0272C: Hilda the Adventurer

 I also love this Tintin-esque poster

So we just finished watching the full Netflix Hilda animated series and we're all the better for it. It's a lovely little show based on a series of graphic novels with a similar art style. She's an intrepid, precocious little girl who is most at home with the wilderness and all of its fascinating creatures but the show has her moving to the city with her mum that totally takes her out of her element.

The writing of the series is very tight, but I suppose that's only natural given it was based on a book series. The focus on a small set of characters allowed for a lot of character development across seemingly episodic adventures. But as much as easy story is separate, each also helps build the larger mythology of the world as a whole in terms of the magical creatures that inhabit it. But the end of the short 13-episode you are fully reminded of how colorful this world is and how so many unique creatures and personalities inhabit this small part of their world.

There's an inherent innocence to the tone of the show as Hilda herself is quite fearless and typically greets the unknown with curiosity and wonder. We explore her world through her eyes and her small group of friends who often struggle to keep up with her energy and enthusiasm. But beyond that she always tries to do the right thing and this show is more about reminding us to better understand everyone's story before drawing conclusions - perhaps a critical lesson that more people could benefit from learning in these trouble times.

Hilda is a breath of fresh air in an entertainment landscape that often glorifies lies, infidelity and other more negative aspects of the human experience. It's not just for children and more older folks could spend some time remembering what it was like to be more open and trusting.