What is impressive about Fillmore is it’s theme that anyone can become a good person. Every episode features Fillmore and his partner (a Gothlike Ingrid Third) solving some petty crime. However, Fillmore always gives the criminal a chance to change his or her ways and to get on the right path. This is a message many kids in our society need to hear.

Fillmore is well written and does an excellent job of giving a positive message in an understated manner. The show is aimed at middle schoolers, but my kids (ages 6 and 8) enjoy it. They also have no problem getting the message of the show. Susie says Fillmore learns that "bad people don’t always stay bad" and Sam says "that people can become good if they want to". So while not an obviously educational program, like the shows on Playhouse Disney, Fillmore does a good job teaching some important truths.

As you can see from what I’ve written above I believe Playhouse Disney and at least some of ABC’s Saturday morning cartoons can be good for children.  However, these programs should not be a replacement for kids learning basic skills and important values from their parents and teachers. Still limited viewing of these shows can re-enforce the skills and values we need to teach our children. Properly handled Playhouse Disney, and the educational programs offered on One Saturday Morning, can be a wonderful aid to raising competent and caring adults.