'Rag, Tag and Bobtail' is another one of those shows watched in my childhood on videotapes of very old shows (long after the show first aired), some of them with puppetry, that left a big impression on me at the time for its unique characters and ahead of the time atmosphere. Also one of those shows that was forgotten about for a while after it started to fade into relative obscurity. Then saw pictures of the characters somehow by chance when researching old puppet shows and decided to relive those fond memories.
That 'Rag, Tag and Bobtail', as well as shows like 'Andy Pandy', 'Flower Pot Men' and 'The Woodentops' (all made in similar time frames and also puppet animated and strong on childhood innocence), are not better known today is in my mind not just a shame but somewhat criminal too. While vastly inferior shows with very little quality and charm air regularly on accessible time slots on channels that have not been the same for a long time.
It still looks good visually, have always found old puppet animation incredibly charming to watch and affectionate. Old-fashioned yes but beautifully crafted, the backgrounds throughout the show are meticulously detailed and there is nothing stiff or primitive about the puppet designs or movements that are also quite cleverly used.
Music is easy on the ear and is never overused or bombastic. The theme tune is another catchy and charmingly written one. All the characters are endearing and charmingly quaint and don't come over as one-dimensional.
Furthermore, the writing has a good deal of charm. It is very easy for younger audiences to understand, but does so without resorting to juvenile or dumb humour or using over complex terminology. Older audiences shouldn't find it a problem either, and find plenty to be amused by and be charmed by its simplicity. The stories are full of quaint charm and wisely keep things simple, they don't come over as too slow either. The childhood innocence is very strong and in a way that is immensely charming and hard to resist, without being too sentimental.
Overall, wonderful. 10/10.