3-2-1 Penguins!
| 3-2-1 Penguins! | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Created by |
|
| Developed by | Mike Nawrocki Phil Vischer Ron Smith |
| Directed by | Tod Carter Tom Bancroft Tim Hodge Ron Smith |
| Starring | see Characters |
| Theme music composer | Kurt Heinecke Mike Nawrocki |
| Opening theme | "3-2-1 Penguins! Theme Song" |
| Ending theme | "Fly" |
| Composers | Kurt Heinecke Adam Frick |
| Country of origin | United States[1] |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 3 |
| No. of episodes | 6 (direct-to-video) 21 (TV series) 27 (total) |
| Production | |
| Executive producers | Phil Vischer Tim Hodge |
| Producers | Jon Gadsby J. Chris Wall Joe Barrouao Sean Roche David Pitts Steven Lynette |
| Editor | John Wahba |
| Running time | 30 minutes (video) 22 minutes (television) |
| Production companies | Big Idea Entertainment Dan Krech Productions (2002-2003) UTV Software Communications (2007-2008) |
| Original release | |
| Network | Direct-to-Video Qubo |
| Release | November 14, 2000 – November 13, 2008 |
| Related | |
| VeggieTales, Larryboy: The Cartoon Adventures | |
3-2-1 Penguins! is an American sci-fi computer-animated Christian children's television series, initially launched on November 14, 2000 as a direct-to-video episode[2] by Big Idea Entertainment with videos released between 2000 and 2003. The direct-to-video series held the top spot on the Soundscan kid video sales charts for its first 18 weeks of release,[3] was the #1 seller on Christian Booksellers Association's video list in 2001,[4] and had sold 1.5 million videos as of February 2009.[5]
The 3-2-1 Penguins television series appeared on the Qubo blocks on NBC, Ion Television and Telemundo as well as the Qubo channel. It ran for three seasons with the first season consisting entirely of television broadcasts of the six original home videos. 3-2-1 Penguins continued in reruns until 2014. The series was a top-ranked show on NBC's Qubo Saturday morning kids block in 2008.[6]
Overview
Twin siblings Jason and Michelle are spending summer with their British grandmother in The Poconos region of Pennsylvania. Grandmum has a collection of kitschy ceramic figurines, the most prized of which is four penguins in a rocket ship (a honeymoon gift from her deceased husband). In the first video, the twins accidentally drop the ship, but instead of breaking, it flies into the air and reveals the four penguins are really the troop of a real spaceship. One of the twins is then pulled into the ship, using the crew's Galeezle (shrinking) device, and taken on a galactic adventure.[7] The adventure that ensues then ties into whatever moral dilemma that Jason and Michelle had struggled with in the show's opening scene. For example, in the debut episode, Trouble on Planet Wait-Your-Turn, the twins are struggling with taking turns playing a new video game and looking through their Granddad's telescope before Jason is transported to a whole planet of alien vacuums who similarly have trouble taking turns.[8]
Characters
Main
- Zidgel (voiced by Ron Wells (2000–03) and John Payne (2006–2008)): The Rockhopper's captain and a king who appears to be a cross between James T. Kirk and Ted Baxter.[9]
- Midgel (voiced by Greg Mills (2000–2003) and Paul Dobson (2006–2008)): The Rockhopper's engineer and pilot. Midgel sometimes shouts "Banzai!" and pulls out a Bonsai tree to trim a branch before driving the ship.[9]
- Fidgel (voiced by Page H. Hearn (2000–2003) and Lee Tockar (2006–2008)): The doctor/scientist of the Rockhopper's crew. Many of his inventions are odd, but can also be useful such as the crew's object resizer gun, the Gleezle.[9] From photos in the first episode, we see that Fidgel physically resembles Jason's and Michelle's grandpa, Grandmum's deceased husband.
- Kevin (voiced by Ron Smith (2000–2003) and Michael Donovan (2006–2008)): While Kevin has no specific job on the ship other than cleaning, he is always ready to help when needed by the others.[9] He also sometimes answers questions or solves problems without being aware of it.
