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 Three Ravens", based on one of my favourite fairytales 'The Wild Swans' with a darker twist, is one of my favourite episodes of 'The Storyteller', with my favourite being "The Soldier and Death". It doesn't quite have the emotional impact of that episode, but still has that component and is also another one of the best acted and written. So another episode of 'The Storyteller' that falls in the special category and a very strong example of why the show is as good as it is and more than just childhood nostalgia.
Everything works here. "The Three Ravens" is one of the best looking episodes, looking splendid. 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.
Writing always engages with a wide mix of emotions evoked, neither feeling too hammy or too wordy and instead poetic and witty. The story is charming and also very moving, couldn't help tearing up at the end, with a touch of darkness that doesn't ever become traumatising.
Characters are spot on, with a very easy to relate to lead character. As said, "The Three Ravens" is one of the best acted episodes of 'The Storyteller' with top honours going to Miranda Richardson at her most hateable. John Hurt is perfectly cast in the title role of the show, and it was interesting seeing a young Joely Richardson (daughter of Vanessa Redgrave) and very appealing she is too.
In conclusion, another winner and one of the best episodes. 10/10.
