It’s got maths, electronics, scientific method, and this live-action kids’ show is still funny
YOU’VE just learned that an evil scientist is the only person with access to a powerful computer that can save your pal. What do you do? If you’re the tween stars of “Annedroids,” a liveaction kids’ show, you turn to the scientific method - and a trio of robotic mice that can sneak into buildings undetected.
That’s just part of the drama that unfolds in the first episode of the show’s fourth season, which debuted Mar 3 on Amazon Prime Video in the United States and United Kingdom.
“Annedroids” features the continued adventures of Anne, a whiz at electronics with a knack for building androids, and her two best human friends, Nick and Shania. When they get into trouble, they recruit Anne’s creations, including an inquisitive former crash-test dummy and a pigeon that has been turned into a “cy-bird.” (Also those robotic mice.)
The whole show resembles an experiment, measuring just how much science, technology, engineering and maths can be successfully stuffed into a half-hour comedy programme. Findings have been promising: Last year, “Annedroids” was up for 10 Daytime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Children’s Series. The only other kids’ show with as many nominations? “Sesame Street.”
What’s impressive is how the lessons drive the plot instead of drag it down.
For instance, it could be super boring to discuss the scientific method. But in the Season 4 premiere, Anne breaks it down for her friends in a simple way: You ask a question, come up with a hypothesis, test it and review the data. And then they use it to devise their sneaky plan to infiltrate Magnus Tech headquarters.
Also key to the action are the factoids scattered throughout the episode.
For instance, computer processors heat up when they’re working, which is why there’s a cooling pit handy for our protagonists to use as a hiding place.
That scene pretty much sums up the spirit of the show: feeling cool while talking about science. — Washington Post