From 1942 and 1957, taking over from Fleischer Studios (the studio that originated the Popeye series in 1933), Famous Studios made 122 Popeye cartoons to Fleischer's 109. Despite the Fleischer period being quite a bit shorter, will admit actually to generally preferring it over Famous Studios, although a lot of the latter's output for the Popeye series is entertaining. Especially the late-30s cartoons which saw a lot of the best Popeye cartoons.
The 1946 output got off to a promising start and it was a solid but not great output on the whole. 'Rodeo Romeo' though is for me the first "great" post-war Popeye cartoon. It may not be one of the very best of the series, or at least one of my favourites, but as far as the post-war Popeye cartoons go it is one of the best and most unique. If asked as to whether 'Rodeo Romeo' is recommended, my answer would be a pretty easy yes and it's the first 1946 Popeye cartoon that would be considered a must watch from personal view.
It still feels odd not having Jack Mercer, on temporary military duty at the time, as the voice of Popeye. Am not saying that Harry Welch is bad, he does amuse and Popeye is as likeable as ever, but Mercer relished the asides and mumblings (which are hardly unfunny still) more and did more with them.
Popeye though is as amusing and likeable as said, while Bluto is even funnier and even more interesting. Their chemistry really carries 'Service with a Guile' and has considerable energy and sees a lot of funny out-smarting moment between them. Olive works well here too, Popeye and Bluto have more memorable material but she does have more to do than the previous post-war cartoons and she isn't bland.
When it comes to the gags, there is hardly a shortage of them, quite the opposite. All of it works, yet what is most striking about 'Rodeo Romeo' is the atmosphere with the whole locoweed in the spinach thing and the consequences having quite a surreal effect. While the story may be a somewhat formulaic one, it is elevated by the chemistry between Popeye and Bluto and by a nice ending that is not exactly a twist but didn't come over as predictable either.
Moreover, the animation is bright and colourful with nice attention to detail and the finesse is there. The music is also outstanding, lots of merry energy and lush orchestration, adding a lot to the action and making the impact even better without being too cartoonish.
In conclusion, surprisingly great and quite unique when it comes to the post-war Popeye cartoons. 9/10