- Jason Conrad (voiced by Mark Marten (2000–2003) and Quinn Lord (2006–2008)): A 7-year-old twin brother of Michelle who goes on adventures with the penguins.[9]
- Michelle Conrad: A 7-year-old twin sister of Jason who also goes with the penguins on some of their adventures.[9] She is 5 minutes older than Jason. Michelle is voiced by Melissa Peterson (2000–2003) and Claire Corlett (2006–2008).
- Grandmum (voiced by Pamela Thomas (2000), Annie Walker-Bright (2001), Kymberly Mellen (2001–2003), and Ellen Kennedy (2006–2008)): Jason and Michelle's blue-haired British grandmother who often gives them advice from "The Good Book".
Recurring
- Baron von Cavitus (voiced by Garry Chalk): Originally known as Bert Bertman, he was a classmate of Fidgel's back when they were students at the Academy. He is the inventor of the Galeezle (the device which allows Jason and Michelle to be shrunken to Penguin size). Having been made fun of because of being a hamster, he went bad and tried to take over the Academy and name himself Honorary Dean of Evil. Some time later he built himself a robot suit and attempted to take over the galaxy.
- Admiral Strap (voiced by Dale Wilson): The Penguin's commanding officer. As strict and militaristic as he seems, he has a soft spot for Michelle. In the original six videos, Admiral Strap is never seen and communicates to the penguins via fax machine. In later series, he interacts via speakerphone with the Penguins in order to give them their missions.
- Sol (voiced by Garry Chalk): A wise old bartender at the Comet Lounge and friend of Jason, Michelle and the penguins, whom he also advises.
Episodes
Series overview
| Season | Episodes | Originally aired | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First aired | Last aired | Network | |||
| 1 | 6 | November 14, 2000 | July 1, 2003 | Direct-to-video | |
| September 6, 2006 | November 17, 2006 | Qubo | |||
| Special | December 2, 2006 | ||||
| 2 | 13 | October 6, 2007 | April 12, 2008 | ||
| 3 | 7 | October 2, 2008 | November 13, 2008 | ||
Season 1 (2000–06)
The first season was broadcast on Qubo from September 9, 2006 to December 2, 2006 and consisted of televising the direct-to-video shows that were originally released from November 14, 2000 to July 1, 2003.
| No. | Title | Original release date (Direct-to-video) | Qubo air date | Qubo broadcasting order | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Trouble on Planet Wait-Your-Turn" | November 14, 2000[8][10] | September 9, 2006[11] | S01E01 | |
|
Michelle and Jason are arguing about taking turns looking out of a telescope. After discovering a toy spaceship, Jason is pulled into the now-flying ship with the penguins, where he learns that he and they are called upon to help an alien planet in danger of burning up in its sun. It turns out that the indigenous people, (who resemble old-fashioned Electrolux canister vacuum cleaners) and even the planet itself, are incapable of waiting their turns. | |||||
| 2 | "The Cheating Scales of Bullamanka" | July 20, 2001[13][14][15] | September 16, 2006[11] | S01E02 | |
|
Michelle beats Jason in a game of 'Squid Tac Toad' by cheating. Michelle learns that the penguins are real when she is then taken to the planet of Bullamanka to play against the Lizard King in a LARP version of Squid Tac Toad. After finding out that the Lizard King also wins by cheating, she learns the importance of playing fairly. Music Video: "Fair and Square".[12] | |||||
| 3 | "The Amazing Carnival of Complaining" | November 16, 2001[16] | November 17, 2006[11] | S01E06 | |
|
Jason and the crew go on a leisure trip to a carnival, but are confronted by carnival barker Uncle Blobb and his diabolical interplanetary real estate scheme as he attempts to turn them into "Seeds of Discontent." Its theme is not complaining about the things we don't have. Music Video: "The Shinin' Star Swing". | |||||
| 4 | "Runaway Pride at Lightstation Kilowatt" | September 21, 2002[17] | October 21, 2006[11] | S01E04 | |
|
