How I would've rewritten "The Looney Tunes Show" (Chapter 2 - Episode Rewrites and Original Episode Concepts)
I'm not gonna rewrite EVERY episode, but I do have an idea for some episodes that can be rewritten better. I also have ideas for original episodes that AREN'T rewrites.
CONCEPTS FOR EPISODES AND REWRITES
Episode Rewrite #1 ("Members Only")
As far as rewriting the episode, "Members Only", it would still be the same episode as we got, but now Lola is thrown into the mix, with Lara still in love with Bugs, and Lola annoyed by her sister talking to Bugs and giving him more attention, much to Bugs' discomfort. As such, Bugs is caught in a love triangle. And he and Lola both have to find a way for Lara to either get her mind off of Bugs or let her see that Bugs is already Lola's boyfriend without upsetting Lara. Like in canon, most of this episode takes place in Royal Oaks Glen Oaks Oakwood Oaks Country Club. And while it's the second episode of season 1, this episode would be the first appearance of Lola Bunny, Lara Bunny, and their parents, Walter and Patricia Bunny.
Episode Rewrite #2 ("Jailbird and Jailbunny")
For a rewrite of "Jailbird and Jailbunny", Bugs should NOT want to love being in prison. As I previously stated in my review for "The Looney Tunes Show", Bugs loving being arrested sets a bad influence. I don't know how to rewrite this one, so I'll leave that up to you guys.
Episode Rewrite #3 (“Fish and Visitors”)
For a rewrite of “Fish and Visitors”, maybe have the roles of Yosemite Sam and Bugs Bunny reversed. Like say, there's a heavy rainstorm that causes a power outage at Bugs and Daffy's house. And Daffy, desperate for wi-fi sneaks into Sam's house with Bugs chasing after him. Sam catches the two squatters and threatens to kick them to the curb, but since everyone is forced to stay indoors during the storm, Sam reluctantly allows Bugs and Daffy to stay under HIS rules. Let's just say Sam's not supposed to be the fun one as he's supposed to be a grouch.
Original Story #1 ("Martian at Work")
I have an original story idea called "Martian at Work". In it, Marvin, seeing everything quiet and peaceful on Earth can use this opportunity to blow it up with his laser. Bugs and Daffy talk him out of it by getting him involved with a job that doesn't end in life-threatening stakes. As such, throughout the episode, we see Bugs and Daffy's friends' doing their jobs. Like in the canon "Looney Tunes Show", Speedy Gonzales runs a pizza joint called Pizzarriba, Tina Russo works at a copy and print store, Elmer Fudd works for the local news channel as a weatherman, Mac and Tosh Gopher run an antique store, and Pepe works at Royal Oaks Glen Oaks Oakwood Oaks Country Club (previously seen in "Members Only") as a wedding planner. In my continuity, all that stays the same. For Taz, depending on if he was employable, maybe he’d have a job in demolition where he eats discontinued buildings like it’s nothing. But for Lola, when we see her home for the first time as an audience, we learn Lola's rich because her job involves coaching. Through her, we learn that money means nothing to her without passion. At the end of the episode, Marvin finds his passion in dentistry thanks to finding use in using his laser to destroy plaque and buildup in people's teeth. If K-9 were to appear in this episode, I could see him appear at the end of the episode as Marvin's dental assistant. Even if all he does is hand Marvin dental tools or other things. One gag I thought would work is if while exploring Lola's home, the awestruck Daffy would offer Lola to give him a percentage of her income, which she cleverly refuses. No matter how many job offerings he suggests, Lola keeps turning him down. Bugs in turn would've told Daffy "She ain't playing hard to get".
