This beloved 80's children's' show is the epitome of formulaic, and like Rainbow Brite's horse Starlight is a one-trick pony with practically no character development. This was my favorite Children's show as a toddler, and it remains one of my all time favorite Children's' shows now that i am 28. It is the a shining jewel of innocence, good doing and magic. What it lacks in innovation it makes up for with a universal and eternal set-up: the battle to keep our lives bright and full of color and ward off "the pits." When we boil down the complexities of our lives, in essence are our lives any less formulaic? What it lacks in depth of character and development of character, it makes up for in pristine idealism and purity of heart; our lives are full of complexities, but in these times were unshakable rocks like religion are not favored as they once were, rainbow brite fills in as a non-denominational example of love and joy; to develop her character beyond that would eat away at the idealism and integrity of what Rainbow Brite is. At the beginning of the season, the show seemed to start of with real-world examples of how to keep your life bright (for instance the episode where she meets Brian, her human friend), but quickly fell into a generic battle to save Rainbow Land from various color-stealing forces. If the show had found a way to continue providing real world examples of keeping our lives bright, or provided a more firm metaphorical basis for the threats against Rainbow Land, perhaps this beloved show would have had a deeper genius than simply being beautiful and of pristine spirit. There is obscure depth in Rainbow Brite, but regrettably, like the color crystals mined by the color sprites, it must be unearthed by the viewer. Stay bright, Rainbow Brite!
