Twirlywoos

Stop motion animation: four cuddly birdlike creatures inhabiting a red submarine (along with a strange starry creature that hides in abject terror whenever he hears them approach, which throws up all kinds of ramifications we sadly don't have time to unpack). Rather like Teletubbies before it, each episode sees them observing real-world behaviour before returning to the submarine in order to drink juice, play with stacking blocks and interact with a sentient car. The educational value is ostensibly tied up with schemas – hence numerous episodes about sensory activities – but if nothing else it's an excuse for a new set of cute characters with international marketing appeal and copious licensing opportunities. Imbibed with that same magic formula that Ragdoll bring to most of their work, Twirlywoos feels like the show Boohbah really ought to have been – quirky and surreal, but ultimately far less freakish. — James

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