What is it that Dora must save the mermaids from?
Herles: There’s garbage all over the mermaid kingdom, and the princess has lost her magic crown. We have to find it in order to save the kingdom. TVGuide.com: So it’s like an eco-friendly message with a subtext of, “Keep your rooms clean, kids.” Herles: Yes. TVGuide.com: Does anybody, like, die? Herles: No! No deaths. But I can tell you this: Dora turns into a mermaid herself at one point. TVGuide.com: Does Dora get help from the inevitable Spanish-speaking critter? Herles: Just Tico…. But there’s an octopus on the beach who keeps putting garbage all over the place. He’s evil. TVGuide.com: Did you speak Spanish before starting the role? Herles: Yes, I did. My parents are from Peru, so I talk Spanish with them and my grandma. TVGuide.com: If the mission of the series is to offer kids bits of a second language, it’s very successful. My sons are always spouting off Spanish words and such. And that “Arriba is up/Abajo is down” song? They belt that out. Herles: Really? That’s great. TVGuide
