I first saw this series as a kid in the mid-70's when the Banana Splits aired in syndication. I didn't care much for the stars of that show, but I couldn't help but look forward to this great, unique series of live-action and animation. Huck and friends got themselves into the animated world as they met with strange people in various locations all around the world. Most times, the villain looks like an incarnation of their archenemy, Injun Joe, whom they mention just about every time they see him. But as usual, the kids were smart and resourceful as they got themselves out of danger and moved on to the next adventure as they sought to finally return home to Hannibal, Missouri. Huck was my favorite character and deservedly got the title billing. He wasn't as simple-minded as some would think and was usually the boy of action when action was needed. He was never afraid to get his hands dirty (not to mention his feet since he was barefoot all the time) to help out others. As I said this series was a rare, unique mix of live-action and animation. And even though this originally aired in the late 60's, the special FX were over the top. One episode in particular proved this. It was titled "Strange Experiment", my overall favorite! Here, a mad scientist develops a shrinking machine and demonstrates it on Huck, reducing him to a mere few inches tall. It was way cool seeing a tiny Huck alongside a normal-sized Tom and Becky. And it was kind of amusing seeing him getting a ride inside Tom's hat, and even funnier as Tom, when attempting to restore Huck to normal size accidentally made him even smaller, nearly the size of a flea. This episode even included a few scares as a green-skinned mutant tried to get the kids and they were rescued by a dog who was also a subject of the scientist's shrink ray, but thanks to the kids, the tables were turned. Overall though, this was a very innovative series well ahead of its time.
The New Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
(1968–1969)
Well ahead of its time
24 October 2005
Warning: Spoilers