Episodes
| Series | Episode | Title | First Broadcast | Repeated | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | 01 | 20090429 | Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto's sitcom set in lower Earth.
Fantasy writer Sam has been coerced into joining a band of intrepid heroes as they battle the dread forces of evil in search of the legendary sword of Asnagar!
Elf Lord, Vidar ...... Darren Boyd
Producers: Anil Gupta & Paul Schlesinger
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2009.
Intrepid heroes battle evil forces for the Sword of Asnagar. Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth. Written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto. | ||
| 01 | 01 | 20090429 | 20110728 (R4) | Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto's sitcom set in lower Earth.
Fantasy writer Sam has been coerced into joining a band of intrepid heroes as they battle the dread forces of evil in search of the legendary sword of Asnagar!
Elf Lord, Vidar ...... Darren Boyd
Producers: Anil Gupta & Paul Schlesinger
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2009.
Intrepid heroes battle evil forces for the Sword of Asnagar. Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth. Written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto. | |
| 01 | 02 | 20090506 | Lord Darkness has kidnapped Amis and wants the sword.
With a search underway, can Sam stop him?
More comic adventures set in lower Earth where fantasy writer Sam has been coerced into joining a band of intrepid heroes as they battle the dread forces of evil in search of the legendary sword of Asnagar!
Fantasy sitcom written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto.
Elf Lord, Vidar ...... Darren Boyd
Producers: Anil Gupta & Paul Schlesinger
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2009.
Lord Darkness has Amis and wants the sword. Can Sam stop him? Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth. Written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto. | ||
| 01 | 02 | 20090506 | 20110804 (R4) | Lord Darkness has kidnapped Amis and wants the sword.
With a search underway, can Sam stop him?
More comic adventures set in lower Earth where fantasy writer Sam has been coerced into joining a band of intrepid heroes as they battle the dread forces of evil in search of the legendary sword of Asnagar!
Fantasy sitcom written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto.
Elf Lord, Vidar ...... Darren Boyd
Producers: Anil Gupta & Paul Schlesinger
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2009.
Lord Darkness has Amis and wants the sword. Can Sam stop him? Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth. Written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto. | |
| 01 | 03 | 20090513 | The Quest continues. Sam has his death foretold by the Oracle of Fenrog.
Lord Darkness books himself in for a retox and Kreech unwittingly releases the dreaded Night Demon, whose intentions for the future of the universe, as his name suggests, aren't good.
More comic adventures set in lower Earth where fantasy writer Sam has been coerced into joining a band of intrepid heroes as they battle the dread forces of evil in search of the legendary sword of Asnagar!
Fantasy sitcom written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto.
Amis, The Chosen One ...... Dave Lamb
Producers: Anil Gupta & Paul Schlesinger
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2009.
In the Tower of Tests, Sam loses a pal. But is death the end? Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth. Written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto. | ||
| 01 | 03 | 20090513 | 20110818 (R4) | The Quest continues. Sam has his death foretold by the Oracle of Fenrog.
Lord Darkness books himself in for a retox and Kreech unwittingly releases the dreaded Night Demon, whose intentions for the future of the universe, as his name suggests, aren't good.
More comic adventures set in lower Earth where fantasy writer Sam has been coerced into joining a band of intrepid heroes as they battle the dread forces of evil in search of the legendary sword of Asnagar!
Fantasy sitcom written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto.
Amis, The Chosen One ...... Dave Lamb
Producers: Anil Gupta & Paul Schlesinger
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2009.
In the Tower of Tests, Sam loses a pal. But is death the end? Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth. Written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto. | |
| 01 | 04 | 20090520 | The heroes answer a distress call from some sirens and Lord Darkness's pursuit of all things evil is put to one side as he considers getting himself an heir.
More comic adventures set in lower Earth where fantasy writer Sam has been coerced into joining a band of intrepid heroes as they battle the dread forces of evil in search of the legendary sword of Asnagar!
Fantasy sitcom written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto.
Sam ...... Stephen Mangan
With:
Chris Pavlo
Producers: Anil Gupta & Paul Schlesinger
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2009.
