Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
'Toon has good messages but strikes out on engaging plot.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
D'Myna Leagues
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
D'MYNA LEAGUES centers on a hometown baseball team called the Mynaville Mynas through their tumultuous (and often hilarious) seasons. The avian players include team captain Rip Hickory (voiced by Jim Byrnes), who takes his baseball seriously; free spirit Ebbett (Matt Hill), who enjoys the fame; Nikki (Tabitha St. Germain), who's sweet and baseball-smart; and the mostly inept and accident-prone Mungo brothers. The show follows the Mynas as they try to clinch victories against rivals such as the Weasels while fending off Commissioner Radcliffe's (Gerard Plunkett) efforts to sabotage them on the field and off.
Is It Any Good?
This cartoon finds a niche in its baseball focus, but it really strikes out on maintaining a compelling plot. The stories are formulaic, and with the exception of some memorable guest characters, it's a lot of repetitive content from one episode to the next. Radcliffe is always out to interfere with the team's success, Rip Hickory is always lecturing about teamwork before individual pursuits, and the Mungo brothers are always getting themselves into trouble. The all-animal cast gives it a fun angle, but the plot really falls short.
On the bright side, the show's positive messages about selflessness, teamwork, and responsibility are the one repetition parents will appreciate. Granted, they're pretty solidly geared toward baseball and team dynamics, but with some help from you, kids can apply them to other areas of their lives. The bottom line? There are other shows out there with more substance for kids, but if this one strikes yours, at least there's something good to come of the mostly mediocre content.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it means to be part of a team. How do teammates help each other through rough times? What does it mean that no one wins or loses all by himself? Is it difficult to stay positive when your team isn't winning?
What motivates Radcliffe to sabotage the Mynas? Is he a bully? How do bullies influence those around them? Why do people fall for their tricks?
Does being teammates with a good friend complicate that friendship? Is it difficult to take criticism from someone close to you, or does that relationship make it easier to do so? Have you ever been jealous of a friend's success?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 1, 2000
- Cast : Jim Byrnes , Matt Hill , Tabitha St. Germain
- Network : YTV
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 20, 2019
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