The Box of Delights 1.02

Where shall the 'nighted Showman go?

Kay helps Herne the Hunter to defend the camp from wolves. Before returning to the world that he comes from, Kay encounters Cole Hawlings. He gives Kay the Box of Delights. Mr. Hawlings knows he is being pursued and hopes that Kay can keep it safe. He explains how to use the box before leaving.

Kay wakes up back home in bed. He has the Box of Delights next to him. He and Peter get up early and head to King Arthur's Camp at Bottler's Down. They get there in time to see but not prevent the abduction of Mr. Hawlings. They go to the police to get help for Mr. Hawlings but the Inspector is convinced that what they witnessed was a prank.

They head home. The maid gives them a hard time for getting wet playing in the snow. Kay's aunt Caroline Louisa is still away. Kay and Peter decide not to stick around. They head back to King Arthur's Camp. They spot the two men who were dressed as clergymen digging in the snow looking for something.

Kay uses the Box of Delights he gets home. He locks himself in his room and opens the box he sees the world of Herne the Hunter. Herne invites Kay in. They explore the world first as deer, then birds, and then fish. Herne explains to Kay about the wolves that are hunting them. Kay returns to his room and finds that barely any time has passed.

Kay uses the box a second time to go small, as instructed by Cole Hawlings. He crawls through a hole in the floor and goes looking for the Prince Rupert Arms where Abner Brown and the rat are due to meet. He gets some help from a mouse. They are chased by rats but Kay uses the box to help them escape the rats.

Kay and Mouse find Abner Brown. They are still small so he can't see them but they overhear him talking to himself about Kay. He doesn't seem happy to have learned about Kay's visit to the police station.

Thoughts

This episode doesn't seem quite as busy as the last one. The table has been set, for the most part, and the story continues to unfold. I wasn't terribly impressed by the fight scene at the medieval camp but it's a children's show from 40 years ago so I don't really expect too much.