There were some groups in the 80s (not sure if it was Tipper Gore’s PTC or something similar) that got regulations passed with the FCC that kids shows had to have some “educational” content in order to get played during certain time slots, like Saturday mornings.
That’s why you saw some moral or lesson get tacked on to every episode of those shows, because otherwise they couldn’t claim they were following the regulations.
You are exactly right. A certain % of content had to have some sort of moral message. As terrible as it made those shows (lets all work together for great fun! or whatever) part of it was a reaction to the majority of the new cartoons being simply brain washing vehicles to sell massive toy lines to kids.
Freegards
Wheel of Morality turn, turn, turn; show us the lesson that we must learn!
Wheel of Morality, turn, turn, turn. Tell us the lesson we should learn!
Moral #2 - If at first you don't succeed, blame it on your parents.