Episode Rewrite #4 ("Double Date")
For a rewrite of "Double Date", I'd treat it like a Valentine's Day episode where Lara, feels left out of everyone's Valentine's Day activities. She sees couples like Bugs with Lola and Daffy with Tina and wants a boyfriend of her own to make Bugs feel jealous. Her first targets are Porky Pig and Taz, but they decline due to already having dates. Petunia Pig for Porky and Tasmanian She-Devil for Taz. She turns to Speedy Gonzales and Marvin the Martian next, but they're too busy at the moment. In Speedy's case, he's on a tight schedule due to Valentine's Day being one of Pizzarriba's busiest work days. And in Marvin's case, he's doing online dating with a human girl who also works in the dental field. Marvin might even suggest that Lara tries online dating someday. Lara also knows not to date Elmer Fudd or Yosemite Sam for personal reasons. Elmer, because he hunts rabbits when he's off-duty. And Sam because of his explosive temper and violent demeanor. Running out of options, Lara turns to Gossamer, but Gossamer turns her down too because he's part of either a Valentine's Day parade or event given how he naturally looks like a heart. She then gets an idea to turn to Pepe, due to his romantic nature, and he eagerly accepts Lara's proposal. At first, things are smooth sailing as Lara and Pepe hold hands and do romantic activities. However, plans backfire on Lara trying to make Bugs jealous due to Pepe being his natural skunk self and being caught in his gassy odors. Bugs isn't jealous, not even once. He's moreso concerned over Lara dating Pepe due to him being a skunk. He can also tell Lara isn't looking too good, even though she's still kicking and taking on Pepe's skunk scent like a pro. Later, things take a turn for the worst when Lara and Pepe are about to kiss each other's lips until she passes out before their lips meet. After Lara's rescue, Lara and Pepe apologize to each other over a phone call (assuming Pepe's not allowed to visit Lara in person) and as they apologize to each other, Pepe would say that they were like Icarus and flew too close to the sun. Lara and Pepe agree to break up on positive terms, but still be good friends. And to end off the episode, Lara, after returning to her home would take Marvin's previous advice and try out online dating for herself.
Another original episode idea I had that could work is if Cecil Turtle came back. Bugs isn't able to race Cecil again after Bugs got into legal trouble last time (Which could work as a callback to the ending of "Tortoise Beats Hare".), so instead, Bugs nominates Speedy to take his place in the charity run. Cecil just laughs at the idea of a mouse racing against him, but still accepts Bugs' wager. I also figured this episode would feature Speedy training in Lola's home before the 5k run. And somehow, I thought Cecil would've gotten his comeuppance after Speedy wins, allowing Bugs to legally participate in footracing again.
Another original episode idea I had that could work involves Lara having to make a public speech for either a grand opening of some location or for a public ceremony (you decide). The only problem is, Lara Bunny is either scared of public speaking or has stage fright. Either way, this surprises Bugs, who knows Lara as the most talkative beings he knows. This episode would've taught a lesson in handling fear. One thing I could see happening is if Lara visited Witch Hazel for a spell to make her brave, and Witch Hazel could bring up how she's scared of water, as touching it makes her melt, even though she has a cauldron full of it and has no issues with it (which Lara could easily question). Maybe she could even ask Lara if she ever watched "The Wizard of Oz" while explaining how water melts evil witches. Daffy's advise for Lara is to imagine everyone in their underwear (and Daffy would put on a pair of boxers to help Lara). Through Bugs, Lara learns that everyone is scared of something, and goes through a list of who else has fears. One example is Elmer, who is afraid of clowns (Based on a deleted opening sequence in "Looney Tunes: Back in Action"). And when Lara tells Walter and Patricia about her problems, Walter could tell Lara how he too was once scared of public speaking before he met Patricia and got married. He even tells Lara what he does if he ever feels nervous. To think of Lola, as she's just as outspoken and a real go-getter as Walter is. Lara denies how Lola's scared of anything, as she knows how rich and powerful she is, only for Lola to come into the room and say "Oh, you'd be surprised.". Lola tells Lara how she fears being seen as a failure for her teammates, which allows Lara the courage she needs for the big day when she makes it through her opening speech. And in the crowd, Daffy is still seen in boxers. After the episode ends with Lara relieved, Bugs would keep telling Daffy to ditch the boxers, as the opening speech is over.
