Mecha Bewilderment At Sesame Street Mecha Builders

Do you know how to get to Sesame Street? Would you believe that the iconic children’s television show has been running for fifty-three years? I fondly remember playing Sesame Street: Numbers and Sesame Street: Letters for the PC when I was little [3] [4] [37]. As a young adult, I have praised the main series and its regional counterparts for not only teaching numbers and letters but increasing diversity among the wide range of characters and accurately and respectfully portraying real-life issues, despite how difficult they would be to discuss with young children. These include an autistic muppet named “Julia” [21] [23] [41], a character living in foster care in the main series [25] [41], a character who is HIV positive in the South African version known as “Takalani Sesame” and a character being bilingual to appeal to both Arab and Israeli children, despite a conflict between both communities [6] [12] [25] [32] [37]. I recall the existence of spin-offs of the show, including Elmo’s World and The Furchester Hotel [2] [29]. This May, there will be three of the franchise’s main characters…in robotic forms [38]! As bizarre as this idea sounds, let us see what the forthcoming spin-off has to offer in a new trailer after speeding up with the trailer for Sonic Origins [27] [28].

La la la la! La la la la! Mecha Elmo’s song! [1]

I have nothing against the rather unusual concept of superpowered robotic incarnations of three muppets as it at least provides plenty of opportunities to express new and refreshingly creative aspects in a spin-off with its own big examples of individuality [1] [13] [23]. Mecha Elmo, Mecha Abby and Mecha Cookie have their own special abilities, such as Abby flying with a pair of jet booster wings and all three of them shrinking in size by the power of verbal summoning. The way they are designed brings on those Mega Man vibes 9. I also sense some PJ Masks vibes due to how the spin-off is also aimed at very young children with a 3D animated trio of colourful characters [20]. I am aware that the cartoon based on the Mega Man franchise known as “Mega Man: Fully Charged” was not very well received and the concept of three Sesame Street characters being advanced robots sounds rather bizarre [13] [30] [34] [36], but we can still hope for the outcome of Sesame Street Mecha Builders to be decent, to say the least [1] [23]. As strange yet refreshing this idea is, it can at least be enhanced with exceptional animation and trustworthy writing…without a random child hunting rabbit [6] [8].

What was that coming over the hill?! Was it a monster?! Was it a monster [10]?! [8]

Even though the premise is centred on Elmo, Cookie Monster and Abby Cadabby as advanced robots to suit the current seasons of Sesame Street [13] [23], I understand some of us old school viewers miss the days when Big Bird was more like one of the main characters and had more attention [3] [4] [6]. [1]

The animation is quite impressively vibrant with the prime focus being on incarnations of Elmo, Abby Cadabby and Cookie Monster resembling robots who often activate ambitious mechanical abilities [1] [13]. I guess 3D animation is a bit more fitting for a premise of characters in forms with futuristic robotic features, even though it can work with colourful 2D animation too [26]. The backgrounds of the setting are not entirely realistic but are decently detailed enough, fitting in with the technical and artistic standards of modern animation for children [1] [13]. There are also some pretty good effects, such as a purple aura surrounding Mecha Abby as she grows and the glowing portal Mecha Cookie Monster soars through. He is definitely not smoking a pipe, unlike his early portrayal in the main series, which shows that current standards are being obeyed [6]. Thank jeepers Mecha Elmo does not have teeth [29]. This is not the first time Sesame Street characters have been seen in CGI as there were 3D animated segments in Takalani Sesame with characters consisting of specific details, such as feathers for Big Bird [6]. Aside from the value of providing the best colourful and affordable animation for an animated spin-off possible [1] [13], what can enrich the idea even further is honourable writing.

Mecha Abby is as cute as LEGO Princess Peach [19] [42]! [1]

Can you imagine if Mecha Builders was in this animation style instead of CGI [1]? [26]

It would be important to not allow the spin-off to ditch what made Sesame Street acclaimed since the late 1960s; being educational [37]. I recall two spin-offs of the Looney Tunes franchise that were criticised for their utter lack of faithfulness to what made the original Looney Tunes iconic [31] [33]. I remember the educational aspects of the original Elmo’s World series that were sorted into different topics in each episode, which made the spin-off faithful to the main series’ goal of educating young children [29]. Speaking of helping the little ones learn, I honestly cannot see much educational value in Sesame Street Mecha Builders from what can be seen in the trailer as there are no references to learning basic spelling or counting. However, Mecha Abby’s mentioning of problem solving can show some examples of real-life problem-solving for the very young children of today. I suppose some episodes can also teach the target audience social skills, aside from the trio’s hinted heroism. At least some form of educational value put into a spin-off of Sesame Street would honour what the main series has always been on the air for since late 1969 [37], unlike how Baby Looney Tunes and Loonatics Unleashed had certain similarities but were considered dishonourable [31] [33]. 

