Yonderland

Yonderland season 2 finale review

It's the thrilling conclusion of Yonderland's second season, and it's jolly thrilling indeed.

'Yonderland' season 2 episode 7 review: 'The Last Fahl'

The list of heroic tasks Debbie must contend with is seemingly never-ending, and this week in Yonderland, she's tasked with saving the last of the delicious Fahl.

Huzzah! Series two of the fantasy comedy from the makers of Horrible Histories has been as delightfully unmoored from reality as the first, featuring, among other things, hybrid human-kangaroo babysitters and Mackenzie Crook. There's also, to match its later timeslot, an ever-so-slight upping of its naughty elements, though it's still family-friendly enough to watch alongside the kids.

Yonderland season 2 episode 6 review: 'Game of Crones'

This week's episode of Yonderland had me in such stitches over a few of its more grown-up oriented gags and references, and I'm certain that were I myself a parent, there would have been plenty my hypothetical sprogs would have laughed along to as well.

Yonderland it is like a comedy Jaffa Cake

Once you watch this innovative comedy from the stars who brought you Horrible Histories there is no going back.

Yonderland season 2 episode 4 review: 'Up the Workers'

Some significant truths about Debbie's history come to light in this week's Yonderland episode, with what I expect will also be rather significant consequences. What fun!

Season 2 Episode 3 review: 'A Vicious Circle'

I don't know where Negatus got those sweet sailboat pyjamas in this week's episode of Yonderland, but boy do I wish I did: as he and his team face a vicious downsizing, at least he's doing it in style.

As a fan of the odd blend of puppetry and Monty Python-esque humour that series one delivered, I was glad to see Yonderland return for a second series. For those who missed the series the first time round, Yonderland is brought to us by the same team behind Horrible Histories. The first series saw ordinary housewife Debbie Maddox (Martha Howe-Douglas) transported to the eponymous fantasy land of the title as she was heralded as the person charged with bringing down the evil Negatus (Simon Farnaby). The double bill that Sky One aired on Monday night suggested that not much has changed as the tone of the show remains much the same. However the writing team has introduced a new villain in the form of Debbie's mortal enemy Imperatrix who is even more intent on destruction that the slightly campy Negatus. In the style of Monty Python each cast member plays multiple roles, some of which are recurring whilst others only feature in one episode. This to me adds a sketch show element to Yonderland which I quite enjoy and it seems that all the male members of the cast revel in portraying a number of outlandish characters. What the writing team has also nailed is how to deliver a successful family show with sight gags that appeal to the youngsters and more subtle lines that the adults will understand. In order to further entertain younger viewers, each episode ends with a moral message of sorts as Debbie is able to solve one minor problem in Yonderland before returning to her own home. There was also plenty of nice little parodies throughout the double bill, especially in the second episode where Negatus received an Ofsted inspection while Debbie worked with a detective who had a hint of Poirot about him. Although it's not exactly highbrow, Yonderland is a gloriously silly programme that doesn't take itself too seriously but at the same time it's clear that the writing team have worked hard to create a comedy that can be enjoyed by the whole family.