The original children's television series of Worzel Gummidge is an absolute treasure from my childhood, and still is to this day, but I had only ever seen one episode of the follow up series, which I had my doubts about to be honest. Basically this continues the adventures of the walking talking scarecrow Worzel Gummidge (Jon Pertwee), and it sees his "intended" Aunt Sally (Una Stubbs) sold to a museum collector and taken on a plane to New Zealand, and of course Worzel follows her. Once there, Worzel soon meets his "Zew Nealand" master, the country's own Crowman (Bruce Phillips), who assigns him his new post having been told by the original Crowman to keep an eye on him. The series follows pretty much the same concept as the original show, where Worzel pursues Aunt Sally in whatever situation she is in, hanging out with the new children - friends Mickey (Jonathan Marks) and Manu (Olivia Ihimaera-Smiler), and the Crowman having to teach and advise him, but there are some significant differences. These include Worzel himself in more bizarre and actually rather interesting scrapes, such as adventures with other scarecrows, becoming a king, becoming evil, and becoming Sherlock Holmes, the Crowman has powers with a crystal ball and stuff, and there is also the addition of the evil Travelling Scarecrow Maker (Wi Kuki Kaa) who turns scarecrows into zombie like drones. Also starring Gerald Bryan as Rooney, Brian Sergent as Dagnation Take It, Michael Haigh as Professor Pike, David Weatherley as Bulbous Cauliflower, Ian Mune as Worty Yam, Peter Rowley as Weevily Swede and Danny Mulheron as Blighty Tater. Pertwee is still as lovable as ever playing Worzel, Stubbs is slightly less mean and greedy but still good fun, Phillips is likable as the new Crowman (though not as charming as Geoffrey Bayldon), and in his episodes Kaa is creepy as the evil character. I was expecting this series to be less funny, with cheesy story lines, a same old same old feel and I would find it boring, but I was actually pleasantly surprised, especially when there were two part episodes that continue, I think this is almost as good as the original series, I'd watch it again, a fun family comedy series. Very good!

since when is New Zealand called Down Under. i'm sure Down Under refers to Australia, The Show Should have been retitled Worzel Gummidge in New Zealand Worzel Gummidge. It isn't the only UK series to do a series or 2 out of the UK shows such as Are you being Served, Doctor Down under' Correct title done in Sydney Jon & Una are the only reasons it worked OK outside of the UK. I don't recall seeing it on TV here in Australia not sure if it was on commercial channel or The ABC TV i got the complete set of Worzel series. ;) Its a great Boxset cheers. I like all the heads Jon used for Worzel during the run and una stubbs was good as Aunt Sally .

Worzel and Aunt Sally turn up in New Zealand about five years after the original UK series, and basically pick up from where they left off. The new setting does lose some of the Old English Countryside Charm, but never-the-less is still all round enjoyable fun for the family.There are new children for Worzel to hang out with as he continues his quest for true love with Aunt Sally, and the new Crowman takes a little while to get used to. Excellent acting from Una and Jon once again will keep you smiling.Summary: It's not the original, but it is very entertaining, and they pulled it off very well.

Well back from the TV past Worzel Gummidge rose to the dizzy heights of stardom once more. Whilst not as good as the first four British Series (it lacked the West Country Charm) and being set in New Zealand (or Zew Nealand as Worzel explains)this still proved to be a great success. Whilst Aunt Sally was there in New Zealand we needed Old Sgt. Beetroot and the Saucy Nancy to help Worzel get up to mischief. Having grown up with Geophrey Bayldons "Crowman" it was hard seeing another Crowman but this is soon explained away and you can then settle into the new set up. All in all this is an excellant series which if shown again will enthrall the kids of this century as I still show them to my nephews and nieces (and I am sure I will to my new twins when they arrive) and will for years to come.A big Thank You must go to the late Jon Pertwee who was and allways will be Worzel Hedgerow Gummidge.Best wishes