University of Chichester Media Alumni Jamie Dyer writes about the debut episode of Teddy Trucks.
This is the beginning of what I hope will be a series of articles focusing on individual episodes of one TV show. Old Time Review has done this previously with some success, and I wanted to pick up the mantle and continue it. For my first batch, I wanted to start small with something that I know is something of a lost classic from the 1990s.
The first show that I shall be going through is Teddy Trucks, a British animated show that ran for one series in 1994. It was a collaboration between Abbey Broadcast Communications and the BBC. It ran for one series of thirteen episodes, each five minutes in length. The show was based on the books by author and illustrator, Michelle Cartlidge. The show followed a group of bears who work for a company called Teddy Trucks.
Jonathan Kydd and Carole Boyd performed all of the voices. Characters included Boss Bear, Dusty, Bella, Wilson, Jacko, Gerry, and Rosie; All wore distinctive clothing.
Why I Chose Teddy Trucks
I hold dear memories of this show, which I first encountered through a video compilation. Subsequently, I watched more episodes on a dedicated series video. Nowadays, all episodes are legally accessible on YouTube. As a child, I was drawn to it because it featured teddy bears driving trucks, alongside an incredible theme song..
As an adult, I see it as yet another example of a real-life concept, which can be dull, being translated to a young audience. It lacks the excitement of Fireman Sam and Postman Pat, but it does sit alongside Bertha as a calm yet silently cutting social commentary.
This show’s vibe resembles a workplace sitcom, toned down for a younger audience. It’s like a juvenile version of Taxi with a dash of Happy Days wrapped up in British wit. To top it off, it is orchestrated by an American-style soundtrack!
Basic Details of the Episode:
Episode Title: Gerry’s Big Move
Air Date: 4th of January 1994
Duration: 5 Minutes
Written by: Chris Allen
Episode Summary and Review
Boss Bear has jobs for every driver except Gerry, who is in reserve. While anxiously waiting with his dog Nuttley. he discovers Mr Mold moving furniture. Gerry calls on the entire fleet to help out, only to discover a mistake has been made.
Impressions:
From the off, the series’ humour is plain to see. Boss Bear appears clueless about how the company functions, with his secretary constantly reminding him. No doubt used as a function to explain certain manoeuvres to younger viewers, but also a comment on the hierarchal structure of business. It also helps lead to comedic mishaps, as a competent Boss Bear may have listened to the client and avoided the mixup.
This episode introduces several key settings that will become staples in future instalments. We’re given a glimpse into the Boss’s office, serving as a hub for all the trucking action. Additionally, the cafe emerges as a central gathering spot for the characters, a classic sitcom element with a history spanning decades.
One aspect that stood out to me during this episode was the use of regional accents. Undoubtedly, this serves to differentiate each character, yet I found Gerry’s use of the Birmingham dialect was unexpected. It seems the 90s marked a period when this became more common.
Viewing as an adult I was slightly puzzled that the whole fleet could be summoned so quickly, as they were all doing jobs elsewhere. Perhaps they had all finished simultaneously? Or maybe the lure of a big job called them away? The most realistic in this situation was Bella, who turned up a little later than the others.
Visuals and Production
The colours are bright and catchy, while the animation style is very limited. Character mouths open and close, and arms and legs will move, but that is about it. I always found this style quite appealing, as it feels like a storybook trying to be faithful to the source material. The story is what matters here, and the humour-tinged dialogue from the characters.
Themes and Messages
This is the part where I will probably slip up. It seemed to me, that the story was about patience, and making sure you listen before jumping in. Gerry was so desperate to get back to work that he didn’t listen to Mr Mold.
Conclusion
Being the first episode of the series, it had a tough job. The concept is introduced simply and with humour through Gerry’s misunderstanding of a person’s situation: driven by his eagerness to work and sheer boredom. Teddy Trucks started strong, with age-appropriate humour and gentle storytelling. I would imagine the rest of the series follows this pattern, I look forward to finding out.
Share Your Thoughts!
What did you think of “Gerry’s Big Move”? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment below or connect with us on social media. Stay tuned for our next feature on Bella’s Birthday Party.
