Posted: 31 May 2019
The Adventure of Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius / Nickelodeon / 2002-2006
Watched from: 26 March 2019 – 9 May 2019
Aw, Jimmy Neutron! I mentioned it previously here: http://bit.ly/2Ibp1EE. I recently had another go-around with this show. I didn’t watch it all the way through when it was first on but this time, I saw most of the episodes. Most of the later episodes were new to me so they were a real treat to see.
Early Discovery
So it was early 2001 in Nickelodeon Magazine. I see a picture of a boy small in stature with a gravity-defying hairdo. Without reading the accompanying text, I wonder who he is. A mascot for a new Nick Magazine feature? When watching Nickelodeon, shorts begin to appear featuring him and his inventions. Could this be the next “Inside-Out Boy” (YouTube it)? Nope! The boy had a head too square to be oblong and his name was Jimmy Neutron. He definitely did beam inside my small CRT television (loosely quoting pilot theme song) promoting his upcoming movie release for later that year. This review is mostly focused on the series itself, not the franchise as a whole.
Quick Thoughts about the 3 Seasons
I have warm and fond memories for season 1. On a crisp fall Friday night, I’d be ready for a new Jimmy episode as advertised in the promos. A few changes happen in season 2 (Libby’s appearance change, an overall different feel) but the eps are still good. Season 3 is much different than the previous seasons. A lot goes on in the eps. When I watched season 3 recently for the first time, it felt like 2002 never ended. Despite these changes, “The Adventure of Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius” was an amazing show from beginning to end.
Jimmy as an Influencer
I never exactly realized a personality change in Jimmy’s character through time. All I saw was a boy who invents cool things (which usually get him in trouble), more things I’ll ever invent in my lifetime. How many students have entered the STEM field because of Jimmy? This show isn’t exactly educational but it has introduced new words and concepts I’d learn more about through life (“medulla oblongata,” Leon Foucault and his pendulum, the square root of a flexnard). I understand Jimmy creates inventions with kid logic but I want to be as smart as Jimmy. I just need to apply myself.
A Brain Blast of a Show
I always loved the Jimmy Neutron franchise from the early shorts to the movie to the show. The show had its moments – good and bad. All in all, an awesome series that can pop into your mind when you think of early ‘00s CGI. Highly recommended! 5 stars (or 5 cwsonts)! To be clear, the entire show as a unit is that high. With anything Jimmy Neutron, you can’t go wrong.