Liberty's Kids, The Complete Series Season 1 Episode 12 Common Sense

Liberty's Kids, The Complete Series is an animated television show that follows a group of young patriots during the Revolutionary War. Season 1 episode 12 of the series, titled "Common Sense," is a pivotal moment in the show's storyline.

The episode begins with James, Sarah, and Henri traveling to meet up with Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia. Franklin has just arrived from England and has brought with him Thomas Paine's new pamphlet, "Common Sense," which argues for the colonists' right to independence. As they walk through the streets of Philadelphia, they see that the pamphlet has already caused a stir among the people, with some reading it aloud in groups and others discussing its content in hushed tones.

James, Sarah, and Henri are eager to read the pamphlet themselves, but they are worried about what their boss, the aging newspaper publisher Moses, will think of it. Moses had previously chastised James for printing articles that were critical of the British government, so the kids are hesitant to show him a document that openly advocates for an American rebellion.

Despite their fears, James and the others take a risk and show Moses the pamphlet. To their surprise, Moses is impressed by the writing, and he agrees to run an excerpt from it in his newspaper. This small act of rebellion sets off a chain of events that will change the course of the Revolutionary War.

Meanwhile, in England, Sarah's father, Robert, is struggling with his own beliefs about the colonies' fight for independence. Robert is a loyalist and believes that the colonists are fighting for a lost cause, but he begins to question his own convictions when he reads "Common Sense." The pamphlet has a powerful effect on Robert, and he starts to see that the colonists' grievances are legitimate.

As the episode progresses, we see the impact that "Common Sense" has on the colonists and the loyalists alike. The document becomes a symbol of the colonists' determination to be free of British rule, and it rallies many to the cause of independence. But for those who remain loyal to the British crown, the pamphlet is a troubling reminder of the growing divide between the colonies and the mother country.

Throughout the episode, Liberty's Kids manages to convey the complexity of the Revolutionary War in a way that is accessible to young viewers. The show does not shy away from the brutal realities of war, but it also emphasizes the importance of ideas and the power of words. "Common Sense" is presented as a turning point in the war, but the show also acknowledges that victory was far from assured at this point in time.

Overall, "Common Sense" is a standout episode in the Liberty's Kids series. It manages to balance historical accuracy with a compelling storyline, and it helps viewers to better understand the factors that led up to the Revolutionary War. Whether you are a history buff or just looking for a well-written animated series, Liberty's Kids is definitely worth a watch.