Wallace And Gromit's World Of Invention: Episode 1

If you think that it's acceptable for one of Britain's most beloved plasticine characters to look you straight in the eye and say "Pull your finger out and get clicking!", then perhaps Wallace & Gromit's World Of Invention is for you.

Sadly, this new six-part outing for West Wallaby Street's finest proves to be less than a world of invention and more of a cul-de-sac of regurgitation - repetition being the format.

It's odd. Damn odd. You have what is essentially Wallace and Gromit fronting a Tomorrow's World themed episode of The One Show, with awkward links and dull guests to match.

The features, looking at real-life inventors and their inventions, look and sound like they were produced by one of the Beeb's local news outlets. As interesting as autonomous carnivorous robotic furniture based on the Venus Fly Trap is, you may well wonder just why you're watching.

Taking the majority of narrating this sorry affair is the usually sparkling Ashley Jensen (Extras, Ugly Betty), but here she adds nothing to the proceedings. In fact, her dull tones will make you question why the programme makers bothered to get a "name" in to the job that sounds like it was performed by an intern.

The sequences starring Nick Park's creations are typically well-produced, demonstrating all the imagination and fun witnessed in their previous outings. We also get introduced to a rather gigglesome elephant named Kevin, who looks like he could be a fun addition the W&G universe.

However, despite the joy at seeing two of the finest animated characters created back on screen, there is only disappointment on this tonally inappropriate and insubstantial return.



Airs at 7.30pm on Wednesday 3rd November 2010 on BBC One.

Reviewed by Cameron K McEwan.