By Melissa Antoinette Garza
Why? Why can’t we have nice things? The abomination that was the THE CAT IN THE HAT (2003) movie has gotten multiple DVD releases. The irredeemable, worthless CAILLOU (1997) cartoon has countless episodes available to own. So, surely, THE INK THIEF (1994) a production on the scale of and as good as Jim Henson’s THE DARK CRYSTAL (1982) would have a release, right? Right? NO. Why do production companies hate making money?
THE INK THIEF (1994) ran in the UK in 1994 on ITV. Sadly, I have only been able to find the first four (of seven) episodes on YOUTUBE. The show follows Jim Waverley (Stefan Weclawek ), a young intelligent and artistic kid. Jim and his sister Sam (Felicity Todd) come across this mystical group of characters in a separate dimension. The first thing to know is that Jim is cooler than his sister Sam.
The leader in this new dimension is the librarian Miz Tiggle (Joyce Springer). For all intents and purposes, she’s intended to be the protagonist, but in my world, she’s the villain. Tiggle runs the Organization of Bumps (OOB). Among the characters, is one that refuses to bow down to evil Tiggle. He is The Ink Thief (Richard O’Brien) and lives below a toy shop. When Jim and Sam meet him, Jim is instantly taken in, whereas Sam just doesn’t get it. She, instead, sticks with boring Tiggle. Tiggle encourages Sam to keep Jim away from The Ink Thief for no reason (okay, maybe there’s a few reasons).
One reason, is that he hates children and seemingly only befriends Jim because he can use him. Some may try to sell you that the Ink Thief is the bad guy because of this, but he’s really a misunderstood, extremely attractive, genius. FINE! Yes, the fact that the character is portrayed by Richard O’Brien, may be influencing my take on who the heroes are in the tale; but it’s my review and in my reviews Richard O’Brien characters are NEVER the bad guys! So just know, I’m on The Ink Thief’s side, and in a way, this is kind of an article in defense of his motives.
Tiggle has an issue with the fact that The Ink Thief steals the imagination, out of books and other works of art, and then absorbs it, all in effort to become human. See, he just wants to be human (and take over the world)! If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance, you’re already a human. You were born human. The poor Ink Thief was not afforded this luxury! Who are you to criticize his efforts at progress?
And yes, he also has a plan to take over the world and a slightly unhealthy attraction to nuclear weapons; but I am like 75% sure he wouldn’t blow the world up…okay maybe 65%…..50% at least. It’s worth the chance. I mean, look at him. Look at how gorgeous he is. Just hand him the security codes, already. I’m sure it’ll be fine. (REASON#9,434,543,213 I should never be on a jury)
It is difficult to defend him for pretending to be Jim’s friend. He did lie about creating a peaceful world when that’s not precisely what he wanted. That seems pretty bad. On the other hand, Richard O’Brien is very sexy and The Ink Thief saw that Jim had a connection to the book of Infinite Power and that he could use the kid and the connection to implement his plan; and usually that would be a pretty awful thing to do, but …..and hear me out…… The Ink Thief has follow-through! He put a plan in motion and was going full-steam ahead, even if it meant he had to break a few eggs along the way. I respect that and you should too.
Not to mention, Jim got to hear The Ink Thief sing and my God, the music in this is amazing. Listen to Richard O’Brien belt out I’M ONLY HUMAN and tell me you wouldn’t hand him over the keys to the world. I would in a heartbeat. My last words to you all would be something like, “Sorry guys, we’re all gonna die because the Ink Thief is delectably sexy, sings like a goddamn angel and asked for permission to blow up the universe. I can’t say no to him. Peace out.”
Sadly, I haven’t been able to see the last few episodes because no one has a legit copy of the show. I’ve been trying to find a bootleg until an official release occurs, but no luck yet. I have to get myself to some local conventions and try to score a copy. I don’t know why this isn’t on DVD. It makes me so angry that no one has put this out. It looks as though at one time it was on VHS, and I’ll most likely be hunting one of those down, but until then, YOUTUBE is my go-to for greatness.
This is such a perfect series. It’s fun, whimsical, entertaining and intelligent. It doesn’t patronize the viewer and it doesn’t shy away from somewhat difficult topics. It makes for the best type of family viewing as it truly has something for all ages.
It goes without saying that I adore the casting. The kids are great and the supporting characters are amazing. That said, the show is completely stolen by Richard O’Brien. O’Brien could read a phone book and make it the most captivating thing ever released. He is the most enchanting and charming individual on the planet and regardless of the character his charisma pulls me in every time. Yes, I’m a bit obsessed.
There is this one perfect scene where The Ink Thief is playing on Jim’s sympathy. O’Brien delivers an amazing piece of dialogue where he defends characters like Dr. Frankenstein and he asks Jim to not judge him for his odd clothes or furniture. It is so terrific because O’Brien splendidly sells every word. As a viewer, who knows the Ink Thief is disingenuous,I still cheer for him and loathe Miz Tiggle. Even knowing he’s manipulating the situation, I desperately want him to get away with it.
Track this baby down and watch it pronto. This is something that is perfect to watch with your kids this time of year; and it’s a good way to find out if you have a cool kid. If they like this, you know you did your job as a parent or at the very least, you have a tyke with taste. Feel good about yourself.
Scared Stiff Rating: 10/10:
