What Kim Possible Taught Me

When crop tops and green cargo pants were all the rage, so were naked mole rats and skipping class to fight local bad guys. Yes, Kim Possible was the girl who inspired a generation of kids to go on make-believe spy missions across the nation and drive their parents crazy by asking for a hair dryer grappling hook for their birthday. In between fighting supervillains and getting chewed out by Mr. Barkin, Kim always managed to come out on top and teach a lot along the way. She was always breaking the status quo, fearless, and had a bit of teen romance squeezed in after cheer practice. If you're still not convinced this show is worth it, allow me to take out my Kimmunicator and give you a better look at the underrated Disney Channel classic.

Kim, Ron, And Ruffus (2002)

Who is Kim Possible?

Kim Possible is, at its core, a show about a high school cheerleader that fights bad guys around the world with her best friend, Ron Stoppable, and his naked mole-rat, Rufus. But it is so much more than that. Kim has a wide variety of diversity in its cast of characters. There's no limit to who you'll see in any given episode because Kim and Ron travel all over the world. This breaks down the barriers that are normally depicted between countries and gives viewers the idea that traveling to other places isn't as scary as you'd think.

It's a bit comforting to see that there wasn't a line on what kind of characters were highlighted. Throughout the show, they challenged diversity by giving character types that would normally be seen as "lesser than" a glow-up. Those of different skin colors were super-geniuses and scientists. People in wheelchairs were popular and had insane tech. Supervillains could be from America or Russia or a remote island in the Caribbean. Even allies could be anywhere on the map, ready to cash in your favor at a moment's notice. All this in early 2000 when diversity wasn't as important to showcase as it is now. Back then, Kim was a trailblazer for being different and showing viewers that there's not only one way to live life, and it inspired the hell out of me.

Lesson #1: Never Be Normal

Most people have gotten behind the idea that being normal is a myth. What is normal anyway? Boring? Simple? Why can't we just be ourselves and enjoy it instead of being shunned? "Never be normal" is exclaimed in the first few minutes of the first episode and rings true throughout the entire show. Not a single thing that Kim and Ron experience on their journey is normal and, for better or worse, it's kind of awesome.

Ron Stoppable is 100% unapologetically his true self in the ENTIRE show. There were even whole episodes dedicated to how he would cave to the pressures of high school and lose himself in popularity one way or another (money, le-goop, etc.) but would always bounce back to being himself. Even with being the least popular guy in the whole school, Ron inspires viewers to do things the Stoppable way and just take a shot in the dark sometimes. It's hard to accept that taking those not-so-normal chances is what could lead to out-of-this-world opportunities.

As an impressionable youth at the ripe age of seven, I was drawn to the philosophy of being yourself and doing it unapologetically. Of course, in the real world, things are a bit harder to execute and there were some (a lot of) setbacks to approaching life the Ron Stoppable way.

Lesson #2: Be Fearless

Kim was obviously a fearless girl to go after supervillains, boys, high school, and puberty. Like I said before, Kim single-handedly inspired me to be a super spy and roll around the floor so much, that I was convinced I was ready for the big leagues of saving the world. But she wasn't the only one that I'd consider a strong, fearless character that shaped my confidence into what it is today. Let's widen the lens a bit and focus on my girl Shego.

Those that know the show know that Shego is one fine-ass supervillain. But did you know she wasn't always evil? Spoiler alert, she was once a part of this bootleg teen titan-looking superhero group with her brothers that stopped local crime. And she left them behind to be a villain.

Yeah. Exactly. She left her family to go follow her dreams, even though evil, and did it unapologetically. All while sporting a big, blue idiot of a villain on her hip and kicking Kim's ass for the sake of his latest scheme. Shego is the biggest embodiment of "no fucks given" and I think we all can get a boost of confidence and courage watching the best of Shego somewhere on youtube. Even if she won't admit she gotta crush on Dr. Drakken.

Lesson #3: Fall in Love with Your Best Friend

This. This, right here. These two. They defined my standard for relationships. They help each other grow, push each other forward, and support each other through every single thing they face. They got each other's back and the world literally ends when they are apart. They fight for each other till the very end, no matter if one is being stupid.

Kim and Ron have brain switched, been a shoulder for each other after countless failed relationships with other people, and still somehow managed to fall in love. Their love goes on the shelf of true love right next to Seven Deadly Sin's love stories. If you have never seen the last episode of Kim Possible or any of the Kim Possible movies, you should drop what you're doing right now and watch em.

This show is a Disney Channel gem that I hope never gets fully rebooted because it's fine just the way it is. It has everything from adventure, to love, to nacho cheese. I think I have binge-watched Kim Possible in its entirety three times, not including how many times I've watched the individual specials and the Kim / Ron love moments. Even my fiancee learned something from this show, and all he wanted to do was beat Ron with a stick the entire time.

I will say it is a very early 2000 high school POV to life, but with all the possibilities and not so much drama. I haven't even begun to scratch the surface of what makes this show gold, like Kim's genius wiz-kid helper, Wade, or her best friend, Monique. Even Senor Sr Jr, though evil, is fabulously wealthy and just wants to be a teen pop sensation.

Kim Possible can be binged on Disney+ and is a delight for all ages. I would strongly encourage you to give it a chance and if you know it from the past, well dive back in and enjoy. Wondering what animation is brewing next? Give your suggestions in the comments and see if yours gets picked!

I hope to see you in whatever form I appear. Until next time!

And now, enjoy the best of Shego: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMkFHce460w

Bonus for the super fans: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTXXKwrIF_A

About the Author

Crystal Cabrae is a storyteller who specializes in writing dystopian, romantic, and adventurous worlds for animation and fantastical fiction. She is a proud graduate of Full Sail University, AMDA, and New World School of the Arts. Her six years of acting training in both New York and Miami gives her a unique perspective when approaching her characters. She has a passion for sharing how to create stories with the world and inspiring the storyteller that lives within all of us. Follow her on IG or Pinterest to know the latest.