At just 26'34m long, this is the shortest episode of the entire series.
Christopher Leaver's character of an eccentric, forgetful, half-deaf butler is revealed to be entirely a persona within the context of the series. His real, younger and red-haired self is seen during this episode and Episode #1.4 (1980), and he refers to having to "dress up" to become the character.
Although only seen in the disguise during Episode #1.3 (1980) and Episode #1.5 (1980), he still speaks in a more intelligent, calculating manner when the contestants aren't around to observe him. This concept of it being an assumed "persona" seems to have been either forgotten or deliberately discarded in later series.
Although only seen in the disguise during Episode #1.3 (1980) and Episode #1.5 (1980), he still speaks in a more intelligent, calculating manner when the contestants aren't around to observe him. This concept of it being an assumed "persona" seems to have been either forgotten or deliberately discarded in later series.
There are four uses of "fade to black" in this episode, presumably because the puzzles were so difficult in this first edition, causing either the need to cut for outside help, or simply because the footage shot wasn't engaging enough.
Although credited by her alien name of "Darong", Moira Stuart introduces herself by her real name throughout the series.
It's not clear if this was the intention for all the alien characters at this early stage: around the 8'40m mark, Christopher Leaver calls Charmian Gradwell "Charmian" instead of "Gnoard" - whether this is a mistake or deliberate isn't revealed.
To add to the confusion, a final game for the contestants reveals that Charmian Gradwell's name is "Whats".
It's not clear if this was the intention for all the alien characters at this early stage: around the 8'40m mark, Christopher Leaver calls Charmian Gradwell "Charmian" instead of "Gnoard" - whether this is a mistake or deliberate isn't revealed.
To add to the confusion, a final game for the contestants reveals that Charmian Gradwell's name is "Whats".