Sirens interrupt a sea crossing. Are they what they seem? Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth. Written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto. | ||
| 01 | 04 | 20090520 | 20110825 (R4) | The heroes answer a distress call from some sirens and Lord Darkness's pursuit of all things evil is put to one side as he considers getting himself an heir.
More comic adventures set in lower Earth where fantasy writer Sam has been coerced into joining a band of intrepid heroes as they battle the dread forces of evil in search of the legendary sword of Asnagar!
Fantasy sitcom written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto.
Sam ...... Stephen Mangan
With:
Chris Pavlo
Producers: Anil Gupta & Paul Schlesinger
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2009.
Sirens interrupt a sea crossing. Are they what they seem? Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth. Written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto. | |
| 01 | 05 | 20090527 | The Questers face the Tower of Tests and are horrified when one of their number is struck down. Meanwhile Lord Darkness must confront some revolting slaves.
More comic adventures set in lower Earth where fantasy writer Sam has been coerced into joining a band of intrepid heroes as they battle the dread forces of evil in search of the legendary sword of Asnagar!
Fantasy sitcom written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto.
Sam ...... Stephen Mangan
With:
Chris Pavlo
Producers: Anil Gupta & Paul Schlesinger
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2009.
The Oracle enlightens in the quest for the Sword of Asnagar. Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth. Written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto. | ||
| 01 | 05 | 20090527 | 20110831 (R4) | The Questers face the Tower of Tests and are horrified when one of their number is struck down. Meanwhile Lord Darkness must confront some revolting slaves.
More comic adventures set in lower Earth where fantasy writer Sam has been coerced into joining a band of intrepid heroes as they battle the dread forces of evil in search of the legendary sword of Asnagar!
Fantasy sitcom written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto.
Sam ...... Stephen Mangan
With:
Chris Pavlo
Producers: Anil Gupta & Paul Schlesinger
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2009.
The Oracle enlightens in the quest for the Sword of Asnagar. Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth. Written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto. | |
| 01 | 06 | 20090603 | Finally the Sword of Asnagar is found. But is Sam a traitor?
It seems the Quest is near its end as the noble band reach the Rock of Sorrows. But Sam is tempted by Lord Darkness and has to decide between his friends and his home.
More comic adventures set in lower Earth where fantasy writer Sam has been coerced into joining a band of intrepid heroes as they battle the dread forces of evil in search of the legendary sword of Asnagar!
Fantasy sitcom written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto.
Sam ...... Stephen Mangan
Producers: Anil Gupta & Paul Schlesinger
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2009.
Finally the Sword of Asnagar is found. But is Sam a traitor? Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth. Written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto. | ||
| 01 | 06 | 20090603 | 20110901 (R4) | Finally the Sword of Asnagar is found. But is Sam a traitor?
It seems the Quest is near its end as the noble band reach the Rock of Sorrows. But Sam is tempted by Lord Darkness and has to decide between his friends and his home.
More comic adventures set in lower Earth where fantasy writer Sam has been coerced into joining a band of intrepid heroes as they battle the dread forces of evil in search of the legendary sword of Asnagar!
Fantasy sitcom written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto.
Sam ...... Stephen Mangan
Producers: Anil Gupta & Paul Schlesinger
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2009.
Finally the Sword of Asnagar is found. But is Sam a traitor? Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth. Written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto. | |
| 02 | 01 | 20101118 | The return of the fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth.
The intrepid band of Questers, led by Elven Lord, Vidar, set off once again on their search for the Sword of Asnagar.
This is the only thing that can free them from the tyranny of the evil Lord Darkness.
Joining Vidar on the Quest is Dean, the dwarf, Penthiselea, an Amazon warrior princess, Sam, the human, and Amis, the Chosen One (formerly Sam's dog who took human form when he arrived in Lower Earth - he alone can wield the Sword of Asnagar that will defeat Lord Darkness).
In this opening episode, the Questers are saved from near certain death by a strong and charming loner, who goes by the name of Byorthnoth the Brave. But is Byorthnoth quite what he seems? And does it really matter when he has such lovely hair?
