Ocean Girl

Ocean Girl puts one in mind of a tween Lost. The plot is almost as complex and twisty, although pitched at a much younger audience and thus nearly sexless and gentle. But the action is crackling and nonstop, the mysteries are many, and the lead character, Neri, is enchanting. Any scenes where she appears are pretty much guaranteed to be cool.

Things aren't quite as interesting onboard the Orca, where teen and tween social dynamics take over, temporarily transforming the show into Degrassi underwater, though not nearly as edgy/serious. Adults' attention may wane, however, when the Orca kids play tricks on each other or flirt, though kids will enjoy the intrigue. Everyone will perk back up when Neri shows up again. The show does get a bit more serious and dark as it goes along, so parents should check in as kids delve into the series.