The Littles

The Littles is an American animated series that aired on ABC from 1983 until 1985. Produced by DIC Entertainment, the series is inspired by "The Borrowers", a collection of children's fantasy novels written by Mary Norton. The show was unique for its time, blending elements of adventure, fantasy, and humor in a family-friendly production that caught the imaginations of both children and parents alike.

The story revolves round the Littles, a family of minuscule beings who live in the walls of houses and borrow items from the “Biggs” – humans whom they call “Biggs” because of their substantial size in comparison. The Littles are a kind and jovial family, but what makes them especially unique is their rodent-like physical features, including pointed ears and tails. Notwithstanding these surprising attributes, they live very much under the same societal values and rules as humans do, highlighting the parallels between their world and ours.

The central character of the show is a young, brave, and adventurous boy named Tom Little. Tom's upbeat energy, charming wit, and courageous spirit brings a dynamic feeling to the show, making it exciting for young viewers. His older and more cautious sister, Lucy Little accompanies him on most of his adventures. Henry Bigg, a human boy, forms the third part of this trio. A close friend to the Littles, he is one of the very few "Biggs" who know about their existence and keeps their secretness safe.

Generally, the episodes follow a format where the Littles have to overcome obstacles without letting their existence be known to the humans besides Henry. The inventions crafted by Grandpa Little, using absurd combinations of borrowed items, are often instrumental in these situations. The series plays with the scale in a fascinating way, transforming everyday, humdrum objects into epic challenges or useful tools. For instance, a simple household item like a needle becomes an invaluable weapon or a tool for the Littles due to their size.

One of the primary antagonists of the show is the mischievous and conniving Dr. Hunter, characterized as a pest exterminator, who has a peculiar fascination with locating the Little family and revealing their existence to the world. His bumbling efforts add elements of suspense, comedy, and drama to each episode.

While the primary focus of The Littles is on the adventures of Tom, Lucy, and Henry, the show also delves into the day-to-day life of the Little family, granting viewers a glimpse into their unique family dynamics. Parents Frank and Helen Little, wise Grandpa Little, and their pet Cousin Dinky contribute to the warmth and familial affection prevalent throughout the series. The series also highlights values such as perseverance, bravery, and unity, teaching kids valuable life lessons.

The Littles also keeps the adult viewer engaged through its clever exploration of themes about the world from a different perspective. By focusing on characters who are minuscule compared to their surroundings, the series encourages creativity by looking at ordinary things with a new lens, stressing that even the smallest beings can make a big difference.

Created by a talented group of voice actors, scriptwriters, and animators, the characters in The Littles were brought to life with such vibrancy and authenticity that they resonated with its audience, making it a beloved classic of 80's children's television. Its imaginative narrative, engaging characters, and clever use of scale keep The Littles an enduring favorite for audiences who appreciate quality children’s programming that is both fun and heartwarming.

Overall, The Littles provides a charming, clever, and wholesome experience for viewers of all ages, offering a unique blend of fantasy adventure and familial values. The concept of tiny beings living invisibly among us presents an intriguing premise that still manages to spark curiosity and imagination today. A show not only enjoyed by the children of the 1980s, The Littles remains a fondly remembered addition to the annals of animated television.