Captain Planet and the Planeteers

The series tended to focus on important issues relating to environmental pollution, conservation, and the like. Yet, a few episodes dealt with other social issues; i.e. gangs, and prejudice.



A high school basketall player finds out that he has tested positive for HIV. The rat-like super villian decides to promote misinformation about how the virus can be spread, so as to encourage fear and hatred. The plot is exposed by the Planeteers, with Captain Planet telling people to get the facts about AIDS/HIV.



May be the first American network tv cartoon show -- for kids -- to deal with AIDS/HIV. It does talk briefly how the virsus can be spread and makes a plea for greater education, emphathy and compassion.



The script, beyond the message, is a bit weak and could have been done a bit better. I might have made this a two-part episode to deal with the issue of bigotry/prejudice in a larger context, with a bigger plot from the villian. But features some great guest stars. Overall a powerful, important and fantastic episode. The power is yours!