Television Review: GoGoRiki

By KJ Dell Antonia

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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that, if they become as popular in the United States as they are in Russia (where they originated), these cartoon characters will be merchandised big time. But until and unless that happens, they're just cute and entertaining -- slightly faster-moving than the average Noggin show and largely harmless (the show makes a point of being nonviolent). The occasional off note is often potty-humor related, as when one character announces to another that, when the first character cleaned the other's toilet after losing a bet, he used his friend's toothbrush ... and the friend says it later tasted funny, but he "kind of liked it."

Families can talk about what makes these characters appealing to kids in all different countries. For example, do you think U.S. kids like them for the same or different reasons than Russian kids? What's good about sharing cartoon characters with other cultures? Does it give us something in common? Could it be something you talked about with a friend who was very different? What else might you have in common? How does the media help connect people around the world?

Despite its Japanese-sounding name, GOGORIKI is actually Russian import. It follows the adventures of 10 cute, round cartoon creatures with a variety of animal-like attributes (rabbit ears, moose horns, a penguin pattern, etc.) that make them distinctive. Their adventures are intended to promote tolerance and nonviolence, and plots center around daily existence -- not having the same cool gadget as other kids, needing a birthday gift, and so on. All of the characters have names that end in "Riki."

As intended, GoGoRiki is cute and appealing. It moves faster than many of the cartoons intended for very young viewers -- there are more scene changes and less explanation or addressing the audience. That makes it more of a traditional cartoon than a show with educational intent that just happens to be animated -- and, really, although its social messages are good, GoGoRiki is just for fun.

And fun it is. Plus, the bright colors and humor will appeal to a young grade school audience, but there's nothing really objectionable or frightening for kids of any age. Siblings can watch together happily.