Gaia, the spirit of Earth, awakens from a century-long sleep to the pillaging of the planet by a largely oblivious humanity. Fearing for the future, she sends magic rings to five youngsters from around the globe - Wheeler (North America), Linka (Eastern Europe), Gi (Asia), Kwame (Africa) and Ma-Ti (South America) - Gaia's team in the battle against further destruction of the Earth. As the youngsters place the rings on their fingers, they are magically transported to Gaia's home, Hope Island, an uncharted, unpolluted tropical isle far from civilization. There, Gaia teaches them the secrets of nature. As they learn of their personal power, each identifies with one of the four ancient elements: Earth, Fire, Water, Wind and a very special new power, Heart, which symbolizes the compassion needed to save the Earth. Through the magic rings, the Planeteers learn to direct their powers in their mission to save Earth. Finally, they are ready to discover the greatest secret of all.   In each episode, Captain Planet and the Planeteers face a rogue's gallery of larger-than-life eco-villains, including such despicable characters as Verminous Skumm, whose goal is to spread filth and disease, and resource-ravaging ruffians like Duke Nukem and Looten Plunder. Although buffoonish in character, they symbolize real threats to the planet Earth. They pillage natural resources and pollute the water and air. They will stop at nothing to accomplish their evil goals. Captain Planet and the Planeteers takes kids on heart-stopping adventures - part science, part action, but always rooted in fact. Each episode reveals some aspect of the physical effect of environmental destruction and ends with the same message: that every individual must respect planet Earth and preserve its resources if we are to ensure our survival. And each episode ends with a :30 epilogue that gives viewers "The Power" to be part of the environmental solution.   Click here for more info on the creation of the Captain Planet idea in "Mission to Save Planet Earth"