

Indeed, Woody is actually a family heirloom, thus explaining how Andy was able to obtain him despite not having been born when Woody’s Roundup originally aired. Because of these factors, the toys based on Woody’s Roundup were discontinued, eventually making them valuable collectors’ items. Children slowly began losing interest in the Old West and began looking to the future – space toys were suddenly in vogue. With the idea of space exploration enrapturing a generation, the Western began falling out of favor and science fiction quickly gained popularity in its stead. The launch of Sputnik in 1959 marked the beginning of the space race. Although it turns out his fears were misplaced, a similar scenario occurred many decades prior. In Toy Story, Woody feared he was being replaced by Buzz. Having no knowledge of his own origin, Woody is intrigued by the show, and is subsequently dismayed when he learns it had been canceled in the middle of a cliffhanger. Woody, Jessie, Bullseye, and Stinky Pete were all characters from a 1950s-era television puppet show dubbed Woody’s Roundup. They intend to pay him a handsome sum for the four figures – but only if the collection is complete. The reason Al was so determined to purchase Woody is because he had struck a deal with a toy museum in Tokyo. Woody is taken to Al’s apartment whereupon he meets three toys: a yodeling cowgirl named Jessie, her horse, Bullseye, and a prospector called Stinky Pete – the last of whom is still in his box. One could infer from watching it that he was an original creation, but this film reveals he too originated from a television show. Despite being the protagonist of the first film, the viewers didn’t know much about him when the credits rolled. Toy Story 2 opts to go in a different direction, shedding more light on Woody’s origins. As a result, a significant chunk of the narrative was dedicated to establishing Buzz Lightyear as an in-universe character. One aisle of Al’s Toy Barn was filled to the brim with Buzz Lightyear action figures just to have a chance of meeting the high demand. The original Toy Story saw the thunderous debut of Buzz Lightyear, whose action figures were a hot commodity.

In doing so, watching the original Toy Story with the foreknowledge this installment’s plot grants becomes an interesting experience. Although a sequel is allowed to add new elements, it’s also interesting whenever writers revisit a seemingly unimportant detail and retroactively give it meaning. Al’s Toy Barn was mentioned in the commercial that informed Buzz of his identity. What I like about this setup is that it plays around with facets the previous film established. After seeing an advertisement on television, they learn that the thief is none other than Al McWhiggin, the eponymous owner of Al’s Toy Barn. Although he successfully retrieves Wheezy from the sale, he is quickly snatched up by a rotund toy collector. This sequence has a bit of dramatic irony to it because it turns out Woody loves Andy’s new puppy – a contrast to the note upon which the previous film ended.

To do this, he enlists the help of his trusted steed: Andy’s puppy, Buster. The plot begins in earnest when Woody makes a daring attempt to save his friend Wheezy from the yard sale. Having realized the truth for some time by now, he is about to embark on another quest. Before, he would gasp for air when it was removed, believing the alien atmosphere to be unbreathable. Buzz’s new, down-to-earth personality is evident in how he roams freely with his helmet off. Since that day, the two became close friends. After receiving a rather violent reality check and a pep talk from Woody, Buzz has come to accept what he truly is, sharing the sheriff’s adoration of Andy. This was only exacerbated by Buzz’s own behavior, for he believed himself to be the genuine article. Much of the conflict of the original Toy Story revolved around Woody being jealous of newcomer Buzz Lightyear.
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WARNING: The premise of this film contains spoilers for the series thus far. Determined to rescue his friend, Woody leaps into action.

Andy’s mother then sets Wheezy up at a yard sale. Wheezy, a squeeze toy penguin, has not seen the light of day for several months upon breaking his squeaker. Woody is now highly afraid of being thrown out – a fear that has come to pass for one of his peers. Andy’s mother tells her son to leave Woody behind out of fear of damaging him further. However, while playing with him, he inadvertently tears the figure. He intends to bring his favorite toy – a cowboy figure named Woody. Andy Davis is preparing to go to summer camp.
