In some ways it was almost a shame not to open the series with this episode, because with the appearance of the rocket, some hilarious sight gags (Wallace ‘flying’ at the beginning was great), and the whole ‘B Story’ of poor Gromit locked in the rocket (Wallace on the phone was so, so funny! The first time ‘World of Invention’ has had me laughing properly out loud – something I did 3 times in this episode...!), this was more ‘Wallace and Gromit’ than Episode 1.

Indeed, while last week the inventions overshadowed the Wallace and Gromit moments, this week the balance was perfect. The inventions will still superbly chosen however, and I’m sure interested everyone of any age.

We had analysis of technology we are all aware of with the jetpack, the inspiring story of a British-grown rocket, and the piece on Mesmer and his flying bicycle designs is perhaps the most poignant ‘live action’ sequence of the series so far. All utterly inspiring stuff, which is the most important point of this show.

All in all, while I enjoyed the episode last week, if this episode is anything to go by things are going to get even better!

There was only one moment to sour the episode... And that was when I realised that BBC iPlayer is not keeping all the episodes on their ‘Catch Up’ service. With shows like ‘Bang Goes the Theory’ getting the ‘Catch Up’ treatment (where episodes are kept viewable on iPlayer longer than a week – right up until the series ends. So, for example, you could now watch Episode 1 and Episode 2, rather than Episode 1 being removed because it is a week since it aired), and with the huge interest surrounding Wallace and Gromit, plus the perhaps awkward for some 7:30pm slot, this seems to be a real shame.

But still – great work Aardman! Can’t wait for next Wednesday, I just hope people hung around for Episode 2 if they weren’t so keen on Episode 1.

Comments