Turn On to T-Bag S4E1 (1988) - FULL EPISODE

Описание: Sparkes. T-Bag's back, and she's come up with a plan more fiendish than ever: from the comfort of her new T-Room in the back of an old television set, she intends to use the medium to "beam out waves of wickedness into every home". But when her electronics fail her, Tallulah's forced to consult the professor on a popular kids' TV show, while T-Shirt begs young presenter Holly-Anna Jones for help. Before long, a new quest is underway...

This episode - originally broadcast on Tuesday, 5th January, 1988 - marks the start of the fourth series of the show, and the first not to feature Jennie Stallwood in the lead role. Her shoes are filled by Diana Barrand, and they make a point early on of including the line, "There's no Debbie to help you this time." I'm not sure where I stand on Diana - she's very good, totally 'gets it', and never lets the side down in any way. Can't fault her at all. But, on the other hand, the age difference between her and John Hasler seems to create just a slight imbalance, and removes a bit of the vulnerability in my humble opinion. Still, I don't love the show any less for that.

One thing I found noticeable was just how sinister Tallulah can get at times, and how believable she is with it. Yet, that can all turn on a sixpence and the next second she flushes away all her dignity by losing her temper or doing something remarkable silly. It's that brilliant contrast that adds so much depth to the character. Four other minor things to look out for: firstly, T-Shirt inventing Sky+ by rewinding live television he wasn't recording on tape; secondly, the "It's for you-hoo" ad reference which I won't bother to explain; thirdly (I've done this in the wrong order), the complete lack of opening credits; and, finally, the wardrobe continuity error around 14:35.

Anyway, the main guest star here is Ken Jones. He's sadly no longer with us, but in his time he was in a whole heap of classics from Dixon of Dock Green to Z Cars to Coronation Street to Porridge (as "Horrible" Ives). He was also in a few episodes of The Liver Birds, but I'm not sure if that was while Elizabeth Estensen was in it or before. Coincidentally, according to the excellent High-T website, Ken was the Children's ITV presenter when the very first T-Bag series began. The secondary guest star, Gilbert, appears later in the same series, but doesn't seem to boast any further credits to his name.

Meanwhile, there's only the briefest couple of snatches of Children's ITV continuity at the beginning and end, but it's enough to raise two questions in my mind:

1) Who's the guest?
2) Since when did Gary Terzza ever have a beard?

Answers on a postcard or the back of a sealed envelope, please. (Or just leave a comment.) [EDIT: Turns out the guest is Gabrielle Bradshaw of Five Minute Wonders. So now you know.]

Grateful thanks to Grant for providing this recording.

(This is a transfer from an old videotape, so please don't expect full HD quality. To the best of my knowledge, this material is not available commercially anywhere in the world, and has been uploaded for its historic interest. That said, if you are a copyright holder and object, please don't hesitate to contact me.)