Michelle joins the Penguins on a mission to restore the signal beacon at Lightstation Kilowatt before the F.S.S Emperor's Pride crashes into a giant cosmic reef. Its theme is overcoming pride. Music Video: "Space Surfin' Superstar". | |||||
| 5 | "The Doom Funnel Rescue" | December 21, 2002 | October 28, 2006[11] | S01E05 | |
|
Jason and the penguins, along with Kevin's robot friend, B.I.N.G., are called on to save a peaceful colony in the Doublewide Constellation which is being threatened by a huge space tornado. Its theme is helping others. Music Video: "Spaceship Driving Man". | |||||
| 6 | "Moon Menace on Planet Tell-a-Lie" | July 1, 2003[18] | September 23, 2006[11] | S01E03 | |
|
Jason and the penguins are called on to save the planet of Tell-a-Lie before its giant moon flattens the planet. But with its people telling only lies, figuring out the truth about what is causing their moon to plummet towards the planet isn't easy. Its theme is telling the truth. Music Video: "The Legend of Galaxy Gus". The song is about a village invaded by an outlaw named Hancho Villa and the heroic Galaxy Gus must stop him. | |||||
Special (2006)
| No. | Title | Original air date | Qubo broadcasting order | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | "Songs From Cosmic Cafe" | December 2, 2006 | S01E07 | |
|
Features three music videos from the remaining three videos which consist of:
| ||||
Season 2 (2007–08)
After airing the original videos in Season 1, Big Idea released new stories that were first aired on television (without releasing them first on video) for Season 2 and 3.
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 1 | "I Scream, You Scream" | October 6, 2007[11] | |
|
After returning from a mission, the penguins are unable to bring Jason and Michelle back to Grandmum's house as the Galeezel is broken. Until it's fixed the kids have to join the penguins as they battle Cavitus, who's plotting to steal the Space Defreeze ship. Cavitus tries to thwart the penguins by getting them angry at each other and accusing them of things they didn't do. Soon everyone learns the importance of knowing all the facts before jumping to conclusions. | ||||
| 9 | 2 | "The Green-eyed Monster" | October 20, 2007[11] | |
|
The Penguins visit a small planet divided by a picket fence round the equator and populated by two factions of sheep, each of whom wants to conquer the other side. Michelle also has her eyes on Jason's room, which she believes to be bigger than hers. The pervasiveness of Envy causes green-eyed Monsters to appear and eat holes in everything they see. It's only when contentment rules that peace is restored. Note: This episode is included in the DVD compilation Save the Planets. | ||||
| 10 | 3 | "Lazy Daze" | November 3, 2007[11] | |
|
The kids and Penguin Crew decide to take an undeserved break from their work and have a picnic on Rigel-13. Jason only too gladly sets aside his duties for play. By the time they arrive at Rigel-13, Jason is a full-on sluggard. No sooner do they set out their picnic baskets, than they are set upon by giant 20-foot tall ants! Escape seems impossible, but diligence is the way to a rich soul. Note: This episode is included in the DVD compilation Blast in Space. | ||||
| 11 | 4 | "More Is More" | December 1, 2007[11] | |
|
The Penguins are sent to Planet Gutt to investigate a problem in their gravitational field. What looks like a simple matter turns out to be an enormous problem. The entire planet has become addicted to the breakfast cereal, Sugar Frosted Black Holes. It causes insatiable appetites for everything. The planet has become lopsided and is in danger of being thrown off course. The Penguins must convince these over-indulgers that moderation is the key, and gluttony only leads to ruin. Note: This episode is included in the DVD compilation Save the Planets. | ||||
| 12 | 5 | "Give and Let Give" | December 15, 2007[11] | |
|
