The Trap Door

I found out about "Trap Door" when it was mentioned in a "Guardian" below the line discussion about scary children's television. It probably would have been too weird and uncanny for me when I was a child, but being a Gothic adult I love everything about it, and keep coming back to it. The Michael Jackson's "Thriller" style theme song performed by an Alice Cooper impressionist. The brilliantly designed and executed stop motion animation. Willie Rushton's engaging character voices and spot on comic timing. Above all, it's an absorbing pastiche of feudal decadence in the tradition of Mevyn Peake's Gormenghast novels, in which an aristocratic skull observes the goings-on in the kitchen of his former castle, crawling with insects and worms and inhabited by a bloblike servant and his master who are either no longer human, or never were.

I remember seeing the video that contains the whole series of Trap Door in my recommendation on YouTube. Yet, I was a bit hesitant for a while until months later. That's when I finally decided to watch it. Now, I was only having it as a background while working on my art project admittedly. So, I wasn't paying as much attention to it initially. However, I started to focus more on the show when I took a break. And, I have to say. I do find it relatively interesting, which made me want to finish it eventually.

I mainly like this whole stop-motion animation. I haven't watched that type of show in a longtime (probably since Robot Chicken). Not only has it animated each character in the scene. But, they also animated objects/smaller creatures in the background. I thought some of the characters were charming enough to have a connection towards as a viewer. Yet, they decided to deliver us some of the most highly detailed animation I've ever seen. And, that is impressive! It's also something that I miss seeing. Nowadays, we mainly see CGI/animation in movies/shows. We still have 2D animations, which is good for the most part. But, we don't get stop motion type of shows anymore.

With that rant aside, I also do like each of the character designs despite their simplicity. The color choice and their overall shape pretty much made them identical and somehow iconic. Additionally, the concept behind a mysterious and horror type of story made this whole journey fascinating from start to finish. Though, I do wish that the show would have kept going after the second season because I felt like it had potential. I think it could have been more developed in the story and characters and continued in their legacy through time. There's probably a reason for the show to be cut short. Who knows?

But, what I do know is how much I have gotten appreciation out of this. Sure, it's not perfect, but from what it is, it's actually fun and an enjoyable type of show. I believe it's one of those shows where everyone should at least give it a try once in their lifetime. I would hate for it to be forgotten.

There's not a lot to say. It's well animated, sometimes rather funny, creative, and memorable. But damn, it is the scariest stuff my child self ever saw. It even has jumpscares!

Despite there being no DVD details available here, there has been a Region 2 DVD released of Series 1 & 2, that's the complete series, and you can buy it from Amazon.co.uk at around £14. Although there are no extras on the disc, its great to see this show finally get a release as it's just so hilariously funny and the late Willie Rushton does an excellent job at voicing all the strange and wonderful characters. In fact sometimes you almost forget he is the only voice talent, if nothing else this show showcases his great comic skills. A must for any child of the eighties and good clean entertainment for children nowadays. An absolute must buy. Just superb!

If The Trap Door were to debut in 2006 then it would be low-grade CGI crap with no atmosphere or icky moments. What does that tell you about the current crop of PC-trash children's programming?

As it is, The Trap Door was an icon of 80s children's television. 'ooever knew that plasticine models could be so effective? But it wasn't just that. The castle that Berk and Boni (and the Thing upstairs) lived in was such a brilliant, atmospheric set. The 'owling winds, the dead trees and the constant dark and fog really did add a lot to it.

Berk was some kind of blue creature and was also a butler/servant to the ever-unseen cockney-voiced Thing, 'oo would always complain about the noise or being 'ungry. Whenever Berk would turn his back an 'orrible monster would creep out of the Trap Door in the basement. The Trap Door led directly into the catacombs beneath the castle where an infinity of worms and diabolical nasties dwelled. They'd cause no end of trouble for poor ol' Berk. You'd think he'd learn to keep it shut.

The theme song, despite sounding very 80s, was pretty damn cool too. One particular episode devoted its entire running time to an extended version of it. But that's one of my gripes. The running time was only 5 minutes (barely) for each episode, which was a bit annoying since it always seemed to end just as it was starting.

It only lasted for two seasons for some reason. But even though they only made a handful of episodes, The Trap Door has remained popular for over 20 years and that more than you can say for children's TV of today.