Forty years ago, on 7th January 1985, ITV premiered Chocky’s Children, a compelling and imaginative sequel to the original adaptation of John Wyndham’s novella Chocky. This series continued the story of a young boy’s extraordinary connection with an alien intelligence, expanding its themes of curiosity, humanity, and the vast unknown into new territory. For those of us who watched it unfold in the mid-1980s, Chocky’s Children remains a deeply evocative piece of science fiction, one that sparked our imaginations and kept us questioning long after the credits rolled.
The roots of Chocky’s Children lie in its 1984 predecessor, Chocky, which introduced viewers to Matthew Gore, an ordinary boy who begins exhibiting extraordinary knowledge and abilities after encountering Chocky, a mysterious extraterrestrial presence. Where the original Chocky series was primarily a self-contained adaptation of Wyndham’s novella, Chocky’s Children ventured further, exploring the lingering effects of Chocky’s influence and the ethical dilemmas inherent in her attempts to enhance human potential.
In this sequel, the focus shifts to Albertine Meyer, a gifted young artist whose talents are revealed to have been awakened by Chocky’s intervention. Albertine, played with a captivating mix of vulnerability and resolve by Anabel Worrell, emerges as a richly drawn character, both relatable and extraordinary. Through her perspective, the series dives deeper into the moral and philosophical questions raised by the presence of an alien intelligence. What does it mean to be chosen for greatness? And how does humanity respond to forces beyond its comprehension?
The performances across the series are uniformly strong, anchored by Andrew Ellams as Matthew, who reprises his role from the original series. Matthew’s growth as a character is one of the most satisfying aspects of Chocky’s Children, as he transitions from the bewildered boy of the first series to a determined young man who understands the stakes of Chocky’s mission. His relationship with Albertine is central to the series’ emotional core, offering moments of warmth, tension, and mutual discovery that elevate the narrative.
Equally compelling is the presence of Chocky herself, voiced with serene otherworldliness by Glynis Brooks. Though Chocky’s interactions are limited to telepathic communication, her character looms large over the story, embodying both the awe-inspiring and unsettling aspects of advanced intelligence. Her motivations, while ostensibly benevolent, are deliberately ambiguous, keeping viewers guessing about her true intentions. This ambiguity is a hallmark of the series, one that aligns perfectly with Wyndham’s original ethos of posing questions rather than providing easy answers.
Chocky’s Children benefits greatly from its understated yet atmospheric production design. The 1980s setting is rendered with a subtle authenticity that allows the more fantastical elements to stand out without feeling disconnected. The use of practical effects, especially in depicting Chocky’s telepathic manifestations, lends a tactile realism to the series that enhances its sense of immersion. Meanwhile, the evocative score by composer John Hyde underscores the tension and wonder of the narrative, blending eerie tones with moments of quiet introspection.
One of the series’ greatest strengths is its exploration of the ethical dimensions of Chocky’s interference in human affairs. While Chocky’s actions often lead to remarkable advancements—as seen in Albertine’s burgeoning artistic genius—they also provoke fear, resentment, and exploitation from those who cannot understand or accept her presence. The series does not shy away from depicting the darker sides of human nature, from governmental mistrust to personal greed. These conflicts ground the story in a recognisable reality, making its speculative elements all the more impactful.
The themes of Chocky’s Children resonate deeply even today. The series’ depiction of humanity grappling with forces beyond its understanding feels particularly prescient in an age of rapid technological advancement and increasing interaction with artificial intelligence. Watching it now, I am struck by how its questions about ethics, responsibility, and progress remain as relevant as ever. What happens when knowledge and power outpace wisdom? How do we reconcile the promise of extraordinary potential with the fear of losing control? These are questions that feel as urgent in 2025 as they did in 1985.
At the time of its original broadcast, Chocky’s Children was met with critical acclaim, praised for its thoughtful storytelling and strong performances. However, like many British sci-fi series of its era, it was relatively low-profile compared to more bombastic counterparts from across the Atlantic. Yet, this quiet, cerebral approach was precisely what made Chocky’s Children so compelling. It trusted its audience to engage with complex ideas and emotional subtleties, offering a viewing experience that lingered in the mind long after the final episode.
In the years since its debut, Chocky’s Children has maintained a devoted following among fans of classic British science fiction. Its influence can be seen in later series that blend speculative fiction with grounded, character-driven drama, from The X-Files to Black Mirror. The series’ willingness to explore ambiguous moral territory and its focus on human relationships in the face of the extraordinary have become hallmarks of the genre, paving the way for more nuanced storytelling in science fiction television.
Revisiting Chocky’s Children in 2025, I am struck by its enduring relevance and emotional resonance. The performances, particularly those of Worrell and Ellams, still hold up as authentic and deeply affecting. The series’ themes of growth, fear, and connection feel timeless, as does its portrayal of humanity’s capacity for both brilliance and shortsightedness. While some of its production elements may show their age, these are minor quibbles in the context of its broader achievements.
Of course, no series is without its flaws. The pacing of Chocky’s Children can be uneven at times, with certain episodes feeling more like transitional pieces than fully realised narratives. Additionally, the limited budget occasionally constrains the scope of the story, leaving some of its more ambitious ideas underexplored. Yet, these imperfections are part of what makes the series so endearing. It is a show that dared to ask big questions and tackle complex themes, even within the constraints of its medium.
As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Chocky’s Children, it is clear that its legacy endures. It remains a shining example of what science fiction can achieve when it prioritises ideas and characters over spectacle. For those of us who watched it as children, it is a reminder of the wonder and curiosity that first drew us to the genre. And for new viewers discovering it for the first time, it offers a timeless exploration of humanity’s potential—and its limits.
Chocky’s Children is a continuation of a story that speaks to our shared desire to understand the unknown. It is a testament to the power of science fiction to illuminate the human condition, and a reminder that even in the face of the extraordinary, it is our connections with one another that define us. Forty years on, it remains as thought-provoking and moving as ever, a true classic of British television.
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