Summary Set in a high tech future when the very existence of our planet is at stake, "Phantom 2040" raises fundamental, provocative questions about humankind: our basic nature, what we have become, what we stand for, where we are headed. "Phantom ~040"is a highly pro-social endeavor which seeks to challenge and uplift young minds. It features a larger-than -life yet very human figure with whom young people can identify; one man who dares to make a difference. Four interrelated categories of issues with important educational implications are prominent in the series: a) ethical issues; b) those who explore aspects of human development and growing up; c) contemporary societal issues; and d) technological and other issues related to the future.

Ethical Issues The most pervasive issues in the series are ethical ones. In a real sense, "Phantom" is a futuristic morality play where the forces of good and evil clash on a grand scale. The Phantom believes passionately in a world of truth and justice. More importantly,. he has the courage to act consistently on his convictions. He believes that an individual can make a difference.
Kit and his friends live in a world which though rich in potential, is dominated by greed and corruption to the point that the earth's entire ecosystem and human life are seriously threatened. Perhaps worst of all, the majority of people have come to accept all this as inevitable; they have no moral fiber. The dark forces are epitomized by the vindictive Rebecca Madison and her sociopathic son, Maxwell, who will stop at nothing to gain control of the world through their corporation, Maxiniuni, Inc.
Though the sides are clearly drawn, there are subtleties involved. For example, the relationship of Kit, who sees life in terms of flexible principles, and Sagan, who believes that laws and procedures should be followed "by the book," illuminates many aspects of the conflict between letter and spirit of the law. (This is an important issue for children who are just beginning to be able to interpret events in more symbolic, less literal terms.) On the other side, the Madisons believe in a controlled way (as do many despots) that their plan to control the world will insure order and be good for· humanity. Thus the issue of means vs. ends frequently comes into play. The Madisons will use any means to accomplish their goals; Kit and his friends will use only honorable ones.

Human Development Kit Walker's quest for identity and "coming of age" is a primary development issue, especially in the early episodes. Though an obviously talented and capable young man, there is an uneasiness about him, perhaps due to being raised without a father. Yet, when he assumes the mantle of the Phantom at age 18, his life gradually takes on purpose and meaning' he finds his identity. Yet his identity is not fully formed. As is often the case, his youthful idealism is accompanied by impatience and at times impetuousness. His chief mentors, Guran and Jack Archer, seek to nourish the former and temper the latter as they guide and teach him the many skills necessary to fulfill his role. Their efforts are balanced by Aunt Heloise, twin sister to a previous Phantom, who insists Kit must choose his destiny, not automatically accept it.

Kit's quest for an authentic identity stands in stark contrast with that of Maxwell Madison, who having been spoiled and given everything by his mother Rebecca, cares for no one and is consumed by hatred and greed. It is also in contrast with that of the starlet Vaingloria, whose suit of multiplier mirrors signals the fact that she is all image and no substance, having sold her soul for celebrity.

A second set of developmental issues deal with the body, physical abilities and basic instincts, concerns of virtually all children. Kit, aka the Phantom, will have obvious appeal to the young because of his athleticism and ability to do extraordinary things with his body through high tech extensions of his sensory apparatus (variations of which are used by numerous characters). Yet most captivating are his finely honed senses and instincts. Owing to his roots in Africa, he regains archetypal knowledge of animals and secrets of plants. Trusting these and other instincts, he is able to act with cunning, courage and daring. Though none of us has the Phantom's capabilities, the message "trust and act upon your best instincts" is a crucial one in an age when many youth and adults seem passionless and alienated.

Societal Issues The issues of the environment, surely a contemporary one, is highly emphasized in "Phantom."
Information and stories about environmental disaster, ecological balance, corporate and public disregard, and means of valuing and restoring the environment are woven throughout the series. Of special interest to young viewers will be the imaginative, regenerative, underground jungle environment where the Phantom spends much of his time.
Another current issue involves the objectivity and style of the media. Like a small but increasing number of television personalities, Dr. Jak has come to believe that personality is more important than objectivity. His ready-made opinions on everything find a hungry audience unwilling or unable to sort out the truth from the plethora of information available. Eventually he doesn't report the news to his million of followers; he is the news.
A third contemporary issue involves international terrorism, led by Sean One, whose people live in Earth orbit. He seeks to highjack the earth's resources to build a huge space colony, something he views as humanity's only hope for survival. Here again, numerous concerns about means/ends are raised.

Technology and the Future Quite obviously, all the issues discussed thus far are related to the future. In particular, the show raises a basic concern about technology. "Phantom" features an astonishing array of technologies; holographic camouflages and disguises, virtually reality environments, robotics, artificial intelligence, multi-sensory implants, cloning, fractals, lasers, photonic and audio devices, and wave guns, to name a few. These technologies are sure to fascinate children, to stimulate their imaginations and to pique their curiosity about the future.
Yet the lurking questions are, "Will technology further humanity or will it degrade and destroy it? Will the future be one of freedom and dignity, or one of Orwellian control?" Many of the devices mentioned provide creature comfort and expanded awareness, and the Phantom uses the most avant garde technologies only to combat evil. (Significantly, his weapons, such as the wave gun, never kill people; only temporarily immobilize them.) On the other hand, the Madisons, create biots to intimidate and kill Sean One uses satellites and space monitors to spy and plot. The answers to the questions posed about technology's ultimate effects of course depend on our decisions and actions...

Conclusion The educational potential of the series may be tapped by children simply talking to one another, or better, through family discussions. Ideally the show provides a vehicle through which parents and children can discuss issues that affect their lives. Episodes may be more formally explored in schools. One possibility might be to integrate them with a study of the future. Or they could serve as a catalyst for group discussion about values.
In today's world especially children and young adolescents yearn for heroes and something to strive for beyond greed and self-interest. "Phantom 2040" speaks directly to these yearnings.