Jane (Season 3) TV Review: A Heartfelt, Imaginative Triumph for Young Environmentalists
- Joao Nsita
- 1 day ago
- 9 min read
Apple TV+’s Jane (Season 3), premiering globally on April 18, 2025, continues its Emmy-winning legacy as a beacon of hope for kids and families passionate about wildlife conservation. Created by J.J. Johnson and produced by Sinking Ship Entertainment in collaboration with the Jane Goodall Institute, this live-action/CGI-blended series follows 9-year-old Jane Garcia (Ava Louise Murchison), a budding environmentalist inspired by Dr. Jane Goodall. With her best friend David (Mason Blomberg) and Greybeard the chimpanzee, Jane embarks on imaginative adventures to save endangered animals, delivering educational fun with heart and humor. Season 3, a five-episode arc, elevates the series with a special appearance by Dr. Goodall herself, vibrant new species like hippos and albatrosses, and a refined focus on actionable environmentalism. While minor CGI hiccups persist, Jane remains a joyful, inspiring gem that makes learning about the planet feel like a superpower.
A Mission-Driven Adventure for All Ages
Jane Season 3 picks up where its predecessors left off, weaving pro-environmental themes into a formula that’s both familiar and fresh. Each episode centers on Jane’s quest to protect a specific endangered species, from wombats to sea turtles, using her boundless imagination to transport herself, David, and Greybeard into vivid habitats. The season kicks off with “Hippopotamus amphibius,” where Jane and David navigate an African river to save a stranded hippo calf, learning about the animal’s role in aquatic ecosystems. Directed by Warren P. Sonoda, the episode sets a lively tone, blending high-energy CGI sequences with grounded moments back at Jane’s apartment complex, where neighbors like Mr. Jin (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee) and Maria (Tamara Almeida) tie lessons to everyday life.
The show’s structure remains a winning blend of fantasy and fact. Jane’s adventures—whether diving into coral reefs or scaling Tasmanian hills—are revealed as play-acting in her backyard or building, a clever device that underscores the power of childhood imagination. Each episode concludes with Jane video-chatting a real zoologist, a staple that Season 3 enhances with polished production and actionable tips, like reducing plastic use to protect albatrosses. Dr. Goodall’s cameo in Episode 4, “Albatrossus wanderus,” is a highlight, her warm wisdom reinforcing the show’s mantra: “Only if we understand, will we care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we help, can they be saved.” It’s a moment that feels earned, not gimmicky, cementing Jane’s authenticity.
Performances: Youthful Charm Meets Veteran Poise
Ava Louise Murchison continues to shine as Jane Garcia, her Mexican-Filipino Canadian heritage adding depth to a character who’s both relatable and aspirational. At 9 (though listed as 10 in some sources), Jane is a whirlwind of curiosity and compassion, and Murchison’s naturalistic delivery makes her feel like every kid’s eco-hero. Her scenes with Blomberg’s David crackle with genial chemistry, their banter—David’s wisecracks about wombat poop or Jane’s earnest fact-dropping—evoking the easy camaraderie of childhood. Blomberg, fresh off Shameless, leans into David’s goofy charm, balancing humor with moments of growth, like when he learns to apologize after dismissing Jane’s turtle-saving plan.
The adult cast grounds the whimsy. Tamara Almeida’s Maria, Jane’s Ecuadorian-Chilean Canadian mother, exudes warmth, her subtle encouragement of Jane’s activism adding emotional weight. Paul Sun-Hyung Lee’s Mr. Jin brings quiet humor, while David’s interracial gay parents, Kevin (Sam Marra) and Lucas (Dan Abramovici), portrayed as loving and supportive, reinforce the show’s inclusive ethos. Guest stars like Samantha Walkes and Graham Greene pop up, their brief roles adding flavor without overshadowing the kids. Dr. Goodall’s appearance, though brief, is a masterclass in gravitas, her words landing with the weight of a lifetime’s work.
Visuals and Style: A CGI-Enhanced Wonderland
Jane’s live-action/CGI hybrid remains a visual standout, earning its 2022 Children’s and Family Emmy for Outstanding Visual Effects. Season 3, under Matt Bishop’s VFX team, ups the ante with lush habitats—think shimmering coral reefs or misty Tasmanian forests—that rival Pixar’s detail. The hippo sequence, with its churning river and lumbering beasts, feels immersive, while the albatross episode soars with sweeping aerial shots. Filmed primarily in Toronto, with some Costa Rican and African locations from earlier seasons, the show maintains a global feel, its settings amplified by CGI that’s “Spielbergian” in awe, per the AV Club.
Yet, the CGI isn’t flawless. Some animals, like a slightly plastic-looking sea turtle, can distract, a minor issue for kids but noticeable for adults. The show’s strength lies in its intimate moments—Jane’s bedroom “hero wall,” where she pins zoologist photos, or the apartment courtyard where imagination takes flight. The score, a mix of upbeat strings and ambient nature sounds, keeps the energy high, while J.J. Johnson’s direction ensures a swift pace that holds young attention spans without feeling rushed.
