Oso: Agente Especial

I agree with the comment about every episode being the same. My 4-year-old-son watches it. I was laughing when you said Oso was always surprised to hear from Mr Dos at the end of the "assignment", even though it happens every time. I always think the same thing! But kids love repetition, so it works. Sometimes you don't have to try too hard to make a good show for kids. I've seen much more ridiculous kids shows than this. Have you ever seen the show "Bo on the Go"? Every episode in that show is also the same, and they repeat the same catchphrases each episode too. But my son loves it! As you say, these shows are not aimed at adults! And I thought it was cool to find out Sean Astin was doing the voice! I'm a big fan, and I didn't realise it was him! And I have to admit I like all the James Bond movie references, although how many times have they had an episode/code name based on Casino Royale?

If you're looking for something that is brightly colored, has catchy earworm songs, and will entertain your toddler while you write TV show reviews, then Special Agent Oso is for you. We stumbled across this show a few weeks ago, right before Disney Playhouse became Disney Jr. (to compete directly with Nick Jr.? nice try!) I described it to my husband as Winnie the Pooh meets James Bond and to expect anything beyond that is asking too much. The animation style is definitely different, but what's wrong with that? Once you get used to certain aspects, most adults should find wry humor in the repetitive twists on 007 movie titles as well as appreciate the simplicity with which a child's dilemma (tying one's shoes the first few times IS a big deal!) is broken down into steps to achieve success. From a personal aspect, my 3 year old mimics the entire opening sequence, pantomiming the movements and attempting to sing along, which of course, to us, her parents, is hysterical. Older children may get quickly bored by it and adults should in no way attempt to see this as any thing more than harmless and mildly endearing fluff by Disney. Plus it's kind of funny to listen to Samwise Gamgee's voice coming out of Oso's (Spanish for 'bear', btw!) mouth! ; )

Say what you will about the simplicity of the tasks being shown, but there is an undeniable charm to this goofy relic of Playhouse Disney past. I honestly really like Oso, he is a very endearing protagonist. I like how he learns alongside the kids and the audience, making him relatable and a nice change of pace from some other kiddie show leads.

The animation has its ups and downs, early on it was very wonky, but I like the colours and some of the character designs.

Maybe older audiences don't get a lot out of this show, but kids certainly will. If you've got some under-fives around the house, try it out.

What is wrong with you guys?! I loved this show when I was a little kid. And I still love it today. What is your problem?!

I am thoroughly familiar with my six-year-old daughter's favorite shows on Disney Jr, Nick Jr and Sprout, and love most of them. This one, however, raises questions for my daughter and me both. Why would a child who talks like he is school-age not know how to color? Why is it an "emergency" for him to know how to color by the time his father comes home? Why haven't his PARENTS taught him how to color?? We voice similar questions with many other episodes. I think most of the things that Oso attempts to do are duties of parenthood…and are certainly more pleasant and rewarding than changing diapers, so why are the parents neglecting to perform these duties? On the other hand, I personally benefited from the episode on how to use chopsticks…which actually was a bit too advanced for the show's audience, I believe.

I think the repetition, colorful characters and catchy songs are great for its target preschool audience, but like other reviewers have said, they could have done a much better job making the show entertaining for the preschoolers' older siblings and parents. This is the standard that was set more than 40 years ago by Sesame Street.

Sometimes I chuckle at the Bond-inspired mission code names, but the humor is lost on my daughter, and I sometimes have difficulties explaining it to her—I don't want to be talking about a "golden gun" while we're watching a children's show about a teddy bear!

I am also not quite comfortable with the message the show sends to its young viewers. Oso is not very bright, clumsy, forgetful, and doesn't really help anyone. The writers carry this to an extreme. In fact, in most episodes, the child ends up showing HIM how to accomplish the task. That might be a great learning tool for the "rescuee", but why does Oso get a medal for bungling each mission? Rewarding children for trying their best rather than only for perfection is great, but is Oso really doing his best? He seems careless to me, and his efforts to learn seem half-hearted.

Over time and repetition (which we parents experience with years of all the children's' shows), I have found Oso's bungling and…well, I will say it: stupidity…so annoying, I often leave the room when Special Agent Oso is on.

I also agree with the other reviewer who commented that Paw Pilot's "floating head" is rather creepy. It doesn't bother my daughter, but it creeps me out every time I see it, for some reason.