Mentors (1998–2005) User Reviews (2)

Learning can be fun!

[phbalanced · 9 March 2006]

If you thought the internet was the source of information on any topic, well, Oliver Cates has an invention which tops it all! A 15 year old computer genius brings back historical figures from the past vis a vis his computer he calls VisiCron to help him with daily issues and questions ranging from school work to everyday life problems. Each mentor lasts 36 hours on earth during which time he/she assists Oliver and his friend Dee tackle with family breakups, tragedy, sportsmanship, etc. Oliver leaves for university at the end of season 2, leaving VisiCron to his younger cousin Simon who tweaks the machine to make it even better and renames it The Time Machine. With the help of his sister Crystal, Simon experiments with virtual reality and time travel. Some darker story lines in the second half of the series as the kids get a chance to meet Dracula and horror author Mary Shelley.

Talented young series' leads with Chad Krowchuk starring as Oliver Cates and Stevie Mitchell as Simon Cates. An outstanding list of guest stars, including Peter Outerbridge as Dr. Milton Bradshaw, a character which seems to parallel the role of lead scientist Dr. David Sandstrom from the adult sci-fi series Regenesis.

Four full season half hour episodes great for family viewing. Mentors is more than just an educational program. Combining sci-fi, drama, and comedic moments the award winning story lines highlight select historical figures including Albert Einstein, Beethoven, Sir Frederick Banting, James Naismith, Nostradamus, Harry Houdini, Mack Sennett and many more.

If the above list of mentors don't ring a bell, it's advised that you tune it nightly on the Family Channel in Canada. Not just a show for kids. Parents and teachers will benefit as well. A great program for audiences of all ages.

Great fun for all ages

[paspencer123 · 10/10 · 12 August 2006]

I wish that I had a show like this when I was younger - it is great on showing what you can learn from history and that it can be fun as well.

I know that there is a lot to learn - this helps you learn what there is to from history - when the characters come from the past they always have a lesson on life to teach the kids in the show - and those who are watching it - even if we are adults...

I find that I am learning more from this than I did in history - I feel that this is due to the fact that they present the material in a matter that is great fun and of interest to today's kids - (example: Albert Einstine - first show - taught that brains not only come from the head but the heart)

The show also teaches kids that it is OK to be different and that your feelings are OK - each of the characters leave something of themselves with the main characters to take forward with them in life.