The Demon Headmaster lead writer Emma Reeves goes behind the scenes of the latest episode

Episode 5 is the final episode of block one, and the last to be directed by John McKay. It’s very much focused on the young protagonists, and the emotional consequences of the Headmaster’s conditioning.

Andrew Burrell, the writer of episode 5, was interested in exploring what happens when the Demon Headmaster goes away. The gang have just learned that he aims to take over many more schools, not just Hazelbrook – so when he goes to visit another school they aim to seize the chance to disrupt his orderly regime.

The newly-awakened Angelika is determined to change her mother Mrs Maron back to the free-thinking activist she used to be. By inviting mum’s ex girlfriend Kerri to write a report on Hazelbrook, Angelika hopes to use memories and emotions to break through the Headmaster’s conditioning. She’s convinced that once the Deputy Head remembers who she really is, she will be able to stand up to the Headmaster.

Meanwhile, Lizzie has learned the hard way that messing with the Headmaster’s mental programming brings its own dangers. She was even forced to seek the Headmaster’s help when Ethan was traumatised by the memory of his parents’ death. However, while Lizzie worries about upsetting Ethan’s fragile equilibrium, Ethan himself is enthusiastically helping Angelika with her plan – a plan which may risk destroying him…

Secrets and miscommunication are big themes in this episode. Is Lizzie right to keep Ethan’s secret? Should she tell the others? Does Angelika’s big plan risk backfiring on Ethan?

Lizzie has seen Blake, Angelika and Ethan’s families changed by the Headmaster, and worries about her own parents. She rushes home from school and tries to talk to her mum – but of course, she can’t explain what’s really going on. I love this scene and it really illustrates what’s so clever about Gillian’s premise. For generations, kids and their parents have known that school and home are different worlds, with different rules. Parents (mostly) want to know what’s really going on at school, and help if possible – but every school, and every clique, has its own unwritten rules, and outsiders will never truly understand. The Headmaster’s powers only serve to heighten this universal rule. I think the frustration here, and the struggle to communicate, is something that school pupils and their parents can all relate to.

Despite setbacks, the gang’s plan almost works thanks to Tyler, who bravely triggers Blake to bully him in front of Kerri. Kerri stands up to the Headmaster, and appears to escape unhypnotised. But the Headmaster reveals that he doesn’t have to be present in person to exert his power…

Is there no limit to the Headmaster’s capabilities? Who is this extraordinary being? He doesn’t even appear to have a name… Hoping that the key to defeating the Headmaster can be found in his mysterious past, the gang decide to investigate. Find out what they discover next week, in Joseph Lidster’s game-changing episode 6!