Bob and Dave couldn’t
be more ordinary names for a couple of tv writers who dreamt up some
extraordinary concepts in a number of Seventies Doctor Who stories
(including inventing K9) and in some of their own children’s series. King of the Castle is a seven part serial
produced by HTV snd shown in 1977. It was one of several keynote productions
ostensibly produced for kids though with a broader appeal such as Sky, Raven
and Children of the Stones. It may though be the most bizarre of them
all- “Kafka for kids” is how Bob Baker himself summarised it acknowledging Franz
Kafka’s story The Castle as an influence. Uncommitted viewers may find
the heightened scenarios too chaotic to appreciate but the serial was nominated
for a BAFTA. Originally meant to be shown on weeknights, transmission was
delayed until a slightly later Sunday slot could be found presumably to ensure
that parents could keep an eye on it. There are certainly some moments that
would disturb younger or more sensitive children especially in the first two
episodes.
