Television Review: Jimmy Two Shoes

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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this cartoon is set in an unpleasant land that's run by a man whose mission is to make life as miserable as possible for everyone who lives there. He frequently berates his son for his ineptitude at causing said misery. The show's hero -- an irrepressible, happy-go-lucky spirit determined to find fun and excitement wherever he goes -- is the odd kid out in this foul town. The show includes a fair bit of cartoonish, slapstick violence, and, aside from Jimmy, there aren't many characters who can be considered role models.

Families can talk about whether it's important for all kids' shows to have a message. Are "just for fun" shows OK, too? Which group do you think this one falls into? Does it send kids any messages? If so, what are they? What do you think of the values that Lucius is trying to teach Beezy? Do you think that young kids will understand that Lucius' goal of causing misery isn't appropriate in the real world?

JIMMY TWO SHOES is the happiest person in Miseryville -- which makes him the odd kid out in this dreary, unhappy town. His best friends are deviously mischievous prankster Heloise and Beezy -- whose demonic father, Lucius Heinous the Seventh, rules the city and tries to spread misery and despair whenever possible. Lucius, a bombastic demon complete with red skin and horns, is often despondent over Beezy's sheer inability to uphold the family's "honor" by causing anguish ... though this "failing" makes Beezy a perfect partner in Jimmy's attempts to seek out fun and excitement.

Jimmy Two Shoes seems uncertain of its audience. The heavy emphasis on slapstick humor and simple plots may be aimed at young kids, but there's enough violence that the show isn't a good fit for very young children. And the whole concept -- a town ruled by demons who try to inflict despair, only to be perpetually foiled by a happy-go-lucky young boy's cheerful demeanor -- offers the kind of ironic humor that will be hard for kids to grasp.

The result is a jumbled stew of violent humor, overly arch wit, and broad jokes that may not be tough for kids to grasp (but may be too silly for grown-ups). Perhaps it's best for teens and young people who still have a juvenile sensibility.