Blue's Clues: Meet Joe!

Nickelodeon's Nick Jr. preschool hit Blue's Clues recently underwent a major change with host (since the 1996 debut) Steve Burns leaving the show and being replaced by his "brother" Joe (Donovan Patton), a transition that's handled in a three-episode stretch that has Steve going off to college. Meet Joe! comprises Joe's first two introductory episodes: with "Joe's First Day" finding Steve excited about an upcoming visit from his younger bro, and "Joe Gets a Clue" centering around Joe's first game of Blue's Clues (in which Joe and the viewing audience have to find three of Blue's paw print tips and ponder over the clues in a "thinking chair"). Though a seemingly simple substitution (there are a lot of harmless-looking, goony twentysomethings out there who would love sharing the blue screen with a cartoon pup), Joe's charisma nicely echoes that of his beloved predecessor. Combining songs, gestures, and audience interaction, this live action/animated fun and educational program for young viewers remains a jewel in the Nick Jr. crown. Highly recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams)