Was a big fan of 'The Storyteller' as a child and still do consider it a timeless classic. Didn't even know that 'The Storyteller: Greek Myths' even existed until it appeared as a recommendation when working my way through reviewing all the episodes of 'The Storyteller'. It immediately interested me, as someone who has always really liked Michael Gambon and who loves Greek mythology. Those adapted here are four of the best known and it is not hard to see why.
The four episodes "Daedalus and Icarus", "Orpheus and Euridice", "Thesus and the Minotaur" and "Perseus and the Gorgon" are all fantastic and equally so. All have the same qualities while also having other reasons for why they are so great. Of the four episodes, my personal favourite is "Perseus and the Gorgon", the darkest and most visually striking and a case of something being special effects heavy actually being good. 'The Storyteller: Greek Myths' doesn't have the same amount of nostalgic value as 'The Storyteller' but in its own way it is equally good.
All four episodes hold up incredibly well visually. They are beautifully and atmospherically shot and "Thesus and the Minotaur's" genuinely creepy maze setting stands out particularly of the sets. The effects and makeup are pretty amazing too, Hades is imposing and really appreciated that the Minotaur was actually menacing and didn't look goofy but the special effect standout is easily for Medusa (the stuff of nightmares). Appreciated too that the effects were not overused or abused and that they didn't get in the way of the storytelling. The music fits beautifully and is both beautiful and atmospheric, the standout being the haunting and affecting mournful scoring for "Orpheus and Euridice".
Writing never came over as awkward or cheesy and is always intriguing and thought provoking. The storytelling is also spot on and truly arresting, doing dark (especially "Perseus and the Gorgon", though the series contains the darkest account of "Daedalus and Icarus" that one will find anywhere) and poignant (the heart-wrenching ending of "Orpheus and Euridice") brilliantly.
Characters are all written well, the titular heroes are heroic and relatable and even better are the villains. It is very hard to forget Medusa in the long run. The acting is without issue, Gambon may not have the "embodying the role" quality that John Hurt had in 'The Storyteller' but he has the right amount of charm, wisdom and twinkle in the eye. Brian Henson has great comic timing. Derek Jacobi and Art Malik are especially good of the titular characters and Frances Barber is unforgettable as Medusa.
Summing up, wonderful and deserving of more credit. 10/10.
