Transformers: Rescue Bots

We watched this show with a 4 year old obsessed with fire fighters. It was a great transitional show for him. As a parent, I thought the messages in the show were pretty positive. I also appreciate that they had cool mega robots that weren't engaged in violent activity. My son liked the plot, the characters (both robot and kid) and most of all, the giant transforming robots.

Pros:

• No serious guns or violence

• Giant transforming robots

• Functional family themes

Cons:

• Would have liked to see more use of the female characters

• The toys that accompany the series certainly encourage consumerism.

My oldest son first became interested in Rescue Bots when my husband and I purchased the Rescue Bots game for his LeapPad. Since then he has seen all the episodes (numerous times) and hasn't got sick of viewing them yet. I do not have the same concerns as a previous parent/reviewer who commented about the women being too curvy and men looking too strong with square jaws and six packs. My son is four (turning five next month) and the only thing he "sponges" from this show is the importance of helping and saving others. He sees how the Rescue Bots and the "Griffin Rock team" (the police chief, firefighter, helicopter pilot, etc) go out of their way to help and save the people who live in Griffin Rock. I always try to ask my son questions about the shows or movies he watches. Sometimes you'll be surprised to know your child has "sponged" something unexpected, like the act of kindness of others.

My son wants to be a Rescue Bot (even the whole family joins in) so he can help mom, dad, brother, even his small town. I'm very pleased with Rescue Bots and we can't wait for season two!!

Not the absolute best animated show of the Transformers franchise, that's still Transformers(1984). But it is a good, very good even, show, the most accessible to younger audiences of the Transformers animated shows(the movies as well) and a long way from a disgrace to Transformers no matter how unconventional it may be deemed to be. The animation may not be for all tastes, from a personal perspective the bounce, fluidity and colour will delight the main target audiences and most importantly it looks good. If anybody wants visual depth, look elsewhere like Transformers: Prime. Each of the episodes are well-scored, in a way that's appropriate and also so that it can be remembered easily. The main theme likewise. The writing also strikes the right balance, not too sophisticated and not too simplistic or childish, while it is easy for youngsters to understand it is handled intelligently. Parents and older fans will also appreciate the various continuity nods and media references, so there is definitely something for them too. The story lines admittedly are not very original and perhaps on the formulaic side, but they are fun and make sense with some themes that children and adults can relate to. Older fans will also appreciate how dark and violent the season one finale was, but the more dark and violent nature didn't juxtapose too much and there is no real reason why some would go and say "this is not for children", it's not quite of that kind. The characters are all engaging, the humans, robots and villains. We also have some terrific voice acting, Lacey Chabert, Steve Blum and Maurice LeMarche are pitch perfect and you cannot go wrong with appearances from Peter Cullen as the ultimate and definitive Optimus Prime and Tim Curry as a mad scientist. Overall, it's a good solid show that should be rated higher here. Not one to dismiss because it's aimed at a younger audience, it's a good introduction to youngsters and later on they can go onto darker, even more intelligently written and more conventional Transformers shows like the original one from 1984 and Transformers Prime. 8/10 Bethany Cox

My 5 y.o. loves this show. He's seen all 23 episodes and wants to watch them again. For a kid that is into robots or space themed stories, the Transformers Rescue Bots is a home run hit. The stories are innocuous and with just enough "danger" to make the little ones care about the happenings. Remember the target audience and don't expect the whole family to be enthralled, but it won't make the adults groan too often. To help make it more interesting for the grown ups, we try to figure out the voice actors and there are some good ones on display for Transformers Rescue Bots. No extreme violence, though and mild, measured language. Show it to your kids without fear.

We first discovered this show a few years ago on a rainy day and have returned to it many times since then. It's a great show and has a bit of everything in it - it's full of adventure and danger, a little scary and the characters are good too, plus it's a good introduction to transformers. 10/10