Michelle refuses to share cupcakes with her brother, as the crew heads up a mission to a planet of Garden Gnomes and Plastic Flamingos who are feuding over water rights on their drought-stricken world. Michelle sees that stinginess hurts all parties involved, when the dam on the planet is set to burst and destroy everything. Will they overcome their squabbling and share so that everyone has enough? Note: This episode is included in the DVD compilation Save the Planets. | ||||
| 13 | 6 | "Practical Hoax" | January 5, 2008[11] | |
|
Jason and Midgel set off a series of practical jokes on board the ship, none of which turn out to be very funny to their victims. Then the crew is asked to act as substitute teachers at the Academy. Jason and Midgel help out and see what it's like to be at the wrong end of a practical joke. Cavitus infiltrates the school in an attempt to defeat the Penguins. Naturally everything comes to a head, and Penguins learn a lesson that a joke isn't funny when it hurts somebody. | ||||
| 14 | 7 | "Comedy of Errors" | January 19, 2008[11] | |
|
Jason takes the stage as a stand-up comedian to take the place of the broken Ventril-o-Matic at the Comet Lounge. Trouble is, he gets his material by making fun of his friends. Michelle is especially heartbroken when he reveals a song she sings to calm herself down when she's feeling scared. Jason comes to a crossroad and has to decide whether to continue this new career path or make amends with his friends. | ||||
| 15 | 8 | "Compassion Crashin'" | February 2, 2008[11] | |
|
Michelle is feeling down and lonely. Jason and the Penguin Crew try to cheer her up, but only succeed in making her feel worse because nobody listens to her; they simply try and put on a happy face in front of her gloom. When they crash-land on an asteroid, Michelle is made Queen of the strange tribe that lives there. Will she use her power to force all to listen, or will the crew finally learn the importance of compassion on their own? Note: This episode is included in the DVD compilation Blast in Space. | ||||
| 16 | 9 | "Wiki Tiki" | February 16, 2008[11] | |
|
The Penguins are called to the island planet of Wiki Tiki, which is in danger of being engulfed by a large volcano. But they are in a hurry to get back to the Comet Lounge for Sol's Aurora Borealis Punch! They set to work too quickly without doing enough research. All of their patchwork efforts fail. Will the impatient crew finally realize they need to slow down, or will their haste leave the planet doomed? Note: This episode is included in the DVD compilation Blast in Space. | ||||
| 17 | 10 | "Invasion of the Body Swappers" | March 1, 2008[11] | |
|
Michelle is troubled, feeling like she isn't pretty. As she wrestles with her outward appearance, she and Jason join the Penguin crew as they head to the MISO GUAPO beauty products convention where Zidgel is supposed to deliver a speech. Through a bizarre Galeezel accident, Zidgel and Kevin switch bodies, and mayhem ensues. | ||||
| 18 | 11 | "Git Along Little Doggies" | March 15, 2008[11] | |
|
Jason & Michelle help the Penguins crew with a cattle drive on Planet Roo-Tin Toot-Tin. Seems most of the herd has come up missing. But the trail boss, Wild Bill Quasar, is one ornery critter. He has nary a kind word for anybody. The crew learns that a kind word turns away wrath while helping to retrieve Wild Bill's cattle. | ||||
| 19 | 12 | "Wise Guys" | March 29, 2008[11] | |
|
Jason gets a time machine. But he doesn't want to listen to the advice from his elders on how to make it work. Because of a glitch, they crash-land on a planet populated by three old Penguins, who just like to dole out unsolicited advice. Then they all realize that Jason's time machine did work, and these old penguins are Midgel, Fidgel and Zidgel in future form. Plus, the old guys (because of their experience) are the only ones who know how to repair the ship and the time machine. It's a lesson in listening to your elders. | ||||
| 20 | 13 | "Hogs and Kisses" | April 12, 2008[11] | |
|
Jason is feeling put down by everyone. It seems he is being criticized at every turn, so he runs away to be confronted by Cavitus and the Lizard King. | ||||
