When Danger Mouse was first broadcast in the 1980s, I confess that I took its photographic London backdrops and regular scenes of characters walking through dark passageways, only their eyes visible, for daring stylistic decisions. As an adult, I now see them as tricks to minimise complex artwork and animation.
Those shortcuts, however, do not detract from the appeal of Danger Mouse. Conceived of as an animated parody of secret agent films, and in particular the series Danger Man, the writing is reminiscent of The Goodies. The voice cast embody their characters, playing all the outlandish stories straight – David Jason in the title role and that of the narrator, amongst numerous others, Terry Scott as the faithful sidekick Penfold, and Edward Kelsey as both the Colonel and the villain Greenback. During its 10-season run, the series spawned successful spin-offs, Count Duckula and Victor & Hugo: Bunglers In Crime.
In 2015, the series was relaunched, this time using computer animation. Whilst the trademark collage backdrops are gone, the series retains the same style of comedy, updated with modern references. The new cast are perfect in their roles, with Alexander Armstrong as Danger Mouse, Kevin Eldon as Penfold and Stephen Fry as Colonel K. New characters Jeopardy Mouse (Lena Headey) and an updated Professor Squakencluck (Shauna Macdonald) join the colourful cast as regulars.
Both the original and updated versions of Danger Mouse are now available to stream free and legally in Australia.
Danger Mouse (1981)
Stream free at:
Tubi (Free with ads)
Danger Mouse (2015)
Stream free at:
Tubi (Free with ads)
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