An advance review for the upcoming children’s television program “Ursula’s Kiss”

—Submitted by a fellow concerned parent

If you’re like me, you’re probably familiar with the moment when your kids run up to you in the aisles of the video store.  “Mommy mommy, can we get this video?”  “Well, I don’t know, honey, let Mommy take a look…”  

Of course, in recent years it has gotten much harder for Mommy to judge from that one look whether a video is wholesome entertainment or not. I’ve had to dive for the remote a few too many times as candy-colored videos cartoons, usually imported “Japanimations,” turn out to be deeply obscene or blasphemous. Anyone old enough for that content is clearly too old for cartoons.

Fortunately, if you’re sick of innocent-looking cartoons leading to long, complex discussions neither you nor your children are prepared for, the new series from 2Kids Productions will provide you some much needed relief!

2Kids was kind enough to let the editorial staff of AAM view an exclusive preview of their soon-to-be released series “Ursula’s Kiss.”  While the show is not without its problematic elements, certainly due to its foreign origins, 2Kids has reworked this wonderful story to help kids learn about the importance of friendship, teamwork, and traditional family values.  

The story follows Ursula, a young orphan girl starting out at a new high school.  Together with her new friend Angie (an excellent example of how to be friends with someone different, while still maintaining proper socionormal behavior) she must solve the secret of Otorie High School’s mysterious Student Council.

There is a lot to like about “Ursula’s Kiss.”  The Student Council is an excellent group of role models for young children to look up to. And while you may be concerned with the many swords you’ve seen in the sneak peek, you’ll be glad to know that the show very carefully establishes that all “duels” are fought with foam swords and refereed by a teacher whose voice is heard over a loudspeaker, reminding the students to have fun and always be safe! 

 

Talking Points While Watching Ursula’s Kiss with Your Child

• One of the potential problematic elements of the show is Ursula and Angie’s clothing: both wear very short skirts or shorts that reveal more skin than is appropriate for young women.  Be sure to talk with your daughters about the problems Ursula’s clothing and unladylike attitude cause for both her and the young men among her friends who may face temptation.  Draw attention to the fact that Ursula and Angie solve their problems with politeness, modesty, and friendship rather than anger or assertiveness.
  
• The brightly colored hair these young folks sport certainly makes for pretty posters, but isn’t appropriate for young girls and boys of good breeding.  This may be a good opportunity to talk to your children about the dangers of punk-gothic and Satanic cults that they may encounter as they grow up. Remember, hairdye is for Halloween!
• Speaking of hair, a few of these boys have quite a lot of it! Combined with the bright colors it can make them look very punk-gothic.  Once again, discuss with your children the problems that Tommy and Kevin cause with their inappropriate hairstyles, and how feminine (or “girly”) behavior in young men leads to a shaky society.  “Ursula’s Kiss” does an excellent job of reinforcing the idea that girls need to dress and act like girls and boys need to dress and act like boys, and children should not be exposed to obscene or unnatural relationships or gender roles.

AAM Rating: ****/*****