Have always been a fan of Jim Henson and 'The Storyteller' has always been a timeless classic of a series. Love all the episodes in their own way, though some are more special than others. A very mature series tonally but with enough to not make it too dark for kids with some episodes being quite playful. Those who love the Muppets, 'The Dark Crystal' and 'Labyrinth' but haven't somehow seen 'The Storyteller' yet should do so absolutely.
"Hans My Hedgehog" is an absolutely beautiful start to 'The Storyteller'. It has everything that makes the series so good, sets the tone beautifully and emotionally it is one of the series' most poignant. When it comes to picking favourite episodes of 'The Storyteller', "Hans My Hedgehog" is up there and that is primarily for the emotional impact and atmosphere (the latter of which was a consistent good thing in the series) on top of the usual good things that the series had.
Everything works here. Visually, "Hans My Hedgehog" is splendid. Absolutely love the atmosphere present in the sets and the episode is beautifully shot, but it is the puppetry that shines most of it. Both spooky and beautiful. The music score similarly enchants, is hauntingly beautiful and its melancholic tone fits like a glove with the story's atmosphere.
The writing always engages with a wide mix of emotions evoked, neither feeling too hammy or too wordy. The story is charming and also very moving, while the characters are ones worth rooting for and not too much like fairytale cliches.
John Hurt is perfectly cast as the Storyteller and Brian Henson brings the Storyteller's dog to life with a lot of life. The acting within the story is fine, especially from the lead.
Concluding, wonderful first episode. 10/10.
