Drama
Chief of War
Apple TV+’s ‘Chief of War’ paints an interesting portrait of Hawai’i’s history circa the 18th century. But like many historical dramas, it’s painted in blood.
“Why are you pulling that box, Riley?”
“It’s not a box,” Riley replies, “I just use my imagination, and it takes me on the biggest adventures!”
On these fantastic adventures, Riley may pretend her box is a boat going on an ocean expedition, an airplane traversing the skies or even the tallest mountain in the world. Using her imagination and her “not-a-box,” Riley solves problems and makes new friends.
Based on the award-winning children’s book by Antoinette Portis, Apple TV+’s Not a Box is perfect for preschool-aged children. Each 23-minute episode is broken into two segments in which Riley transforms her simple cardboard box into an instrument for her next make-believe adventure. Along the way, Riley encounters problems that the narrator prompts her to solve using imagination and critical thinking.
While Riley is never in real danger or distress, there are occasional moments in which her friends become frightened. For instance, in one episode, Riley and her seahorse friend encounter a friendly dragon whose size causes the seahorse to tremble and hide. In another, Riley and her dinosaur friend meet a caveman who is being chased by an elephant. In both of these episodes, though, the monsters don’t look particularly scary.
Ultimately, Not a Box is age-appropriate entertainment that inspires young children to use critical thinking skills, be a kind friend and embrace imagination in play.
(Editor’s Note: Plugged In is rarely able to watch every episode of a given series for review. As such, there’s always a chance that you might see a problem that we didn’t. If you notice content that you feel should be included in our review, send us an email at [email protected], or contact us via Facebook or Instagram, and be sure to let us know the episode number, title and season so that we can check it out. )
Riley’s “not-a-box” is a castle today. Riley dreams of becoming a knight. But she must prove her cleverness, helpfulness and bravery before she can be knighted by the queen and earn her suit of armor. In the second segment, Riley pretends her cardboard box is an airplane. As Riley plays pilot, she attempts to befriend a group of flying pink flamingos.
When Riley and her friend meet a dragon, the friend is afraid of the dragon and hides (though the dragon turns out to be friendly). Riley tends to the dragon’s toothache by hopping inside its mouth and pulling a stuck pineapple from its jaws.
In both segments, Riley models positive behavior by being a kind friend who includes everyone in playtime.
Riley embarks on an imaginary boat voyage, where she endeavors to discover a new ocean creature. Riley and her newfound sea monster friend try to make more friends on their journey together. In the second segment, Riley sets out to climb the tallest (imaginary) mountain. The friends she meets along the way help Riley accomplish her goal.
Riley and a pal very briefly look frightened when they are blown away from the tall mountain. Luckily, they quickly find a solution, and no one gets hurt.
Riley chants that she would like to kiss a cloud when she reaches the top of the mountain.
Riley plays dress-up with a sea creature. One of the costumes looks somewhat like a wizard’s hat, though the characters do not discuss magic or wizards in any way.
Apple TV+’s ‘Chief of War’ paints an interesting portrait of Hawai’i’s history circa the 18th century. But like many historical dramas, it’s painted in blood.
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