Bernard's Watch
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Bernard's Watch
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| Episodes: | 53 |
| Year: | 1997-2001 |
| Country: | United Kingdom |
| Seasons: | 7 |
| Seasons Breakdown: | (1) 5 (2) 12 (3) 13, (4) 13, (5) 10, (6) 13, (7) 13 |
| Category: | Time Travel |
| Colour: | Yes |
| Format: | Series |
| Company: | ITV |
| Creator: | ANDREW NORRISS |
| Run Time (mins): | 15 |
| Language: | English |
| Type of Show: | Live Action |
| Status: | Ended |
| Broadcaster: | |
Summary
The series was produced in two distinct phases: an initial block of five seasons, followed by a three‑year hiatus after which a further two seasons were completed. Because the later production run diverged substantially in tone, premise, and narrative approach, the plot summaries are presented separately to reflect the significant differences between the first and second iterations of the programme.
Ten‑year‑old Bernard Beasley receives an unusual delivery: a magical watch capable of stopping time. In the second series, after mastering its use, Bernard accidentally misplaces the device. It is subsequently discovered by his friend Karen, who soon learns its capabilities. The two eventually agree to share responsibility for the watch.
Seasons 1-5
The original run of the programme centred on Bernard, a chronically late young boy who is given the time‑stopping watch by a mysterious postman. Bernard later discovers that the postman possesses supernatural abilities and distributes such watches only to individuals deemed in genuine need of them. Bernard is permitted to retain the watch on the condition that he does not use it for criminal purposes or out of personal greed.
The revived series introduced substantial changes to the premise. According to the revised opening sequence, Bernard acquires the watch when it flies through his bedroom window, and the postman character is entirely absent. In this version, Bernard appears to be the sole possessor of such a device, with only his best friend Nathan aware of its existence. Reflecting contemporary children’s television conventions, Bernard is portrayed as disliking girls and his teacher, frequently employing the watch to gain advantage over them.
A further alteration concerns the mechanics of the watch: in the later series, any individual physically touching Bernard at the moment he stops time remains unfrozen.
Seasons 6-7
The second production run differed markedly from the original series. In the revised continuity, as depicted in the final opening sequence, Bernard acquires the watch when it inexplicably flies through his bedroom window. The earlier figure of the “postman” is entirely absent, and Bernard appears to be the sole individual in possession of such a device, with only his best friend Nathan aware of its existence.
This iteration of the programme focuses primarily on Bernard’s experiences at Pentup Primary School, where much of the narrative centres on his attempts to outwit his overbearing teacher, Ms Yvonne Savage, and Nicolette, a popular classmate who serves as his principal rival.
Cast
1996-2001
Bernard Beasley DAVID PEACHEY, Mr. Beasley MARTIN NEIL, Mrs. Beasley RUTH HUDSON, Karen Hewitt PHOEBE ALLEN, Miss Picot PERRY NEVILE, Mrs. Hewitt CLARE BECK, Narrator LIZA GODDARD, Mr Tree MICHAEL LUMSDEN (2), Mr. Hewitt PHILIP CHILDS (2-3).
2003-2004
Bernard Beasley RYAN WATSON, Nathan EZRAH ROBERTS-GRAY, Nicolette ROSIE DAY, Mr Steel MARTIN BALL, Ms Savage KAY PURCELL, Hayley KATIE PEARSON.
Sources: Bernard's Watch - Wikipedia