Reasons why I like “Hey Arnold!”
- Arnold is actually a likable main character. He’s kind, thoughtful, intelligent and brave – but at the same time humble, without the false bravado. Most of his adventures aren’t “struggling” to choose to do the right thing, because he does the right thing.
- Funny looking kids of all shapes and sizes.
- Helga!
- The city setting and how the kids enjoy and explore it with some fun imagination, and without paranoid parental supervision.
- Despite having stories about morality, etc. unlike many children’s cartoons, it doesn’t speak down and doesn’t feel like a lecture.
- Smart “adult” references, to literature and other such things vs. attempting to entertain adult watchers with hidden and obscure “dirtier” references. (ie. False Alarm’s reference to 12 Angry Men.)
- Did I mention Helga?
- Arnold’s grandparents. I pretty much want them. No offense, to all the currently non-alive grandparents of mine.
- And a pet pig.
- Did I mention Helga?
My name is Peggy. I'm a geek, journalist, writer, crafter, Canadian, neurotic cat owner, skeptic, atheist, feminist, bookworm, clotheshorse, politics junkie and generally awesome.
The episode in which Helga thought she was turning into a monkey? Pure cartoon gold.