A spin-off of Sesame Street does not have to tackle heavy subjects, such as HIV [6] [37] [41], but some other lessons that are much easier to teach preschool-aged children ought to be present. [35]

As cliched some lessons on social skills might be, they can still provide some small developments for the mechanical incarnations of the trio and some supporting characters. [1]

What can I say? I have gone from finding birdseed for Big Bird and completing rhymes with him to analysing the trailer for a brand new spin-off featuring Mecha Elmo, Mecha Abby and Mecha Cookie as advanced robots in quite a bewildered manner [1] [3] [4] [37]. What could be next since there are still no signs of the main show ending soon during its fifty-second season [14]? I guess there might be a huge opportunity to make up for skits that were lost throughout the years of the main show’s run, such as bringing back Deena, Pearl, Leslie Mostly and Professor Hastings for old time’s sake [5]. We have beheld outstanding brand new cartoons and engaging new seasons of already established ones this year so far, including The Cuphead Show and Green Eggs and Ham: The Second Serving [15] [16] [17] [18]. There will be more animated adventures to come [39] [40]. With some interesting individuality and a piece of promising potential, Sesame Street Mecha Builders will air on Cartoonito on HBO Max this May after almost three years of development [1] [13] [38]. Will it at least provide enough educational value to be considered a trustworthy spin-off? Hopefully, there will be no Mecha Rocco…who could pretty much be a carbon copy of Korg from the Marvel Cinematic Universe [11] [21] [22] [39] [40].

Some of us will also behold the continuation of Hello Kitty and Pusheen’s adorable friendship this May too [7]. Until then, please do not eat a smiley face drawn by Kermit the Frog [11]. [1]

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Lightyear – An Outstanding Origin Awaits?

I do not doubt that many of us fans of Pixar’s many masterpieces [10], including Coco and Ratatouille are looking forward to the release of Luca this Summer [4] [11] [13]. Ever since after the remarkable acclaim of Toy Story 4 that was considered to be the sprinkles on the cake that is the Toy Story franchise nine years after Toy Story 3 was considered to be the perfect finale [17] [18], some of us have been wondering how the franchise could possibly continue without a single sign of it becoming stale before our owners return to their bedrooms, leading us to have to slump to the floor and remain lifeless until they leave again. I am highly fascinated at how the near future of the Toy Story franchise appears to be going in a potentially better direction rather than just spewing out a “Toy Story 5” that would seem to be quite unnecessary unless its events took place before the first Toy Story masterpiece for Summer 2022 after the release and marketing of Turning Red next Spring [11]. Should I just give in and not state my thoughts on the concept for a forthcoming spin-off of an iconic franchise? Not today, Zurg [16]!

So, how can the franchise excel even further after the outstanding acclaim of Toy Story 4 [18]? [23]

The teased project from Pixar has officially been titled “Lightyear” as a sign that it will be heavily focused on a specific time in Buzz Lightyear’s life [11]. In a teased image, Buzz seems to be wearing a different suit, especially a completely different helmet as he grins confidently [21]. This is highly similar to how Captain Marvel wore pine green attire as “Vers” in her live-action movie [3]. His face looks more human-like and similar to the design of Mr. Incredible’s face [25] [26], meaning that the premise will NOT be set in a child’s bedroom where toys that come to life reside in. This is a huge sign of the film being set in his origin. You know, before a promotion that gave him the suit we saw on the popular figure based on him [15] [16]. Considering how the new interpretation of Buzz will NOT be an action figure, could there be a brief moment of children around Andy’s age about watch the movie at a cinema way before the events of Toy Story 3, resulting in a “Yo Dawg” moment [5]? As a test pilot, according to the description on the official Pixar website [11], a less experienced Buzz is sure to show some determination to earn the promotion that would lead to the Buzz we knew and loved since 1995 [15].