Meanwhile, Lord Darkness is back from the Void and has discovered that he's lost his immortality...
Written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto.
Sam ...... Stephen Mangan
Producer: Sam Michell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2010.
Is Lord Darkness aging? Who is the lovely newcomer with the huge biceps? Fantasy comedy. Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth. Written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto. | ||
| 02 | 02 | 20101125 | Amis' over-eating has forced him to put on weight.
This would be fine, were it not for the fact that he is the "Chosen One" and everyone knows Chosen Ones cannot be seen to be too pudgy. He is a role model after all.
So the Questers take him to see the sorcerer, Dietica, where he is put on a punishing new regime - along with the rest of our noble band of heroes.
But, as ever, danger lurks round every corner in Lower Earth and it is not long until Dietica reveals his true plans for the Questers. And it involves more than just staying away from carbs.
Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto.
Sam | ||
| 02 | 03 | 20101202 | The Quest for the Sword of Asnagar continues.
Vidar and his team are outside the Citadel of Gondola which is being laid siege to by the amassed hordes of the evil Lord Darkness. But when they get searched on their way into the Citadel - there's been a lot of trouble with 'suicide fairies' - Sam comes across a love potion in Vidar's belongings.
Unsurprisingly his mind turns from defending the citadel to making his move on Penthiselea.
But the path of true love is never a steady one and Sam's plans for marital bliss soon fall apart when he discovers time with an amorous Penthiselea isn't all it's cracked up to be, and Vidar drinks the love potion by mistake.
Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto.
Sam | ||
| 02 | 04 | 20101209 | The search for the Sword of Asnagar is put on hold when Vidar is summoned home by his father. Meanwhile Lord Darkness also returns home from his Necromancer's convention, proud holder of the 'Medal of Chang', the prize for being 'Necromancer's Necromancer'. However, it turns out that Lord Darkness may not have won it entirely fairly, so he sets about trying to cover his tracks. The fates of Lord Darkness and the Questers are drawn together when they both end up having to cross the Gorge of Doom. But first they must pass the mysterious Bridge Keeper who controls the only passage across. And he charges a heavy price... Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto. Sam | ||
| 02 | 05 | 20101216 | The Questers continue their search for the Sword of Asnagar. This time they accidentally trespass upon grounds of the Emperor Jackie.
Jackie claims to have the Sword of Asnagar but he'll only hand it over if the Questers, and particularly Penthiselea, stay with him for a while.
In the meantime, Lord Darkness' main evil priest, Gaydok, is upset - he doesn't believe Darkness is evil anymore. In a fit of pique Darkness fires him.
But it's not long before he realises that keeping the faith with the evil hordes isn't as easy as he originally thought...
Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto.
Sam | ||
| 02 | 06 | 20101223 | The noble band of Questers are in a pub and within touching distance of getting their hands on the Sword of Asnagar.
Lord Darkness still has a few tricks up his sleeve and he's not about to let the possibility of eternal dominion over Lower Earth slip through his fingers without pulling out all the stops.
Will the Questers be strong enough to handle the immense power of the Sword? Or, as ever with these things, will they be tempted over to the Dark Side...?
Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto.
Sam | ||
| 03 | 01 | 20111017 | When Sam is left behind to "guard the stuff" whilst the others are off killing the Man-munching Giant of Rankor he is accosted by a beautiful maiden, Eirwen, who has been kept captive in the giant's castle and takes Sam to be her rescuer. She promptly proposes, throwing the future of the Questers' Fellowship into jeopardy.
Meanwhile, Lord Darkness' attempts to conquer Lower Earth take a new turn when Kreech discovers an ancient prophesy enabling Lord Darkness to create the "UnChosen One", an evil spirit that is the only being that can defeat the Chosen One.
Problem is, it means Lord Darkness has to impregnate a hideous, misshapen creature. If only there was one of those close to hand...
Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto.
Sam | ||
| 03 | 02 | 20111024 | 20111208 (R4) | As they continue their search for the Sword of Asnagar, the noble Questers are lead to a quiet countryside town, which they've heard may hold their prize.
