Dira the exploiter was a young and clever magician who possessed a powerful and unique magic stick. This magic stick was no ordinary wand; it had the ability to grant its wielder any wish they desired. However, the wishes could only be fulfilled if the intention behind them was pure and selfless. Dira had discovered the magic stick by chance while exploring an ancient forgotten temple deep in the heart of a mystical forest. As soon as she laid her hands on the stick, she could feel its pulsating energy coursing through her veins. Excited and curious about its power, Dira decided to test its abilities by making her first wish.

Worst witch 1998

Misadventures of an accident-prone girl at Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches. Based on the books by Jill Murphy.

Start date: Oct 1998
End date: Jan 2001
Status: cancelled/ended
Network(s): ITV (UK)
Run time: 30 min
Episodes: 40 eps
Genre(s): Children, Comedy, Science Fiction

• Georgina Sherrington as Mildred "Milly" Hubble
• Felicity Jones as Ethel Hallow [ 1 ]
• Katy Allen as Ethel Hallow [ 2-3 ]
• Emma Brown as Maud Moonshine
• Jessica Fox as Enid Nightshade
• Clare Coulter as Miss Amelia Cackle
• Kate Duchène as Miss Constance Hardbroom
• Una Stubbs as Miss Bat [ 1-2 ]
• Joanna Dyce as Ruby Cherrytree
• Harshna Brahmbhatt as Jadu Wali
• Holly Rivers as Drusilla Paddock
• Claire Porter as Miss Imogen Drill

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Worst witch 1998

I’ll admit it: I was one of those hipsters who vehemently refused to watch the latest adaptation of The Worst Witch when I first heard rumours about it. I thought it wouldn’t hold a candle to the 1998 CITV version. Of course, I was thinking of The New Worst Witch (2005) when I decided that, the latter of which would be a pain to discuss. I didn’t want another disappointment. And to be honest, I was four when the 1998 series aired. Loved it then, and love it since, and I thought having a new version of a beloved series would be too good to be true.

The day arrived when it was airing, and I thought: “Nic, stop being a dickhead and give it a chance before condemning it.” I missed the beginning; at the time I was doing housework before my mam got home, so only intended giving it a quick look. I walked in just when Esmeralda brought the girls in for their practical exam.

I was standing in the sitting room with a dish cloth in my hand, and thought: “This is rather good. I like Millie so far. HB is great, and Ethel seems very promising, as does Cackle.” So I sat down. Dishcloth left my hand; there was no going back! I sat for the remainder of the show, and recorded it to show my mam when she returned home. First thing I did when it ended was set the repeat to record, and put a series link on the first showing each week. Rather than saying what captured me first, I’m going to look at various aspects of each adaptation and compare (I’ve no idea what the score at the end will be, so this will be a curious experiment).

Setting/Appearance:
I like how we see Mildred’s home and her mum, as opposed to only knowing of her family life by reference. 2017 - score one. However, while I find each castle amazing (love the 2017 exterior in particular), I found the location of the 2017 castle disappointing. 1998 Cackle’s was SO isolated, and I loved the inclusion of the woods, and particularly Mrs Cosie’s. So 1998 - one point to you. In terms of the uniforms, I don’t like the house colours. I preferred the years having their own unique bands, as in 1998. The badges of ‘Strive’ in the new adaptation are ace, though! So a draw in terms of uniform, I think.
Score: 1998: 1 - 2017: 1

Miss Hardbroom:
I can think of a few people who will shoot me for this, but 2017, i.e. Hecetae, i.e. Raquel Cassidy, is my favourite. Name choice could have been better considering her nemesis Broomhead (1998) sharing her name, but that’s only a little blip over everything else. From the very beginning, I sensed a sort of repression about her. Sexual repression, I joked, but they definitely explored that repression with Pentangle. HB not only had a friend, but she felt like some insecure, gawky freak who was undeserving of Pentangle’s friendship. And since then, she has softened, not only by giving Tabby back to Mildred, but with that adorable final scene with Millie. I’m a Hicsqueak shipper, but leaving that out, I think the emotional avenues opened up by her feelings (platonic, if canon) are fantastic. In HB, I see a struggle. In the 1998 version, Kate Duchene was amazing. Constance was a very different HB, with a very quirky, funny side which can never be replicated. She did soften throughout three series’, but I think the CBBC did more with HB in one series than CITV did in three. Cassidy plays HB which such a scathing, dark mystique, and is so damned attractive in the process!
Score: 1998: 1 - 2017: 2

