Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this offbeat Hanna-Barbera cartoon is a hilarious snapshot of 1960s pop culture. Although it's quirky and creative, it's void of diversity and overall educational value. For a classic cartoon, the violence is mild, and the villains are far goofier than they are menacing. Still, beware of guns and explosives, even though no one is seriously hurt.
Families can discuss the nature of justice. Does the punishment (it's often quite funny) fit the crime? Kids, if you were a superhero, what unusual power would you want to have? How could that strength help you catch the bad guys? Would it be more fun to be a superhero or a rock star?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Leanne Mos
THE IMPOSSIBLES are a Monkees-like pop group that transforms into an unlikely team of superheroes. There is Coil-Man (Hal Smith), who becomes powerful, stretchy coils; Fluid-Man (Paul Frees), who can turn to liquid; and Multi-Man (Don Messick), who creates multiples of himself.
When these "secret fighters for justice" get a call from their boss, Big D., through a TV screen on Coil Man's guitar, they give the tunes a rest and set off to catch the bad guys.They zoom around in their Impossicar, which morphs into a flying craft, and shout "Rally-Ho!" as their battle cry.
Their enemies are just as comical. Fero the Fiendish Fiddler can crash an ocean liner with some mean music, and the Diabolical Dauber can turn pictures of weapons to life with a trick paintbrush. In one episode, the Perilous Paper Doll folds himself up and slips into the Pentagon to steal top-secret plans. He threatens Fluid-Man: "I'll staple you to the wall with my sonic speed stapler!" But Fluid-Man simply turns to liquid to save himself.
The fight scenes are silly, brief and not especially violent. Guns are prevalent, however, and sometimes explosives blow up in a villain's face. And while there is great camaraderie among the group, this show doesn't pretend to impart any lessons, moral or otherwise. Gender and racial diversity are nonexistent. This is pure fun, circa 1966.
When the heroes prevail (they always do), justice is served up with a little humor. For example, when the Diabolical Dauber is caught, he is sentenced to hang…on the wall for 20 years (flash to the villain caught in a picture frame). "I've been framed!" he complains.
Kids who like The Impossibles should check out some of these animated classics: Super Friends, The Jetsons and Jonny Quest.
Rate It!
| Content | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CS | adults | kids | ||
Sexual Content |
 |
|
||
ViolenceMild cartoon violence involving guns and explosions, but no real injuries. |
 |
|
||
Language |
|
|
||
Message |
|
|
||
Social BehaviorHeroes work as a team to fight villains. But no female or minority representation. |
 |
|
||
Commercialism |
|
|
||
Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco |
|
|
||
