Anne of Green Gables: The Animated Series was a short-lived Canadian animated series that originally ran on PBS Kids and TVOntario from 2001-2002. It is loosely based on the famous children's novel by author L. M. Montgomery, considered by many to be one of the true icons of Canadian literature. It was produced by Kevin Sullivan, the same writer and developer of what is often considered to be the most well known Anne of Green Gables adaptations, a trilogy of two-part movies in the 1980s that was later followed up by the popular series Road to Avonlea.
The animated series had a focus on educating its viewers while still trying to be entertaining for children, as the 26 episodes follow Anne Shirley (voiced by Bryn McAuley) and her friends as they deal with every-day problems in school and around the town of Avonlea. The educational value of the show was focused on Anne learning valuable lessons in topics such as individuality, friendship, and problem-solving.
Not to be confused with the 1979 World Masterpiece Theater anime series.
Tropes:
- Alternate Continuity: The show takes place somewhere in the middle of the original Anne of Green Gables novel, where the majority of Anne's memorable mishaps have already taken place and are referenced in flashbacks, although the story of her dying her hair green was used in an episode to teach a lesson in self-esteem. Anne is also 10 years old in the show rather than 11-16 like in the book.
- Art Evolution: The character designs were simplified about halfway through its run. Marilla was given glasses as well.
- Conflicting Loyalty: In One True Friend, Anne is torn on choosing to ether stay loyal to her best friend Diana, or go hang out with their other friends after everyone shuns Diana for having head lice. She originally chooses their other friends in fear of being left out but soon learns her lesson and sticks with Diana.
- Deadpan Snarker: Marilla Cuthburt and Felicity King.
- Dissension Remorse: This happens when Anne and Diana get into a disagreement.
- Et Tu, Brute?: When Anne leaves Diana for their other friends when she needed her the most, Diana feels deeply hurt by this. This also happens after Anne makes a joke about lice with Gilbert and Felix.
- Flea Episode: In One True Friend, Diana suffers from a case of head lice and fears that everyone will be so disgusted that they'll abandon her as a friend. All the adults tell her not to worry, as it's a common problem that's easy to get rid of. But all of her classmates save for Anne call her "dirty girl" and shun her completely. Anne originally leaves Diana after Felicity excludes Diana from her sleepover party and threatens to do so to Anne as well but Anne regrets her actions and calls everyone out on their actions. Felicity is also revealed to have head lice too. Thankfully, the head lice is gone in time for Felicity's sleepover and everyone gets to go.
- A Friend in Need: Anne is often trying to help her friends out when they face a problem.
- Imagine Spot: At least once per episode, Anne works out her problems through fantasy sequences.
- Kids Are Cruel: One reoccurring theme in the show is showing how to be a good friend, and how sometimes kids can be mean to each other intentionally or by accident. One True Friend is a prime example where everyone but Anne shuns Diana for having head lice although they do come around in the end after Anne calls them out on their actions.
- My Hair Came Out Green: Like in the book, Anne is upset with her red hair after Gilbert constantly teases her for it and tries to dye her hair, only for it to come out green. However, this version of the story has Marilla being able to wash the dye out rather than Anne getting all her hair cut off.
- The Power of Trust: One lesson involves Anne learning to trust someone's story before jumping to the conclusion that they're lying before getting all the facts straight.
- Tsundere: Felicity is often cold, and snobbish towards Anne, but they still maintain a friendship. In episodes where Felicity's character drives the plot, she goes from being manipulative and mean to humble and sweet.