Buzz will apparently be a test pilot in the forthcoming spin-off [11], leading to some new character development that has not been seen by fans of the Toy Story franchise before. [21]

It appears that the iconic space ranger will have a different voice for his supposed origin [21]. I do not mind the noble space ranger being voiced by Chris Evans instead of Tim Allen, as long as the performance is just as highly engaging. Jim Hanks, the brother of Tom Hanks has voiced Woody outside of the films and he sounds almost as convincing [1] [12]. More importantly, the plot of Lightyear ought to consist of remarkable character development when it comes to portraying him as the way he was before he became an official space ranger. Toy Story 4 has shown some great development on Woody as he has refrained from making the same mistake he made in the first Toy Story film [15] [18]. When he is no longer the favourite toy of Bonnie, he tries to protect him at all costs for her as his creator instead of knocking him out of a window out of jealously. Whether Buzz Lightyear will have a different voice actor or not [21], there will need to be an extraordinary evolution of him since how a character is portrayed is slightly more important than how outstanding the performance of whoever voices the character will be.

Well, at least Buzz will not sound like that miniature version of him from Small Fry in Lightyear [14]. What is more important though is how likeable he will be. [22]

There will be hope that the events of the Buzz Lightyear of Star Command timeline that was established from 2000 to 2001 will still be considered canon, despite how it oddly featured traditional 2D animation compared to the animation in the first film at its sequel [15] [16] [19] [20]. The way to make this possible would be to ether reference or welcome back characters, such as Princess Mira Nova and Booster Sinclair Munchapper in the stunningly advanced 3D animation that many modern Pixar films have been recognisable for [4] [5] [10] [19]. Who knows? They might as well return in brand new outfits just before converting to the attire they wore in the television series in perhaps a new headcanon, especially Mira [2]. Surely Toy Story Treats have been considered non-canon due to how considering them canon would result in inconsistencies [24], but we shall see if Lightyear will or will not contradict anything from Buzz Lightyear of Star Commanded once its official trailer is released. To those who considered themselves fans of the animated special and the television series that were inspired from it back in the early 2000s [19] [20], there will be hope that there will be signs of them not being forgotten like many memories of Riley from Inside Out in the events of Lightyear [5].

A little shout-out to all of the 2000s kids who remember this animated special and the television series set after its events [19] [20]. Could their events still be considered canon or will there be an alternate continuation in Lightyear? [20]

In conclusion, I would be more than interested to see Buzz Lightyear’s origin within a spin-off of such an iconic animated saga [11] [21]. We can tell that the franchise has come a long way since the test footage that featured Woody and Buzz in their earlier interpretations that never made it to the final result of the first film [7]. I am still up for a Toy Story 5 someday, just as long as its events will tell the story of how Woody became Andy’s favourite toy before the arrival of Buzz [15]. Sometimes it is wiser to establish a prequel to answer unanswered questions than make a continuation that would be considered unnecessary. It worked for Monsters University [8] [9], right? I am sure that there might be any signs of some toys that are based on what is seen in Buzz’s origin being bought in Andy’s local area in perhaps the beginning or conclusion of the forthcoming spin-off to honour the prime premise of the main Toy Story saga [15] [16] [17] [18]. For now, the wonderfully talented and hardworking people at Pixar Animation Studios ought to not let the prospector out of the box until July 2022 [11] [21]. Can Mr. Lightyear still fly…or fall with style [15]?

To infinity…and beyond! [21]

References

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3. Captain Marvel, dir. by Anan Boden and Ryan Fleck (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, 2019).
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The Quality Of Life In My Little Pony: Pony Life

Whether My Little Pony: Pony Life is all in Pinkie Pie’s point of view or not [50] [51], I still appreciate it for its redeeming qualities and being filler between the fourth and fifth generations of the My Little Pony franchise in 2020 [50] [51] [52] [53]. Even though it is more focused on quick-paced comedy and consists of a slice of life genre [29], I can tell that the series is focused on the value of friendship as there is a compilation in association with celebrating International Friendship Day on Hasbro’s official My Little Pony YouTube channel [21]. I am hoping that the series will soon air in the United Kingdom and Ireland since I reside in England and the production of the series involved co-operation with Boulder Media, an Irish company [4]. Even though there have been no signs of the series officially airing in either of those nations yet [29], I can always check out the compilations on the official My Little Pony YouTube channel for analysing its slice of life vibes. There is always another way, according to Finding Dory [7]. For the fourth time, I shall express my critical thoughts on the newest animated interpretation of pony life, which is My Little Pony: Pony Life [48] [49].

