Netflix’s Carmen Sandiego offers kids (and adults) a fun and informative time, with a dash of nostalgia thrown in.
Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? has spawned into a multi-media franchise that has grown over the last 30+ years into something bigger than the original computer games based around the titular character, and Netflix’s Carmen Sandiego is the latest installment to grab the attention of new and old fans alike.
If you were a fan of the original video games, then you’ll remember the premise: As an agent for A.C.M.E., your job was to use your knowledge of geography and history to track down the elusive ringleader of V.I.L.E., Carmen Sandiego. The series was certainly entertaining, but its educational twist made this franchise truly special.
Carmen Sandiego attempts to deliver on the same promise but ages Carmen down and makes her more relatable. She’s no longer the head of a group of evildoers, but is now an idealistic thief who only steals from other thieves.
The first two episodes of Netflix’s original series act more like a movie explaining Carmen’s origin story. We start off seeing her dressed in her usual garb — a big red hat and a flowing scarlet trench coat — and are then informed of her upbringing, starting from the day she was found abandoned as a baby.
It’s a big info dump, but the story is entertaining and getting this backstory on Carmen is essential to building her character and making us care about what happens to her. We’re introduced to Player, her very own “guy in the chair,” and by the end of the second episode, we’re all caught up to the present day.
From there on out, each episode brings us a new caper. Carmen must either steal something before V.I.L.E. gets their hands on it, or she must steal it back. When she inevitably gets the better of her former employers, she returns the stolen property to the proper authorities, and all is well.
Each new episode also furthers the mystery of Carmen’s birth and upbringing, as well as builds her relationships with the other characters, whether they’re friendly or antagonistic.
Carmen Sandiego sports a diverse cast of characters and voice actors. Gina Rodriguez leads the team as Carmen, and she’s joined by Finn Wolfhard as Player. The secondary characters and their various backgrounds work to teach kids how unique and interesting the world, and those who inhabit it, can be.
This show is obviously geared toward kids, but as a 30-year-old woman who has a vague recollection of how cool Carmen Sandiego was when I was younger, it also provides a good boost of a nostalgia and plenty of fantastic puns. This show isn’t going to be for everyone, but if you go in knowing it skews toward a younger audience, you’ll find the story captivating, regardless. And you might learn something, too.
Carmen Sandiego puts plenty of emphasis on its female characters. Carmen is our hero, and her greatest nemesis is Tigress. Three of the five V.I.L.E. leaders are women, as is A.C.M.E.’s Chief. Inspector Devineaux may be the one leading the hunt for La Femme Rouge, but he’s hopeless, especially compared to his brilliant and underappreciated partner Julia Argent. Shadowsan’s greatest student is Paper Star, and, well, you get the picture.
I have a hard time believing young boys won’t find plenty of things to keep them interested in Carmen Sandiego, which blends humor and action with ease. But what I’m most excited about is how young girls will feel about this series, which shows them they can be as smart and capable as anyone — if not more so.
There’s a lot to learn from Carmen Sandiego, and not just about all the interesting places our hero travels to. Viewers young and old can expect to be captivated by the slick animation and intriguing mysteries, but this series also reminds us to look outside ourselves. The world is a big place, and there’s so much to be thankful for, whether that comes in the form of ancient artifacts or cultures different from our own.
Carmen Sandiego’s biggest lesson is to be true to who you are. Carmen may have grown up believing V.I.L.E. was her true family, but as soon as she learned the truth about them, she knew she had to leave everything behind and do the right thing. With awesome skills, amazing friends, and some truly unwavering willpower, there’s nothing that can stop Carmen Sandiego.
The series comes to a comfortable conclusion, but it kicks the door wide open for a second season. There’s still so much more Carmen needs to learn about herself, and I hope we have the chance to discover the truth right alongside her.
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