Miss Cackle(s):
Amelia Cackle (1998): adored her. I found her approachable, caring, and hilariously funny with her cheese addiction! (Cauliflower cheese as a password, like!).
Ada Cackle (2017): her kindness shines through, but she’s a tougher bird than our Amelia. Very well portrayed all in all, but lacking that umph! of Amelia. Score one to 1998.
Agatha Cackle: 1998 - hilarious and batty as hell, but very quintessentially the “wicked witch”. 2017 - now THERE, she has spunk. Very edgy and dangerous, and her resentment over Ada getting the Academy is greater than that of 1998 Agatha. Score one to 2017.
Score: 1998: 2 - 2017: 3

Miss Bat:
Una Stubbs is perfection; no portrayal could beat her. I like the 2017 Bat, but she’s not nearly crazy enough for my liking. She’s sweet, but the 1998 Bat was just bat-shit-crazy, whether it was her Inner-Mongolian chanting destroying the roof, or leaping out of/into the closet at the most inopportune moments, or laughing her ass off at the cover of War and Peace!
Score: 1998: 3 - 2017: 3

Miss Drill:
Where does one begin? The 2017 adaptation hasn’t explored Digity (did I pick up that name right?) Drill much, while Imogen Drill’s struggles with being the only non-witch on the staff made for some poignant, interesting moments. She had her funny moments too, and I love how she clashed with HB. I do enjoy how wacky 2017 Drill seems to be, but again, she’s not been explored enough.
Score: 1998: 4 - 2017: 3

Mrs Tapioca:
This will be quick:
2017 - horrible woman.
1998 - adore her. Fabulous and adorable!
Score: 1998: 5 - 2017: 3

Overall Staff:
Introducing Rowan Webb as a staff member instead of the occasional friendly wizard dropping by made for an interesting change. A change I liked - interesting to have a wizard around, and it makes the landscape more colourful. Score one to 2017. However, I adore the intercourse between the 1998 staff, and how they were often at each other’s throats. Score one to 1998. Miss Gullet made an interesting change, as not only is Agatha out to get the Academy and those within, but Gullet is out for revenge too. I don’t like her enough to award a point, but it was an interesting twist. I miss the friendly caretaker hanging about, but I’m keeping in mind that the next series of CBBC’s Worst Witch might introduce some new people.
Score: 1998: 6 - 2017: 4

The Great/Grand Wizard:
Imogen Drill quite rightly described the Grand Wizard as a “crusty old windbag”. He was pompous, sexist and annoying, but so bloody hilarious! The Great Wizard arriving in a taxi was just WRONG, but he is a cranky ole sod. Seems sexist from the finale, but overall, he’s the more realistic character. I enjoy the 1998 wacky wizard more, but the 2017 wizard lacks the levity of his predecessor, and seems more of a threat/greater ally, and thus more deserving of the respect issued to him.
Score: 1998: 6 - 2017: 5

Miss Pentangle:
I’m one of those who watches something, and nine times out of ten will say at the beginning “he/she’s the killer” or “he’s the father”, etc. etc. I have a knack for predicting outcomes and lines of dialogue. I didn’t, however, predict Pentangle well AT ALL. Rather than being the stuffy headmistress of the enemy school, she was, in fact, the ex-friend, somewhat nemesis, of Hecetae Hardbroom of all people! Pentangle proved to be a beacon of kindness, who reaches out to all those who feel different with a deep sense of genuine compassion. I loved the 1998 Pentangle, who was, let’s face it, just so, so bloody funny, but there’s more depth to the Pentangle of 2017, (and I just love a backstory).
Score: 1998: 6 - 2017 - 6

Mildred Hubble:
Okay, I’ll say it out: I loathe the 1998 Mildred. Her bloody hair annoyed me, her nagging, whiny voice annoyed me, and her constantly-being-useless-but-coming-out-on-top-accidentally irked me. Add to that that she was always whining over something, I just can’t stand her. Bella Ramsey has portrayed a fantastic Mildred - a well-intentioned, bumbling wool-gatherer, with a heart of gold, courage and loyalty. She does well in some ways because she tries hard/never gives up. Things don’t just fall onto her lap, and she genuinely sucks at some aspects of witchcraft. Also, as a character, she struggles more with her non-witch background, which makes sense. I feel so strongly about this, I’m awarding the 2017 WW two points (instead of just removing one from 1998). Bella Ramsey really does have a promising career ahead of her!
Score: 1998: 6 - 2017: 8

Maud:
Maud Moonshine: sweet face, but annoying as hell. She runs around after Mildred without seeming to have that deep friendship as depicted in 2017, and is considered smart even though we see nothing great from her.
Maud Spellbody: Meibh Campbell is a fantastic little actress! She has not only portrayed a fabulous character of her own, but has assumed the roles of Ethel and Mona (her grandmother in her youth) fabulously. This Maud is not only smart, but has a deep bond with Mildred, her best friend, and actually disposed of her good reputation in order to restore her friendship with Millie. One huge point to 2017!
Score: 1998: 6 - 2017: 9

