Bob the Builder (1999-2011) Review by Jacob-the-Fox-Critic on DeviantArt (original) (raw)

"Can we fix it? Yes we can!"

Lets continue our Nickelodeon marathon with this UK series that aired in the US on Nick Jr. and later PBS Kids, and it follows the adventures of a construction worker and his friends; Bob the Builder.

The series follows the adventures of Bob, a general contractor, specializing in masonry, along with his colleague Wendy, various neighbors, and friends, and equipment, and their gang of anthropomorphized work-vehicles, Scoop, Muck, Dizzy, Roley, Lofty and many others.
In each episode, Bob and his group help with renovations, construction, and repairs and with other projects as needed.
The show emphasizes conflict resolution, co-operation, socialization, and various learning skills. Bob's catchphrase is "Can we fix it?", to which the other characters respond with "Yes we can!"

The writing for this show is pretty good as while the writing may be simple since this is a show meant for younger viewers, it does manage to have some nice messages about teamwork, co-operation, conflict resolution, and various other learning skills on top of having a great amount of heart and charm as well as having some pretty good humor. But i will say that the series did go downhill a bit when it reached the "Project: Build It" era.
The humor of the show is pretty decent as while it may not be anything really that hilarious, but it is decently funny as the show does have some pretty humorous moments such as some of the banter between the characters, the gags, some of the more wacky situations the characters get into, and the snarky comebacks and remarks.
The show also manages to have some pretty good heart and charm which does lead to some pretty heartfelt and charming moments such as the characters learning a life lesson, the friendship and cooperation between them, and some of the more heartfelt situations they get themselves in.
The stop-motion animation is very nicely done as the puppets do look very solid thanks to their designs, they have some pretty lively and fluid movements, the backgrounds and settings for the puppets are well crafted and do have some nice detail, and there are some pretty nice effects.
The characters may be more on the simple side, but they do manage to be quite likable and memorable thanks to their personalities, chemistry, dynamics, and charisma such as the straight-forward Bob being a solid protagonist, his caring best friend Wendy, the wisecracking Scoop, the clumsy Muck, the very eager Dizzy, the timid Lofty, the rowdy Roley, the troublemaking Spud, the careful Travis, the spunky cat Pilchard, and many more.
The voice acting is pretty solid as the show does have some pretty nice performances such as Neil Morrissey as Bob, Roley, Lofty, and Farmer Pickles, Kate Harbour as Wendy, Dizzy, and Pilchard, Rob Rackstraw as Scoop, Muck, Travis, and Spud, and more.
The music is very nicely done as the score is nicely composed and does capture the show's lighthearted and charming tone.

Overall, this is a very charming series that's, for lack of a better term, very well built and crafted. So if you have some little kids around, then put this on for them.

Cast:
Neil Morrissey as Bob, Roley, Lofty, Farmer Pickles, Mr. Sabatini, Scruffty
Kate Harbour as Wendy, Dizzy, Pilchard, Bird, Scratch, Sumsy, Mrs. Bentley, Mrs. Percival, Mrs. Potts, Annie, Meg, Llewela, Fox Club
Rob Rackstraw as Scoop, Muck, Travis, Spud, Packer, Mr. Bentley, Mr. Beasley, Mr. Dixon, Mr. Ellis, Splasher, Dodger, R.Vee, Hamish
Colin McFarlane as J.J., Skip
Llewella Gideon as Molly, Trix
Richard Briers as Bob Sr.
June Whitfield as Dot
Suzi Quatro as Rio
Rupert Degas as Scrambler, Baz, Pablo, Sunny, Carlo, Piper, Dickie, Brad, Mr. Mockney, Tumbler, Flex, Bristle, Gripple, Zoomer, Rubble
Emma Tate as Benny, Saffron
Maria Darling as Scoot
Donny Osmond as Jackaroo
Stephen Tompkinson as Pogo

Crew:
Created by Keith Chapman
Directed by Sarah Ball, Liz Whitaker, Brian Little, Nick Herbert, Gilly Fogg, Andy Burns, and Geoff Walker
Produced by Jackie Cockle
Music by Keith Hopwood and Paul K. Joyce

Misc.
Production companies: HOT Animation (1999–2008), HIT Entertainment, SD Entertainment (2010-2011)
Original Networks: Nick Jr. (Season 1-6), PBS Kids (Season 7-18)
Air Date: April 12, 1999 – December 31, 2011