Wacky Races - TV-G
TV Rating: TV-G
Network: Boomerang Cast: Don Messick, Daws Butler
Genre: Children, Cartoons, & Animation
Available on: 
DVD
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this classic Hanna-Barbera hit is still entertaining for all ages. Although mild violence and innuendo pop up occasionally, overall this series doesn't raise too many eyebrows.
Families can talk about competition. How can competition increase self-esteem? How can competition be rewarding without winning? Do the characters in this show take a healthy approach to competition?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Deirdre Sheppard
THE WACKY RACES features an oddball collection of 11 race car drivers hoping to seize the title of the world's wackiest racer. No matter where these folks are competing (and it could be anywhere in America), the rules are as lax as can be. But that doesn't stop villains Dick Dastardly and Muttley (who later got their own spin off) from finding ways to cheat, although ultimately their efforts are unsuccessful in the end.
The show features an impressive list of voice actors, including Daws Butler, Don Messick, John Stephenson, Janet Waldo, Dave Willock, and Paul Winchell.
Penelope Pitstop (who also got her own spin off) and her car, The Compact Pussycat, steal the show. Instead of resorting to destructive weapons to get ahead, Penelope will coyly spray hair products to temporarily blind Dastardly and his canine sidekick. Although not always innocent, Penelope sets the example that women can be both feminine and independent.
Speaking of Dastardly and Muttley, they do set up violent explosives to slow down the other drivers, although there's never any bloodshed. And all of the characters are pretty cutthroat and will do anything it takes to get to the finish line, so parents should be sure to explain what constitutes healthy competition. But on the other hand, the villains are the only ones who bend the rules, and they finish last every time, helping cement the message that cheaters never win.
When watching The Wacky Races, which originally aired between 1968 and 1970 and still airs in repeats and is available on DVD, expect to have a retro good time. Fans might also enjoy Speed Racer and The Yogi Bear Show.
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ViolenceBullets and explosives, but no bloodshed. |
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Social BehaviorAll of the characters are competitive, and Dastardly and Muttley cheat all the time (but never win). Penelope Pitstop is a strong female character. |
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