Children of the Dog Star (1984)

Children of the Dog Star (1984)

Dir. Chris Bailey | 6 episodes, approx 28 minutes each.

While staying at her uncle's New Zealand farm, twelve-year-old Gretchen is drawn to the unusual "brass daisy" weathervane located atop the barn.

Neither her aunt nor uncle knows when, why or how it got there. Gretchen later learns that local Maori legends tell of something unnatural sleeping nearby that mustn't be awakened. When she begins to experience strange dreams she suspects that all the separate incidents may somehow be connected.

Children of the Dog Star was a mid-80s children's TV show that wasn't afraid to offer lofty concepts to its young target audience, while simultaneously keeping things simple by utilising basic character types/traits that would connect with a wide range of viewers; types such as the inquisitive child, the neglected child, and the misunderstood child that frequently finds trouble even when not seeking it.

It splits the adults into three distinct camps, too: the money-hungry villains who care nothing for conservation of the environment; the caring and patient guardian who's respectful of local traditions; and, at the other end of the spectrum, the simple folk who like to find the good in everyone but have neglected their history. The last group are painted much too blank and often come across more like village idiots.

It presents the kind of story you'd have found in the teen section of the library, the 'suitable for all ages' team-up adventure that sees children overcome obstacles and attempt to uncover hidden truths, while simultaneously finding their roles in life. It's mostly predictable and safe. However, the last episode pulled out all the tricks. I was surprised at the turn of events taken.

-The strange weathervane.-