FAB Virgil – Thunderbirds Are Go!

My 70's TV Childhood

Welcome to another episode of My 70s TV Childhood. This time, we’re returning to the world of Gerry Anderson’s iconic puppet series. Growing up in 1970s Britain, Thunderbirds and other Anderson creations like Stingray, Captain Scarlet, and Joe 90 were a big part of my TV memories.

We explore the genius of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson and their revolutionary Supermarionation technique, which brought their characters to life. I reminisce about the Tracy family of Thunderbirds, their heroic missions with International Rescue, and the incredible vehicles like Thunderbird 2 and the underused Thunderbird 3 (Why?). There’s also Lady Penelope and Parker, whose quirky British humour added charm to the show.

I share my fond memories of playing with a Thunderbird 2 toy and the amusing fact that it was blue instead of its original green, thanks to advice from a child psychologist!!

In this episode, we also touch on the cultural backdrop of space exploration in the 60s and 70s, which heavily influenced these shows, and revisit the darker tones of Captain Scarlet and the fantastical gadgetry of Joe 90. These shows, despite their puppetry, offered drama, adventure, and a sense of wonder that still resonates today.

Were you captivated by the heroics of Thunderbirds or intrigued by the darker world of Captain Scarlet? Or perhaps you have your own Gerry Anderson favourite? Want to share your memories of these unique characters? Let us know on our blog, Facebook, or Twitter! Your stories make this podcast even better.

Take care,
Oliver

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