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Rating: - A classic example of reactive vs. proactive.
As a youth I used to run home after school as well as awaken early Saturday mornings to enjoy this show about a ruthless villain hell-bent on terrorizing the world and the only organization strong enough to foil his plans daily. To me it was the ultimate example of good vs. evil and no other program could top it. It was the 80s, life was good and the G.I. Joes were the epitome of a young American boy's dream.

Older now, I purchased this on a whim to see if I could see if I could recreate the joy that I felt as a child. I wanted to revisit my old nemesis Cobra as well as catch one last glimpse of the elusive Lady Jay. After watching all four discs of this release, I came to a conclusion that would be blind to a child, but very apparent to an adult. The G.I. Joe organization is the classic business example of reactive vs. proactive. If we were to define bot h the Joes and the Cobra teams, the Joes would definatly be reactive, while the Cobra organization would definitely be the proactive. Each episode opens with the Joes relaxing or taking time off instead of doing what they should be, which is trying to destroy the Cobra threat from the world. Sadly, the action does not start until Cobra initiates it by creating some imaginative and creative strategy to take over the world. Then the battle ensues with the Joes always allowing Cobra Commander to leave without recourse. They are never too excited about actually capturing the Commander, but instead that the citizens of the world are safe. Do they not realize that if they were proactive and captured Cobra Commander immediately, the threat would be eliminated?

This question leads me to my next revelation. Is it possible that the reason that the Joes let Cobra go everytime is because without Cobra, Lady Jay, Hawk, Snake Eyes, and Roadblock would all be unemployed? Could you imagine Quick Kick serving you some fries behind the counter of a McDonalds? So, maybe Cobra needs the Joes as much as the Joes need Cobra. They live together in a form of zen unity. Ponder that for a moment.

Also, it became clearer that as the episodes progressed how much of a sci-fi theme this series engulfed. There was more than just regular battles, but lasers, huge machines that could control the weather, psychics, and even this strange little man known as the Gamesmaster (which is my FAVORITE episode in this set). Watch it again and I think you will see the references that I speak about.

When I was younger, G.I. Joe was my favorite cartoon and I couldn't wait to go outside and pretend that I was one of the Joes fighting the notorious Cobra. Now, older and wiser, I cannot wait to play Cobra. From a business sense they are aggressive, competitive, imaginative, and creative. Daily they have new, fresh ideas on how to dominate the world while the Joes just wait around for Cobra to make their move. I would have to side with Cobra in today's market. I think you would as well.

Overall, a very enjoyable series even revisited years later. I am hoping to expand my collection to include the other sets as well, but to re-emerge myself into the series, this was the perfect opener!

Go COBRA!!!!!!!

Grade: ***** out of *****

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