Popples
Popples was a Saturday morning cartoon, based on the Popples toys, that aired in the United States from 1986 to 1987. The pilot was a live-action Shelley Duvall special, in which they were puppets and marionettes; after this was well-received, it was decided to make a cartoon series with the same characters. The cartoon was produced by DIC Entertainment and LBS Communications in association with The Maltese Companies. Like the toys they're based on, the Popples resemble colorful teddy bears or rabbits with long, pompom-tipped tails, and they have pouches on their backs that can be everted so they resemble fuzzy balls. The name "Popple" is a reference to the popping sound they make when unfolding themselves from such a ball, or pulling objects from their pouches. In the cartoon Popples commonly pull large items from their pouches that couldn't possibly fit inside, which come from hammerspace; in "Popples Alley", one of the Popples' human friends looks inside one of their pouches and sees numerous objects floating in a void. Nine of the Popples live with a human brother and sister, Billy and Bonnie Wagner. Billy and Bonnie think they are the only kids who have Popples until a neighbor family moves in and they have their own Popples — the Rock Stars, Pufflings, and Babies. The Popples tend to come around and mess up whatever the kids are trying to do; e.g., if the kids are trying to brush their teeth, the Popples end up spilling water, toothpaste and soap all over the bathroom. If the kids are trying to clean their rooms, the Popples come along, mess up the room even worse and then help them get everything back to normal just in the nick of time. The plot revolved around the children's efforts to hide the existence of the Popples from the adults around them.
Insights
Plot Summary
The Popples are a group of colorful, furry creatures who live in a cubic house in the human world. They have the unique ability to roll into balls and often get into mischievous adventures, usually trying to help others but sometimes causing more trouble. Each Popple has a distinct personality and a special pouch on their back where they can store various items.
Critical Reception
Popples was a popular children's cartoon in the late 1980s, known for its bright animation and lighthearted, whimsical stories. While not critically acclaimed in a serious sense, it was well-received by its target audience and is remembered fondly by those who grew up watching it.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its imaginative premise and colorful characters.
- Appreciated for its gentle humor and positive messages.
- Seen as a classic example of 1980s Saturday morning cartoons.
Google audience: Audience nostalgia often highlights the show's unique concept of creatures that turn into balls and the memorable, distinct personalities of the Popples. Many remember it as a comforting and fun show from their childhood.
Fun Fact
The Popples were originally characters from a line of plush toys created by the toy company Mattel.
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