Endlings

CGI shortcomings lessen the impact of this mostly heartwarming drama about a nontraditional family and the cause that unites them. In an era that sees the line between reality and animation increasingly difficult to decipher on-screen, Endlings feels like a visuals throwback, made all the more obvious by the fact that the story is set a couple of decades in the future. This -- along with some fairly campy acting on the adults' part, particularly -- adds to the show's somewhat confusing impression on the audience, leaving older viewers especially to wonder if there's meant to be an element of comedy or if that's just an unfortunate mistake.

Even so, there are several things to like about Endlings. In centering on a foster family, the story doesn't shy away from some of the challenges faced by this arrangement specifically and families in general. The kids bicker, there are hurt feelings, and communication isn't always effective, but the loving guidance of a devoted adult helps hold things together. Also effective is the subtle message about conservation. The story doesn't hit viewers over the head with it, but it implies its importance throughout and can inspire discussions within your own family about how and why environment preservation might be encouraged.