'Baymax!' - WDAS' Delightful Dip into TV

 


Baymax! is a miniseries based on the movie Big Hero 6. Unlike the previous show Big Hero 6: The Series, Baymax! is more of a slice-of-life show. Don't expect any dangerous robot battles here. Every episode is about Baymax helping people around San Fransokyo. It's also worth mentioning that this is the first TV show made by Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Animation - 2/2. I am pleasantly surprised at how well the show is animated, as it looks just like the original movie. They probably had a bigger budget for this show than for, say, Monsters At Work.

Characters - 2/2. There are only six episodes, and each of them are only eleven minutes, so there's no serious deep character arcs or anything. But all of the characters that Baymax helps in each episode are likable and fleshed out in their own right, as they each have a backstory of sorts.

Writing - 2/2. The series manages to talk about family, taking risks, food allergies, puberty, periods, time management, and owning small businesses in a frank and understanding way. These are relatable issues to everyday life. I saw a lot of Republicans on social media whine about Episode 3, which talks about periods. They were saying that it was "sexualizing" kids and that periods are "inappropriate" for a family TV show. I really wish this show came out sooner than in the midst of the current moral panic over LGBT people just for existing (there was a trans guy in the period episode). Well, guess what you pearl-clutchers? Menstruation is a normal and natural thing. There's no need to be ashamed about it or try to shield your precious children from reality. It is important that we teach kids about these things so that they are prepared for puberty. I myself had my first period before I even turned 13. Plus, kids at home might have an older sister who goes crazy once a month, so this episode could help them understand menstruation. Also, I really appreciate them adding a trans man giving his input on menstruation products. I'm a trans guy and I'm on my period as I'm typing this (TMI? I don't care). Another good instance of LGBT representation is in episode 4. Mbita is indeed a gay guy, but the episode doesn't center his sexuality and focuses more on his allergy to fish and wanting to make his family proud. He also asks out another guy at the end of the episode. This is the kind of LGBT representation that should appear more often. At first, the series seems to be episodic, but Episode 6 has all the characters Baymax helped come to help him. That's a nice role-reversal.

Voice Acting and Music - 2/2 each. Not much to say about them other than they are pretty good. Also I just want to comment that Baymax, the ever-helpful and cheerful robot, is voiced by the same person as Clay Puppington, the abusive dad from Moral Orel. Make of that what you will.

Overall, 10/10.


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