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 Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2011 10:49 pm
I love doing my reviews on unknown and forgotten movies and TV series. Of course we all (At least I hope we've all) have heard of and know Jim Henson. Creator of the Muppets, and movies including Dark Crystal and Labyrinth. But here is a little hidden and forgotten gem I've had the pleasure of watching again recently. Jim Henson's The Storyteller
In 1988 Jim Henson along with TVS television co-produced a new television series, what they came out with was a wonderful show retelling European folk tales called The Storyteller. The series stars John Hurt (Alien, Harry Potter films) as a man simply known as the Storyteller, who sits by a fire telling these stories which incorporate live actors and Henson's puppets. He tells the stories to the audience, and to his pet dog, voiced by Brian Henson.
Each story comes from different origins, including Russian, German, and Celtic. Each one covering a different theme or moral to the story. John hurt in Episode 4 entitled The Short Story mentions that some of his stories are funny, some good, some indifferent. This is exactly the case as not all tales end with a happy ending. And though the series is credited for being a children's program, some themes to the episodes as well as the lighting and mood can lead to darker tones which may not be appropriate to all. I'm a firm believer that it's okay to scare children with television and movies, they can handle it better than some parents give them credit for.
Season one only had 9 episodes airing between 1988-1989. Two years later a second season was made, this time covering old Greek myths. Though that season only lasted 4 episodes, it brought in a new host/storyteller in Michael Gambon, who like in season one was still accompanied by the Dog, voiced again by Brian Henson. Season two seemed to have lost a bit of the mystique that draws the audience in and keeps their attention for each half hour episode. Maybe the loss of this mystique was due to the two year gap between season 1 and 2. Personally I think a lot of it was also due to Michael Gambon not having nearly as enchanting or inviting storytelling voice that John Hurt had. Hurt's unique voice drew me in and had my attention from beginning to end, and I was determined to watch all 9 episodes of season 1 in one night. And though I've always loved Greek Mythology, the lack of John Hurt, and the more enchanting atmosphere, made season 1 so much better to watch. Season two wasn't bad, but compared to season one definitely not as good.
I grew up on Jim Henson's work. And when I grow weary of the overuse of CGI and lack of imagination, I always seem to go back to the simpler times of television. And Jim Henson's wonderful imagination and puppet creations will always trump the best CGI can muster. I may be fascinated with a good CGI movie or a well done CGI character from time to time, but they'll never have the impact of what is really in front of you. And The Storyteller Isn't only a great show which both parents and children can watch together, but is a forgotten part of Henson's legacy which in some ways, shows off some of his best work.
Favorite episodes: 101 The Soldier and Death, 104 The Shortest Story, and 106 the Three Ravens
Season 1 Final Grade: A-
Season 2 Final Grade: B
A scene from episode 101 can be viewed here:
]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAyNkZ-ZQ0k&NR=1
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Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2011 11:12 pm
I have only seen the first episode so far and I liked it. I shall check out the others soon.
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