Anne with an "E"

Our family just loved the original Anne of Green Gables series. I think it was PBS produced, and we watched it faithfully when it was on. Sherry, in particular, was captivated by it; she was a little younger than Anne at the time.

We went on a camping vacation in the Maritime Provinces, and ended up in PEI. We visited "Anne's House," and wanted very much to go and see the local production of the Anne story, but we couldn't afford five tickets. I think most of us have maintained a fondness for Anne over the years.

So when Netflix announced a new production, i.e., "Anne with an 'E,'" last year, Joe and I were delighted. We were hoping it was something we could share with Caroline, who was 8 or 9 at the time. This was not to be: In one episode Anne explains human reproduction to her peers. In another episode Anne gets her first menstrual period and is horrified. Not what we'd choose to expose an 8-year-old to.

But Joe and I watched the whole series and liked it in spite of the issues I just mentioned. And I was tickled when I learned that there was a second season on Netflix this summer! We've been watching; it's a very nice antidote to the ugliness in the world just now.

The story lines are interesting, the acting is excellent, the scenery is lovely, and there are messages within the content. The thing that bothers me is an odd thing: The show deals with social issues that are relevant today and there is some overkill. Racial prejudice, suppression of women, discrimination against homosexual persons, and bullying are all addressed in this series. And there is just a little too much emphasis on them; they seem to be forced into the story line. And that's disappointing.

We have one episode left and, of course, we'll watch it. We'll find out (a) if the black guy is able to purchase property in a nice part of town, (b) whether the gay fellow leaves town for a safer environment, (c) if the bully experiences remorse, and (d) whether the lady school teacher who wears trousers is able to keep her job. It's a good show. Except . . . .