Okay, this is a kids show, but that doesn't mean the writing or characters are any less well written than material for adults. Much as when I recently watched Stargirl, I found the characters and writing far superior to most of the supposedly great 'adult' shows being made at the moment.
The Bureau of Magical Things progresses and builds surprisingly well, starting with simple, seemingly self-contained stories, which turn out to contribute neatly to an overall story arc and conclusion. I found myself thinking that, if I'd seen this as a kid, it would've been one of my favourites. As it is, my other half and I still enjoyed it, but from the perspective of adults being transported back into the fun, innocence and adventure that we used to feel from children's shows back in the 80s and 90s.
The cast of young actors are great, and far outweigh the plastic, over-polished 'child' actors we get from Hollywood. Their enthusiasm, sense of adventure, and innocent wonder jump off the screen. However, this is not just down to the young actors, but the quality of the writing.
Perhaps the best example is the gentle and gradual reveal of the lead's tragic loss of her mother. Unlike so much lazy writing, that relies on bad stereotypes, she is not acting out with bad behaviour. She's not moping around wearing dark makeup and pushing away her friends and loved ones. Her stepfather is not a horrible, uncaring bully. Instead, she is a thoughtful young teen, still engaging with friends, still living her life, and has a loving relationship with her father, where they care for each other and grieve together in a natural way.
The characters in the show are the kind you would want your children to watch, because they are upstanding, good, moral characters that are great examples for them to see and emulate.
As with Stargirl, it feels odd giving a light, fun kids show a 10/10, but you know what? It deserves it! I just hope they can keep up this quality with series 2.
The Bureau of Magical Things progresses and builds surprisingly well, starting with simple, seemingly self-contained stories, which turn out to contribute neatly to an overall story arc and conclusion. I found myself thinking that, if I'd seen this as a kid, it would've been one of my favourites. As it is, my other half and I still enjoyed it, but from the perspective of adults being transported back into the fun, innocence and adventure that we used to feel from children's shows back in the 80s and 90s.
The cast of young actors are great, and far outweigh the plastic, over-polished 'child' actors we get from Hollywood. Their enthusiasm, sense of adventure, and innocent wonder jump off the screen. However, this is not just down to the young actors, but the quality of the writing.
Perhaps the best example is the gentle and gradual reveal of the lead's tragic loss of her mother. Unlike so much lazy writing, that relies on bad stereotypes, she is not acting out with bad behaviour. She's not moping around wearing dark makeup and pushing away her friends and loved ones. Her stepfather is not a horrible, uncaring bully. Instead, she is a thoughtful young teen, still engaging with friends, still living her life, and has a loving relationship with her father, where they care for each other and grieve together in a natural way.
The characters in the show are the kind you would want your children to watch, because they are upstanding, good, moral characters that are great examples for them to see and emulate.
As with Stargirl, it feels odd giving a light, fun kids show a 10/10, but you know what? It deserves it! I just hope they can keep up this quality with series 2.