WILD KRATTS: Episode 7.20: “Butternut Tree”

WILD KRATTS is an animated series streaming on PBS Kids. The Season 7 finale, titled “Butternut Tree,” presents a lighthearted story in which the Kratt brothers explore and learn about rare butternut trees, which serve as homes for various creatures. The brothers seek ways to rescue and protect the trees from their predators and a deadly fungus called OCJ.

WILD KRATTS combines live-action and 2D animation to educate viewers about wildlife and the importance of protecting it. In the live-action segments, the Kratt brothers engage with wildlife in the real world. During the animated portion, the brothers transform into the creatures they study with the help of their high-tech creature power suits. While the animation shines, the writing falters, as the episode features repetitive jokes about butternuts and relies on a silly song for much of the education.

The episode opens with Chris and Martin searching for butternut trees in a live-action segment. In the animation, the Kratt brothers explain to Aviva, Koki, and Jimmy the importance of protecting butternut trees due to their scarcity. Upon discovering a healthy butternut tree, they commit to finding a cure for the tree-killing fungus OCJ through the living tree’s DNA.

With Chris challenging his grey tree frog creature power and Martin sharing his “Butternut Tree Song,” the brothers investigate all the creatures inhabiting the butternut tree and their survival methods. When Martin activates his butternut tree creature power, he recalls the need to shield the seedlings from wildlife.

“The Butternut Tree” showcases the wonders of creation. The episode highlights how creatures coexist harmoniously and support one another within their environment. For instance, the trees offer nuts to the squirrels, and in return, the squirrels plant them, leading to new tree growth.

The brothers emphasize unique animal adaptations, such as the grey tree frog’s camouflage, which helps it thrive in its surroundings. The episode teaches viewers how to coexist with and protect nature. Though it makes no direct mention of God, the episode reveals the wonder of creation and encourages viewers to respect and appreciate it. The natural aspect of death is seen in many trees succumbing to a fungus.

The Season 7 finale of WILD KRATTS features a strong Biblical worldview emphasizing the importance of respect, uniqueness, and reverence for creation. It contains light environmental elements as the team learns about protecting the butternut trees and strives to save them from the fungus, although it’s presented as educational as opposed to pushing an environmental agenda. The episode leans on a child’s imagination as the characters transform into animated versions of themselves and use high tech-powered suits, making the characters exciting for children to watch. There is no objectionable content in this episode.