Some might call it child propaganda. I call it child genius. How is recycling and helping our environment not at all a good thing? Even if one doesn't believe in climate change, then they should still care about other animals (besides humans) sharing this Earth with us. It just seems to be inherently humane.
I remember as a little kid I had ALL of the Captain Planet action figures: Kwane, from Africa, possesses the power of Earth; Wheeler, from North America, controls the power of fire; Linka, from the Soviet Union, has the power of wind; Gi, hailing from China, controls the power of water; and Ma-Ti, from the Amazon in Brazil, utilizes the power of Heart to create a sense of passion and care for the planet. I also had actually rings for each character. And, obviously.. "Let our powers combine," I had the Captain Planet action figure. "Go Planet!"
Network: TBS
Original Air Years: 1990-1996
As cheesy as this show was, it had a great underlying message of peace and happiness for our planet. It gave kids hope for the future. Not only did it encourage them to recycle and maintain a healthy planet, but it showed that individuals from all over the world could come together and conquer evil doers. Perhaps a superficial superhero would appear too.
The story is quite simple. Gaia, the spirit of Earth, has awakened from a long slumber by human activity threatening the ecosystems. She realizes the planet needs help and sends five magic rings, each with a specific elemental power (described above after each characters' name). They will encounter foes like that of Sly Sludge, Looten Plunder, and Hoggish Greedly.
It's equally worthy to duly note that the Captain Planet Foundation still exists to this day (what Captain Planet would tell kids to visit at the end of each show). Check it out at CaptainPlanetFoundation.org.
Also, note that in late 2007, Ted Turner was in talks of a movie. In early 2008 Warner Bros. denied said movie. On July 19, 2011, the announcement was made that Cartoon Network and producers of the Transformers films are developing a live-action film based on the series. Should be interesting. And, not a bad idea given the success of Transformers and the new Smurf film. Also, those pitiful Alvin and the Chipmunks movies made some cash.
Say what you will about Captain Planet, it will still always be a favorite show of mine; if not for the cheesy animation, sounds, and story-lines, then just purely from the message itself.
I remember as a little kid I had ALL of the Captain Planet action figures: Kwane, from Africa, possesses the power of Earth; Wheeler, from North America, controls the power of fire; Linka, from the Soviet Union, has the power of wind; Gi, hailing from China, controls the power of water; and Ma-Ti, from the Amazon in Brazil, utilizes the power of Heart to create a sense of passion and care for the planet. I also had actually rings for each character. And, obviously.. "Let our powers combine," I had the Captain Planet action figure. "Go Planet!"
Network: TBS
Original Air Years: 1990-1996
As cheesy as this show was, it had a great underlying message of peace and happiness for our planet. It gave kids hope for the future. Not only did it encourage them to recycle and maintain a healthy planet, but it showed that individuals from all over the world could come together and conquer evil doers. Perhaps a superficial superhero would appear too.
The story is quite simple. Gaia, the spirit of Earth, has awakened from a long slumber by human activity threatening the ecosystems. She realizes the planet needs help and sends five magic rings, each with a specific elemental power (described above after each characters' name). They will encounter foes like that of Sly Sludge, Looten Plunder, and Hoggish Greedly.
It's equally worthy to duly note that the Captain Planet Foundation still exists to this day (what Captain Planet would tell kids to visit at the end of each show). Check it out at CaptainPlanetFoundation.org.
Also, note that in late 2007, Ted Turner was in talks of a movie. In early 2008 Warner Bros. denied said movie. On July 19, 2011, the announcement was made that Cartoon Network and producers of the Transformers films are developing a live-action film based on the series. Should be interesting. And, not a bad idea given the success of Transformers and the new Smurf film. Also, those pitiful Alvin and the Chipmunks movies made some cash.
Say what you will about Captain Planet, it will still always be a favorite show of mine; if not for the cheesy animation, sounds, and story-lines, then just purely from the message itself.