Rod and the Pink Windmill Kids have a collection of musical instruments to play with, while Grotbags is planning on putting her own spin on the old Indian rope trick in order to catch Emu. Speaking of things that spin, someone's top has lost its hum, so efforts must be made to fix it. I believe this episode was originally broadcast on Wednesday, 24th November, 1982.
This is a heavily music-themed edition, and on that note we're treated to two of the best songs of the series. The first features Grotbags singing Don't Nobody Bring Me No Bad News - originally from the musical The Wiz - ably assisted by Aysha, Kate (who forgets to put her mask down around 5:20), and Sarah in the background. Who's playing the skeleton remains anyone's guess, though. (I'll plump for Emma or Anthony, but I really have no idea.) The second piece is a medley of at least three different compositions on the same theme: Parade (A Banda) (popularised in the English language by Astrud Gilberto), I'm a Brass Band (from the musical Sweet Charity), and Before the Parade Passes By (from the musical Hello, Dolly!). It's a great routine, but we won't talk about that scene.
There are lots of very funny moments in this episode, including the utterly fraudulent way Grotbags deals with her book club - something which would obviously go over the head of younger viewers, but the parents would get a giggle out of. The magic pictures are both entertaining and a way to shoehorn in an educational element, and I love how Rod brazenly addresses girls with names such as Fred and Bert. My favourite moment, though, has to be the daft "Welcome aboard, this is your captain spea..." gag. Even when she's winning, it shows Grotbags for what she really is. All in all, perhaps my favourite episode of the second series. Agree or disagree?
Stay tuned at the end for a tiny bit of Watch It! continuity, which I'm beginning to wonder why I'm leaving on because they're all dreadfully unexciting. Just over a month until Children's ITV launches!
Many thanks to both Jayne and Joe for lending me tapes with this episode.
(To the best of my knowledge, the contents of this video have never been available commercially anywhere in the world. Please also note that I don't monetise any of my uploads. Nevertheless, if you are a copyright holder and have an objection, please don't hesitate to contact me.)
20 мар 2018
