I used to love Strawberry Shortcake when I was growing up. I had a figurine of every character and they smelled so good. When I played with the figurines I made up the characters' personalities myself. There were one or two Strawberry Shortcake specials, but all I remember about them was that there was a character who painted and they always seemed be "doing the right thing," thus defeating the evil Purple Pie Man.
Strawberry Shortcake is back again, for the second time. She made an appearance seven or eight years ago, updated from the original. The version I saw at the time was a plump redhead in denim overalls with big gardening hat. But I guess that didn't sell, because she has been revamped again, and this time there is a TV show to help sell the products. The roundness is gone. As are the jeans, and any other casual attire. This new Strawberry Shortcake is always in a dress, as are her friends. Now that there is a TV show we can learn a bit more about the characters. They all love to dress up. They all love to have their hair and nails done. They are pretty much completely vapid, self-absorbed girls would rather plan a party, which they seem to do in every episode, than think for themselves or learn. The Strawberry Shortcake website -- where you can buy her roadster, dresses and a market for shopping -- features a "Beach Party" game and a "Fashion Show" game.
I know, it's a TV show. But it's a TV show made for young girls who are learning what girls and women do. And really, it's disappointing that this character that I loved, mainly for her delicious smell, is a moron. Or at least her current crew of writers and animators are (or the focus group they based the character on). This is something I had hoped to share with my daughter. But this is not a show we'll be watching.
