"Ugh, but that's a kids' show..." "Ugh, but that's a kids' book..." Have you ever found yourself saying that? Have you ever found yourself saying, "wow, this is really good even though it's 'just for kids.'?"
How did we get that way, thinking that children's media has to be "bad" or "boring" or in some other way not on par with adult media? "You don't have to play dumb to them, just play them," Robin Williams's character says in Mrs. Doubtfire. "If it's something you'd enjoy, it's something they'd enjoy."
I do think this is true - very true, even. Many of my favorite books are Middle Grade or Young Adult books. Many of my favorite TV shows and movies are "kids'" shows. In fact, many of my favorite shows and movies are animated. But, that doesn't mean I don't enjoy well-written entertainment... because honestly, some of them are really damn well-written and plotted. Gargoyles (at least the first 2 seasons) - references Shakespeare and Celtic mythology all over the place, as well as quietly slipping in gun control and race relations. (That show was SO ahead of its time it's not even funny.) The Dragon Prince. Avatar: the Last Airbender, and The Legend of Korra. She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. So many of them are not only well-written, but also address important issues of inclusion, destiny vs. free will, (fantasy) racism, philosophy...
Jason and I are currently watching Camp Cretaceous, an animated show in the Jurassic Park universe. We had initially added it to our streaming list just as a filler, a time killer, a show to watch while we waited for other shows to come back from summer break. Y'all, it's fantastic.
The first season takes place concurrently with the events of the first Jurassic World film. Six teens are given an exclusive premier visit to the new Camp Cretaceous, a summer camp on Isla Nublar. Of course, as it goes in a Jurassic Park story, things very soon break down. But in addition to Teenage Hijinks With Dinosaurs (TM) the show actually visits some rather dark material and ideas (death of a parent, abandonment, being forced to go against your ethics to help your family), and handles them well. I now find myself eager to watch the next episode of our "filler" show and see what new twist is going to be thrown at our teens.
And honestly, I can't wait until Elianna is just a little bit older so that we can introduce her to some of those favorites I listed off above.