The Finder
★ 8 · 1991 · 20m · Sci-Fi & Fantasy · Kids
Ten year-old Patrick is a computer whiz. One day, through a computer game at the local shop, he receives a bizarre invitation to become a contestant on a million dollar game show. But the TV channel and the game don’t exist—or do they? Patrick accepts the invitation and so begins a series of journeys across the time barrier into a new dimension full of strange characters, baffling encounters and the ever-present danger of fading away before returning to his own world. Based on the book Finders Keepers by Emily Rodda.
Episodes
▶1. The Invitation20m · Patrick loves computers. One day, whilst he is playing a computer game, he is invited to play in the million-dollar game of Finders Keepers. No one will believe that the game exists, as it is on Channel 8 and there is no such station in Patrick's city. Patrick keeps hearing about the game until the time comes for him to play. He is almost foiled but eventually he crosses the time barrier via a TV set and begins the Finders Keepers game.▶2. The Search20m · Patrick is given the task of finding a missing object that has been lost on his side of the time barrier. Armed with only a clue and a beeper brooch (that beeps if he is near the object), he is sent back to his own world. He searches the zoo and the shopping centre where the brooch goes off at a gift shop. There are a few twists and turns until Patrick finally crosses the time barrier again with his "find".▶3. The Barrier19m · Hoping to win a computer, Patrick agrees to continue playing Finders Keepers. He is about to be transported back home when the system breaks down, leaving him temporarily stuck on the other side. Wendy takes him to see the time barrier (the people on her side can actually see and touch the time barrier). Patrick watches as objects pass through the barrier and also learns about the Trans Barrier Effect. When Patrick returns to the TV station the system breaks down even further and Patrick is afraid he'll never get home.▶4. The Visitor20m · Patrick is finally sent back home only to find that Eleanor Doon's clue leads him to Estelle's ring. Patrick is torn by the dilemma of either taking Estelle's ring or missing out on winning a computer. As he debates with himself over what to do he begins to learn the truth about Estelle. He finally crosses over for the third time.▶5. The ReturnEstelle is reunited with Boopie, her sister, and Patrick returns the find to Eleanor Doon, thus winning his prize. Unfortunately the system breaks down again, this time badly. Max is able to return Patrick home but without his prizes. Patrick says good bye to his new friends and returns to his own side of the barrier. A few days later Patrick receives an intriguing "present", but there is still has one item left to be found...