User Reviews

I know it might seem weird that an adult like me care enough to analyze a Tv show meant for really young kids. Let me remind you, that just because something is for children (even ones who watch Arthur) doesn't mean that it can't be well written, or that it should pander, or talk down to it's audience. Sometimes the writing can be very smart and crisp, and teach it's viewers a very important lesson about effort versus efficiency. In this Episode, Mr. Ratburns class takes field trip to a medival fair, where they are pitted against his old mentor and his class in a series of games to see who wins the fair. They sadly are no matched and are humiliated with crushing defeat at Mr. Ratburn's older more tougher teacher. However Arthur notices a "Sword in the stone", which everyone, including Mr. Ratburn's old teacher fails to pull out, until Arthur listens closely to the words of the Barker, and "gently" pulls the stone, becoming King of the Medival Fair. What's great about this episode versus all other ones, is this story could easily be turned into a parable about "real intelligence", vs. "Elite strength and superiority". And it works here. Being smart doesn't make you goo at everything, because it can make you very arrogant and selfish if you can't show any kind of respect or consideration for those who aren't like you. It's a good lesson for kids that shows what being a true leader and listener is all about, it doesn't matter how many victories you achieve in a row, but how many you achieve every time you try and try again.