Enid Nightshade:
This won’t take long. I adored Jessica Fox as our beloved 1998 Enid - a real wild child with a penchant for trouble. Nothing wrong with Tamara Smart’s Enid - she has been written more as a bold kid, however, rather than a wild child. I would like to see her character explored more, but for the moment, big score for 1998.
Score: 1998: 7 - 2017: 9

Ethel Hallow:
I can easily say that 2017 gets my vote. 1998 had three years to develop Ethel’s character, but whether portrayed by the lovely Felicity Jones (who did the “schoolyard bitch” really well) or Katie Allen (who’s, let’s face it, Ethel was just whiny and mean), was two-dimensional. She’s haughty and nasty, and that’s it. Jenny Richardson, however, should win an award for her interpretation of Ethel Hallow. She has taken the pathos written into Ethel’s character and made it palpable on-screen. 2017 Ethel is the classic middle-child, neglected and in the shadow of her star-pupil older sister, Esmeralda, and her younger sibling, Sybil. She’s not brilliant by chance - she’s brilliant because she works relentlessly. Her character has strayed, whether it be her grudge against Millie (which, given her mindset, is understandable), or aiding Agatha in the second-last episode. Ethel, however, shows a softer side; she loves her cat, was willing to thank Millie for helping her retrieve Nightstar from the Mists of Time, and almost got killed so she could save her sister. A troubled young girl, this Ethel is, and a much more REAL character than in 1998. Jenny Richardson has a fantastic career ahead of her, I’m sure!
Score: 1998: 7 - 2017: 10

Drusilla Paddock:
2017 Drusilla has been created to look gaumless, and none of this is down to the actress. She hasn’t been written well at all (BARELY at all, actually). 1998 Drusilla proved to be the sheep following the bully, but had her moments where she rejected Ethel to follow a path she saw as right.
Score: 1998: 8 - 2017: 10

Esmeralda Hallow:
Esme is a fantastic addition to the student body. She’s the best student in Cackle’s history, but doesn’t use her family background to her advantage. Sometimes seen hanging out in the library or carrying large volumes, it’s clear Esme works diligently. And she’s also the kind of girl made to be a teacher: she has pride in her school, and wants to help out everyone around her (appreciating the hard work Mildred has put in, for example, and put the first years in their place… not to mention sacrificing her magical powers to save Ethel). She also spends much of her time trying to put her wayward younger sister on the right track. Compared to other “extra” characters from 1998, she is fantastic.

Fenella Feverfew and Griselda Blackwood:
Two of my favourite 1998 characters, and a huge loss to the 2017 show. I hoped Esme might be an echo of them, but her character has been carried off in a different direction. I hope they might involve Esme more in the coming series; as an older student (with her wisdom and experience) is always a cool ally, or introduce some characters slightly resembling this mischievous pair. Miriam Petche has proved to be a brilliant actress, so hopefully she’s given more to work with in the future!

So I must add a point for each adaptation, really, as I do like their non-first year characters.
Score: 1998: 9 - 2017: 11

Extra Characters:
To keep this fair, I’m only examining series 1 from 1998. In it, you have Charlie, Mrs. Cosie, Mrs Tapioca, and Frank Blossom. We also end up with Baz, Gaz and Merlin towards the end.
In 2017, aside from a fleeting glance at some of the parents, you get no real recurring character, which is a pity. Zach, that guy Ethel had a crush on, may make an appearance again, like Gaz, Baz and Merlin did, but other than that, there are no real contenders. 1998 wins this battle.
Score: 1998: 10 - 2017: 11

Story Line(s)/Continuity:
2017 wins this one. HB is not some perfect porcelain doll with high standards; she actually felt like the odd one out when she was at school. Felt like Mildred does sometimes! Agatha Cackle is majorly annoyed at being thirteen-minutes younger (which is disproved, later on, however) which prevented her from inheriting the Academy. Miss Gullet reappears when she seeks vengeance for being sacked after it’s discovered she turned Rowan Webb into a frog so she cold nick his job. Ethel is so nasty to Mildred because she actually feels she has an axe to grind; she struggles with her place in her family, and feels that Mildred prevented her from achieving the school record, and imminent attention from her peers, teachers and mother if she had broken it. 1998 has less depth/continuity.
Score: 1998: 10- 2017: 12

