Meet Joe!
Steve's younger, and much taller brother is introduced in this pair of episodes, preparing the kids for Joe's eventual taking over of the franchise as Steve heads off to college. (And star-coproducer Steven Burns leaves the blue screen behind for the bright lights of Hollywood.) In "Joe's First Day," Steve follows the clues to find out what Joe (Donovan Patton) will bring for show-and-tell. In "Joe Gets a Clue," the passing of the baton begins as Joe learns the significance of a blue paw print, goes on his first skidoo, and is presented with his very own handy-dandy notebook by Blue. Much is made of the fact that the new notebook is shaped like the thinking chair; look for one in a store near you. Will the kids like Joe as much as their old buddy Steve? Well, Joe's got a different green shirt and more hair, but the same infectious enthusiasm. --Kimberly Heinrichs
It's Joe Time!
After hosting nearly 100 episodes of Blue's Clues, Steve is off to college. That means it's Joe time! Steve's affable younger brother Joe prepares to carry the torch--and the handy dandy notebook--that Clue Master Steve so skillfully carried for years. In episode one, Blue leads Joe on a merry chase to determine what she wants Steve to pack for college. Skidooing to an artfully drawn campus, choosing school subjects, and saying goodbye to a dear friend may well raise more questions and emotions than typical episodes. To their credit, Blue and friends bid a cheerful, tearless farewell and adjust perfectly to smilin' Joe. By the second episode, the new host and his entourage create their own "Big Book About Us," discussing favorite colors, shapes, animals, and more. As always, interaction with the 1- to 5-year-old audience coupled with simple, joyfully presented lessons make for 50 minutes of pure educational pleasure. --Liane Thomas