The Stone Circle. T-Bag stands accused of using her powers for evil means, and is stripped of her magic by the High T. Lady herself. But a turn of events leads to the perfect opportunity to seize control once and for all - the only things she requires are the silver spoons. Needless to say, all eight are soon scattered far and wide, and a new quest begins! This episode was originally broadcast on Tuesday, 3rd January, 1989.

In a slight change to the usual formula, the series opens in the T-Bag universe, and the above scene is actually set before we get to the curiosity shop. But when we do get there, we're treated to some heart-warming dialogue between John Hasler and Kellie Bright, peppered with old-fashioned politeness and general niceness.

Yes, *that* Kellie Bright.

Long before the days of EastEnders, Strictly, and even The Upper Hand, Kellie was the girl-on-a-quest for two series and one Christmas special of T-Bag - and very, very good she was, too. Of course, you may also remember her from Bad Girls, Rock and Chips, Maid Marian and Her Merry Men, or as Ali G's Julie, amongst other roles.

The series opener is always a set-up episode, but that doesn't mean this isn't a lot of fun. I love the fact that the peril goes from 0 to 100 in the blink of an eye as Sally is not only transported into the T. Set, but also instantly done up as if by a cross between a silent movie cad and a Bond villain. The discovery of the secret passage by leaning on the lever is a bit of a cliche, but carried off well enough, and Elizabeth Estensen has as much gravitas as ever in what would prove to be her last series. We're also treated to some flashbacks to highlights from previous years, though whether this was entirely creative or down to practicalities (i.e. the episode running short), we may never know.

Here's something: I'm pretty sure both T-Bag and T-Shirt refer to "Sally Simpkins", without Sally ever telling anyone her surname. Am I wrong? Still, speaking of surnames, perhaps the High T. Lady referring to our new heroine as being "young and Bright" is an in-joke.

Look out for the Children's ITV continuity clips at the beginning and end, presented by Mark Granger.

Many thanks to Grant for providing this recording.

(To the best of my knowledge, the contents of this video have never been available commercially anywhere in the world. Please also note that I don't monetise any of my uploads. Nevertheless, if you are a copyright holder and have an objection, please don't hesitate to contact me.)

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