*snicker* I do think it was planned, but I'm rather glad it was such. In my opinion, had there been a love interest it would have complicated the story line (how would you work her in), it would have been "typical", and it would have seems a bit of an overload for poor Jim - embarking in search of treasure, making his Mom proud, discovering self-worth, dealing with (sort of) betrayal, saving his friends, ending up in the academy! *gasp* That's a lot! But, I don't doubt we'll be seeing a sequel... I only hope it doesn't go the way of "Land Before Time" (ooh the suffering).