost Look at a tender contemporary tale, which tells with a lot of accuracy the difficulty of finding its place in the world. An undeniably touching, sometimes unequal ordinary story (from one episode to another, the effect Rashomon Can be used) but always boosted by the comforting animated style that has made the strength of the latest original Pixar (Luca, elementary). SO Won or lost ? The bet was daring and it is only partially filled.

Won or lost, 8 episodes to see on Disney plus Wednesdays February 19 and 26.