Project Mc²

I watched the first season with my daughter. We were both enchanted from the beginning. I should mention that she's addicted to Disney shows but finds the lack of truly smart characters a problem. In this series, the acting, writing, science and directing are more than merely competent. The girls are likable, cool, and smart. This is not your typical geek-turned-savior story. There are also no damsels in distress or princesses waiting to be granted life by an unwitting prince. The plots are aimed a bit above the usual tween show, but the science is not so over-the-top that younger girls will feel perplexed. In short, science is good, smart is cool, and Danica McKellar is a genius for bringing this to our children. Please release more episodes of this show...fast!

It's a good thing to make more girls interested in science.

But the end does not justify the means. The girls in MC² are for the most part empty-headed dolls. Giving them more normal attire and meaningful dialogue and character would have helped to raise their credibility.

On the science part, it's also mostly show. There are too few examples of smart things kids their age could actually put together. Instead they are toting "inventions" of their own that are simply modified gadgets used by most kids.

Odd Squad is much better in every way, even though it targets a slightly younger audience. And for girl power, the Babysitters Club has both its feet soundly on the ground.

We just got Netflix and discovered this show. Oh - My - Gosh! This show is the perfect blend of quirky science-y teen girls that may not always fit in with the "cool kids" and the unending excitement of "Spy Kids" movies.

Being late to the Netflix party we didn't even know this show existed until today. And we binge watched all three episodes! The story follows one trained spy who is placed in a school to perform one mission. She ends up making friends with three other girls in spite of her grating, left-brained and self-reliant attitude. Together they use their individual "nerdy" skills to save the world.

If you're a 9-13 year old and you loved "Spy Kids" or "Shark Boy and Lava Girl" you'll love "Project MC2".

We wanted to like this show. The premise sounds wonderful. Who wouldn't want a show about girls using STEM subject to solve crime? AND Danica McKeller is in it?! Sounds fabulous! So my daughter and I gave it a try.

Unfortunately the show fails to deliver. The girls are astonishingly stupid. The scene that sticks out the most to me is how the social-media guru left location services on when she posted online about being with a prince they were protecting. Rather than this being a learning experience, it was hand-waved with an "oh no, his fangirls found us." At best, they're caricatures of smart girls, and that's not a good thing since it says smart girls are really stupid. My 6-year-old pointed that out.

Danica isn't truly in the show. Her part is basically phoned in. She's only shown via video, and the quality is such that she can record her lines anywhere there's a black backdrop. I suspect she really does that.

So we are on the hunt again for smart girls into STEM subjects.

The first couple episodes are pretty bad, but the later seasons are much better. It reminds me a little bit of Gem from the 80's. Fun show for girls.