The Riddlers

I used to watch this show when I was little, as it was one of those shows in a line of kids shows that play on kids TV after school. So in amongst the likes of Thomas the Tank Engine, Nelly the Elephant, and Postman Pat, I used to watch this little show. And I always found it really scary. Absolutely terrifying. The weird puppet things are hideous and the whole show just has a very freaky feel to it. While I can look back at Nelly the Elephant, Thomas the Tank Engine and Postman Pat and think of them warmly, The Riddlers just sends shivers down my spine when I think back of it.

Some kids may like this show, but sensitive kids, and most little kids around the ages of about three to six are sensitive, will find it pretty scary. Even know, it sometimes gets bought up in conversation, "Remember that freaky show we used to watch when we were little..." Overall, I'd say it's probably best to avoid this one. It'll give your kids nightmares.

I grew up watching The Riddlers and I loved it. I used to watch it before I started primary school and then when I came home from school when I was older. I just watched an episode on youtube and have to say that I still think it's awesome. The theme tune is one that has stayed with me since childhood and the content is great because it is all about teaching children morals and life lessons. For example, there is a story about a fox being trapped in a well. It tells another animal the water in the well is the best in the world so it should jump down for a drink. The fox then stands on the other animal's back and is free leaving the other stuck in the well. This sends the message that you should think before you act. Shows today don't have morals and require no thought. They don't teach children anything. The Riddlers encouraged children to think for themselves. The puppets are not beautiful and so some people claim they are frightening. I think it's better that kids see things that aren't always superficially good-looking and besides they are puppets, you are not supposed to fancy them. For all those who disagree and think that the show isn't fit for watching due to their appearance, do you watch Emmerdale? Ever wondered what happened to Mossop? Andy Sugden can tell you...

This show was aimed at tiny tots, but became a cult with some teens and twenty-somethings. My peer group and I were eager to be transported to Riddleton End to join Marjorie Dawe, Mossop, Tiddler and Mr Grimley, and thought the show an absolute wow! One of the great things about the show was the studio set, comprising Marjorie's cottage exterior, living room and garden, the well and the exterior of Mr Grimley's house. In the 1980s, location filming became cheaper as cameras became smaller and more portable, and "The Riddlers" was one of the last shows to have such an elaborate studio-bound set depicting both exteriors and interiors.

The puppets were ace - particularly Tiddler, who looked like a cross between Tina Turner and Boy George. Good old Marjorie Dawe, token sensible adult, guided and kept order.

Riddleton End, complete with "Postie", the hedgehog, seemed like a piece of old England and the Riddlers were like folklore characters. It all worked a curious kind of magic on us. Fondly remembered.