Knights of God
A dystopian British children's serial about a fascist religious order.
Knights of God is a British science fiction children's television serial, produced by TVS and first broadcast on ITV in 1987. Set in the year 2020, it depicts a fascist, anti-Christian religious order that rules Britain after a brutal civil war. The serial is notable for its cast, including Patrick Troughton in his last transmitted role, and for its dystopian themes.
- First broadcast
- 1987
- Country of origin
- United Kingdom
- Genre
- Science fiction children's television serial
- Created by
- Richard Cooper
- Network
- ITV
- Number of episodes
- 13
Lore & Background
Knights of God was written by Richard Cooper, a writer who had previously worked in both children's and adult television drama. The serial was produced by TVS and first broadcast on ITV in 1987, two years after it was made. It was directed by Andrew Morgan and Michael Kerrigan, with music composed by Christopher Gunning. The executive producer was Anna Home. Filming took place in Hampshire and North Wales.
Reader's Guide
The serial is significant as a dystopian children's drama that explores themes of fascism, resistance, and religious extremism. It features a strong cast, including Patrick Troughton in his last transmitted role, and John Woodvine as the antagonist Prior Mordrin. The plot involves a young protagonist, Gervase Edwards, who discovers he is the rightful king of Britain. The serial was novelised by Richard Cooper, with some differences from the television version. It was broadcast in France under the title Les Épées de feu. The serial's legacy includes its portrayal of a bleak future and its influence on British children's television.
Did You Know?
- Patrick Troughton's role as Arthur was his last transmitted role; he died before the serial was broadcast.
- The serial was filmed in Hampshire and North Wales.
- The novelisation includes details not in the television version, such as Ireland becoming an American state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Knights of God?
It is a thirteen-episode British science fiction children's serial created by Richard Cooper, produced by TVS, and first broadcast on ITV in 1987. The show imagines a post-civil-war Britain in the year 2020, now dominated by a fascist, anti-Christian religious order.
Who appears in Knights of God?
The cast includes veteran actor Patrick Troughton, widely known for his earlier work in Doctor Who. For Troughton, this serial became his final transmitted television role before his death.
What is the premise and setting of Knights of God?
The story is set in 2020 and follows a Britain that has fallen under the grip of a fascist, anti-Christian religious order after a brutal civil war. It uses that dystopian framework to explore themes of authoritarian control and religious persecution within a children's drama.
When did Knights of God air and how long is it?
The serial ran for thirteen episodes and was first broadcast on ITV in 1987. It was produced by TVS, a regional ITV franchise holder, and originated in the United Kingdom.
Why is Knights of God notable to fans of British TV?
It is remembered both as the last transmitted role for Patrick Troughton and as a striking example of a children's program tackling heavy dystopian and religious-fascism subject matter. Its bold themes for a kids' serial have kept it in the conversation among fans of post-apocalyptic and dystopian television.
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