The Night of No Tomorrow

The Night of No Tomorrow (1983)

The kids search for Merlin, while Dungeon Master warns them about the danger ahead - Venger. Their only clue is that they'll know him by his white hare.

This is a very solid series opener; it definitely draws you into a world of fantasy, filled with wizards and dragons. It's the kind of episode that makes you want to binge-watch the rest.

Each of the kids has something to do - none of them are here just to make up the numbers.

I'm watching this at the same time as He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, both shows I loved from my childhood. I always thought Dungeons & Dragons was a little darker - Venger definitely more malign than Skeletor.

Venger is genuinely malevolent here. His treatment of Presto is quite sinister; unlike Skeletor, he isn't 'cartoonish' (no pun intended).

Like Masters of the Universe, the first episode plays as a standalone adventure, relying on the opening credits to provide the backstory.

It's a very fine first episode - a lovely journey into the realm of Dungeons & Dragons.

8/10.