Parents' Guide to Zorro: The Chronicles

Blending action and humor, this rendition of the classic masked hero has adventure that appeals to kids but also some serious themes. Diego -- and, by extension, Zorro -- is like the cool older brother every kid wishes he had; he's charismatic, easygoing, and a real cutup, not to mention the best partner in lopsided fights with the corrupters in town. What's more, the fact that he keeps his alter ego a secret gives him a certain humility that's appealing, since he's in it for justice and not for his own family. And not to be outdone by her brother, Ines is feisty and outspoken and matches wits with the bad guys in her own way.

On the other hand, there are some aspects of the show that might give parents pause. While Diego's duplicity makes sense for him to protect his identity, the fact that he encourages Bernardo to feign deafness to their advantage (so he can overhear conversations that aren't meant for him) has negative connotations. From a historical perspective, Zorro: The Chronicles also glosses over the complex interactions between settlers and Native Americans (who speak flawless English, mind you), only superficially addressing issues such as slavery and the seizure of land. And then there's that sticky matter of breaking the law to do what's morally right, which raises many dilemmas of its own. The bottom line? This series isn't a mindless watch, and kids may come away from it with some questions about these heavier themes.