Denver The Last Dinosaur

Denver the Last Dinosaur is a warm, friendly, and animated children's television show that was produced by World Events Productions (WEP) in 1988 and ran for two seasons. The show enthralled its audience by introducing them to the adventures of an endearing dinosaur named Denver, who is also the last of his kind.

At the core of this charming series, the plot revolves around Denver, a large and friendly dinosaur, and his extraordinary companionship with a group of modern California-based kids - Jeremy, Mario, Wally, Shades, and Casey. After their encounter with a magical egg which hatches into a full-sized dinosaur, Denver, whom they named, their lives are never the same.

The premise indeed harks back to a world with dinosaurs but brings with it a twist by placing a dinosaur in a modern late 20th-century environment. The kids discover that Denver, who is kitted out with a portion of his eggshell which serves as a magical key, has the power to revitalize him and transport him between his prehistoric past and the present day through a portal. This discovery brings together the past and the present, signaling a series of mirthful adventures that win over children across the globe.

Despite being a dinosaur, Denver has a jovial, gentle, friendly and frolicsome character, adding charisma to his unusual physical appearance. He loves to jam to rock and roll music and skateboard around town, adding an appealing texture to his otherwise 'prehistoric' disposition. Notably, this likable dinosaur doesn’t have a shred of malice or fright to his persona, as one might expect from a creature from a time long ago. Instead, Denver is the very embodiment of friendship and warmth, going about his adventures with a comical and pleasing charm, quite different from the scary creatures that dinosaurs are typically made out to be.

The series also incorporates educative content cleverly within its narrative. Alongside its entertainment quotient, the show teaches children valuable moral lessons, highlighting the themes of camaraderie, respect for cultural diversity, maintaining of ecological balance, and perseverance when faced with challenges. These issues are eloquently woven into the fun-filled adventures that Denver and his pals undertake, making the learning process enjoyable.

Each episode takes the kids and Denver on a new adventure, from helping save a movie theater from closing, dealing with bullies, participating in rock bands, handling a castaway on an isolated island, to playing detectives in their town. Amidst these adventures, the show built a narrative around protecting Denver's existence from concert promoter Morton Fizzback who wants to use Denver for personal gain prompting kids and the audience to ponder over issues of exploitation and fairness.

The animation for this show is fairly simplistic, yet brightly colored and engaging, perfectly capturing the late '80s cartoon aesthetic. The characters are personable and relatable, making the series a hit with its target demographic. Its catchy theme song, "Denver, the Last Dinosaur," remains an iconic earworm, a touchstone for a generation of children who grew up watching the show. It skillfully summarises the show's premise and Denver's appeal, fueling the nostalgic value and charm that the series command among its audience.

In conclusion, Denver the Last Dinosaur is a wonderful blend of humor, action, friendship, and significant life lessons. With its engaging characters, unique storylines, vibrant animation, and compelling themes, it remains among the treasured children's shows that came out of the 1980s. The series is a must-watch for sci-fi enthusiasts and is a great throwback for those who engaged with it in their childhood and would undoubtedly evoke a sense of nostalgia. Much like the mesmerizing lines from its theme song, "He's my friend and a whole lot more," Denver the Last Dinosaur manifests within the viewers a realization of treasured friendships and heartening adventures that persist much longer than the show's runtime.