The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid is a wonderful animated television series created by Disney that continued the captivating underwater saga of Ariel, a young and curious mermaid, famously voiced by Jodi Benson. The series aired from 1992 till 1994, bridging the story gap between the original 1989 film 'The Little Mermaid' and its 1990 sequel, 'The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea'.

The television series takes us on various exciting adventures of Ariel before she eventually leaves her ocean home to live in the human world, offering a deep dive (no pun intended) into Ariel's life as a mermaid, before she met and fell in love with Prince Eric. In this prequel series, viewers get to explore Ariel's relationships with her family, particularly her father King Triton and her sisters, and her friends, Flounder and Sebastian, in greater detail.

Jodi Benson breathes life into Ariel's character with her enchanting voice, impeccably bringing out the essence of a young mermaid yearning for more than just her underwater life, brimming with curiosity for the human world above. From her interaction with friendly sea creatures to the countless dangers she encounters in the unknown parts of the sea, Ariel's courage and resilience are displayed throughout the series, striking a chord with young and adult viewers alike.

The charismatic yet protectively stern King Triton, Ariel's father and ruler of the underwater land Atlantica, and Sebastian, the Caribbean crab who serves as the King's adviser and Ariel's dependable friend, join Ariel in these episodic adventures, adding a depth to their roles and amplifying the emotional landscape of the story.

Highlights of the series include Ariel's close calls with Ursula the Sea Witch, the primary antagonist in the series, who time and time again endeavours to take over King Triton's kingdom. These battles test Ariel's courage and reinforce her staunch commitment to keeping her home safe. Such elements of thrill and suspense lay the groundwork for the beautifully penned narrative of Ariel's journey into the human world.

There's something incredibly charming about the series' ability to tell engaging stories about friendship, bravery, loyalty, and curiosity. It harmoniously combines education and entertainment, passing along vital life lessons seamlessly woven into every episode, making it not just another animated series but a wholesome and valuable experience for its young viewers.

Once more, viewers are treated to quality animation, displaying Disney's exceptional ability to capture the magical underwater realm with vibrant colours and incredibly detailed and thought-out depictions of underwater kingdoms, the sea's abundant flora and fauna, and the various magical elements typical of Disney's creations.

The Little Mermaid series also does justice to the musical element of the original film. Songs play a significant role in the series, much like in the movie, adding to the overall ambience and emotional tone of every episode. Whether they serve to uplift, convey emotion or advance the storyline, these songs are an integral part of the series, known for their catchy melodies and uplifting lyrics.

Character development is robust in the series, with each character's backstory and personality well charted out. From Ariel's restless spirit yearning for more than her underwater life to Sebastian's amusing paranoia about Ariel's safety and Triton's constant struggle between protecting his beloved daughter and allowing her the freedom she so desires, each character brings a unique flavour to the show.

In conclusion, The Little Mermaid television series by Disney, led by the talented voice of Jodi Benson, encapsulates the charm and magic of the original award-winning film, but adds its own unique flavour. It paints a more detailed picture of Ariel’s life before she ventured onto land and fills in the gaps between the two feature movies. While it can be enjoyed by young children, it also appeals to nostalgic adults who grew up with the original film. With its heart-warming tales of bravery and friendship coupled with a nostalgic soundtrack, The Little Mermaid series is as enchanting as it is impactful.