Thats rightThe Storyteller; a programme that if you blinked, you may have missed.

But, without a doubt, it holds an esteemed place on the mantle of Jim Hensons later life.

For a story from a realm called the late 1980s is about to begin.

Most people knowThe Dark CrystalandLabyrinth.

But, how aboutDreamchildorThe Witches?

Does that name ring a bell?

Oh, he just went on to direct a couple of films likeThe English PatientandThe Talented Mr Ripley.

A script is only a script, and words are only words.

Hurt, wearing elfin-like prosthetics, lent the show an alternating aura of mischievousness and dark gravitas.

The two swirled together, and you were never sure which one you were going to get.

When youre Jim Henson I dont imagine its very difficult to get top-notch British directors to work for you.

He enjoyed collaboration, teamwork, and what it brought to a project.

The original airings ofThe Storytellerare a lot like a tale told one too many times: a little muddled.

It is a bargain that will have dire consequences for them both.

Its another thing altogether to actually visualize it.

Fortunately this continued here.

While Rachel Portmans evocative theme song and score only served to heighten the emotions even further.

The bar had been raised and the stage had been successfully set for more.

Of the initial nine episodes it might be hard for some to pick a favourite.

He is hauled before the King himself with the threat of being boiled in oil in front of him.

But if he cant, the cooks oil awaits him.

Everything goes swimmingly for one year.

He benefits from the riches of the king, and even acquires a lovely wife.

That is until the very last day of the punishment when…

The Storyteller comes up a story short.

All the while John Hurt makes it look so effortless.

I dont considerThe Soldier and Deaththe best episode of the series.

I consider it to be one of the best things Jim Henson ever did.

He has nothing to show for it, but three biscuits that are sadly all he has for food.

While journeying along a lonely road he comes across three beggars and gives them the biscuits instead of money.

The prize if he wins?

Forty barrels of gold!

The soldier makes his way to the castle, with his lucky cards and magic sack in tow.

Now Im not one to spoil a good story.

The Soldier and Deathhas so much going for it, its impossible to fully put into words.

What begins as a romp of a story becomes something deeper, something more pensive.

However, its also a lot of fun.

Hensons camera swiftly pulls back to reveal the swarm of devils laughing and cackling at the card table.

It still gives me chills, and the animatronics beat CGI any day.

Like the best of Jim Hensons work,The Soldier and Deathruns the gamut of emotions.

The Storytellereventually finished its run in 1990 in a revamped format calledGreek Myths.

A mark of quality is when something you saw as a kid stays with you through the years.

It never leaves, and the imagery remains imprinted inside you.

For me,The Storytellerdoes just that.

Although Jim Henson no longer is here, his work and his message thankfully are.

But, that my friends, is another story.