What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this series provides a mixed bag
of messages. On one hand, these islanders set good examples by
finding innovative ways to keep themselves busy -- but on the
other, they're victims of stereotypes. One of the main
characters, Mike, isn't a very motivated student.
Families can talk about the power of imagination. If you lived on the island, what could you do to keep your mind occupied besides watching TV, playing video games, and surfing the Internet? How can you use your imagination to entertain yourself and others? How can imagination help you be a more productive member of society?
Common Sense Media Review
MIKE, LU & OG takes place on a sparsely populated
tropical island (vaguely implied to be Pitcairn Island) devoid
of social development. The main characters include Micheline
"Mike" Mavinksy (voiced by Nika Futterman), a foreign exchange
student from Manhattan, and her native peers: Lu (Nancy
Cartwright) and Og (Dee Bradley Baker). Og has a knack for
conducting technological experiments with coconuts and empty
cans, and Lu is a spoiled island brat who's convinced she's a
princess. The two young islanders fill a void to Mike's
boredom, and together the trio creates adventures both big and
small.
For example, in one episode, feisty Mike introduces the concept of TV to the island. Og scavenges all of the beach trash he can find and manages to build a widescreen set. The TV doesn't actually get any channels, but all of the islanders still become fixated with the "snow storm" on the screen -- offering a comic allusion to the idea that TV (whether working or not) ultimately has nothing to offer ... and that even the power of nothing can turn us into dysfunctional vegetables.
In another episode, Mike teaches all of the islanders how to roller skate, which means she and her friends are kept busy building a rink and making skates. Mike is a flip-of-the-coin character -- she's always finding a project to tap into and is always eager to get the others involved, but she doesn't apply the same amount of drive to her studies. Mike loves the lack of education she's receiving as a foreign exchange student and ultimately shows no real motivation to attain any long-term goals.
Parents should note that this series sits on the fence when it comes to stereotypes. All of the island characters wear grass skirts and nose rings and have no concept of modern civilization. Kids need to understand that each country has its own level of societal advancement so that they don't come away with the assumption that every island in the world is desolate and uncivilized. Parents need to take the time to explain the possible misinterpretation.
When watching Mike, Lu & Og, expect innovative adventures. The music and the characters' costumes also add to the fun. Slight stereotypes and sometimes-whiny characters are the only potential causes for concern -- overall, it's not too shabby.
Looking for more island fun? Check out Coconut Fred's Fruit Salad Island -- it's loud, but kids will like it.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