Strengths: Education Meets Imagination
Jane Season 3 excels at making environmentalism accessible and fun. Its educational core—each episode tackling a species like hippos, albatrosses, wombats, or sea turtles—never feels preachy, thanks to Jane’s infectious enthusiasm. The zoologist chats, a hallmark since Season 1, are sharper this time, offering practical tips (e.g., composting to aid wombats’ habitats) that kids can act on. The show ties conservation to human well-being, noting that a healthy planet benefits us all, a message that resonates across ages.
The series’ inclusivity is another triumph. Jane’s multicultural cast—Mexican-Filipino, Ecuadorian-Chilean, Korean Canadian, Black, and Pacific Islander characters—reflects a diverse world, with women portrayed as strong leaders and an interracial gay couple normalized as loving parents. This diversity, paired with life lessons like apologizing or taking emotional risks, makes Jane a holistic learning tool. Dr. Goodall’s cameo adds gravitas, her presence a nod to the Roots & Shoots youth movement, inspiring kids to join real-world conservation.
Flaws: Minor Hiccups in a Polished Package
While Jane Season 3 is a triumph, it’s not perfect. The five-episode count, down from Season 1’s 10, feels lean, leaving some stories—like a rushed wombat rescue—wanting more depth. The CGI, while ambitious, occasionally falters, with animals lacking the realism of top-tier animation. Some adult viewers may find the formula repetitive—imagination, adventure, zoologist chat—though kids likely won’t mind. The lack of scientist credits in the end titles, noted in earlier reviews, persists, a missed chance to plug real-world experts.
The show also skirts deeper environmental critiques. While it champions small actions, it shies away from systemic issues like corporate pollution, perhaps to stay kid-friendly. This keeps Jane light but limits its urgency compared to grittier eco-shows like Extrapolations. Still, these are minor quibbles in a series that knows its audience and delivers with heart.
Themes: Empathy, Action, and Hope
Jane Season 3 is a love letter to empathy and action. Jane’s mantra, inspired by Goodall, underscores understanding as the root of care, a theme woven into every adventure. Whether saving hippos or albatrosses, Jane learns that small acts—recycling, planting trees—ripple outward. The show also explores childhood wonder, with Jane and David’s imagination-driven play reminding adults of passions lost to apathy. Friendship and family anchor the narrative, from Jane’s bond with David to Maria’s quiet support, emphasizing community as key to change.
Inclusivity and representation shine through, with diverse characters modeling leadership and compassion. The series subtly nods to climate change, framing endangered species as a shared human-animal crisis, yet keeps hope front and center. Dr. Goodall’s cameo crystallizes this optimism, her words a call to action for young viewers to join her mission.
The Verdict: A Must-Watch for Eco-Minded Families
Jane (Season 3) is a vibrant, heartfelt addition to Apple TV+’s kids’ slate, blending education, imagination, and inclusivity into a five-episode joyride. Ava Louise Murchison’s radiant Jane and Mason Blomberg’s cheeky David make conservation cool, while Dr. Goodall’s cameo adds soul-stirring weight. Minor CGI flaws and a lean episode count don’t dim its shine—this is a show that makes kids (and adults) want to save the planet. Premiering April 18, 2025, alongside titles like BE@RBRICK and Camp Snoopy, Jane stands out as a family-friendly gem that honors Goodall’s legacy while inspiring the next generation.
Conclusion
Jane (Season 3) is a triumphant return for Apple TV+’s eco-conscious gem, delivering five episodes of heart, humor, and hope. Ava Louise Murchison and Mason Blomberg’s chemistry, paired with Dr. Jane Goodall’s inspiring cameo, elevates a series that makes saving the planet feel like child’s play. Despite minor CGI quirks and a shorter season, its vibrant visuals, inclusive cast, and actionable lessons cement Jane as a must-watch for families. Premiering April 18, 2025, it’s a joyful reminder that small acts can spark big change, carrying Goodall’s legacy into young hearts worldwide.
10 FAQs About Jane (Season 3)
What is Jane Season 3 about?
The series follows 9-year-old Jane Garcia, an aspiring environmentalist, as she uses her imagination to save endangered species like hippos and albatrosses with friends David and Greybeard the chimpanzee.
When does Jane Season 3 premiere?
It premieres globally on April 18, 2025, on Apple TV+, with all five episodes available at once.
Who stars in Jane Season 3?
Ava Louise Murchison stars as Jane, Mason Blomberg as David, with Tamara Almeida, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, and a cameo by Dr. Jane Goodall.
Is Dr. Jane Goodall in Season 3?
Yes, she makes a special guest appearance in Episode 4, sharing wisdom on conservation.
Where can I watch Jane Season 3?
It’s streaming exclusively on Apple TV+ in over 100 countries.
How many episodes are in Season 3?
There are five episodes, shorter than Season 1’s 10 but equal to Season 2.
Is Jane suitable for kids?
Yes, it’s rated TV-G, ideal for ages 8+ with mild imaginary peril (e.g., sharks, lions) and positive messages.
What animals are featured in Season 3?
Episodes focus on hippos, albatrosses, wombats, sea turtles, and more, each tied to conservation lessons.
Why is Jane popular?
Its Emmy-winning visuals, inclusive cast, and Goodall-inspired mission make it a hit, with buzz from outlets like ScreenRant and Sportskeeda.
Will there be a Season 4?
Season 3 is billed as the final season, but strong demand could prompt Apple TV+ to reconsider.
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