Have always been a fan of Jim Henson and 'The Storyteller' has always been a timeless classic of a series. Love all the episodes in their own way, though some are more special than others. A very mature series tonally but with enough to not make it too dark for kids with some episodes being quite playful. Those who love the Muppets, 'The Dark Crystal' and 'Labyrinth' but haven't somehow seen 'The Storyteller' yet should do so absolutely.
'The Storyteller' started off beautifully with "Hans My Hedgehog" and the second episode "Fearnot" is every bit as outstanding in its way and also for similar reasons, except not as poignant and instead goes for the creepier atmosphere. Which is not a bad thing at all, Henson proved with 'The Dark Crystal' that he could do dark and frightening wonderfully. It is not quite one of the best episodes of the series, unlike "Hans My Hedgehog", but what worked so brilliantly in that episode works equally so here in "Fearnot".
"Fearnot" succeeds in every department. It again looks splendid visually. Absolutely love the atmosphere present in the sets and the episode is beautifully shot, but it is the puppetry that shines most of it. Both spooky and beautiful. The music score similarly enchants, is hauntingly beautiful and its melancholic tone fits like a glove with the story's atmosphere.
The writing always engages with a wide mix of emotions evoked, neither feeling too hammy or too wordy. The story is charming but even more so dark and unsettling without being traumatising and very true to Soviet, German and Eastern Europe folklore in spirit. While the characters are ones worth rooting for and not too much like fairytale cliches.
John Hurt is perfectly cast as the Storyteller and Brian Henson brings the Storyteller's dog to life with a lot of life. Had no issue with the acting in the story and the chemistry between Fearnot and McKay was believable with the right amount of companionship and mystery.
Concluding, fantastic once again. 10/10.
'The Storyteller' started off beautifully with "Hans My Hedgehog" and the second episode "Fearnot" is every bit as outstanding in its way and also for similar reasons, except not as poignant and instead goes for the creepier atmosphere. Which is not a bad thing at all, Henson proved with 'The Dark Crystal' that he could do dark and frightening wonderfully. It is not quite one of the best episodes of the series, unlike "Hans My Hedgehog", but what worked so brilliantly in that episode works equally so here in "Fearnot".
"Fearnot" succeeds in every department. It again looks splendid visually. Absolutely love the atmosphere present in the sets and the episode is beautifully shot, but it is the puppetry that shines most of it. Both spooky and beautiful. The music score similarly enchants, is hauntingly beautiful and its melancholic tone fits like a glove with the story's atmosphere.
The writing always engages with a wide mix of emotions evoked, neither feeling too hammy or too wordy. The story is charming but even more so dark and unsettling without being traumatising and very true to Soviet, German and Eastern Europe folklore in spirit. While the characters are ones worth rooting for and not too much like fairytale cliches.
John Hurt is perfectly cast as the Storyteller and Brian Henson brings the Storyteller's dog to life with a lot of life. Had no issue with the acting in the story and the chemistry between Fearnot and McKay was believable with the right amount of companionship and mystery.
Concluding, fantastic once again. 10/10.
