Saban, the same company that brought Power Rangers, went a different direction with this revival of Captain Kangaroo. Supposedly, Bob Keeshan, the original Captain, was offered a role as a Grandfather Captain, but he declined, premiering to be a creative consultant, but Saban said no thanks.
Most of the elements of the original are there, Mr. Moose, Bunny Rabbit, Grandfather Clock, even the treasure house has some resemblance to the one fans know and love. The opening has the Captain opening the doors and hanging his key onto a nail, just as it should. Frequent trips were taken to Sea World, just as the original Captain would frequently go to the zoo. The show also had the familiar gag of the Captain having ping pong balls poured over his head.
John Mc.Donough is passable as the new Captain. He wears the familiar jacket with big pockets, but it's blue instead of red. He has a long black beard, and like Keeshan, is a portly guy. To his credit, he seems to relish the role. I read an interview where he commented that he grew up watching the Captain and dreamed of having a chance to play with him as a kid.
Greenjeans (not MISTER Greenjeans) is much too young and is dorky. Lumpy Brannum's original Mr. Greenjeans worked so well because he was sort of a great sage and wise man. This Greenjeans just looks like he's just an amateur actor trying to play the part of a guy that loves vegetables.
Also, Joey the Kangaroo is an invasive addition to the cast. He's just too clumsy.
Still, with the exception of Digit, there was no attempt to "modernize" the show, it still had the feel and warmth of the original, despite the lack of chemistry between this Captain and Greenjeans.
