Dark Season (TV serial review).
In December, I watched a BBC documentary about Russell T Davies and it mentioned a children’s BBC series, ‘Dark Season,’ which was new to me. Intrigued, I decided to investigate. There were two copies on Amazon and one on eBay. Actually, only two in total, as one was listed in both places. So, I got one. Presumably, those who wanted this 1991 children’s SF series already had their copies by now. It’s worth noting that ‘children’s’ TV series in the UK generally cater to the teen market.
Bishop’s Grove Comprehensive School receives new computers from Mr. Eldritch (portrayed by Grant Parsons), who looks sinister, resembling a cross between Rutger Hauer in ‘Blade Runner’ and other bleached-haired characters of the time. What’s more, he’s giving each pupil the 1991 version of a laptop, the Abyss Modem. This wouldn’t seem so unusual post-COVID today, but some of the pupils are suspicious.
Especially since the school swot, Olivia (played by Samantha Cahill), receives a free invitation to Eldritch’s factory and is taken over by something. Meanwhile, two kids, Thomas (played by Ben Chandler) and Reet (played by Kate Winslet), investigate one of the laptops, while their friend and leader, Marcie Hatter (played by Victoria Lambert), observes Olivia glowing during a power cut in a classroom filled with shattered glass as light bulbs explode, much to her teacher, Miss Maitland (played by Brigit Forsyth)’s confusion.
Without revealing too much, it’s all a conspiracy to take control of people, with a novel twist on how it’s thwarted. The kids serve mainly as a distraction. Despite her prominence on the box cover, Winslet’s role was minor compared to the other characters.
The booklet has Davies explaining that although ‘Dark Season’ seems to comprise two stories, they are interconnected. Marcie, Thomas, and Reet discover that the school sports field is being excavated, revealing antiquities, by a group of blonde people led by Miss Pendragon (played by Jacqueline Pearce). Miss Maitland even takes a younger class on a tour of the site, with the three students tagging along, proving their suspicions correct.
I won’t spoil more, but I can see how the two stories link, involving an ancient AI machine that requires a human connection to function, and it’s Marcie’s indifference that ultimately prevails.
As a period piece, it still holds up. You can spot some of Davies’ Whoisms. For instance, giving Marcie an oar to carry in her backpack is reminiscent of Ace’s baseball bat, even though she doesn’t use it. The special effects in the final episode are particularly noteworthy. The theme of teens leading the teacher is common, although the headmaster never appears. Both Eldritch and Pendragon are complex villains, deeper than usual.
Obtaining a copy now might be difficult, but with the ‘Doctor Who’ connection, there’s a good chance of a re-release.
GF Willmetts
January 2024
(pub: BBC, 2006. 1 DVD disk 145 minutes 6 * 25 minute episodes and an 8-page booklet. Price: varies and luck. ASIN: BBCDVD1985)
cast: Grant Parsons, Victoria Lambert, Brigit Forsyth, Jacqueline Pearce, Kate Winslet, Samantha Cahill, Rosalie Crutchley and Cyril Shaps
