Let me begin by saying that I am a terrible snob when it comes to children's shows.  Dan Zanes is the only children's performer my daughter has seen live and that's only because I have a crush on both Dan and the girls in his band.  But normally my intense phobia of audience participation coupled with the nearly crippling embarassment I feel for the performers themselves keeps me away from any show (live or taped) that involves real people.  

But I am really trying to love Dottie.   

Because the thing is, Dottie's a lesbian mom.  A lesbian mom who, when her partner and son head off to the first day of school, creates a magical world from the glitter she finds in the pockets of her hoody.  The show is sort of like Pee Wee's Playhouse, except less entertaining.  A lot less entertaining.  

I want to love Dottie's Magic Pockets.  I really, really do.  I would love for my daughter to watch a show that reflected her own family life.  But I can't subject her (and myself by extension) to a silly show just because it's about gay people.  Little Bear's mother and father might dress like they belong in the FLDS compound, but at least they have some clever things to say now and again. 

So for now we'll take Dottie and her friends out of the DVD player and put "Angelina Ballerina, Friends Forever," back in. And if that doesn't tell you how insipid Dottie is, than I don't know what will.