Review: Liberty's Kids -- Directed by Michael Maliani, Kevin O'Donnell, and Andy Heyward

A blue border surrounds an old piece of parchment with scrawl on it. In the center in red is the title: Liberty's Kids est. 1776. Across the banner are the main characters of the series.

Liberty's Kids is an animated American children's historical drama that retells the major events of the American Revolution. The show was directed by Michael Maliani, Kevin O'Donnell, and Andy Heyward. It was produced by the American Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). From the beginning, the TV show was not shy about discussing some major topics and concerns that were considered by the various parties of the war. It follows the story of Sarah Philips-- who is a fictional loyal British subject and newfound resident of the American colonies. Arriving at the height of tensions between the British Empire and the American colonies...she quickly finds herself reporting for the Philadelphia Gazette. She is joined by Ben Franklin's (fictional) staff which include James-- a Colonist who has grown up in the New World his whole life and devoted to the Independence; Henri-- a French boy who was the only survivor of his family, and Moses-- a free Black American who dedicates his life to Franklin's vision and the ideals of the American independence.

The animated series runs 2 seasons and is full of historical references, key figures, and parties who all had stakes involved in the causes of the Revolutionary War. As a young boy first learning about the American Revolution, I am grateful I had a TV show that was bold and mature enough to explore the tough topics. The show did not treat children as too sensitive or weak. Instead, each episode gracefully explores the sacrifices and the turmoils of all those caught in the conflict in a way that children can grasp. The show deals with themes of loyalty, patriotism, identity, and courage. The American Colonists and the British are humanized in this TV show. So too are Black Americans, the French, the Spanish, and other parties involved in the American Revolution. The show is not afraid of depicting the complexity of the characters either. The cast wrestles with ideological disputes over slavery, freedom of speech and press, the Colonial violation of treaties with Native Americans, women's representation, and more!

This 4th of July, in the aftermath of some major rulings by the United States Supreme Court, I am reminded that the struggle for freedom is not always easy. Oftentimes the greatest challenge comes from within. In a world where it is easier now than ever before to lose touch with our humanity, I would be in denial if I said I was not disappointed. But I am also reminded that the cause of liberty is a struggle and it is one that is universal. Our struggle for freedom in the United States is an ongoing one, just as important as anywhere else on this planet. It also means that we have to collaborate with those that we are not enthusiastic about working with or whom don't share our ideals.

Liberty's Kids did more to educate me on the American Revolution than any other TV show. It was also one of many that taught me the importance of empathy and the value in appreciating our differences and humanity. It is also a show that is not afraid of challenging our notions about what transpired in the American Revolution. Ultimately it was a war and the conflict was brutal for all involved. I love to revisit the show especially when I am pressed for hope.

Perhaps one of my favorite quotes from the series actually comes from the theme song of the show:

I see a land with liberty for all

Yet still I know...

The truth will rise and fall...oh yeah!

That's just the way it goes

A word now to the wise

The world was made to change

Each day is a surprise!

Every day that passes is an opportunity for us to try and do things differently. Our voices have more power than we know. Even if we cannot change the world around us we still have more authority and power over our destinies than we give ourselves credit. The decisions that we make do impact the world that we create. What we are is a culmination of the decisions that came before us. Who we are is the compilation of the decisions that we make during our time here. We can't always control what happens to us, but we can decide our own fates.

You can watch the full series here.