THE DEMON HEADMASTER
Bad Education
released OUT NOW! 1996-1998 | PG | dVd
Director roger singleton-Turner Cast Terrence Hardiman, Frances amey, Gunnar Cauthery, Thomas szekeres
The Demon Headmaster was a bit of an anomaly back in 1996. The golden age of British kids’ TV had ended with Century Falls three years earlier. Headmaster and 1997’s Aquila were arguably the last of the smart, fun adventure shows before the afternoon slots were entirely colonised by cartoons and cheap imports.
Young Dinah (Frances Amey) moves in with the Hunter family. It’s not easy – her foster brothers don’t like her very much and her school is a paranoid place ruled by a sinister megalomaniac who hypnotises the students. Eventually the rebellious kids band together to form SPLAT (The Society for the Protection of our Lives Against Them) and fight back against his evil schemes.
Over this Complete Series box set, four of Gillian Cross’s novels are adapted. The scenarios change, but the set-up remains the same: Dinah and chums investigate something mysterious and are routinely astonished to discover that the Headmaster is behind it. It’s plodding in places – series two’s tale of genetic manipulation is over-stretched at seven episodes – but good, cosy fun, with a few moments of surprising darkness.
The acting is as variable as you’d expect from a cast largely made up of inexperienced kids, but Terrence Hardiman is great as the horrible Head. All piercing gaze, clipped tone and just a hint of knowing humour, he’s clearly having enormous fun as a villain who’s part Master, part Simon Quinlank, King of Hobbies. Charmingly dominating every scene that he’s in, he’s the reason the show is so fondly remembered.
Extras None. Will Salmon
Sadly, the set omits The Demon Headmaster Takes Over TV – a CBBC Pantomime, broadcast on Christmas Day 1997.