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*** This review may contain spoilers ***
[MAY BE SPOILERS]
This series is practically a remake of the 1985 one, but
don't
expect to see Raffish Ralph or Weasel McGreed around. These are
more
based on the books, but they do add a few twists, like today's
episode
in which Mama and Papa go to an automated hotel for their
second
honeymoon while Brother and Sister spend the week at Grizzly Gramps
and
Gran's. You know, I believe Grizzly Gramps has made his animated
debut
because in the old series, he was nowhere to be found. I thought
Gran
sounded just like Barbara Billingsley but the voice credits
proved
otherwise. Papa, Mama, Brother and Sister have many other
adventures!
Like the time Mama decided they watch way too much television and
tells
them to go without for one week. It was easy for the cubs,
but
devastating for Papa. Or how about the time Sister goes to
Lizzie
Bruins for a sleepover when suddenly the party get's too loud.
Sister
was grounded after that. Each show starts like this: some scenes
from
the episode jumbled together to give us a preview, next is the
opening
with unique theme song. Then the episode begins. The sad part:
The
show is only 15 minutes long. The other half of the time slot
is
filled by Seven Little Monsters, which is probably a decent show.
I
haven't seen it, but can't the Bears have their own full 30
minute
time slot? Just air two episodes. Berenstain Bears fans are
feeling
cheated here!
Meet the Bears: Mama and Papa, the matriarch and patriarch.
Mama
is the sensible one and can solve any problem what-so-ever. Though
Papa
proves to be a bumbler, he's a great problem solver as well.
Brother
and Sister are fun-loving cubs who often quarrel and fight, but
love
one another deeply. I wonder what Mama and Papa were called before
they
were parents. I know Brother was called Small Bear. Cousin
Freddy,
bully Too-Tall, Lizzie Bruin, Farmer Ben, Grizzly Gran and Gramps
and
the rest are here! So if you want a break from the trying world
of
Barney, Sesame Street, Clifford, JayJay and Zoom, I recommend you
catch
an episode of The Berenstain Bears! Sure it's not as good as the
books
or original 1985 series, but it's still good fun! You'll notice
that
it BEARS [bares] a resemblence to the old cartoon: Mama's blue
outfit
is missing it's white spots, Sister's blouse is missing it's
pink
spots and Papa's yellow shirt is missing it's stripes. Too much
strain
on the animators I guess. Oh well. No biggie!
-
This show is not boring at all. It is sensibly written to appeal to younger children (preschool and kindergarten age) and teach them values at the same time. In this age of redundant stupidity in entertainment, parents need a show like this one to help illustrate how fair life should be, and give a firm footing to children, not overwhelm them with glitz, glam and gloss. By keeping plots simple and allowing children to follow along at their level, this show simply teaches children how to be fair, consider other's feelings and have good sportsmanship. These are core values which are not being taught to children at daycare dumps or underfunded public schools. If a parent expects more out of this show for themselves, they should consider re-viewing and actually listening to the plot. The simple storytelling is charming and perfect for 3-6 year olds. As parents, we need to put our children first and our entertainment expectations last.
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