Mortimer and Arabel

Mortimer and Arabel is a heart-warming family-oriented show that aired on BBC 1 from 1993 to 1994. It artfully brings to life the classic children’s book series of the same name written by Joan Aiken and illustrated by Quentin Blake. The series is set against the colourful backdrop of the bustling city of London and deftly melds elements of the fantastic with a tangible, everyday realism.

At the core of the series is the deeply endearing friendship between Arabel Jones, a kind-hearted and adventurous young girl, and Mortimer, an eccentric, sometimes cantankerous, but invariably lovable raven. Arabel’s innocence and kind-heartedness often clash with Mortimer’s decidedly more unruly and unpredictable nature, crafting an interesting dynamic that keeps audiences keenly engaged episode after episode. Mortimer is notorious for his catchphrase, "Nevermore!", which he barks out at most opportune, and often, rather incongruous moments, adding a tinge of comedic relief to the narrative.

Set in the Rumbury Town area of London, Mortimer and Arabel leverages its urban setting to portray a vibrant tapestry of life in the city. The backdrop serves as a colourful playground for Arabel’s varied escapades with Mortimer. From quiet cobble-stone streets to bustling marketplaces, from tranquil parks to terraced houses, the show captures the city’s spirit and infectious energy wonderfully, making it almost an independent character within the series.

The central narrative is supported by a cast of wonderfully unique secondary characters. One of the notable faces is Mr. Jones, Arabel's taxi-driving father, who often finds himself unwittingly involved in the raven's crazy antics. Arabel's mother, Mrs. Jones, though often exasperated by Mortimer's chaos-causing antics, harbours a fondness for him. A multitude of other interesting supporting characters from diverse walks of life adds to the wonderful chaos and enigmatic charm of Rumbury Town.

One of the most prominent aspects of the series is its striking blend of intense drama and exhilarating adventure presented through the lens of a highly imaginative narrative. Mortimer's taste for chaos and calamity often sees him unwittingly entangled in all sorts of mischief and mayhem, which Arabel tirelessly endeavours to resolve.

The series also holds an impressive aesthetic appeal. The unique visual style is heavily influenced by Quentin Blake's original illustrations, translating the books' lively energy perfectly onto the small screen. The stop-motion animation brings the world of Mortimer and Arabel to life in delightful detail, lending it a tactile quality that enhances the narrative's overall appeal.

What sets Mortimer and Arabel apart is its meaningful exploration of various themes. The series doesn't shy away from dealing with complex emotions such as fear, anxiety, and attachment, viewed through the innocent lens of Arabel's unyielding friendship with Mortimer. The episodes also subtly impart valuable life lessons about kindness, understanding, bravery, and perseverance without ever being overly preachy or patronising.

From its colorful stop-motion animation and charming character dynamic, Mortimer and Arabel offers an appealing mix of comedy, adventure, and drama. While primarily targeted at a younger audience, the series' nuanced storytelling, appealing characters, and layered narrative offer ample entertainment for adults as well. Its universal themes of friendship, bravery and the navigation of complex emotions are relatable to all, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who have had the pleasure of watching it.

In its short run of around two years, Mortimer and Arabel undeniably left an indelible mark in the universe of children's television and continues to hold a nostalgic corner in the hearts of those who grew up watching it. The show remains a timeless piece, a testament to the power of innocent and well-crafted storytelling which continues to delight audiences of all ages to this day.