Between the Lions began as an attempt by PBS Kids to spin-off its flagship program, kids show pioneer, Sesame Street (1969-). A bold move indeed. While not officially under the Jim Henson umbrella, the show was made by a group of Jim Henson and Sesame Workshop alumni, who broke away from their respective companies and released the show under WGBH (Arthur, Peep and the Big Wide World).
Considering how divorced it is from it's parent show, it feels cut from the same cloth as other shows in the Muppets cannon. It's not just a puppet show, but a multimedia program, using various animation styles, live-action and music to teach reading and phonics. What makes the show stand out, is that it was the first of its kind to focus solely on basic reading skills. As Street introduced toddlers and young children to the concept of learning, Lions focused on developing those learned skills. A "graduation" to the next grade if you will.
Street's format is very apparent. You have the main plot, featuring the titular Lion family working at their local library. Hungry for learning (and food), the family reads a different book each episode which takes them through a series of events, culminating with them learning the book's main lesson. Various "side-segments" feature throughout, using different visual mediums to enforce learning.
The show's predecessor Reading Rainbow (1983-2006), had an informational format like many adult PBS shows. LeVar Burton's (Star Trek: The Next Generation) teacher persona taught the subjects in a friendly, school-like manor. Lions' approach is not direct, but more story driven. The relationship that parents Theo and Cleo have with their cubs Lionel and Leona is generally charming, and their adventures are engaging as well as educational.
The segments themselves range from comical, to whimsical, to downright absurd. Favourites include the Monty Python-inspired "Gawain's World", a jousting match between two knights that taught the concept of syllables, "Fun with Chicken Jane" (a play on Dick & Jane) which taught episode subjects through rhyme, and a spelling segment where voice artist Fred Newman (Gremlins) would sound out specific words to the audience. And let's not forget the vocal stylings of "The Vowels", who put a funky spin on learning letters!
But the most effective and entertaining of them has to be the adventures, or rather, misadventures of "Cliff Hanger". The bit takes learning and gives it a classic WB cartoon edge. His word-related schemes almost get him off that cliff he's been hanging onto for god knows how long. But in the end, a la Wile E. Coyote, Cliff always ends up back at square one. The charm and humour of the segments made them highlights of the show, and inspired countless internet memes.
Of course, every kids show from this era did come with its fair share of creepiness. Just get one look at "Arty Smartypants", or take in a exploit of "The Tummy Lady" (DONT' ASK!!!). Well, they can't all be winners right?
Guest Stars return from Street. Rather than the biggest A-listers, Lions leaned more toward less obvious TV stars. These included newscaster Al Roker, Bruno Kirby (When Harry Met Sally), even Big Bird himself. Their enthusiasm is apparent, sometimes a little too much. You won't be able to unsee John Stewart donning Arty's Smarty-Pants and singing along with him on the Daily Show Set.
In terms of a show, this pseudo-sequel remains overshadowed by the massive success of Sesame Street. But the formula is still effective and rings true to this day. Between the Lions is an underrated gem that deserves to be remembered with the more famous educational shows of our childhoods.
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