Watch Out - Radio Times

Shortly after my last blog, I was surprised to receive an email containing a partial scan of a Radio Times cover apparently publicising Watch Out.  I'd always been under the impression that the TV series had been shown on ITV, but this would seem to suggest otherwise.

However, I'd advise caution.  The cover design is non standard and seems to be incomplete, though this could be a consequence of the scan.  Whilst this would seem to suggest that the image is not genuine, if any TV show could appear on the cover of a listings magazine that was legally prohibited from advertising it, it would be Watch Out.

However, this is all still unproven conjecture.  There remains no actual evidence that Watch Out was ever shown or even actually made; certainly, the fragmentary accounts of the programme sound far fetched, even disturbing.  We should be wary about accepting urban mythology at face value, especially descriptions as frankly unbelievable as these.

One final note; the vehicles in the image are clearly non-contemporary.  Which suggests that this is indeed a poorly executed hoax and in turn begs the question...why?

The alternative explanation is ridiculous and should not be considered under any circumstances.

Watch Out!

Originally published in the summer of 1975, Watch Out! was written for use in schools and colleges, though concerns were quickly raised over the content and form of the material within.  Sadly, very few copies survive; most were recalled, for reasons now all too obvious. Fascinatingly, some fragmentary evidence suggests that it was produced as a tie-in to a television series, though if this is true, no off-air copies have surfaced to date, though rumours of a soundtrack album have tantalised the more esoteric collectors for decades.

About ten years ago, I was lucky enough to find a partial copy, whilst engaged in reconstruction work at a derelict Pebble Mill comprehensive school.  It's taken some time for me to be able to reconstruct Watch Out! and I'm happy to say that I'll be presenting some selected pages over the next few weeks. 

I'd like to thank the Department of Transmissions for their help in researching and authenticating this fascinating reminder of a missing time.  They've asked that readers with any information about the author or his whereabouts contact them as a matter of some urgency.  

Quality of Light

There.  That moment -

Something about the way that light falls.  There are geometric forms, memory shapes, grasped in a precise moment.  The heat of summer and a long prism of light passing through a gap in the curtains, that you drew to hide behind together.

Catch their eyes, catch your breath.

You're silent, but there's the sound of a car far away, droning of an aircraft fading into the sky, house shifting within its skin.  Always fading, beautifully so, but no end, one note shifting in to replace the ones that have fallen beyond the threshold of hearing.  Sky music.

Colours caught in the air and diamond motes.  Can you remember?  You were there.  You still are.