The Raccoons

The Raccoons project - a Christmas special, with an environmentalist message, that introduced the three main Raccoons (Bert, Ralph, Melissa), Cyril Sneer, Cedric Sneer, Ranger Dan, Tommy, Julie, and Schaeffer. This is the only time in the whole franchise where the humans (Tommy and Julie) and the Raccoons met each other.

A second special which focused on a hockey game between the Raccoons and Cyril's team, for the fate of Evergreen Lake. Introduces Cedric's girlfriend Sophia Tutu, the Sneer's pet dog Snag, and Cyril's bear henchmen. The characters are all far-more closer in style to the final series' characterizations of them (notably Ralph and Melissa, who previously seemed to have the same personality as Bert rather than their calmer, more intellectual forms, seen later). The animation had also progressed significantly from the first special too, notably the images of both Cyril and Cedric.

Toyed with the series concepts and format, setting the action on an alien planet that Schaeffer the dog ends up on (possibly an early attempt to write-out the three human characters he had been seen with in the previous two specials). Also introduces Cyril's three pig flunkies and Broo the puppy. Considered by many to be closest to the regular series in terms of tone, characterization, etc. Also of note is that it was twice the length of the other specials. This special was separated into two parts for some TV broadcasts, with a couple of scenes edited out, due to timing.

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

Run With Us (Theme from 'The Raccoons') Music Video by Matt Fishel