Raising Dion (2019)

Watchseries; There's so much to say about this series but I'll try to narrow it down. Dion is so likeable and Ja'Siah Young is a great little actor, Pat is really likeable, Nicole is -- well, she's kind of a wreck, actually, but I can see why her character needs to be somewhat self-absorbed and rebellious. The character is a believable part played well by Alisha Wainwright. But she endangers Dion over and over and even though I realize that's part of the character so the story can proceed, it still bothered me. I felt very engaged by the end of the first episode. I see most reviews glaze right over the sensitive topic the mom had to discuss with her son, and one person even claims it was unnecessary and detracts from the show. I disagree. It's a heartbreaking reality that shouldn't be glossed over. Here we have a smart, sweet, innocent child who has abilities he doesn't understand and on top of that he's in a predominately Caucasian school (because he's so smart?). All of which will make his life more difficult in the real world. It's a very emotional scene for me as someone in a mixed family. You should try to wrap your mind around this in order to really appreciate the story. But regardless if you feel that is relevant, this is an intriguing series and I will look forward to the big red N getting S2 out to us in Feb '22. I'm not sure I would say it reminds me of Stranger Things except for the strange events and the kids plus the single mom. But yeah, it would probably appeal to the same audience on many levels.

There's so much to say about this series but I'll try to narrow it down. Dion is so likeable and Ja'Siah Young is a great little actor, Pat is really likeable, Nicole is -- well, she's kind of a wreck, actually, but I can see why her character needs to be somewhat self-absorbed and rebellious. The character is a believable part played well by Alisha Wainwright. But she endangers Dion over and over and even though I realize that's part of the character so the story can proceed, it still bothered me. I felt very engaged by the end of the first episode. I see most reviews glaze right over the sensitive topic the mom had to discuss with her son, and one person even claims it was unnecessary and detracts from the show. I disagree. It's a heartbreaking reality that shouldn't be glossed over. Here we have a smart, sweet, innocent child who has abilities he doesn't understand and on top of that he's in a predominately Caucasian school (because he's so smart?). All of which will make his life more difficult in the real world. It's a very emotional scene for me as someone in a mixed family. You should try to wrap your mind around this in order to really appreciate the story. But regardless if you feel that is relevant, this is an intriguing series and I will look forward to the big red N getting S2 out to us in Feb '22. I'm not sure I would say it reminds me of Stranger Things except for the strange events and the kids plus the single mom. But yeah, it would probably appeal to the same audience on many levels.

Raising Dion watchseries. This is Stranger Things with a different kid, different powers etc. Why there was potential with what really happens if you have a superhero kid, the show tried to straddle the line of appealing to kids and adults and failing at both. Kids will not understand many of the situations discussed, teenagers/young adults would be bored and adults(thinking adults) will roll their eyes.

Then the show puts in a twist, which pretty much invalidates everything else before it. Then we are dealing with another show where the parents seem to have no concept of parenting, not even a little bit.

Gave it a 5 for an attempt.

We stumbled on it and loved the concept and execution. As mentioned in several of the reviews, they misstep with the "victim stuff" and the Hollyweird alphabet is misplaced but otherwise a fun outing. Enjoyed the characters and thought they were well-developed. Sure, the kid misbehaves and doesn't listen but if I remember right, most kids are that way. Besides the social justice junk, it is a fun ride and I'd recommend it. The special effects are pretty good. The confusion of discovering powers is well done. Fun stuff.

The kids terrible and cringe acting kinda destroys it alittle. I mean, I don't blame him, he's veryyy young, but it's just so offputting.

If you wanna make a show like this with a kid THIS young, it should really be animated.

Note: I have seen season 1 and have no intention of watching further.

The concept watching what a young kid would do with super powers is super interesting, parents dealing with the related problems makes an amazing dual dynamic, and the climax is incredibly exciting and well written. However, the show definitely lulls in the middle. I'm watching a superhero show, not a daytime soap opera, so there was absolutely no need to add in overly cliched real-world problems and hamfisted poorly articulated political statements. The show is still worth a watch for superhero fans, but it would be much better if it were about 3 episodes shorter cutting all the boring "normal" moments.

Young (Dion) is exceptional as a child actor, and several of his young cast members all act above their age. Ritter (Pat) and Wainwright (Nicole) are moving, convincing, and perfectly relatable. Unfortunately the cast wasn't perfect. Lovejoy (Charlotte) and Faulkner (farmer's son) were overreacted and unconvincing, so I hope we don't see the predicted return in season 2. I also hated everything about Simon's (Kat) character, but I think that has more to do with all the show's biggest plot holes revolving around Kat rather than poor acting.

Edit: I have seen season 2, and I regret that decision. Season 2 gets a 1/10.

Season 2 takes all of the worst parts about season 1, and really leans into them. Poorly acted and even worse drama becomes the sole focus of the show. No characters respond to any situation in a natural or logical way, and even the people who acted well in season 1 begin to overact in nearly every single scene. The show's name is "Raising Dion" because it was intended to focus on the difficulties of raising a young child with superpowers, but every aspect of this was abandoned and ignored for season 2.

A 'super' something hero TV series for the under 10's or adults not expecting too much. Not helped by a very average TV cast and not a great lead unfortunately. As for the soundtrack, shockingly, terribly original it is not and for a seasoned director he should do far better with what he clearly has at hand.