Review — Signed, Sealed, Delivered

Hallmark’s new Signed, Sealed, Delivered is a crowning achievement for the network. It’s the best family-friendly series I’ve seen in years. Reminiscent of Touched by an Angel, this drama/romantic comedy brings faith, hope and love to the screen.

This original series follows the lives of four postal detectives who track down intended recipients of mail from the dead letter office. Their mission takes them on a humanity-based adventure that solves crimes, reunites love, and impacts the future of each letter’s recipient.

The cast was perfectly selected for this charming series. Oliver O’Toole (Eric Mabius), is the genius postal detective and the group’s leader who loves to quote Shakespeare. Shane McInerney (Kristin Booth), is the polite techno-maverick in the group that brings a level of sensibility to each situation. Rita Haywith (Crystal Lowe) is the beautiful girl next door that dresses down to suit her inner geek and 100% memory recall. And, Norman Dorman (Geoff Gustafson), is a nerdish master in research methods.

The series airs Sundays on the Hallmark Channel. Each episode features new guests and heartwarming situations. This Sunday’s episode is The Future Me, which is both artistic and charming, with a little sitcom tossed in.

I’ve got to say that the series production designer Renee Read and cinematographer Adam Sliwinski did a fabulous job creating a look that brings the audience into this rich, unique Martha Williamson (Touched by an Angel) world. Unfortunately the director didn’t seem to trust the impeccable script and pushed the show a couple times past the dramatic heartwarming feel, turning it into a sappy sitcom.

Regardless of the poor direction, the writing and character development brings hope to the audience. The characters also add to the value of the series as great role models who demonstrate how to show respect to everyone they meet. This unique combination is not only uplifting, but is also safe for the entire family.

Watch the preview for this Sunday’s show by clicking here.

Posted by

CJ Powers

Posted on

May 14, 2014

Posted under

Reviews

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Iesodo – Review

The new children’s series Iesodo (pronounced Yay-Sa-Doe) features two episodes per DVD, special features for parents and a website link for discussion materials. The lead character is Iesodo, a white dove who represents Christ. He is the head of a flock of six birds who are like disciples, always learning as he teaches lessons.

Each episode has a creative bent on Jesus’ miracles that is put into a child’s world. For instance, Jesus fed 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish, while Iesodo feeds thousands of birds with five acorns and two fish. Likewise, Jesus called to Peter during a storm and had him step out of a boat and walk on water, while Iesodo asks one of the birds floating on a log to walk on the water.

Some people might be bothered by the stories being just a little off from the Biblical account because children might accidentally confuse the differences between Jesus and Iesodo. It may have been better for the series to match the specific miracles or come up with very different ones to avoid the concern.

The animation itself is done very well, although some scenes have more color saturation or better lighting than others. The songs are easy for kids to follow and the characters are very likeable. Even the Pharisaical birds are fun to watch.

My favorite character is Maggie (voice by Erin Bethea known for Fireproof), a Palestinian Sunbird. Her character and singing are entertaining, which will surely bring a smile to the kids watching each episode.

The series was first developed for television and may be a true contender in the video market – 2^nd to Veggie Tales. If you want a new refreshing way to teach Jesus like stories to your children, then Iesodo is for you.