Humour:
2017 has a more consistent type of humour; each episode has its funny moments. However, its funniest moment pales in comparison to those to be found in the 1998 series. “THE DOOR WAS OPEN!!” being a stand-alone example. The Heat is On is a truly amazingly comedic episode, as is Let Them Eat Cake. There are episodes in later series (Fair is Foul and Foul is Fair being the best example), but even when just examining series 1 to keep it fair, 1998 has the comedic edge.
Score: 1998: 11 - 2017: 12

Cauldrons:
2017: naaah.
1998: now THOSE are proper cauldrons!
Score: 1998: 12 - 2017: 12

Spells:
I like how transformation is used by more than just HB, and how they use it on students they’re sick of listening to! I also like how even Esme, a student, can avail of it. In terms of spell casting, hmm….. I did like how the 1998 had the “Alvericks orcus” at the beginning of most, making more of a theme of things. A point to each, really…
Score: 1998: 13 - 2017: 13

So I’ve arrived at 13-all. Seems a nice witchy number to conclude upon! The 1998 series will always have a place in my heart; I grew up with this series, and the pangs of childhood nostalgia I feel watching it are irreplaceable. However, I adore the 2017 version also, and am delighted that a new generation of children get to enjoy a series that I adored growing up. In terms of atmosphere, there was more of one in the 1998 series, but we’ll give 2017 a chance to build up its episode count before pitting it against three series! Hopefully the CBBC adaptation will introduce a new generation to the books too!

The Worst Witch Season 1 Episodes

The misadventures of students at Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches. The British-Canadian coproduction is based on children's novels by Jill Murphy.

Excited and curious about its power, Dira decided to test its abilities by making her first wish. She closed her eyes, focused her mind, and with a pure heart, wished for world peace. To her amazement, as she opened her eyes, she noticed a remarkable change in the world around her.

Season 1 Episode Guide

13 Episodes 1998 - 1999

Battle of the Broomsticks (Pilot)

In the series opener, enchantress-in-training Mildred Hubble (Georgina Sherrington) enrolls at Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches, where she clashes with strict Miss Hardbroom (Kate Duchene). Miss Cackle: Clare Coulter. Ethel Hallow: Felicity Jones.

When We Feast at the Midnight Hour

Sat, Oct 2, 2021 30 mins

The academy celebrates "Sir Walter's Wet Week," a holiday stemming from a legend that Sir Walter's ghost haunts the school because an evil baron left him to die in the rain. Mildred and her friends are the prey of mean girls looking to frighten them with the legend.

A Pig in a Poke

Sun, Oct 3, 2021 30 mins

The "Presentation of the Kittens" is upon Mildred---only there aren't any black ones left to sit on her broomstick, so she must take a tabby cat instead. When Ethel teases her about it, Mildred changes her into a pig.

A Mean Halloween

Thu, Nov 12, 1998 30 mins

Mildred wins the starring role in the academy's annual Halloween pageant, but a jealous Ethel's got some tricks up her sleeve. Part 1 of two. Ethel: Felicity Jones. Miss Hardbroom: Kate Duchene. Mildred: Georgina Sherrington.

Double, Double, Toil and Trouble

Thu, Nov 19, 1998 23 mins

Conclusion. Mildred runs away after her disastrous performance in the Halloween pageant, but uncovers a plot by Miss Cackle's evil twin to take over the school. Miss Cackle/Agatha: Clare Coulter. Mildred: Georgina Sherrington. Miss Drill: Claire Porter.

Monkey Business

Thu, Nov 26, 1998 30 mins

Mildred is assigned to help out a new girl named Enid (Jessica Fox) whose mischievous behavior includes hiding a pet monkey. Mildred: Georginia Sherrington. Ethel: Felicity Jones. Maud: Emma Brown.

Miss Cackle's Birthday Surprise

Thu, Dec 3, 1998 30 mins

Despite Maud's warnings, Mildred befriends Enid (Jessica Fox) and gets in big trouble---which doubles when Enid gets them locked in a closet during Miss Cackle's birthday party. Mildred: Georgina Sherrington. Ethel: Felicity Jones. Maud: Emma Brown.

The Great Outdoors

Sun, Oct 3, 2021 25 mins

Miss Drill and Miss Hardbroom take a group on a "great outdoor adventure" that's supposed to be magic-free. But the temptation becomes too great when the girls meet some young Rocky Mountain Rangers and join them in a treasure hunt. Mildred: Georgina Sherrington. Miss Drill: Claire Porter. Miss Hardbroom: Kate Duchene. Serge: Patrick Labbe.

