“Dungeons & Dragons” is an American animated television series that aired from 1983 to 1985, inspired by the popular tabletop role-playing game of the same name. The series follows a group of six friends who are transported into a magical realm and must find their way home while battling various foes and completing quests.

Season 1, Episode 1: “The Night of No Tomorrow”

• Original Air Date: September 17, 1983
• Written by: Mark Evanier
• Directed by: John Gibbs and Bob Richardson

Plot Summary:

In the pilot episode, “The Night of No Tomorrow,” the story begins with six friends—Hank, Eric, Diana, Presto, Sheila, and Bobby—visiting an amusement park where they board a Dungeons & Dragons-themed roller coaster. The ride magically transports them to a mystical realm filled with dragons, sorcery, and various dangers. Upon arriving, they are met by Dungeon Master, a wise and mysterious guide who gives each of them a magical weapon or item:

• Hank: The Ranger, receives an energy bow.
• Eric: The Cavalier, receives a magical shield.
• Diana: The Acrobat, receives a magical staff.
• Presto: The Magician, receives a magical hat.
• Sheila: The Thief, receives a cloak of invisibility.
• Bobby: The Barbarian, receives a magical club. He is also accompanied by a small unicorn named Uni.

Dungeon Master informs them that they must use these items to survive and find their way home, but first, they must confront a powerful and evil wizard named Venger who has enslaved the land.

In “The Night of No Tomorrow,” the group travels to the city of Helix, which is in danger from Venger’s evil plans. The city is threatened by a yearly attack from dragons, an event that has been stopped in the past by a wizard named Merlin. Presto, the group’s somewhat clumsy magician, is eager to prove himself and believes that Merlin can help them. The group seeks out Merlin’s castle, where Presto is determined to become Merlin’s apprentice in hopes of learning powerful magic to aid in their quest.

However, it is soon revealed that “Merlin” is actually a disguised Venger, who has set a trap to steal their magical weapons. Presto inadvertently triggers a spell that will bring the dragons to attack Helix once again. The group must work together to stop the dragons and thwart Venger’s plans. With quick thinking and bravery, they manage to save the city, but they learn that the journey ahead will be long and dangerous.

Themes:

• Heroism: The episode establishes the characters’ roles as reluctant heroes who must grow into their newfound responsibilities.
• Teamwork: Despite their differences, the group learns to rely on each other’s strengths to overcome challenges.
• Trust and Deception: The episode explores the theme of trust, especially when the group is deceived by Venger.

Characters Introduced:

• Hank the Ranger (voiced by Willie Aames)
• Eric the Cavalier (voiced by Don Most)
• Diana the Acrobat (voiced by Tonia Gayle Smith)
• Presto the Magician (voiced by Adam Rich)
• Sheila the Thief (voiced by Katie Leigh)
• Bobby the Barbarian (voiced by Ted Field III)
• Dungeon Master (voiced by Sidney Miller)
• Venger (voiced by Peter Cullen)
• Uni the Unicorn (voiced by Frank Welker)

Legacy:

“The Night of No Tomorrow” sets the tone for the rest of the series, introducing viewers to the central conflict between the protagonists and Venger. The episode also establishes the blend of fantasy adventure and moral lessons that would become a hallmark of the series. The show remains a cult classic, fondly remembered by fans of both the animated series and the Dungeons & Dragons franchise.