But it's been razed to the ground by ruthless barbarians, led by blood-thirsty Ragnar Half-tooth, who's taken the Sword taken as booty. In order to get it back, the Questers decide to masquerade as barbarians and enter Ragnar's camp...
Meanwhile, Kreech tells Lord Darkness that his annual regeneration is coming up and that he needs to get some sleep in order to avoid meeting the new Dawn which will send his body crumbling into dust.
Problem is, getting to sleep when it really matters is easier said than done. And Lord Darkness is suddenly overcome by a nasty bout of insomnia...
Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto.
Vidar ...... Darren Boyd
Producer: Sam Michell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2011.
The Questers find themselves held by the ruthless barbarian Ragnar Half-tooth. Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth. Written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto. | |
| 03 | 03 | 20111031 | 20111215 (R4) | The Questers continue their search for the Sword of Asnagar, the only weapon capable of ridding their land from the tyranny of the evil Lord Darkness.
Now they must take a short cut through the mysterious mines of Grazak-Dun. But the only man who can help them enter the mines is the Master Stonemason of Grazak-Dun. Luckily, he also happens to be Dean's dad.
Problem is, Dean's dad hates Dean. So the Questers must hatch a plan that'll help Dean win back the respect of his father...
Meanwhile, Lord Darkness is given the honour of writing the "Big Book of Evil", a task which he takes on with relish. But he soon finds that, as everyone knows, it's one thing to say you'll write a book, and quite another to actually sit down and write one...
Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto.
Vidar ...... Darren Boyd
Producer: Sam Michell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2011.
Dean must impress his estranged dad to help the Questers at the mines of Grazak-Dun. Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth. Written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto. | |
| 03 | 04 | 20111107 | 20111222 (R4) | As they continue their search for the Sword of Asnagar, the noble Questers find themselves coming to the rescue of King Baldwin the Jovial whose mead hall is being terrorised by a terrible creature called "The Grundle".
But when Amis, the Chosen One, starts to question whether he is actually all that special after all, the Questers hatch a plan to kill the beast and restore Amis' self-worth.
Meanwhile, time is running out for Lord Darkness. Kreech tells he must find a girlfriend to keep him young, or he'll find his incorporeal essence once more slowly shrivelling and turning to dust. So Darkness starts off on the dating game. Trouble is, it's been a bit of time since he last met a girl, let alone chatted one up...
Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto.
Vidar ...... Darren Boyd
Producer: Sam Michell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2011.
The Questers help King Baldwin the Jovial, who is being terrorised by a terrible creature. Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth. Written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto. | |
| 03 | 05 | 20111114 | 20111229 (R4) | The Questers continue their search for the Sword of Asnagar and are happy to be welcomed into the palace of the White Wizard.
He is a man who is nothing but sweetness and light and, consequently, the very opposite to Lord Darkness.
But extremism of any kind, whether for good or evil, is a dangerous thing - and Penthiselea soon begins to smell that there's something not altogether unfishy about the White Wizard.
Meanwhile, Kreech and Lord Darkness are off to the Land of Dunes for their annual holiday...
Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto.
Vidar ...... Darren Boyd
Producer: Sam Michell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2011.
The Questers are welcomed by the White Wizard, the nicest man in the whole of Lower Earth. Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth. Written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto. | |
| 03 | 06 | 20111121 | 20120105 (R4) | When the Questers get drunk to celebrate Vidar's birthday, Sam tries once again to gain (albeit with customary cack-handedness) the affections of Penthiselea, much to her consternation. Meanwhile, Lord Darkness is anxious to get one over his old nemesis, Kaybar the Maleficent, and so decides to do something really newsworthy and light the 'Beacon of Doom'. If the 'Beacon of Doom' is lit then the runes dictate that one of the Questers must do battle in hand-to-hand combat with Lord Darkness himself. And so, to impress Penthiselea, Sam volunteers to be that Quester. Problem is, Sam doesn't have the first idea how to fight hand-to-hand. Fortunately, nor it seems, does Lord Darkness. Should make for an interesting showdown then... Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto. Vidar - Darren Boyd Dean/Kreech - Kevin Eldon Amis, aka the 'Chosen One' - Dave Lamb Lord Darkness - Alistair McGowan Sam - Stephen Mangan Penthiselea - Sophie Winkleman Producer: Sam Michell. First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2011. Vidar's birthday celebrations are cut short and a Quester must battle Lord Darkness. Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth. Written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto. | |
| 04 | 01 | Queen Eleanor | 20130212 | The noble Questers set off once again to find the Sword of Asnagar, the only thing that can rid Lower Earth from the tyranny of the evil Lord Darkness.
