Original airdate: 9/13/1997
Not too long after the events of the original films, Roger and Anita Dearly decide to move their large Dalmatian family to a farm by the town of Grutely in the countryside so that they can have more space and a better environment for the dogs to live in than the city of Topstown. Three of the pups- Lucky, Cadpig, and Rolly- aren't thrilled with this new change, which makes them run away back to their old house. While there, they realize it's just not the same without their family there and decide it's better to give their new home a chance. Meanwhile, Cruella De Vil, who just happens to be their new neighbor, attempts to buy the farm from the Dearlys as she claims it's on her land. After they tell her they won't sell, she runs into Lucky, Cadpig, and Rolly in the city and locks them in their old house for ransom in an attempt to get the farm.
Tropes
- An Aesop: Home isn't about what the house looks like or where you live; it's being with the family you love that matters.
- Balloon Belly: Rolly gets one after swallowing an entire cake whole.
- Bowdlerize: Two lines were cut when the show aired on Disney Junior:
- Cruella asking "Tell me, are there still one hundred and one, or did I manage to take out a couple of the mutts when I drove in?" after Roger tells her they bought their new property for the Dalmatians.
- Toward the end of the episode, Cruella remarking "I picked the wrong week to quit smoking" after being defeated by the Dalmatians.
- Buffy Speak: One of Cadpig's problems with her new home is that it's too "farmy".
- The Cameo: Jock makes an appearance on a boat to take Lucky, Cadpig, and Rolly back to the farm and alert the other animals that they're on their way. This marks his second appearance in the 101 Dalmatians franchise, as he was one of the many Lady and the Tramp characters to cameo in the 1961 film.
- As the main pups ride on top of a subway train on their way home, silhouettes of Aladdin, Genie, Snow White, Ariel, and Mickey Mouse can be seen inside the train.
- Continuity Nod: When attempting to escape their old house after Cruella locks them in, the three main pups attempt to climb out the chimney by stacking up on one another, only to fall into the soot after Rolly sneezes. This renders the pups looking completely black just like in the 1961 film and original novel where they covered themselves with soot to disguise them from Cruella. Lampshaded by Lucky:Lucky: This feels very familiar.
- After finding out that Cruella was holding the three pups for ransom, Pongo and Perdita use the Twilight Bark like in the movies and book to help get their puppies back.
- Cut-and-Paste Note: The ransom note Cruella sends to the Dearlys, which we even see her stitch together on a sewing machine. On the phone with the local sheriff, Roger says he's certain the note was from Cruella De Vil as "who else sends ransom notes that are dry clean only?".
- Dog Walks You: The episode opens with Nanny taking the ninety-nine puppies on a walk, with her being dragged behind all of them.
- Early-Bird Cameo: Spot first appears sleeping in the hen house next to her mother, Cornelia. She would become a member of the main pups in the next episode.
- Early-Installment Weirdness: Sergeant Tibbs has a much higher, feminine voice in this episode only. This is a holdover from an earlier point in production where he was planned on being a female cat as he was in the original novel. Towser is also featured prominently during the climax, while he barely appears outside of silent cameos for the rest of the show (his goose friend Lucy would remain a recurring character).
- Establishing Character Moment: Each of the three main pups get this in their first scene being walked by Nanny. Lucky pulls in front, excited to go to the museum to see an exhibit on fire hydrants, and then being the first to take charge against the mugger stealing Nanny's purse, highlighting his adventurous and heroic nature and position as the unofficial leader of the main pups. Rolly complains about getting a cramp, showing that he's in less of a rush with most things and prefers to take things easy. Cadpig claims she has "a big giant smile cramp", showcasing her optimistic and upbeat personality. Right after Lucky goes after the thief, Cadpig angrily screams at him to bring the purse back- and then immediately calms down while saying she needs to work on her underlying hostility.
- Gilligan Cut: Lucky's reaction to hearing they're leaving the city: "Let me make this perfectly clear: We. Are not. Moving." Cue Lucky on the puppy bus with the rest of the family, leaving Topstown.
- Human Ladder: The three main pups do this twice while trying to leave their (locked) old home: first while trying to escape by going up the chimney, and next when they try to open the window.
- Ill-Timed Sneeze: Right after the main pups form their Human Ladder to escape through the chimney, Lucky (at the top) loosened some soot, causing Rolly to sneeze and their tower to collapse.
- Match Cut: Lucky's angry expression after affirming that they won't be moving matches to him making the same expression staring out the bus window as they leave their old house.
- Road-Sign Reversal: Towser and Lucy do this during the climax to lure Cruella away from the farm.
- The Runaway: Lucky, Cadpig, and Rolly run away from their new home on the farm to go back to their old home in the city. Unfortunately, not only do they realize it's not the same without their family, but Cruella finds them and locks them in the house, holding them for ransom.
