Deep Thoughts by Lindsey - On Children's Programming

As I said before in my previous post, we watch a lot of TV in my house.  In the past year, Nick Jr. and the Disney Channel have ruled the airwaves in the Parsons household.  And, after a year of watching non-stop children's programming I have some issues with some of the shows.  Granted these are light-hearted issues, but they are things that plague me every time I turn on the tube.  Here they are in random order...

1.  Special Agent Oso -  Is it just me or is Special Agent Oso the dumbest special agent EVER?  He fails every training assignment and just as he fails he gets called to a special assignment in which he is supposed to help some pre-school aged kid do a mundane task like wash dishes or make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  In EVERY SINGLE special assignment, the tasks are broken down into 3 steps.  While doing said 3 steps, the pre-school aged kid is usually the one that has to correct Oso on what he is doing wrong.  Also, the "special assignment" usually reminds Oso of why he failed his training assignment and what he needs to do differently.  First, in the real world, any special agent that fails every single training assignment and then has to be schooled on how to finish that training assignment by a 4 year old would be fired in a heartbeat!  Not only that, but I'd like to think that most special agents in the world would be smart enough to know that you don't wash dishes in lemonade!  Also, in what realm of reality does every task only require "3 special steps"?  Hey Paw Pilot, how about long division?  Give that to me in 3 special steps!  BOO-YAH!

He CLEARLY has the right idea.  Idiot.

2.  Go Diego, Go! -  For the most part I enjoy this show.  I like how it helps children learn Spanish.  I usually am fine right up until the last few minutes of the show - when Diego quizzes the audience about what they learned about the animal they rescued during the episode.  This is when I believe Diego is contributing to the stupidity of my child.  He asks questions like, "How does a jaguar travel?  Does he run or ride roller skates?"  WHAT?!  THAT'S RIDICULOUS!  What animal uses roller skates to travel?    Always, the questions are ridiculous.  "Does a humpback whale drive a car or swim?"  Seriously, Diego?  Really?  I'd appreciate it if you didn't assume my kid was a total moron and actually challenge him with appropriate questions!

Lookout guys.  You're about to be lunch.

3.  Handy Manny -  Mostly, I really enjoy Handy Manny.  The only problem I have is with Manny's relationships with the women in Sheetrock Hills.  Is it just me, or his he a total ladies man?  Most of the time the phone calls for Manny's help come from women.  And I think the women and Manny are a little too friendly to each other.  Not only that, but people are all too willing to just leave their children with him.  I don't know about you, but the last person I'm going to leave my child with is the local handy man!  He could be a predator for all I know!!  In the latest episode I watched with Jackson, a young lady in town invited Manny to go camping with her.  Can we say INAPPROPRIATE?!  Co-ed sleepovers are not to be encouraged people!

I'm sorry.  Did I interrupt something?

4.  Franklin - I remember watching Franklin when I was a kid but lately I've been picking up on something that really bothers me.  Franklin is a turtle and he has a real name.  But, all of his friends don't have names.  They are just Duck, Owl, Rabbit, Bear, etc.  And you never hear if Franklin's parents even have names, they're just referred to as Mom and Dad.  Why is Franklin so special that he gets a name but none of the other characters get names?  If I were them, I'd just call him Turtle!  Oh, and one other thing.  Franklin can take off his shell.  In real life, turtles can't take off their shells.  That's just sick.

Turtle with shell off = CREEPY!

5.  Fresh Beat Band -  Now this one is hard to talk bad about.  It's Jackson absolute favorite show even though I'm convinced it's the most annoying show on television.  I've been growing to love it (because Jackson squeals and dances to the music when it's on), but one thing really bothers me about it.  I think the Fresh Beats have some pretty inappropriate things going on in their living quarters.  First, they all live together.  Granted, they all have separate rooms -- but watch carefully.  In several episodes (especially in songs) you'll notice that they will randomly pop out of each other's rooms.  That is NOT ok!  Boys and girls should not be alone together behind closed doors!  Excuse me KiKi, but that is not appropriate behavior for a young lady!!

I feel sorry for them as actors.  I really do.

That's all my brain can come up with for now.  What issues do you have with children's programming?? And, keep it lighthearted people!

XOXO