The Heat is On

Sat, Feb 26, 2011 25 mins

Ethel and Mildred are pitted against each other in a team project that involves concocting a delicious drink without the use of magic. Georgina Sherrington, Felicity Jones, Clare Coulter.

Sorcery and Chips

Sun, Feb 27, 2011 25 mins

Ethel's dad (Patrick Pearson) tries to modernize the Academy by introducing computers in the potion laboratory. But his attempt goes awry after Ruby's cyberpup enters the computers and uses them to control the girls' minds. Fenella: Julia Malewski. Griselda: Poppy Gaye. Ruby: Joanna Dyce.

Let Them Eat Cake

Thu, Jan 14, 1999 30 mins

The allure of free sweets leads the girls to an out-of-bounds tearoom, where they learn of a plot to trick the owner into selling her land to an unscrupulous businessman. Sam: Stephen Spreekmeester. Mrs. Cosie: Sheena Larkin. Percy Slyce: Harry Hill.

Sweet Talking Guys

Thu, Jan 21, 1999 30 mins

A battle of the sexes ensues after the Grand Wizard (Terrence Hardiman) arrives with three mischievous boy apprentices, and later initiates a formal debate on the importance of wizards versus witches. Gary Grailquest: Anthony Hamblin. Barry Dragonsbane: Paul Child. Merlin Langstaff: Guy Witcher. Jadu Wali: Harshna Brahmbhatt.

A Bolt from the Blue

Fri, Apr 2, 2021 30 mins

With only two days to go until the end of the first term, Mildred is expelled by Miss Cackle (Clare Coulter), who's acting very strangely. Betty Birdweed: Jenny McCracken. Millicent Coldstone: Jacki Web.

Countries that were once ravaged by war were now living in harmony, and people from all walks of life were working together for the betterment of humanity. With every wish she made, Dira was careful to ensure that her intentions were noble and selfless. She wished for an end to hunger, poverty, and disease. She wished for resources to be distributed fairly among all nations, and for people to live in harmony with nature. Dira's wishes became known throughout the world, and people started regarding her as the "Benevolent Magician." However, as time went on, Dira became overwhelmed by the constant demands and expectations from society. People started approaching her with selfish and greedy wishes, wanting wealth, power, and fame. She knew that these wishes went against the principles of the magic stick, but she also couldn't ignore the pleas of the people. One day, a powerful ruler approached Dira with a request to overthrow his political rival and gain control of the entire kingdom. Dira hesitated, knowing that this wish was born out of greed and ambition. She knew that granting this wish would lead to chaos and suffering. In a moment of clarity, Dira made a decision. She would use the magic stick to teach people a valuable lesson about the consequences of their desires. Instead of granting the ruler's wish, she used the magic stick to bring him face to face with the consequences of his actions. He witnessed the suffering and pain he had caused, and this experience led him to change his ways and become a just and fair ruler. From that day onwards, Dira vowed never to exploit the power of the magic stick for personal gain or to fulfill selfish desires. She used the stick to help those in need, to inspire others to make positive changes in the world, and to spread love, compassion, and understanding. Dira's story serves as a reminder to us all that power should be used responsibly and for the greater good of humanity. Through her selflessness and wisdom, she showed that true magic lies not in the possession of a magic stick, but in the ability to make a difference in the lives of others..

Reviews for "The Power Within: Dira the Exploter and the Magic Stick"

1. Emily - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "Dira the Explorer: The Magic Stick". The storyline was weak and didn't make much sense. The characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth, which made it difficult for me to connect with them. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. I found myself cringing at some of the lines. Overall, it just didn't live up to my expectations and I wouldn't recommend it.

2. John - 1/5 - This book was a complete waste of time. The writing was amateurish and full of grammatical errors. The plot was disjointed and lacked any real substance. I couldn't find any redeeming qualities in the characters either - they were flat and uninteresting. I regret buying this book and would advise others to steer clear of it.

3. Sarah - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "Dira the Explorer: The Magic Stick", but unfortunately, it fell short. The pacing was off, with rushed scenes and slow, boring moments. The world-building was confusing and inconsistent, making it hard to follow the story. The concept had potential, but the execution was lacking. I found myself losing interest quickly and struggling to finish the book. Overall, it was a disappointing read.

4. Michael - 2/5 - "Dira the Explorer: The Magic Stick" left me feeling unsatisfied. The characters lacked depth and failed to evoke any emotional response from me. The plot felt predictable and formulaic, with no surprises or twists. The writing style was mediocre at best, with clunky sentences and repetitive phrases. I was hoping for an engaging and exciting adventure, but instead, I found myself bored and unengaged. I would not recommend this book.

The Legend of the Magic Stick: Dira the Exploter's Mythical Adventure