Note: This review is being made after re-watching the entire series via the DVD set of the time traveling, history righting series.
Though this series does have a slightly archaic early 1980's feel, the accents sometimes off, special effects that can look antiquated, and an obviousness of it having been shot on a California studio lot and in other Southern California locales, the content still holds up quite nicely.
Seeing this show, decades later has brought about a different viewing perspective like:
--It is refreshing to watch a time traveling show where characters interact with historical figures in a more genuine, sometimes reverent manner and aliens from outer space do not figure into the messing up of the history.
--Although the characters are for all intents and purposes equal partners, Phineas Bogg is still the adult and does put his foot down when Jeffrey's actions are that of a normal eleven-year-old kid. Bogg takes his sudden guardianship of the young boy very seriously. He cares. So does Jeffrey to the point where Bogg is looked upon affectionately as a surrogate parent of sorts.
--Jon-Eric Hexum makes full use of his very blue eyes and facial expressions and his acting improves as the series goes along.
--The character of Bogg enjoys what he does. He takes this responsibility earnestly and is able to come up with solutions to fit the situations in which he is placed. This means that physical action doesn't necessarily have to come into play. Phineas will also listen to Jeffrey when the boy is able to come up something better.
--Jeffrey Jones is refreshingly normal. He's neither cynically streetwise nor head in the books innocent. I like his acceptance of the situation that he's been accidentally thrust in plus his still being awed at meeting historical figures.
And as a history buff:
--At the end of each episode, to stimulate the viewers' curiosity, Jeffrey Jones' portrayer, Meeno Peluce would do a voice over during the credits saying, "If you want to know more about (insert history lesson here) take a voyage down to your public library. It's all in books." Then we'd see the Scholastic Productions logo shaped like an open book appear after the credits were over. A promotion of reading that wasn't pushy at all.
Though this series does have a slightly archaic early 1980's feel, the accents sometimes off, special effects that can look antiquated, and an obviousness of it having been shot on a California studio lot and in other Southern California locales, the content still holds up quite nicely.
Seeing this show, decades later has brought about a different viewing perspective like:
--It is refreshing to watch a time traveling show where characters interact with historical figures in a more genuine, sometimes reverent manner and aliens from outer space do not figure into the messing up of the history.
--Although the characters are for all intents and purposes equal partners, Phineas Bogg is still the adult and does put his foot down when Jeffrey's actions are that of a normal eleven-year-old kid. Bogg takes his sudden guardianship of the young boy very seriously. He cares. So does Jeffrey to the point where Bogg is looked upon affectionately as a surrogate parent of sorts.
--Jon-Eric Hexum makes full use of his very blue eyes and facial expressions and his acting improves as the series goes along.
--The character of Bogg enjoys what he does. He takes this responsibility earnestly and is able to come up with solutions to fit the situations in which he is placed. This means that physical action doesn't necessarily have to come into play. Phineas will also listen to Jeffrey when the boy is able to come up something better.
--Jeffrey Jones is refreshingly normal. He's neither cynically streetwise nor head in the books innocent. I like his acceptance of the situation that he's been accidentally thrust in plus his still being awed at meeting historical figures.
And as a history buff:
--At the end of each episode, to stimulate the viewers' curiosity, Jeffrey Jones' portrayer, Meeno Peluce would do a voice over during the credits saying, "If you want to know more about (insert history lesson here) take a voyage down to your public library. It's all in books." Then we'd see the Scholastic Productions logo shaped like an open book appear after the credits were over. A promotion of reading that wasn't pushy at all.
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