The gang get a lead into the identity of the Headmaster…

Joseph Lidster’s script has to be the creepiest yet of this series, and confirms that this isn’t really Series 1 of The Demon Headmaster, but actually Series 4 – because the figure of Terrence Hardiman’s Headmaster looms large over events (quite literally in the case of the painting that the gang discover). The atmosphere is helped a great deal by an excellent location choice for the abandoned school, and some interesting camera angles from incoming director Jonathan Fox Bassett. Ellie Botterill, Dijarn Campbell and Lori Stott carry much of the episode with assured performances.

The Headmaster’s control is continuing to grow – mostly. We see the Champions in operation (sadly, not the ITC ones but the parents and carers who have come under his command), and another school apparently ready to become more Hazelbrook. But at least one person is starting to fight back – and the scenes between the two Jordans (Cramond as Tyler, Rankin as Blake) are some of the best of the series to date.

I suspect parents watching with their kids are going to be getting some questions about the original series, particularly after the name of the person who’s trying to warn them is revealed (and maybe sales of the original series may go up!).

The best moment of the episode, though, comes from Nicholas Gleaves’ Headmaster – I didn’t think it was possible to put so much contempt into the simple name of a play!

Verdict: One of the best episodes of a consistently strong series. 9/10

Paul Simpson