The breakout character of 2021's PAW Patrol: The Movie has undoubtedly been Liberty, who should make the leap from the big screen to the PAW Patrol TV series. A new character created for the movie, Liberty is an independent and invaluable dachshund who helps the pups during their trip to Adventure City.
PAW Patrol has been a hit with kids since it debuted on Nickelodeon in 2013, so it was no surprise to find out that a big-screen adaptation was in the works. The TV series follows Ryder, a 10-year-old boy who assembles a group of rescue dogs to take on various missions and adventures. Each pup on the show comes with a special skill or talent, with the original cast consisting of Chase (a German Shepherd police dog), Marshall (a Dalmatian firefighter), Skye (a cockapoo aviator), Rocky (a Schnauzer/Scottish Terrier handyman and recycler), Zuma (a Labrador Retriever water specialist), and Rubble (a Bulldog construction worker). All of the original characters return for PAW Patrol: The Movie, with one notable addition.
Liberty the dachshund makes her debut in PAW Patrol: The Movie and immediately alerts the crew to some shenanigans being perpetrated by Mayor Humdinger in Adventure City. Liberty, who is homeless at the beginning of the film, is voiced by Black-ish star Marsai Martin and has received positive reviews from critics and viewers alike. Liberty's enthusiasm and love for the group makes for a fun viewing experience in PAW Patrol: The Movie, something that could easily translate to the show itself. There's also the undeniable fact that dachshunds are amazingly cute dogs, and Liberty would not only become a fan-favorite for dedicated Nickelodeon viewers but would also be an incredible merchandise mover as Christmas and birthdays continue to be themed in PAW Patrol colors.
Led by Liberty as one of the primary characters, PAW Patrol: The Movie does an excellent job of having a voice cast as diverse as its pups. In addition to Martin as the loveable dachshund, the movie also brings in Tyler Perry, Randall Park, Kim Kardashian, and Yara Shahidi to round out a solid group. Liberty's transfer to the small screen would allow that type of representation to continue, which is a major benefit to younger viewers of a show like PAW Patrol. The pup would also need to make the animation adjustment from the more theatrical-looking movie models to the more well-known TV-style animation.
With all the momentum and goodwill built up from her first appearance, it would be a shame if Liberty wasn't added to the show's regular cast. The opportunities to tell her story and emphasize her excitement and appreciation of the group would be nearly endless. Liberty is one of the better characters added to the PAW Patrol universe and deserves her permanent spot on the pint-sized team.