Free Rein is a very entertaining show for the most part. The end of season 1 left on a very strong note, and in my opinion was the strongest episode yet still managed to lack common sense.
All the children/teens range from good to decent characterization, with my favorites being our lead, Zoe, her little sister Rosie, and the aloof but sweet Pin. Oh, and let'stand not forget Mia. Her actress manages to bring out a third dimension to a normally flat character type.
The adults, on the other hand, lack some of the necessary adulting skills and need adultier adults. It would have been nice to have seen the barn being run on a more professional level - Sam really has no idea how to run a business, never mind one involving animals and children. It'seems really no wonder the business is sinking.
There are a few other issues I have with the amount of cartoonish nature brought to the screen (there is one issue that would be court worthy between Mia's dad and a new character for instance).
HOWEVER the strength of the show comes from the connections the characters have with their horses. The show does am excellent job of showing horses being who they are. Raven and Zoe have a very natural relationship that is difficult to film without being cheesy, and both horse and human actor play their roles well. The careful handling of this relationship is what makes me want to watch more, even if there are instances where I have to roll my eyes.
All the children/teens range from good to decent characterization, with my favorites being our lead, Zoe, her little sister Rosie, and the aloof but sweet Pin. Oh, and let'stand not forget Mia. Her actress manages to bring out a third dimension to a normally flat character type.
The adults, on the other hand, lack some of the necessary adulting skills and need adultier adults. It would have been nice to have seen the barn being run on a more professional level - Sam really has no idea how to run a business, never mind one involving animals and children. It'seems really no wonder the business is sinking.
There are a few other issues I have with the amount of cartoonish nature brought to the screen (there is one issue that would be court worthy between Mia's dad and a new character for instance).
HOWEVER the strength of the show comes from the connections the characters have with their horses. The show does am excellent job of showing horses being who they are. Raven and Zoe have a very natural relationship that is difficult to film without being cheesy, and both horse and human actor play their roles well. The careful handling of this relationship is what makes me want to watch more, even if there are instances where I have to roll my eyes.