Beakman's World

Okay, I'm certainly no "kid" and I'll admit that when I first came upon the show while channel surfing way back when, It's true, I was drawn to pause on the channel because Alanna Ubach was on the screen.. BUT, it didn't take more than the one episode to realize this was well done and had a very unique and fun way to present science facts to young people.

Okay, here's where I show my age.. it's not unlike the old Soupy Sales show in it's use of off stage and inside jokes. Nothing offensive for the kids, but things that an adult can find and enjoy.

It takes a lot of good writing and acting to serve up facts and figures in a way that might keep a person glued to the screen for the whole "class" but these people managed to do it in my opinion.

Everyone did a great job on this show and it should still be aired more often as it still has lots to give people of all ages 8-)

As a matter of fact, I'm off to see if it's on DVD now..

It was all about having fun and learning at the same time. I remember watching this anytime I could catch it on México's cultural channel by excellence (channel 11).

I watched it's reruns and never got tired of it because I have to admit that I learned a lot from it.

I didn't care if I was out of school or whatever, Beakman taught me on biology, science, physics aspects. I had a great time with the show's colorful art direction and atmosphere.

The performances were funny and witty. I just was addicted to this show. It's sad to admit that when puberty comes to you, you just can't help but forget about such great shows like this one.

I wish my kids will have the chance to watch it.

This show was a scream- funny, smart and just plain fun. I was a teacher in my 40's when I discovered it, and never missed a show. I learned things I didn't know, and still use in classes. The pace frenetic. The three characters worked together like fingers. Beakman was frantic and a riot, Lester the Rat was the best sidekick ever seen on television, and of the women- all great, but Josie was my favorite! The show explained science in ways that anyone could understand, and left you wanting to know more. I'm 50 now, and just discovered it's on re-runs- I hope it outlives me. What fool pulled the plug on it? I hope whoever decided to is bagging groceries.

This show is nothing less than an absolute landmark in educational TV, and dare I say it, in TV in general. It was like they found the perfect formula: the characters, the timing, the scenery, the lines, the sound effects, and just about everything else. Good old Beakman could talk about *everything* using simple speech, good humour, enthusiasm, always aided by his assistant (originally Josie) and not-exactly-aided by the man in the rat costume, Lester. The three characters completed each other perfectly, and all through the episode, there was not a single second wasted: to every line, there was a perfect reply, and to every question, there was a perfect answer. This is brilliance and talent in their highest forms. Beakman's World can make me laugh harder than any adult comedy show out there can, and I still learn great things with it. It was a shame that Alanna had to leave the series ("Sister Act II", remember that?), and had to be replaced. Liza took herself too seriously, and didn't fit in too well with the other characters. Josie was unbeatable.

And of course, the show was cancelled. I doubt even Beakman could explain us how the execs had the courage to do that.

In the 1990's I worked for a video post production facility that made broadcast air masters for Beakman's World. Whenever someone was needed to do quality control on a finished tape I would beg for the assignment so that I could watch this wonderful show (and even get paid for it!!!). Even though I was in my mid 40's at the time I always enjoyed the humor that the performers brought to the subject of science.

I recently (June 2013) watched "The Pirate" starring Gene Kelly and Judy Garland. There is a song in the film called "Be a Clown" that is performed by Gene Kelly and Judy Garland. While listening I suddenly realized that Lester the Rat sang a song called "Be a Mouse" on Beakman's World that used the melody from "Be a Clown".

LONG LIVE THE BEAKMAN!!!