To truly reach the kids, you’ve got to win over the parents first. Just look at the success of Sesame Street, which delights both youngsters and their nostalgic adult viewers, or Dan Zanes, whose folk tunes have parents humming along. Enter A Journey Through Awesome, Amazon’s latest music series aimed at tweens but crafted with a heavy dose of nostalgia for Gen-X parents.
The story kicks off with two 12-year-olds, Mia and Noah, who’ve just traded the vibrant city life of Portland for the sleepy town of Maple Grove in Middle America. Naturally, they’re apprehensive about fitting in with their new, seemingly dull classmates. (“But the housing market is a steal and the schools are top-notch!” one can imagine their parents saying. “Do you know how pricey it is in Portland?”)
Mia and Noah, like any true Portlanders, understand that happiness lies in forming a band, and they’re on a mission to create one to fill the void left by their old crew. After a series of auditions, they begrudgingly select a quirky cellist named Ava, who is eager to step outside her comfort zone. They settle on the band name “The Misfits,” a nod to classic teen films. With a bass player, drummer, and guitarist in place, they believe they’re ready to rock.
But while on bathroom clean-up duty—thanks to skipping cross-country practice—Noah finds himself scrubbing toilets next to the school’s resident bad boy, Jake. With his long hair and brooding demeanor, Jake is a clear homage to the heartthrobs of ‘80s flicks like The Breakfast Club. He even has a touch of that classic Silver Spoons vibe. (I caught myself looking up characters from that show, wondering what became of them.)
Yet, this is primarily a music show, and the boys engage in a hilarious contest in the boys’ room where they must sing a specific note before tossing a paper towel into the trash. Noah soon discovers that Jake has some serious vocal chops, leading him to introduce Jake to Mia as the newest addition to their band.
The episode wraps up with a catchy tune that mixes elements reminiscent of Nirvana and Green Day, featuring lyrics that echo the Goo Goo Dolls. Anyone who grew up during the grunge era will find themselves tapping along and perhaps digging out their old plaid shirts. The voiceover from grown-up Noah seems to channel the spirit of Northern Exposure, suggesting that the writers of A Journey Through Awesome meticulously crafted a nostalgic collage for those born in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s as a backdrop for this kids’ show.
How cool is that? We all want our kids to embrace the things we love, and nostalgia serves as a bridge to share the best of our generation’s culture. The ‘80s and ‘90s really did produce some unforgettable gems, so much so that it might inspire me to reunite my old band.
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In summary, A Journey Through Awesome is a clever blend of tween entertainment and nostalgic callbacks that resonate with Gen-X parents, creating a shared experience for families.
Keyphrase: A Journey Through Awesome
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