Their search brings them to the kingdom of Premenstrua, where they defeat a band of trolls that have been terrorising the land. As a reward for their heroism, they are offered the Sword of Asnagar by its grateful ruler, Queen Eleanor. But before it's placed in their hands, they must first get her a birthday present...
Meanwhile, Kreech tries to convince Lord Darkness that what he needs to help him maintain eternal dominion over Lower Earth is a personal assistant.
Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto
Vidar ...... Darren Boyd
Producer: Sam Michell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2013.
The Questers find themselves in the hands of the wildly unpredictable Queen Eleanor. Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth. Written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto. | |
| 04 | 02 | The Magnificent Five | 20130219 | Whilst waiting for news on the whereabouts of the Sword of Asnagar, the Questers stop a pub brawl.
But in doing so, they attract the attention of some villagers from the small village of Mexigaroth who are being terrorised by an evil bandit, who goes by the name of "El Maldado".
Never ones to stand by when a wrong can be righted, the Questers promise to help the villagers defeat El Maldado and his hordes.
Meanwhile, Lord Darkness has to make a presentation for an assembly of the Dark Lords. Pretty routine stuff, surely...?
Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto.
Vidar ...... Darren Boyd
Producer: Sam Michell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2013.
The Questers must help a village protect itself for the evil bandit king El Maldado. Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth. Written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto. | |
| 04 | 03 | The Fat Hog | 20130226 | The Questers find themselves seeking succour at the Fat Hog, a hostelry famed for its excellent cuisine, and run by its quixotic headchef Nigressa.
Meanwhile, Lord Darkness is having trouble with his new Ball of Infinite Vision.
Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth written by James Cary.
Vidar ...... Darren Boyd
Producer: Sam Michell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2013.
The Questers chance upon legendary tavern, the Fat Hog, and its glamorous owner Nigressa. Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth. Written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto. | |
| 04 | 04 | The Underworld | 20130305 | The Questers are forced into the Underworld where they must find Penthiselea's mum to ask her an all important question that could finally lead them to the Sword of Asnagar.
Meanwhile, Lord Darkness faces a testing time too, when he tries to raise an army of the dead.
Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto
Vidar ...... Darren Boyd
Producer: Sam Michell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2013.
The Questers descend into the Underworld in search of Penthiselea's mother. Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth. Written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto. | |
| 04 | 05 | The Bard | 20130312 | The Questers find themselves in possession of the magical Dagger of Razzak-Dar, which kills anyone it touches, and realise this might be a golden opportunity to use it on Lord Darkness. The problem is, Lord Darkness' castle is impenetrable.
Luckily, Lord Darkness is looking for a new bard to soothe his nerves, so decides to hold a talent contest so throws open the doors of his castle to welcome applicants.
If only one of the Questers had any musical or acting experience.
Enter Penthiselea, stage left...
Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth written by James Cary.
Vidar ...... Darren Boyd
Producer: Sam Michell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2013.
The Questers get a chance to kill Lord Darkness. But first they must win a talent contest. Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth. Written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto. | |
| 04 | 06 | The Great Escape | 20130319 | The Questers discover the Sword of Asnagar but no sooner has Amis had time to wield it than they fall into one of Lord Darkness' evil traps and are marched off to the most escape-proof prison camp in all of Lower Earth.
Meanwhile, with the Sword of Asnagar finally in his hands, Lord Darkness will soon be declared supreme Ruler and commander of the Forces of Evil. But first, he has to organise a festival...
Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto
Sam ...... Stephen Mangan
Producer: Sam Michell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2013.
The Questers discover the Sword of Asnagar. But will it help or hinder them? Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth. Written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto. |