Season 3 (2008)
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | 1 | "12 Angry Hens" | October 2, 2008[11] | |
| 22 | 2 | "Kennel Club Blues" | October 9, 2008[11] | |
| 23 | 3 | "Oh, Mercy!" | October 16, 2008[11] | |
|
Zidgel and Jason deliver a crown jewel to the Gator king of Mercy Falls, but Zidgel accidentally breaks it while opening the box. As a result, he gets thrown in prison. Note: This episode is included in the DVD compilation Escape from Planet Hold-A-Grudge!. | ||||
| 24 | 4 | "Promises, Promises, Promises" | October 23, 2008[11] | |
| 25 | 5 | "Do Unto Brothers" | October 30, 2008[11] | |
|
Note: This episode is included in the DVD compilation Escape from Planet Hold-A-Grudge!. | ||||
| 26 | 6 | "Between an Asteroid and a Hard Place" | November 6, 2008[11] | |
|
Note: This episode is included in the DVD compilation Escape from Planet Hold-A-Grudge!. | ||||
| 27 | 7 | "In the Big House" | November 13, 2008[11] | |
Broadcast
After originally being released exclusively on direct-to-home videos, 3-2-1 Penguins first aired on the Qubo blocks on NBC, Ion Television, and Telemundo, as well as on the Qubo channel with the airing of the original videos. This was soon followed with new episodes that premiered on television. The show has since aired on TBN and its children's block Smile of a Child on Saturdays until 2018. It also airs on DreamWorks Channel in select countries.
As of July 2020, the entire series was available to watch for free on Peacock on its launch.
Home media
The first six videos were released in direct-to-video format from November 14, 2000 to July 1, 2003 prior to introducing on the Qubo television block.
The first DVD compilation of the TV series Save the Planets! was released on September 1, 2008,[19] including three episodes from the second season "The Green-eyed Monster", "More is More" and "Give and Let Give". The second DVD compilation Blast in Space! was released on February 1, 2009,[20] including three episodes from the second season "Wiki Tiki", "Lazy Daze" and "Compassion Crashin'". The third compilation Escape from Planet Hold-A-Grudge! was released on October 20, 2009,[21] including three episodes from the third and final season "Do Unto Brothers", "Oh, Mercy!" and "Between an Asteroid and a Hard Place".
The first video, "Trouble on Planet Wait-Your-Turn", was released as a bonus episode in the two VeggieTales DVD re-issues of Lyle the Kindly Viking Special Edition and Where's God When I'm S-Scared? 15th Anniversary Collector's Edition. The fourth video, "Runaway Pride at Lightstation Kilowatt", was also released in the re-issue of King George and the Ducky Special Edition.
On September 18, 2012, a two-disc complete DVD set contained 13 episodes from the first two seasons.
| Season | Title | Episodes | Release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trouble on Planet Wait-Your-Turn | November 14, 2000 | ||
| The Cheating Scales of Bullamanka | July 20, 2001 | |||
| The Amazing Carnival of Complaining | November 16, 2001 | |||
| Runaway Pride at Lightstation Kilowatt | September 21, 2002 | |||
| The Doom Funnel Rescue | December 21, 2002 | |||
| Moon Menace on Planet Tell-a-Lie | July 1, 2003 | |||
| 2 | Save the Planets | 3 ("The Green-eyed Monster" • "More Is More" • "Give and Let Give") | September 1, 2008 | |
| Blast in Space | 3 ("Lazy Daze" • "Compassion Crashin'" • "Wiki Tiki") | February 1, 2009 | ||
| 3 | Escape from Planet Hold-A-Grudge! | 3 ("Oh, Mercy!" • "Do Unto Brothers" • "Between an Asteroid and a Hard Place") | October 20, 2009 | |
| Complete series box set | 26 | August 8, 2016 | ||
Reception
Common Sense Media gave the show a three out of five stars, saying, "Parents need to know that this series carries clear moral messages and comes from a Christian perspective (the main characters say their bedtime prayers at the end of each episode). The messages themselves -- such as the virtue of patience -- are hard to argue with no matter what your religious bent."[22]
References
- ^ "3-2-1 Penguins!#Country of origin".
