Review: Heartwood USA, an Eco-Cartoon

There's a green 'toon in town!

Heartwood USA is the name of the project, and Shane Keats is the father.

As an environmental cartoon that aims to educate and entertain, Heartwood wants to inspire kids to action by taking a stand and fighting for what they believe in.

Carson Heartwood, the heroine of this environmental cartoon, and Hugo Banneker, her best friend and brainy eco-geek sidekick, investigate the mystery of a stinky cloud that's floating over town.

At the beginning of the pilot episode, "Cow-a-dunga", Carson finds out that her friendly neighborhood industrialist is buying the town's dairy. She and Hugo (with the help of the iGadget) then determine that it's methane ("cow farts") from the Dummkopf Dairy that has been stinking up the town.

They confront Shamus Dummkopf (the son of the shadowy profit-monger) at the factory-style dairy, with arguments about grass and pasture for the cows, then expose him in the paper and get Dummkopf Dairy to close.

Shamus gets back at her with some classic American politicking, under the banner of "Milk Drinkers for Truth":

"What's next, no football? You wanna know why? Because Carson Heartwood hates America!"

You gotta love that.

I don't generally promote or encourage watching TV, but I think that kids who do watch (most kids) would benefit by having at least some earth-friendly alternative to open their minds. Heartwood USA could be the gateway toon for the next generation. It speaks their language and empowers them to rise up to the challenges that we face, both as communities and as individuals.

On the website, it says "Heartwood USA believes:

• kids aren't stupid
• adults care
• bullies suck (especially political bullies)
  
• laughing helps

I can agree with that.

My only complaint was the brevity. It felt like more details were necessary in order to make the connection between our daily actions and our environment. I hope the next episode goes a bit deeper.

Kudos to Shane Keats, director Dave Schlafman and the rest of Team Heartwood for putting out a show that highlights sustainability issues and environmental awareness. Well done.

Watch Episode One and let me know what you think.

For more info, visit Heartwood USA