Despite the fact that PBS claims itself to be an educational channel with educational cartoons, many of the shows they air are just plain pointless and lacking in any aspects within the genre. (You know it too--just remember they were the ones who decided to green-light "Teletubbies"). So it's nice to see that not all the shows they broadcasted were crappy. "Cyberchase" is probably the best show I've seen them do. Unlike other shows like "Peppa Pig", this show is actually entertaining--and contains a well-emphasized math concept within each 22-minute episode. In addition, each concept is also brought into a real-life setting at the end of each episode, in a 4-minute "For Real" segment which is also fun to see.
"Cyberchase" takes place in an alternate dimension within a computer, run by Motherboard the sole protector and ruler. Unfortunately, the main antagonist, Hacker (a robot invented by a good scientist named Marbles) wants to destroy Motherboard and steal all of Cyberspace to rule on his own. After a virus, courtesy of Hacker, ultimately weakens Motherboard, three "earthlies" must enter the computer and save her from whatever evil Hacker is up to next.
That might sound like one of those ridiculous science-fiction programs, but it is actually not as dramatic as it sounds. This isn't Star Wars! Instead, it is a very entertaining show with good clean humor and a new plot in each episode. As always, there is the comic relief (Digit, a bird of sorts) and the bumbling henchmen (Buzz and Delete). What I don't like is how Inez starts out with absolutely no indication of a Hispanic background, and then later, for the sake of pleasing the masses, they made her Mexican despite the fact she is entirely devoid of any tanning. Come on, we could do without the emphasis on other cultures. (Don't hate me for that, I just think people need to relax about these things). Even so, it's a pretty good show with a good educational merit to it without turning everything into a big lecture.
The "For Real" segments are nearly as good as the show itself. Bianca and Harry star in these segments, either one or the other, although they do star in one together. Both actors each have a goal of sorts in every segment, and must use math to reach it. Sometimes there's a funny twist ending to them, which is like the cherry on top and gives it an entertaining aspect. My personal favorite is (SPOILERS COMING) the segment where Harry face-plants in the cake for the "Secrets of Symmetria" episode. You can see it coming but that doesn't take away the fun.
Thank you, PBS, for an actually decent show. I recommend it for anyone who loves adventure, science-fiction, or whoever needs to brush up on their math skills.
"Cyberchase" takes place in an alternate dimension within a computer, run by Motherboard the sole protector and ruler. Unfortunately, the main antagonist, Hacker (a robot invented by a good scientist named Marbles) wants to destroy Motherboard and steal all of Cyberspace to rule on his own. After a virus, courtesy of Hacker, ultimately weakens Motherboard, three "earthlies" must enter the computer and save her from whatever evil Hacker is up to next.
That might sound like one of those ridiculous science-fiction programs, but it is actually not as dramatic as it sounds. This isn't Star Wars! Instead, it is a very entertaining show with good clean humor and a new plot in each episode. As always, there is the comic relief (Digit, a bird of sorts) and the bumbling henchmen (Buzz and Delete). What I don't like is how Inez starts out with absolutely no indication of a Hispanic background, and then later, for the sake of pleasing the masses, they made her Mexican despite the fact she is entirely devoid of any tanning. Come on, we could do without the emphasis on other cultures. (Don't hate me for that, I just think people need to relax about these things). Even so, it's a pretty good show with a good educational merit to it without turning everything into a big lecture.
The "For Real" segments are nearly as good as the show itself. Bianca and Harry star in these segments, either one or the other, although they do star in one together. Both actors each have a goal of sorts in every segment, and must use math to reach it. Sometimes there's a funny twist ending to them, which is like the cherry on top and gives it an entertaining aspect. My personal favorite is (SPOILERS COMING) the segment where Harry face-plants in the cake for the "Secrets of Symmetria" episode. You can see it coming but that doesn't take away the fun.
Thank you, PBS, for an actually decent show. I recommend it for anyone who loves adventure, science-fiction, or whoever needs to brush up on their math skills.