Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this classic Hanna-Barbera cartoon promotes using violence and keeping secrets as methods of solving problems, which isn't the best behavior to model for the youngest viewers. Guns and explosives are used frequently. The show is clever and often imaginative, but the violence makes it better suited for slightly older kids.
Families can talk about law enforcement as it's depicted in the show. What's a detective? How do detectives hold up the law? Is Secret Squirrel a good detective? How do his duties compare to those of a real detective? Why do you think he relies so heavily on weapons? What's the difference between a detective and a secret agent?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Deirdre Sheppard
From 1965-1968, THE SECRET SQUIRREL SHOW chronicled the adventures of Agent 000 (aka Secret Squirrel, voiced by Mel Blanc) and his pint sized sidekick, Morocco Mole (Paul Frees). Inspired by James Bond, this retro series still airs in repeats.
Under the direction of their secret intelligence superior, Double Q (also Frees), Secret Squirrel and Morocco Mole fend off evil conspirators with spy-age explosives and other weapons -- including machine guns and rifles.
The series glamorizes all of these bombs and guns right from the opening credits, which might raise some parental eyebrows. What's more, Secret Squirrel's bulletproof vest does an exceedingly good job of protecting him from others' attacks -- which could help mislead a young child into thinking that guns (and even explosives) don't cause serious injury and death.
The good news? For the most part, the show is futuristic and imaginative, and it can open the door to a discussion about law enforcement and how officials keep the peace and protect citizens. Plus, exposing kids to anything inventive is bound to spark their creative side. Just remember -- if Secret Squirrel is popular in your house, be sure your kid comes away wanting to wear a badge instead of fire a rocket.
Fans of the show's characters can also find them on The Atom Ant/Secret Squirrel Show, Yogi's Gang, and Wake, Rattle, and Roll. Other good Hanna-Barbera classics from the same era include The Pink Panther, Dastardly and Muttley, and The Amazing Chan and the Chan Clan.
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ViolenceFrequent use and glamorization of spy-age guns and explosives. Secret Squirrel wears a bulletproof vest. |
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Social BehaviorThe two main characters try to foil villains' plans, but they do so with weapons and sneaky behavior -- which is a bit of a mixed message. |
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