Another original episode idea I had that could work involves Bugs, Daffy, Lara, and a majority of the entire "Looney Tunes" cast all part of a series of picnic games, with Lola hosting the competition. And during her opening speech before the games begin, Lola reminds everyone that there is no "I" in team, which becomes a running gag involving Lara misinterpreting the phrase or taking it the wrong way. One example being where Lara comes across someone either wearing a medical eye patch or wearing a pirate costume with an eye patch and Lara telling that person that you need TWO eyes to see, even though they weren't part of the competition. I also thought if there was a scene involving a pie-eating contest, the pies Lola would have out are carrot pies, which Daffy would lampshade about. And as a reference to Jimmy Lennon Jr.'s catchphrase, "It's… SHOWTIME!", Lola would yell "It's… CHOW TIME!" before the pie-eating contest begins.
As far as other holiday-related episodes go, like "A Christmas Carol" obviously made as a Christmas episode, I thought about an Easter-themed episode that could revisit the roots of the "Duck Season/Wabbit Season" trilogy. As such, Elmer's out hunting on Easter, while Bugs, Lola, and Lara set up an Easter Egg Hunt either at Royal Oaks Glen Oaks Oakwood Oaks Country Club, or a forest by said country club. Daffy, jealous about the holiday, would demand that there should be an Easter duck. When Elmer encounters Bugs, he tells Bugs that he's off-duty. Bugs tries to talk Elmer out of hunting Bugs, as on Easter, shooting a rabbit would be devastating. And when Daffy interjects, the famous "Duck Season/Wabbit Season" bit is reused, with Bugs saying "Duck season!", Daffy saying "Wabbit season!", Bugs saying "Duck season!", Daffy saying "Wabbit season!", Bugs saying "Duck season!", Daffy saying "Wabbit season!", Bugs redirecting Elmer's gun at himself while saying "Wabbit season!" and Daffy taking the gun and aiming it to him while shouting "Duck season! Fire!" and getting shot by Elmer. Later, if Lara were to ever come in on Elmer while Bugs was off doing something else for Easter, I imagined Elmer preparing to shoot Lara, only for Daffy to call out Elmer and say "Oh, that's not very nice! You wouldn't hit a girl.". Elmer sees Daffy makes a good point and shoots him instead, with Lara calling Daffy a hero, much to his annoyance.
Episode Rewrite #5 ("Eligible Bachelors")
For a rewrite of "Eligible Bachelors", it can still mostly be the same episode we got, but for Granny's flashback scenes, no audience sound effects are ever used. Bugs and Lola still go to Paris on a romantic trip, but with Lara joining them as a third wheel. And during the trip, Lara could befriend a mime (whether he be a human or a rabbit) and find love through him. With that, Bugs and Lola can finally have a perfect date in Paris that doesn't involve Lara butting in. Despite all this, Bugs and Lola have a "can't live with her, can't live without her" moment regarding Lara. And when the trip is over, Lara needs to make a choice whether to leave her NEW boyfriend behind or stay in Paris. Lara chooses to say goodbye to her new mime boyfriend, but gives him her email if he still wants to keep in touch with her. As far as an ending, I thought we'd hear Lola angrily yelling at Lara off-screen "YOU TOLD HIM YOU WERE RICH!?". This adds to how Lara is a lot different than Lola, considering Lola lives in a penthouse and makes millions of dollars (if not billions) due to her coaching or participation in basketball games. Lara meanwhile isn't rich.
Original Story #6 ("Daffy's Funniest Home Videos")
Another original episode idea I had that could work is called "Daffy's Funniest Home Videos". In it, Daffy would get picked by a local television executive (or Foghorn Leghorn) to lead his own TV show. Daffy's show, however, features his friends' embarrassing moments caught on camera. I don't know who would have embarrassments, but I figured Lara might have at least one. Only, unlike the others, Lara doesn't feel any embarrassment after her secret is exposed. Later, while Bugs is alone in his house, he opens the door to see an angry mob demanding to know where Daffy is. This would lead to a meeting held by Bugs as he and his friends discuss a plan on how to get back at Daffy. Elmer pulls out his gun suggesting to shoot Daffy silly, Yosemite Sam makes his own violent suggestion how to handle Daffy (you decide), and Witch Hazel suggests making duck stew instead of rabbit stew (which she'd usually target Bugs for) and cook Daffy once they capture him (which everyone stares awkwardly at her for). Lola could even suggest Daffy running laps around her home (considering the space outside of her home would be gigantic). Bugs shoots down all suggestions and discusses that the best way to make Daffy stop is by turning his show against him. The episode still ends with Daffy receiving some form of a comeuppance, and after “Daffy’s Funniest Home Videos” gets cancelled, Lara gets picked for having a TV show instead. Lara’s show is a talk show, with her blabbing her secret on camera for her first episode (the same one Daffy exposed earlier).
