Ep 12. Common Sense

Common Sense is the twelfth episode of Liberty's Kids Season 1, a historical animated series set in the American Revolution. The episode begins with James, Sarah, and Henri arguing over what the term "freedom" means. Meanwhile, Moses is collecting garbage and sends James to deliver a letter to his friend, a printer named Thomas Paine.

Upon arriving at Thomas Paine's printing shop, James discovers that Paine is busy writing a pamphlet called "Common Sense," which will argue for American independence from Great Britain. Paine is having trouble coming up with a catchy title, but James suggests "Common Sense," which Paine loves.

Paine shows James his essay, which argues that the American colonies must break away from British rule and become independent. James is fascinated by the ideas in the essay and asks Paine to read it to him. Paine complies, and Sarah and Henri soon arrive to hear the reading as well.

As Paine reads his essay, Sarah is especially impressed with his argument that hereditary monarchy is a flawed system. Paine also argues that the idea of a king is outdated and that the American people should be ruled by elected representatives. James realizes that the ideas in Paine's essay will be revolutionary and that they could change the course of the American Revolution.

Meanwhile, back at the Benjamin Franklin Printing Press, Moses and Dr. Franklin are busy printing a broadside of the Declaration of Independence. Moses is dismayed when he discovers a typo, and he and Dr. Franklin have a talk about the importance of freedom and the sacrifices people must make to secure it.

As James and the others leave Thomas Paine's printing shop, they run into a group of British soldiers who try to arrest them for being rebels. James tries to talk his way out of trouble, but the soldiers won't listen, and James, Sarah, and Henri are forced to flee.

In the end, James, Sarah, and Henri make it back to the Benjamin Franklin Printing Press, where they discover that Moses has corrected the typo in the Declaration of Independence broadside. The episode concludes with the group discussing the radical ideas in Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" and how they might change the course of the American Revolution.

Overall, "Common Sense" is a fascinating exploration of one of the most influential political tracts in American history. Through the character of Thomas Paine, the episode explores complex issues of democracy, monarchy, and the concept of freedom. The episode is also notable for its action-packed moments, including a chase scene involving British soldiers, and its memorable scenes between James and Thomas Paine. Fans of history and politics will no doubt find "Common Sense" to be one of the most thought-provoking and exciting episodes of Liberty's Kids.