- ^ Tubbs, Sharon (November 2, 2000). "In the beginning, there were veggies: Now there are penguins. The Christian video shelf just got bigger". St. Petersburg Times (Online). St. Petersburg, Florida. Retrieved July 9, 2011.
- ^ Craig von Buseck. "3-2-1 Penguins: Good Message – Mainly For The Kids". Christian Broadcasting Network, Video Review. Virginia Beach, VA. Archived from the original on 7 June 2011. Retrieved July 9, 2011.
- ^ John Gaffney (2001, April). Veggie tales: Success no matter how you slice it. Video Business, 21(17), 31.
- ^ "Latest '3-2-1 Penguins!' to take off".
- ^ Kate Calder (July 2008). "Onward Christian Prodcos". KidScreen, p.16.
- ^ CHILD'S PLAY, MOIRA McCORMICK, Billboard, 6 November 2000
- ^ a b Gustafson, Donna (2002-10-03). "3 2 1 Penguins—Trouble on Planet Wait-Your-Turn – Movie Reviews for Parents". Parentpreviews.com. Retrieved 2012-07-18.
- ^ a b c d e f "Qubo.com". Qubo.com. Archived from the original on 2013-03-28. Retrieved 2012-07-18.
- ^ "3-2-1 Penguins! – Trouble on Planet Wait-Your-Turn". Rotten Tomatoes. 2006-05-25. Retrieved 2012-07-18.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z TVGuide.com – 3-2-1 Penguins! Episodes
- ^ "3-2-1 Penguins! – The Cheating Scales of Bullamanka". Rotten Tomatoes.
- ^ Children's Books That Nurture the Spirit: Choosing and Using the Best, Louise Margaret Granahan; Wood Lake Publishing Inc., 2003
- ^ "3-2-1 PENGUINS! THE CHEATING SCALES OF BULLAMANKA – Christian Movie Review". Movieguide.org. 1999-11-29. Retrieved 2012-07-18.
- ^ "3-2-1 Penguins: Good Message...Mainly For The Kids: Craig von Buseck". CBN.com. Retrieved 2012-07-18.
- ^ "3-2-1 Penguins 3: The Amazing Carnival of Complaining DVD at Christian Cinema.com". Christiancinema.com. 2003-01-07. Retrieved 2016-06-11.
- ^ "3-2-1 Penguins! "Runaway Pride at Lightstation Kilowatt" DVD Review". Jesusfreakhideout.com. 2002-09-21. Retrieved 2012-07-18.
- ^ "3-2-1 Penguins! – Moon Menace on Planet Tell-a-Lie". Rotten Tomatoes. 2003-07-01. Retrieved 2012-07-18.
- ^ "3-2-1 Penguins: 7 – Save The Planets – Christian Movie/Film DVD | Find Christian Movies on CFDb: Largest list of Christian Films". Christianfilmdatabase.com. 2010-10-03. Retrieved 2012-07-18.
- ^ "3-2-1 Penguins: 8 – Blast in Space – Christian Movie/Film DVD | Find Christian Movies on CFDb: Largest list of Christian Films". Christianfilmdatabase.com. 2010-10-03. Retrieved 2012-07-18.
- ^ "3-2-1 Penguins: 9 – Escape From Planet Hold-A-Grudge – Christian Movie/Film DVD | Find Christian Movies on CFDb: Largest list of Christian Films". Christianfilmdatabase.com. 2010-10-03. Retrieved 2012-07-18.
- ^ "VeggieTales Presents: 3-2-1 Penguins! - TV Review". 27 September 2006.
External links
- –3-2-1 Penguins! at IMDb
- 2000s American animated television series
- 2006 American television series debuts
- 2008 American television series endings
- American children's animated comic science fiction television series
- American children's animated education television series
- American children's animated science fantasy television series
- American children's animated space adventure television series
- American computer-animated television series
- Big Idea Entertainment television series
- Christian animation
- Christian children's television series
- DreamWorks Classics
- Television series about size change
- Animated television series about penguins
- NBC original programming
- Qubo
- Television series by Universal Television