Tyler and Lizzie return from six months in America to discover their school has changed. A lot.

There’s a lot to get sorted out in this opening episode for the return of the Demon Headmaster, two decades since his last appearance on television, and lead writer Emma Reeves (not Gemma, as iPlayer would have you believe!) deftly juggles the requirements of backstory, characterisation and plot momentum to give a strong start to the series. If you’re aware of the character of the Headmaster – either from what I suppose will now be referred to as the ‘classic’ series or from Gillian Cross’ novels – then you’ll see an upgraded version, personified by Nicholas Gleaves. To those who don’t, then there’s plenty of food for thought – from the eerie way in which everyone at the school chants certain phrases, to the thoughts and ideas that suddenly populate their brains.

Gleaves and Shonagh Price as his… well, we’re not quite sure what their relationship is yet, but she’s clearly his subordinate… carry the necessary air of authority with them aided by some smart directorial choices by John McKay (such as the way the Headmaster’s presence is felt during the mini-riot at the drinks counter). Ellie Botterill’s Lizzie is an effective heroine, and the casting of the youngsters across the board feels strong.

Verdict: A strong opening episode. 8/10

Paul Simpson

Read lead writer Emma Reeves’ commentary on episode 1 here