[ups101]

You missed Bamse ("Teddy"): A self-absorbed egocentric narcissist, taking advantage of his naive, little-minded friend Kylling ("chicken"), episode after episode with zero negative impact. After +20 years he's now joined by Bruno, also a teddy bear, sharing similar personal flaws except with much refined insults bordering on psychopathic abuse, bullying kids instead of chickens, believing firmly that the world exists solely to please him in every which way.

However, mostly you may have missed the subtle, educational point (yes, there is one) underpinning these characters: Critical thinking. Is it right to behave like this, even if there is no negative consequence (as is often the case in real life)? Do you emphasize with someone taking advantage of their friends? In Denmark, we have this crazy idea that kids are interested in distinguishing right from wrong, even when the answer isn't spoon-fed by a morally correct television character - and maybe exactly because it isn't.

The kids don't like Ramasjang because it's a training ground for inspiring film makers. The like it because naughty is fun. And, if done right, it just may induce some critical thinking. It'll take more than a few days of watching, but just like the kids, you'll see the point :-)

Best regards from a grown-up, bottle-fed on Bamse, somewhat certain of right from wrong.