PONY LIIIIIIIIIFE [21] [26]! [30]

Firstly, let us reflect on what the portrayal of Potion Nova, one of the newest ponies in Ponyville has to offer [25]. I quite like the premise of Twilight Sparkle trying to learn how to make potions, but failing every single attempt as it is an interesting new take on her development in Pony Life, especially when it comes to her alliance with Potion Nova and her determination to be intellectually impressive [22]. Moreover, it is pretty assuming how Nova poses as a therapist after the montage. More importantly, I adore how she advises Twilight to take it easy during the progress of creating potions. This briefly reminds me of how a well-known cartoon reviewer named Josh Strider, also known as “PhantomStrider” online advised his audience to maintain mindfulness, especially through deep breathing [40] [41]. As much as I understand how Twilight Sparkle tried to seem masterful to Potion Nova, it delights me to know that the newest unicorn in Equestria can at least provide helpful advice to reassure her [22]. I believe that Potion Nova is now my new favourite pony, not just because she is a Pony Life and Potion Ponies exclusive character [13].

I also love how potentially symbolic the method of putting emotion into a potion is as Potion Nova demonstrates it in association with teaching young children the importance of taking it steadily when it comes to new tasks. [22]

There is one pony who originated from Friendship Is Magic and has returned in Pony Life. Once again voiced by Kathleen Barr [3], the Great and Powerful Trixie Lulamoon is portrayed as someone who sincerely tries to understand the meaning of friendship aside from her determination to be “the best” [20] [31]. Even though she eventually learned the basics of being a true friend in a montage and referred herself as “Trixie the Powerfully Grateful” after learning that friendship is not a competition, the friendship bracelet she makes suddenly becomes big enough to capture the Mane Six altogether [20], which is a sign of her antagonistic side from Friendship Is Magic taking the lead [12]. When it comes to providing some value underneath fast-paced action and humour, I like how Pony Life still captivates the theme of maintaining true friendships and developing outstanding social skills, along with how it manages to make the portrayal of another pony from Friendship Is Magic familiar yet fresh [20]. Furthermore, I would be curious to see if at least how one more character from Friendship Is Magic is portrayed in Pony Life before the preparations for Generation Five.

Including Trixie in the show is legitimate because there is a toy based on her in the Potion Ponies toy line from Hasbro [16]. I think another character from the Friendship Is Magic era should only appear in Pony Life if the Pony Life brand consists of a toy based on her to make her appearance a little more valid [33] [43]. [20]

What about any further development of the Mane Six besides Twilight Sparkle’s alliance with Potion Nova [22] [25]? I am terribly sorry, but I really do not like Fluttershy’s bossiness and greediness in the premise of her friends selling cookies as a business as it is more concerning and out-of-character than Twilight Sparkle’s competitiveness towards Rainbow Dash and how Princess Celestia is more like a food critic than a fair ruler [27] [50] [51] [52] [53]. Since when did she become a copy of the Bloo who was a dangerously selfish and greedy company manager from “Cookie Dough”, an episode of the second season of Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends [10]? Nevertheless, she eventually stops and learns that a strong desire to meet her idol, Finn Tastic has overshadowed her virtue of kindness [28], which motivates me into giving her off-putting portrayal a spoonful of slack [27]. Throughout the airing of Pony Life, there have been moments of character development that are either out-of-character or a trait that is taken too far [50] [51] [52] [53], which is what I believe many purists of the first three seasons of Friendship Is Magic will not take too kindly to [17] [44].

Fluttershy’s out-of-character behaviour reminds me of how some fans of Ed, Edd n Eddy found Double D’s attitude towards Eddy in the episode about a cursed telephone out-of-character [6] [11] [45]. I strongly prefer her stare from the first season of Friendship Is Magic as it at least provided some heroism against those who are up to no good [19]. Remind me not to bake oatmeal cookies with raisins. [27]

Despite my disapproval of Fluttershy’s exclusive selfish side, are there any more witty moments to talk about? The moment Rainbow Dash drank a potion that motivated her into referencing Sonic the Hedgehog was priceless [24], yet brought back memories of discovering her being shipped with him [39]. I also find it very hilarious how Twilight and her friends tried to capture the one responsible for the delivery of the potions but failed every attempt [23] [25]. It was also funny when four of the Mane Six expressed epic jaw drops as Potion Nova began her majestic entrance, but then she suddenly tripped over one of the rainbows [25]. I think Rarity’s reaction to losing a pair of sunglasses...again sums up our reactions to losing something quite valuable. As for the cuteness contest between Fluttershy and Bubbles that occurs when the pink-maned pegasus has enough [20], karma is a Queen Chrysalis for the sassy jerk of a feline as he eventually gets the Team Rocket treatment for his meanness [9] [8]. Again, providing well-written humour is essential for trying to make the spin-off of the iconic cartoon from the 2010s faithful and trustworthy for our fellow bronies and pegasisters [42].