Original Story #7 ("Mall Madness")
Another original episode idea I had that could work is called "Mall Madness". For this one, I'd borrow some elements from the season 2 episodes, "The Shell Game" and "Customer Service", but mostly for the exploration of the mall and what it would've had to offer. My thought was Bugs and Daffy would've spent the whole episode shopping in the mall for things, and Bugs promising Daffy a new recliner. Or even if Bugs left Daffy with Lara, as in one scene I thought about, while Bugs takes Daffy to a furniture department before he shops by himself, Bugs would witness Lara lying on a bed as if she were unconscious and would give her mouth-to-mouth, only for her to wake up all joyous that she got her wish, much to Bugs' disgust, as that wasn't a romantic kiss (similar to "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" or "Sleeping Beauty"). After Lara leaves Daffy in her care, Bugs, by coincidence runs into familiar faces while exploring like Marvin in an arcade by the movie theater department (or alternatively a video game department). And Lola in a sports department for new equipment and basketballs for her gym in her home. I even imagined if Bugs told Lola about giving Lara mouth-to-mouth and how Lara took it as a kiss. Lola's response to Bugs would be how Lara's into the whole "fairytale love's first kiss by sleeping". And she does that a lot every time she and Lara are out shopping in the mall, making Bugs realize how her dealing with Lara isn't any different than how Bugs deals with Daffy. In a way, it takes a lot off of Lola's shoulders to leave Lara napping in the furniture department and knowing she'll be sleeping there (considering Lara's ditzy personality).
Another original episode idea I had that could work would focus on Mac and Tosh's relationship. My thought was Tosh overhearing Mac on a phone call with someone. Tosh's feelings are hurt when he feels like Mac was saying stuff about Tosh. Mac notices Tosh sad, but Tosh covers up to make it look as if everything is fine. But later, Tosh is out all alone debating whether he feels disposable or not. He even tries living in the other Looney Tunes' houses. Mac, meanwhile is wandering the streets for Tosh, fearing something terrible happened to him. Tosh tries living with Bugs and Daffy before meeting Speedy Gonzales (who lives in a hole in Bugs and Daffy's house), Yosemite Sam in his house (which is close to Bugs and Daffy's house), Granny in her mansion (which is also close to Bugs and Daffy's house), Lola in her penthouse, and Lara's own home in an apartment building. Tosh might not have had the best experiences with those first four options, like Sam for example, instantly kicking Tosh out because he's vermin in his eyes. And how Sylvester would've chased after him and Tweety to eat them. Maybe even Witch Hazel too unless she wanted to use him to test her potions on. I don't know how Tosh's experience with Lola would've been like, but when he turns to Lara, Tosh might've found her gentle, with Lara coddling Tosh and making sure he has a pleasant stay. Lara might even improvise a bed for Tosh to sleep in with some kind of a product small enough for a makeshift bed. Lara would even give Tosh a hand towel he can use as a sleeping bag or blanket. I even thought as a cute scene, Lara would offer her hand to Tosh with only her pinky sticking out. Tosh would accept her pinky swear by hugging it, pressing against the soft and smooth texture of her glove and later kissing it (given his size). She could also carry Tosh in her hand for a bit. The next day, Lara could see an officer at her door, which she hides away from. The officer rolls his eyes, knowing Lara's not in any trouble and takes Tosh with him to the police station where he meets Mac. The two Goofy Gophers hug it out, with Mac happy to see Tosh alive, and Tosh forgiving Mac, which confuses him. Tosh tells Mac about the phone call and Mac tells Tosh that he wasn't referring to him, and how he'll never be "disposable". He even smells him and says "And speaking of disposable, you smell like you were in latex.". The episode ends with Tosh telling Mac about his time with Lara and Mac saying how a nice warm bath will cleanse them.
