TV Series Review: Hello Jack! The Kindness Show (Apple TV+, 2021)

Hello Jack! The Kindness Show is a children's show focusing on teaching kids how to be kind to their friends, family, and community. The show is co-created by Jack McBrayer, along with him starring in it as a prominent member of the community, helping the residents while sharing the importance of kindness. It takes place in a fictional town called Clover Grove. The show is aimed at younger, impressionable kids.

Some of the topics the show covers are helping family and friends, including others in activities, and connecting with others through kind gestures. The show is very colorful, from the set design to the clothing the characters wear. I think this was done intentionally for kids to be attentive to the stories being told while offering something pretty to the eyes. Each episode does end with a recap of what they did and how it helped and saved the day. 

One detail in the show is a hummingbird popping up whenever someone does something nice or helps out. Hummingbirds symbolize joy, playfulness, and adaptability in a person. This could be a connection as to why hummingbirds are special and are around at times when something joyful is happening. There is some animation in the show. For example, the hummingbird is animated and flying around the characters. A few of the musical numbers and activities are animated as well.

I originally decided to watch this show on a whim because I like the actor from his other shows, 30 Rock and Wander over Yonder. At first glance, this show looks like a reboot of "Mister Roger's Neighborhood", and it is that for this generation of kids. 

I watched an interview with McBrayer and he talked about how he wanted to create a show to help kids learn kindness and empathy from something good for them rather than watching harsh and age-inappropriate videos on Youtube or other platforms. I agree with that decision. When I think back to my childhood, I think about the things that influenced me and helped me become the person I am. Television (specifically PBS Kids) educated me on how to interact with others or school-related topics like reading, writing, and problem-solving. I think this show does have the same ideals for children nowadays while incorporating colorful scenery and musicals to keep their attention. 

Hello Jack! is a great show. I really like this show and its message. Compared to Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, and other kids' shows, this show actually helps out with kids and their development. It's calming and entertaining. I do believe it will help children learn how to be empathetic with the people around them. It can also be helpful for people who are older, to remind them how rewarding it is to be kind and open-minded.

Overall, for children Hello Jack! The Kindness Show is a good quality show to watch. If I forced a child to watch a kids' show from this decade with me, It would be this one. The show is safe and doesn't show any harmful ideas. There are also no hidden adult jokes which I consider a good thing. 

I am not super able to enjoy this show since I can tell what's going to happen next and am not young anymore to be mesmerized by it. The set however is something I would love to see though. It's quite pretty. 

Rating: 8.5/10

TV Series Review: Business Proposal (Netflix, 2022)

Business Proposal is a show about Shin Ha-ri going on a blind date with a man, Kang Tae-moo, who turns out to be the president of the company she works at. The show is based on a Webtoon of the same title. 

I randomly chose this show. It wasn’t something that was on my list. (but when do I ever watch stuff on my list?) I surprisingly liked this show. I didn’t think I would. The beginning felt slow to me and I definitely cringed at Tae-moo and his one-liners the whole time. But once it got to the fake dating part and them opening up to each other, I started to enjoy it. It’s funny, romantic, and has an entertaining plot. Also, who doesn’t love a rich man? And Cha Sung-hoon wasn’t that bad to watch. ;) 

The show has a love triangle between Ha-ri, Tae-moo, and Min-woo. Min-woo is a chef and friend of Ha-ri. She did have a crush on him for 7 years but never revealed anything. I am happy now that Ha-ri didn't end up with Min-woo. I thought he wasn't sincere with her and when he was, it was more of a controlling way than a loving way. There was a bit of competition between Tae-moo and Min-woo for Ha-ri's attention and you can feel while watching that Ha-ri wouldn't choose Min-woo because of that controlling aspect of Min-woo. Also, he was so oblivious that I doubt it would've been a good relationship.

A few cute details I liked were the bokeh lights in a night scene were heart-shaped and the color scheme of the clothes Tae-moo and Sung-hoon wore as the show developed. They originally wore dark colors but then after meeting their partners and getting closer to them, their clothes were more cream, beige, and white.

Personally, I couldn’t root for the main couple. I liked watching the second leads relationship more and felt there was more attraction between those two than the actual leads of the show. Like I wasn’t convinced with Ha-ri and Tae-moo actually liked each other but absolutely adored Young-Seo and Sung-hoon getting together. I think it’s because I saw the second lead in more mundane situations like meeting at the same restaurant and convenience store. With the main couple, they met whenever Tae-moo wanted to meet and he always showed off his wealth by renting out the entire place, making it empty for the two. I feel like I would’ve been more convinced if he invited her over and actually had a more sincere time together. However, they both lived with their family so I understand why they never did that. Still, he’s rich, he could’ve just rented an apartment or something. 

Also, I hated Ha-ri's mom, Mi-mo. She was just plain awful. I don't know why the writers made her so rude. All she did was yell at her kids and complain about her past loves who she should've been with. That woman had no filter and just acted however she wanted with no consequences. Honestly, she may have been the worst character in the show.

There were good moments in the show. I don't want to spoil too much but the friendship scenes between Ha-ri and Young-seo are really funny. Tae-moo and Sung-hoon also share some nice moments as well, from their past and present.

Overall Business Proposal does deserve the hype and is an entertaining show to watch. I was a little sad when I finished it. Like it was really good to watch. It covers all the bases when it comes to comedy, romance, and a bit of drama. I would recommend it.

Rating: 8.5/10