The Trap Door: The Classic Kids TV Series

Somewhere in the dark and nasty regions… where nobody goes…

Hands up who remembers The Trap Door, the beloved classic kids TV series from the 80s and 90s. Join us as we dive deep into the enchanting world of this stop motion animation, reminiscing about its memorable characters, captivating storyline, and enduring charm. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and relive the magic of “The Trap Door.”

How Many Episodes of The Trap Door Were There?

“The Trap Door” made its debut on ITV in 1986, instantly captivating the hearts of children across the nation. The initial run comprised 25 episodes, leaving a lasting impression on all those who tuned in. However, it wasn’t until 1990 that a second series was commissioned, gifting us an additional 15 episodes to further enrich the series.

Unveiling the Enigma: What Was The Trap Door All About?

Created by the talented minds of Terry Brain and Charlie Mills, each episode of “The Trap Door” was a bite-sized adventure, lasting approximately four minutes. Set within the confines of a mysterious castle, the story revolved around two central characters and the enigmatic Trap Door itself.

The focal point of the series was a creature known as The Thing Upstairs, who held ownership of the castle. Our attention, however, was directed towards his bumbling servant, Berk. Berk, a lovable round blue creature, spent his days diligently attending to the mundane tasks assigned to him by The Thing Upstairs—primarily centered around preparing his master’s dinners.

Berk’s misadventures would often involve sourcing peculiar ingredients like mud, worms, or eyeballs for these unconventional meals. But what truly made each episode unpredictable was Berk’s irresistible temptation to open the ever-present Trap Door.

Meet the Trap Door Crew: Berk, Boni, and Drutt

Berk’s comical escapades were further enhanced by the presence of his loyal friend and advisor, Boni. A human skull adorned with a posh English accent, Boni’s charmingly terrified demeanor provided comic relief and cautionary warnings to Berk about the perils of the Trap Door. Unfortunately, Berk’s curiosity usually prevailed over Boni’s advice, leading to chaotic and often hilarious consequences.

Adding to the whimsical chaos was Berk’s mischievous pet, Drutt. Resembling a giant spider, Drutt’s relentless pursuit of worms would inadvertently result in frequent mishaps—knocking over Berk and Boni, unintentionally triggering the opening of the Trap Door.

The Enigmatic Thing Upstairs

While The Thing Upstairs, the master of the castle, remained an enigma throughout the series, his presence was deeply felt. Rarely seen but often heard, he would bark orders and rush Berk in his endeavors, leaving no doubt about his grumpy and impatient nature. Berk’s descriptions of The Thing Upstairs only amplified the impression that disturbing him could have dire consequences, a notion that added an extra layer of intrigue to the storyline.

As we reminisce about “The Trap Door,” we can’t help but appreciate the timeless appeal it held for children and adults alike. Its endearing characters, quirky narrative, and clever blend of humor and adventure made it an unforgettable part of our childhoods.

So, whether you’re revisiting this cherished series or discovering it for the first time, prepare to be captivated by the enchanting world of “The Trap Door.” Open the Trap Door and embark on a journey of nostalgia, where imagination knows no bounds.

Best Episodes of The Trap Door (1984)

In the beloved classic kids TV series, “The Trap Door” from 1984, there were numerous episodes that left a lasting impression on viewers of all ages. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout episodes that showcased the charm and creativity of this timeless show.

1. “The Big Red Thing”

In this episode, Berk stumbles upon a mysterious red object that appears in the castle. As Berk and Boni investigate, they discover that the object has the power to grant wishes. However, they soon learn that wishes can have unexpected consequences, leading to comedic chaos and valuable life lessons.

2. “Trouble Below”

In “Trouble Below,” the Trap Door unleashes a swarm of mischievous creatures into the castle. Berk and Boni must work together to restore order and prevent further havoc. This episode showcases the resourcefulness of the characters and their ability to overcome challenges in the face of adversity.

3. “The Great Escape”

“The Great Escape” takes Berk and Boni on a thrilling adventure as they find themselves trapped outside the castle. With their wits and courage, they navigate treacherous obstacles and outsmart their enemies in their quest to return home. This episode highlights the resilience and determination of the main characters.

4. “A Surprise for Berk”

In this heartwarming episode, Berk’s friends and the creatures of the castle come together to plan a surprise birthday celebration for Berk. The episode showcases the importance of friendship, kindness, and the joy of sharing special moments with loved ones.

5. “The Thingy”

“The Thingy” introduces a mysterious creature that emerges from the Trap Door. Berk and Boni must unravel the secrets surrounding this new arrival while dealing with its peculiar behavior. This episode adds an element of intrigue and expands the fantastical world of “The Trap Door.”

6. “Monster Bash”

In “Monster Bash,” the castle becomes a gathering place for various monsters from different dimensions. Berk and Boni find themselves in the midst of a wild and entertaining party, filled with unexpected encounters and hilarious situations. This episode showcases the show’s ability to introduce new characters and deliver memorable moments.

7. “Into the Unknown”

“Into the Unknown” takes Berk on a daring exploration beyond the castle walls. As he embarks on a journey into uncharted territory, he encounters strange creatures and discovers hidden secrets. This episode highlights the adventurous spirit of the series and the excitement of venturing into the unknown.

8. “The Final Door”

In the captivating finale, “The Final Door,” Berk and Boni face their greatest challenge yet. As they confront the mysteries of the final door, they uncover the truth about the castle and its inhabitants. This episode brings the series to a satisfying conclusion while leaving viewers with a sense of wonder and nostalgia.

These are just a few examples of the fantastic episodes that made “The Trap Door” such a beloved series. Each episode offered unique adventures, clever humor, and valuable life lessons, captivating audiences and leaving a lasting impact. Whether you’re reliving these episodes or discovering them for the first time, prepare to be enchanted by the timeless magic of “The Trap Door.”

The Trap Door on the ZX Spectrum

A Perfect Adaptation of the TV Show

Trap Door was based on the immensely popular children’s TV programme of the same name. Don Priestley, the mastermind behind the game’s development, skillfully captured the essence of the cartoon, bringing its dark and mysterious castle to life on the ZX Spectrum. From the dank atmosphere to the whimsical characters, every aspect of the TV show was faithfully recreated, allowing players to immerse themselves in this captivating universe.

The Quest of Berk

In Trap Door, players assume the role of Berk, the courageous hero from the TV show. Berk’s mission is to explore the various rooms of the castle and gather the objects needed to satisfy the boss, known as ‘Thing.’ Guided by Thing’s impatient orders, players must navigate within a time limit, concocting the perfect snacks for the enigmatic boss. But beware! Below the trapdoor lies a host of treacherous creatures, each with its own unique attributes. It’s up to you to open the trapdoor and discover the creature that will aid you in completing your tasks.

Secrets and Challenges Await

The castle is brimming with hidden objects and cooking utensils necessary for Berk’s culinary quests. Players must carefully inspect their surroundings, tilting and manipulating objects to uncover hidden treasures. Combining these objects with the appropriate trapdoor monster allows Berk to prepare the delectable meals required by Thing. But be cautious! A single misstep could cost you vital objects, rendering the task impossible to complete. In such dire situations, Berk’s only option is to sacrifice himself by throwing him into the abyss below the trapdoor. Talk about a harsh consequence!

A follow-up was released in 1986 called “Through the Trap Door” – but more about that another time!