Ep 1. Big Five, Little Five

Arthur season 20 episode 1, titled "Big Five, Little Five," follows the beloved aardvark and his friends as they prepare for the arrival of some special visitors: the Big Five from their sister school in Tanzania. After a Skype call with their African counterparts introduces them to some of the Big Five (a lion, elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, and buffalo), the Elwood City gang gets excited about hosting them for a few weeks.

The episode is split between two storylines, both of which center around the Big Five's visit. In the first, Arthur and his friends grapple with how to make their guests feel welcome by discussing cultural norms, making posters, and crafting a "welcome dance" to perform at the airport. Along the way, they learn about the different ways that the Big Five are threatened by habitat destruction and poaching, sparking a conversation about conservation efforts in their own community.

The second storyline follows Mr. Ratburn's class as they prepare a special project for their visitors. Each member of the class is tasked with creating a presentation about one of the Little Five - a group of smaller, but equally important animals found in Tanzania. Some of the Little Five include the elephant shrew, the rhinoceros beetle, and the buffalo weaver bird. As they work on their projects, they learn fascinating facts about these creatures and present them to their classmates.

As the Big Five's arrival approaches, everyone in Elwood City gets excited about seeing them. The school is decorated with African flags and banners, and the mayor even declares "Big Five Day" in their honor. When the planes carrying the visitors land, the students put on an impressive dance show, and the Big Five are introduced to their host families. Arthur and his family take in the lion, whose name is Mbisi, and are surprised to find that he's more interested in playing video games than hunting prey!

Throughout the episode, the themes of cultural exchange and conservation are explored in a meaningful and accessible way. The writers manage to balance the excitement of meeting new friends with the responsibility we all have to protect the planet and its inhabitants. The inclusion of the Little Five adds an extra layer of educational value, providing a glimpse into the incredible diversity of life on earth.

Overall, "Big Five, Little Five" is a heartwarming and educational episode of Arthur that will leave viewers feeling inspired to take action in their own communities. Whether through simple acts of kindness and hospitality (like the Elwood City gang) or larger efforts to support conservation initiatives, we all have the power to make a difference.