7.8 /10 1 Votes
Developed by Cosgrove Hall Films Original language(s) English Final episode date 20 February 1986 Networks ITV, CBeebies, CITV | 7.7/10 IMDb Country of origin United Kingdom First episode date 13 November 1985 Number of episodes 13 Program creators Brian Cosgrove, Mark Hall | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Created by Brian Cosgrove
Mark Hall Starring Richard Briers
Jimmy Hibbert
Myfanwy Talog
Brian Trueman
Brian Wilde Opening theme "Alias the Jester" by Keith Hopwood and Malcolm Rowe Cast Richard Briers, Brian Trueman, Jimmy Hibbert, Myfanwy Talog, Brian Wilde Similar Moschops, The Adventures of Sir Pra, Noah and Nelly in SkylArk, The Adventures of Portlan, Hattytown Tales | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Alias the Jester is a British animated series created by Cosgrove Hall Films, airing in 13 episodes on ITV starting on 13 November 1985. The show also aired in Australia in 1987 during the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's (ABC) after school timeslot and is considered one of the Classic ABC shows. GBC TV in Gibraltar aired the series multiple times in the late eighties, notably as a filler during the children's 6:30pm–7:30pm weekday slot.
Contents
Alias the jester opening and ending theme
Synopsis
The show follows the adventures of a time traveller by the name of Alias and his dog-like companion Boswell. After their malfunctioning ship gets stuck in the Earth's magnetic pole, they crash-land in a Middle Age kingdom called Houghton Bottoms, ruled by the diminutive King Arthur and his Queen Edith. Taking up a secret identity of sorts as Alias the Jester, he gains employment at the court and befriends the bumbling court wizard Meredith. When the situation calls for it, Alias instantly changes back into his red uniform, which enables him to fly, and presumably a degree of super strength, which he can use to face the various villains of the show. Each episode inevitably ends with Arthur firing Alias and Meredith (exception being the initial episode in which Arthur proclaims "you're hired").
Characters
Alias the Jester - A "time traveller bold" as said in the title track. After crashing in the Middle Ages he gets a job as a jester for King Arthur. He also fights crime as the Red Knight, who the wizard Meredith believes he summoned. Alias is a stereotypical hero in many ways, possessing an urge to do what is right, however he also has a distinct but subtle sarcastic edge, which he sometimes uses in conversation, especially with Meredith. The feathers on his head appear to be part of his head rather than his suit as they are seen moving and could be the source of his flight.
Boswell - Alias' dog-like alien companion, apparently possessing a fairly high intellect as he is able to understand Alias and take orders. He is, however, only able to communicate with beeping and honking sounds, which presumably make up his language. Often he is among the first to sense danger.
Meredith - The bumbling but well-meaning court wizard of King Arthur. In an attempt to save the kingdom from its various enemies, he tried to summon a magical Red Knight. At that moment, completely coincidentally, Alias' ship crashed. From that point on, Meredith believes him to be the hero he had summoned.
DVD release
The entire series was released on DVD in March 2006 alongside Avenger Penguins.