Danger Force
Danger Force is a live-action superhero sitcom, a spin-off of "Henry Danger," that premiered in 2020 on Nickelodeon. The series follows Captain Man and his eccentric inventor friend Schwoz as they train four new kid superheroes—Chapa (Volt), Miles (AWOL), Mika (ShoutOut), and Bose (Brainstorm)—at the Swellview Academy for the Gifted. These young heroes possess unique superpowers and must learn to control them while balancing their superhero duties with everyday challenges, all while protecting the city of Swellview from various villains. The show is geared towards a younger audience, typically 7-12 years old, and is characterized by its comedic tone, action sequences, and laugh tracks. While emphasizing themes of teamwork, friendship, and problem-solving, the series also incorporates elements that may warrant parental guidance, including mild violence, suggestive humor, and notable LGBTQ+ representation.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
HighThe series includes explicit LGBTQ+ representation through specific characters and plotlines. The actor Michael D. Cohen, who plays Schwoz, is transgender. The show has also featured an interracial gay couple as parents and introduced a trans teenage character whose identity is discussed within the narrative.
In the 'Say My Name' episode, the Danger Force helps reunite a lost child, Ellis, with his parents, Justin (Tommy Dickie) and Dustan (Brandon Claybon), who are an interracial same-sex couple. Captain Man initially questions the absence of a mother but quickly understands and accepts their family structure. The 'Manlee Men' episode features Sasha A. Cohen, an openly trans teen actor, portraying a trans character whose gender identity is explained to Schwoz within the story, adding a specific discussion of transgender identity to the show.
Violence
MediumDanger Force contains frequent mild, slapstick, and comedic violence typical of children's superhero shows. This includes physical altercations, cartoonish fights, and implied threats without graphic detail or gore.
Captain Man frequently uses kicks and punches to subdue villains and 'baddies' who attempt to steal art or cause trouble. In the episode 'Captain Man Strikes Out,' a superhero humorously threatens to hit someone with a fire extinguisher, and a villain attempts to drop the Danger Force into hot lava, illustrating instances of implied danger without severe harm.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumThe show incorporates mild sexual innuendo and suggestive themes, often presented as humor intended for an older audience. It also depicts innocent romantic interests and flirting among the teenage characters.
Sexual innuendo can be found in lines like Captain Man referring to a woman as 'local hot mom' and stating the town keeps 'crawling back to daddy.' In 'The Girl Who Cried Danger,' Mika reacts with 'EW!' to the idea of Chapa making 'porn' videos, and a scene shows Brainstorm about to give the characters 'the sex talk,' both of which are subtle suggestive references.
Profanity
MediumThe series includes occasional use of mild curse words and phrases, which are generally not intense or aggressive but can appear in casual or humorous contexts.
Common mild phrases like 'dang it,' 'oh my god,' and 'shut up' are present in dialogue. In 'The Girl Who Cried Danger,' Mika utters 'Jesus' in an exclamatory manner after being comically shot in the butt, though the word is barely audible.
Witchcraft & Occult
MediumThe show introduces supernatural and mythological elements, particularly in special episodes. These are treated within a fantasy and comedic framework rather than depicting explicit dark rituals or serious occult practices.
The Christmas episode 'Down Goes Santa' features Krampus, depicted as Santa's evil brother, whose plot involves trying to destroy the spirit of Christmas. This introduces a figure from pagan folklore into a holiday context. Another episode involves Danger Force interacting with an 'annoying ghost from the 1920s' haunting their school, seeking to help her resolve unfinished business.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumDanger Force contains occasional scenes of mild peril and suspense, along with fast-paced, chaotic action that might be unsettling for very sensitive or younger viewers. Villains often pose threats, leading to tense situations.
Characters face moments of peril, such as a villain attempting to drop the Danger Force into a pit of hot lava. In another storyline, the Danger Force risks exposing their secret identities when they accidentally leave fingerprints at a crime scene, leading to a tense mission to prevent discovery by a police officer.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe show frequently features characters displaying attitudes, engaging in name-calling, and exhibiting mild disrespect or sarcastic remarks towards authority figures, particularly Captain Man.
Captain Man is often portrayed with an 'arrogant personality' and requires redirection from the younger team members, leading to instances where the kids talk back or challenge his decisions. In the episode 'Test Friends,' the team refuses to rescue Captain Man from a hole until he apologizes for a perceived slight, demonstrating a clear act of defiance against his authority.
Substance Use
LowThere is a very minimal and implied reference to substance use in one instance, which could be interpreted as a subtle allusion to drugs.
In 'The Girl Who Cried Danger,' the characters are given 'Tree butter' by the Howdee that causes them to be unable to stand, which is subtly presented as an allusion to a type of drug. No other explicit or significant instances of substance use are prominently featured.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowNo explicit anti-Christian themes, mockery, or criticism of Christian beliefs were found within the content of 'Danger Force.' The show generally avoids direct religious commentary.
While the Christmas episode 'Down Goes Santa' introduces Krampus as Santa's evil brother attempting to destroy Christmas spirit, this is presented as a mythological fantasy element rather than an anti-Christian message. The series does not feature any scenes or dialogue that directly mock Christian practices, symbols, or figures.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
TV-Y7, with parental guidance suggested for younger or more sensitive viewers due to frequent attitudes, mild suggestive themes, slapstick violence, and the inclusion of LGBTQ+ representation. It is generally suitable for children aged 8 and above, allowing for discussions on various topics.
Additional Notes
Parents should be aware that while the show is rated TV-Y7, it actively integrates diverse family structures and gender identity discussions. These elements, combined with frequent comedic violence and mild suggestive humor, may require parental presence for discussion and context, especially for younger or more conservative viewers. The show's humor can also be 'over-the-top' or 'slapstick,' which might not appeal to all audiences.
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