I love this show, but Madeline is...

the ULTIMATE Mary Sue. Upon watching it as an adult for the first time, wow - She saves the day in every single episode, and even gives sage advice to the other girls as though she's an adult.

Not to mention, even her supposedly bad traits still are portrayed in a favorable light (she's so noble and free-spirited, that's why she falls off a bridge/gets stuck on a yacht with Pepito/insert crisis of the day).

The only thing she probably couldn't stop is Miss Clavel dying young from stress-induced heart disease (last words: "Something is not right," of course).

AND, her entire theme song is about how special and amazing she is. Sheesh. I don't really remember how I felt about that as a kid (maybe they think children will look up to someone so awesome and idolized?), but as an adult, it's just annoying.