Television Review: James the Cat
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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this series (a British import),
while entertaining and original, sometimes has confusing,
choppy storylines. The youngest viewers may find the show's
dialogue (which is all performed by two male actors who use a
range of accents) and pacing hard to follow and some of the
messages complex. That makes it a better fit for slightly
older, more sophisticated kids who have more experience
sticking with a story.
Families can talk about why James travels the world to solve
problems. What is a diplomat? Does James fit his role well? Why
does he complain so often? Parents may have to explain the role
of some characters. Why are Ma and Pa Rat sometimes sneaky? Why
does Dennis the pink dragon appear from nowhere to help when
James is in a bind?
In British import series JAMES THE CAT, children are introduced to a group of eccentric animals who live in the large garden of a grand corner house. James, the title character, is a regal, self-important diplomat who once lived the cozy life inside but was forced to start roughing it after his owners moved. The series chronicles the events in the garden as James and his wildlife cohorts -- a colorful group of animals that includes Rocky, an ex-prizefighting rabbit; Mrs. Lavender, an Irish snail; Ma and Pa Rat and their children; Citroen, a French dog that serves as a messenger between James and his faraway Aunt Maude; and Dennis, a pink, fire-eating dragon sent by Aunt Maude to look out for James -- learn to coexist. Many of the animals appreciate James' delusions of grandeur, but they also poke fun, contributing to much of the show's humor. When a problem comes up that only James can handle, he magically travels to foreign lands to resolve it with powerful international characters.
James the Cat stretches young minds with magical ideas and characters, making it a refreshing departure from run-of-the-mill cartoon messages. And the idea of all sorts of animals living together in a garden is charming and appropriate for all ages. That said, the show can sometimes be a bit impenetrable for very young children. The stories move quickly, and some words are mumbled in foreign accents. For those reasons, it's a better fit for slightly older or more sophisticated kids.
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