Another original episode idea I had that could work would be a Halloween episode where Bugs isn't scared of anything, but the other Looney Tunes, however, want to prove him wrong. I also wasn't sure if Bugs would be cynical about Halloween or not, but either way, Daffy wants to go to the Halloween party (whether it happens at the country club or if Lola holds one herself at her place, you decide.). Daffy looks through costumes he's worn (which can serve as callbacks to older "Looney Tunes" media). Through a montage of trying on his costumes, he goes through Robin Hood Daffy, Duck Dodgers (specifically, the classic Green Duck Dodgers suit with the red cape.), Stupor Duck, Green Loontern, and other popular choices until he decides to go out as Daffy Duck the Wizard (but all Daffy can do with his scepter is light up the bulb with a button, which could come into effect later.). Bugs doesn't wear a Halloween costume as he was forced by Daffy to go to the party. I don't know which Looney Tunes would've also attended the party, let alone what Halloween costumes they would've worn, but I know Lara Bunny could go dressed as a black cat. Marvin would have attended the party too, but he's be cynical about Halloween, despite the benefit of how much money he'd receive from cavities certain kids got from eating Halloween candy. Witch Hazel for this episode would be evil as she would be trying and failing to capture Bugs and make rabbit stew out of him, maybe even Lola if that's enough to make Bugs finally scared at the end.
Original Story #10 ("Substitute Coach")
Another original episode idea I had that could work is called "Substitute Coach". In it, Lola would've been unable to coach for her foot got injured (roughly based on what happens to LTS Lola the canon episode, "Muh-Muh-Muh-Murderer", but different so it's more heroic and not nonsensical, since my rewritten depiction of Lola is more of the straight woman.) and she can't decide whether Bugs or Lara should take over coaching for her. On one hand, she can't trust Lara as despite how great she is with kids, Lara's laid back and absent-minded personality could tarnish her reputation. On the other hand, she doubts Bugs would know anything about basketball. I don't know whom Lola would give the job to, or if Bugs and Lara should work together (Bugs handling the maintenance with Lola's butlers and staff and Lara coaching Lola's students), but either way, at the end of the episode, when it looks as though Lola regrets her decision, she becomes surprised when Lola hears her students say that they will always love her, but there are some things Bugs and/or Lara surprisingly did better than what Lola would've allowed. From this, Lola takes back her words and says how great Bugs and/or Lara did and how even Lola admits she can do better in some areas.
Another original episode idea I had that could work could center on Witch Hazel dipping a carrot into her cauldron to put Bugs Bunny to sleep longer enough for her to cook Bugs. However, the carrot ends up going to the wrong rabbit, Walter Bunny, as I thought her carrot might get misplaced at a buffet at Royal Oaks Glen Oaks Oakwood Oaks Country Club, or elsewhere. I could even imagine Walter dipping the carrot in a glass of sparkling water or cider before taking a bite of it, making Walter fall asleep. Some of the folks at the buffet could even panic about Walter getting drunk. If Bugs and Daffy were involved, Bugs would worryingly tell Daffy and the other witnesses "You know what that means", Daffy could happily say that now he'll be allowed at the country club without getting booted, only for Bugs to say that he and the others will have to control Walter and do his job throughout the day until he wakes up. The episode can end with Walter awake seeing everything still going as smoothly while picking up where he left off, and then later, Taz, who is still temporarily on bus boy duty while he was helping Bugs and Daffy would've taken the carrot Walter ate from and eats it whole, making Taz fall asleep instead.
