*SIGH*
I'm not trying to start a flame war here...I'm TRULY not! But I don't understand how so many of you are so quick to pounce on and slam certain characters from the Balto cartoons!
First it was Aleu...then it was Niju...then Mel...then Dipsy...then BORIS somehow...then even KODI wasn't immune! And now Stella, Muk and Luk? Jeeeez, people!
Each of these characters serves a purpose in each story. Even if it's nothing more than as comedy relief (Mel, Dipsy, Muk and Luk), or love interest (Stella), or as an antagonist for the main character(s) (Niju), or as a foil for a main character (Aleu, who was also a main character herself, but put some tough parenting challenges in front of Balto).
My thinking is that each of these served their purpose in each story, and I don't mind them at all (well, okay...Aleu's whining got a little overbearing at some points...as did that goofy giggle and "whee!" she let out when she saw Muk & Luk playing).
Sheesh. No offense, but lighten up a little, folks...