miles-husoy

Since the lockdown boredom of 2020, it's become a tradition for me to watch all 65 episodes each summer. Though Swans Crossing is more or less a product of its time, it's still a wonderful show. The production value is sparkling if a bit cheesy now, the acting is believable, the background music is great, the dialogue is, well, realistic, and overall, it just makes you feel so good when you watch it. Plus, I'll bet lots of guys wish they could double-date with Mila and Glory. If I had been the right age at the time, I know I would have. I think the reason Swans Crossing tanked it is because it was merchandised way too soon. I couldn't believe dolls were made, and they were terrible caricatures too, especially before viewers could become "acquainted" with the characters.

It should be noted I'm willing to bet that the only reason anybody remembers Swans Crossing at all is because of the theme song. It is incredibly catchy...and it could have and should have been a 90's pop hit. I never watched the show when it was new because I was 6 but I did see the ending credits right before Merrie Melodies Starring Bugs Bunny & Friends on what used to be KSTW 11. Kind of a paradox those two programs were side by side, no? It's a shame the show is now forgotten otherwise because it had potential, and at least Brittany Daniel got a career out of it, even though most of the productions she's been in have been forgettable. If it comes out on DVD, I'll buy it. But in any event, I love this song! No question about that.

I loved, LOVED this show in the 90's when I was in grade school. When I tried watching this show again in February 2014 (I was 27 at the time), I was sick at home with a bad head cold. At that time, I thought the show was cheesy and outdated. But giving it another try in 2021, I know now that it was and still is heartwarming and thought-provoking...for any age, really. I think what turned me off originally in 2014 was the production value. Some segments are still a little childish, but it had its moments even for adults. I'd take a dose of The Puzzle Place over most of what PBS aired after they got rid of Square One TV (when if it all is that show ever going to be released on DVD?!), and it was far better than Barney & Friends.

So what exactly made the show so good? I can think of a few reasons:

-The idea for the show came about because of the Los Angeles race riots involving the Rodney King beatings and the associated white policemen who were acquitted.

-Most of the puppeteers came from Sesame Street and the show was produced by Lancit Media, who were responsible for Reading Rainbow.

-No two kids were the same ethnicity, and that was the point, to celebrate their diverse backgrounds.

-Careful research was made on all the ethnicities.

-Some episodes were heartwarming, including Leon not being invited to his white friend's birthday party just because he was black.

-Besides racial harmony, it also talked about the equality of boys and girls.

-Sizzle and Nuzzle were so cute, and the subplots involving them were just as entertaining.

-Guest stars included Ernie Hudson, Sinbad, Amy Hill, Patti LaBelle and Nia Peeples, as well as Lynne Thigpen as the Chief from Acme Crimenet.

-The Puzzle Place itself was the perfect spot to let loose and have fun.

-Many real-life children wished they could be teleported to The Puzzle Place.

Also, if you'd like a good history of the show, check out the Defunctland documentary on YouTube.

If they ever release The Puzzle Place on DVD, I'll buy it. It needs to become popular again.

We just keep asking for something that we're never going to get. So look, Sesame Workshop, how's this? Burn all the episodes onto some DVD-R's, and, for a reasonable fee, send them out to all the fans. I mean, it's not like we're ever going to see this show again in reruns (I think we've all given up on that), so how could it possibly hurt? This is one of those rare shows that people of all ages can enjoy, which is quite hard to find in this day and age. It was wildly entertaining, and that's something hard to find as well. I'm bored of waiting for it come to back to the public. There's no excuse for withholding it for so long, thus ensuring its place in obscurity and meaning people will soon forget it altogether. This show has to be better known to everyone, especially today's children. I realize having it off the air adds to its mythical value, but there's no point in letting it drift away any longer. Quit scaring us. It's just not interesting anymore.