I wonder if Dashie’s reference to Sonic the Hedgehog is a shout-out to SonDash shippers [39]. [24]

Oh. And let us not forget how Applejack is still our fourth wall breaker! [20]

I would also like to discuss more discoveries in the Pony Life version of Equestria aside from zany results from consuming potions [24]. It turns out that there is a legendary creature named “Bighoof” [27], which is obviously a parody of Bigfoot [46], quite similar to Big Food from one episode of Chowder [5]. The sight of the potion ocean is absolutely beautiful [22]! I adore how it consists of the colours of the rainbow and I love to splash around in it if I were a pony. Despite that, there is also a strange depth of the ocean that consists of various lost objects [26], which expands the setting’s creativity to a degree. Oh my Celestia! Twilight Sparkle and Applejack get trapped in a potion bottle and witness the title of a Prince song at some point [22] [37]! Despite how I find the lack of colouring and wonky proportions for some aspects of the backgrounds flawed [48] [49], I appreciate how several fantasy elements have been established outside of Ponyville to give Pony Life some of the fantasy vibes that Friendship Is Magic has during its nine-year run to show more than smart devices just to appeal to today’s youth [18].

I am absolutely starstrucked by the beautiful rainbow ocean! I would need to avoid getting lost in the depth of lost items though [26]. [22]

Purple rain! Purple rain [37]! [22]

I am sorry once again, but I must lightly but firmly put my hoof down after seeing more depth of Rainbow Dash feeling unwell at Sugarcube Corner [23]. Twilight Sparkle is seen wearing a face mask as Dashie leaves the bakery, which is just too familiar in a terrible start of a new decade. Seriously, there are tons of reports about people losing their lives to coronavirus and mental health problems caused by lockdowns on the news already [1] [2] [38]. Rather than the risk of illness anxiety increasing from witnessing the premise, we need a source of delight to help us reduce that anxiety and think beyond the rest of the difficulties we have had in 2020. Despite my complaint, I have a theory that the script for this episode was written at some point before the pandemic began. Moreover, it might as well be brushed off as a public service announcement for the little ones during such a frightening time of separation and uncertainty. Besides, the premise would be more badly timed and in rather poor taste if it was not for those public service announcements about saving lives during the coronavirus outbreak in Weibo before the show aired [30].

I mostly feel negative towards an episode of Pony Life seemingly referencing the unnerving impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on us all in real life [1] [2] [38]. [23]

And who would have thought Pinkie Pie would be very anxious and show signs of being a workaholic when she becomes ill and has to rest? [23]

Despite some aspects that I believe are rather flawed, I still stand by how I believe the spin-off of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic is mostly faithful adaption based on Hasbro’s Pony Life toy line. Speaking of toy lines from Hasbro, since there is a new line of Littlest Pet Shop within its sixth generation known as the “Keep Me Pack” [15] [34] [35] [36], I believe there can be a release a special edition of a pet from the second generation from Hasbro or the vintage era from Kenner to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Littlest Pet Shop franchise at some point in 2022 [53]. It worked for the original Polly Pocket for her 30th anniversary last year, right [47]? As for the My Little Pony franchise, there is still plenty of time to hope for a remarkable outcome of the fifth generation at some point later in the 2020s. Many of us may still be complaining about how awful the year 2020 is as a horrible start of a new decade [32], but there are still new things for us to try and tune into, including a decent re-imagining of a cartoon we loved years before the pandemic and other distressing conflict began [1] [2] [38].

I believe that a special 30th anniversary edition of a Littlest Pet Shop figurine from the mid-2000s or early 2010s can potentially do the LPSTube community a huge favour in 2022 [54]. [14]

Anyway, I hope this fourth review of a mostly cool spin-off of an ironically cool cartoon from the 2010s was cool. If you thought it was cool, cool [50] [51]! [27]

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