Original Story #12 ("Feast of Fools")
Another original episode idea I had that could work is called "Feast of Fools". This episode can be a continuation of my rewrite for the episode, "Eligible Bachelors", with the mime Lara falls in love with making a comeback. If possible, it could even be a Thanksgiving episode if you ever wanted a B-Plot involving Foghorn Leghorn, Miss Prissy, Henery Hawk, Barnyard Dawg involved, even if it's centered on Henery hunting for the perfect turkey to feast on Thanksgiving. I don't know how to plan this out per say, but for the A-Plot, I know Lara should be elated that her mime boyfriend is visiting North America. Walter and Patricia, curious about Lara intervening in another date between Bugs and Lola, would like to meet this mime Lara befriended. And while talking to her sister, Lola reminds Lara how her lie could put her relationship with her new boyfriend in danger, with Lara asking her sister to cover for her until the mime leaves. Lola is annoyed by Lara taking all the credit for what LOLA accomplished, but still holds her tongue long enough to keep the family's get together afloat. Later, when Walter accuses the mime of something, the truth comes out from Lara herself. She even confesses to her mime boyfriend how her sister is the rich girl in the family with that big L-shaped building complex, while she doesn't have any of that stuff. Lara just lives a standard lifestyle and lives in a normal apartment building. She also tells the mime about she used to fall for Bugs before even meeting the mime in Paris. She admits that Bugs refused Lara countless times because he was already dating her sister. And after apologizing to the mime while self deprecating herself, everyone at the dinner is stunned by this. Lola, Walter, and Patricia tell Lara how special she is, reminding her that no matter how many careless or reckless choices she makes, everyone still loves her. Heck, if Bugs was at the dinner buffet, I could see him say how it look Lara long enough to admit Bugs was taken, but that all is forgiven, even Lara says how she can't promise she'll still drive Bugs and Lola crazy and show up in the middle of their dates uninvited. And for the first time, the mime speaks up (with his voice done by some European actor as a special guest like either Matt Berry or Vincent Cassel, you decide.) explaining that there's more to Lara than just being a ditz, even if he tells her how she is rich, but in heart, not in cash. And even after the mime goes back to not speaking, Walter would admit that while he doesn't talk much (or even at all), he can see now why Lara loves him, thus earning his approval. And even after leaving the United States, the mime still keeps in touch with Lara. I could even see the episode end with someone trapped inside some invisible box (you decide between Bugs and Daffy, Lola Bunny, or even Walter and Patricia Bunny.). Lara explains that her mime boyfriend left them a farewell present, resulting in whoever gets trapped in the invisible box to angrily yell Lara's name off-screen as we focus on the sky.
Original Story #13 ("Commercial Shoot")
Another original episode idea I had that could work is called "Commercial Shoot". This episode's cold opening before the theme song would begin with a TV commercial starring Lola Bunny promoting either new basketball shoes or a sports drink or just her home for private coaching or fitness services (like all famous athletes do). Later, after the theme song, we see Marvin watching the commercial from an overhead TV while cleaning another patient's teeth. Marvin feels jealous over Lola's commercial that he starts competing against Lola's success by trying to promote his dental services. This of course can lead to Lola and Marvin one-upping each other. During said feud, I could see Tina side with Lola, with Lola paying her for flyers and posters promoting Lola. In turn, Marvin would hire Daffy (who would later drag in Porky as his co-star) to star in commercial with Daffy as Duck Dodgers and Porky as The Eager Young Space Cadet. Marvin, seeing the attention Daffy is getting fumes in anger and jealousy while saying “That’s what I get for hiring the duck! What’s next? The pig decides to take a water break?”, only to see Porky actually drinking a bottle of an energy drink Lola sponsored. Porky corrects Marvin about where he was and offers to share his drink with Marvin, only for Marvin to be even more angry. As far as things going south with Lola when she sees Marvin getting more views, she would be angry and jealous when she sees Lara with her dress all covered in dental stickers that reflect light. Lola angrily and calmly asks her sister "What... are those?" and Lara explains that she got them from Marvin during her appointment. Later, when Lola and Marvin confront each other, I imagined if Marvin asked Porky to do something, only for Porky to just sit in a chair all chill while drinking the sport drink. By the end of the episode, Lola and Marvin realize that they went too far and end their heated rivalry. And during the apology, Marvin also explains that he only covered Lara in stickers so she'd stop talking. And when that didn't work, K-9 sprayed her mouth with laughing gas, which put her to sleep.
Join me for Part 3 where I discuss which "Merrie Melodies" segments can go, and which ones can stay, along with other songs that would've fit.