Ghostwriter

I just finished watching another episode of Ghostwriter. For the uninitiated, Ghostwriter was a popular kids show during the 90's which involved a gang of kids in NY and their invisible ghost friend, who they couldn't see, but who could make words out of letters. With the help of this ghost buddy, they went around NYC solving various mysteries. The episodes were always in 4 or 5 part mysteries, and I used to love them. I remember in Saudi, as a kid, i would want to wear pens around my neck just like they used to. Got a couple of my friends to do the same too.

Anyways, the funny thing was, i just realized how much i still like the show, 10-15 years after i first saw it. Now when i revisit it, i realize the show was not only entertaining, but also dealt with a lot of issues which a lot of adults would do good to take note of. It celebrates the power of togetherness and friendship, as well as showing glorious examples of steadfast loyalty to the ones you love, passion and determination, as well as an aversion to violence in any form. I remember the show was probably one of the first ones i saw where the kids who made up the gang where all of different ethnicities. There was Jamal, the African American, Tina the Chinese American, Alex and Gaby, the Hispanics as well as Lenni, the true blue American. Yet, without ever getting preachy, it managed to make us care for these kids and put across the point that with tolerance, understanding and friendship, the differences don’t really matter. Another thing i liked about it was the importance given to writing. It genuinely encouraged kids to take up writing more.

The poignant thing is though, all the kids who played a part of this have now all gone to the 'Where are they now' list. I looked up their limited profiles available on IMDB, and it looks like hardly any of them went onto any more acting assignments. Though they all seemed to have graduated from university. That was surprising for me, considering they all seemed to have the natural flair for the screen. Especially the unmentioned leader Sheldon Turnipseed (Jamal) and Blaze Berdahl (Lenni), who seemed to have it in them to carry it off on the big screen.

I don't know if they still make 'em like this for kids, but somehow i doubt it.