This episode begins as a straightforward story about magical running shoes, and then cleverly becomes a metaphor for the lure of pop and sports superstardom, virtually unattainable for the vast majority, yet a motivating force for children and teens which is as glamourous as it is useless, unrealistic and even harmful for healthy adolescent development. The problem of unrealistic role-modeling, especially for boys, has been critical and unsolved in Western society at least since the beginning of the 'media age', with the advent of Television.
As this series is based on a series of some 30 books by Dan Greenburg, perhaps he should get the credit for this added level of 'message' for the readers/viewers who are lucky enough to come in contact with the stories. Credit also, of course, is due the series itself, as the episode portrays Zack's initial excitement at the idea of winning (using only his skill and determination); the influence of unscrupulous promoters (the salesman who convinces Zack to buy the shoes and the lawyer - portrayed by the same actor! - who convinces Zack to sign away his future freedom in exchange for fame followed by a beach house and supermodel wife when he retires); Zack's slow and painful realisation, with the help of his friends, Gwen and Spence, that his visions of fame and fortune may be pointless; and his ultimate redemption.
Yes, I know, this tale has been told before. In fairness, though, even when Goethe created the character of Faust, the story was already centuries old. And this attempt manages to fit the important points into a 30-minute sitcom with the elusive double-value of entertainment and message.
As this series is based on a series of some 30 books by Dan Greenburg, perhaps he should get the credit for this added level of 'message' for the readers/viewers who are lucky enough to come in contact with the stories. Credit also, of course, is due the series itself, as the episode portrays Zack's initial excitement at the idea of winning (using only his skill and determination); the influence of unscrupulous promoters (the salesman who convinces Zack to buy the shoes and the lawyer - portrayed by the same actor! - who convinces Zack to sign away his future freedom in exchange for fame followed by a beach house and supermodel wife when he retires); Zack's slow and painful realisation, with the help of his friends, Gwen and Spence, that his visions of fame and fortune may be pointless; and his ultimate redemption.
Yes, I know, this tale has been told before. In fairness, though, even when Goethe created the character of Faust, the story was already centuries old. And this attempt manages to fit the important points into a 30-minute sitcom with the elusive double-value of entertainment and message.
