Stand by for action!
The late Gerry Anderson was arguably responsible for more high-quality kids entertainment on British television than any other individual. On 14/4/2022 he would have celebrated his 93rd birthday.
Let’s look back at some of his prolific output & originality. Here are some of his most iconic shows.
The Secret Service (1969)
The last of Gerry’s 1960s Supermarionation productions it was based on a priest turned spy.
Space Precinct (1994-95)
Dropped after one season due to low ratings, Space Precinct isn’t all that fondly remembered, but there’s actually quite a bit of fun to be had with this sci-fi creation – think Thunderbirds meets Dragnet.
Joe 90 (1968-69)
A spy-fi series about about a schoolboy imbued with artificial genius. It could be considered a junior 007. I always thought the spinning cage was a bit hypnotic!
The Protectors (1972-74)
The Protectors was Anderson’s second live-action TV series that wasn’t a fantasy or sci-fi release. Robert Vaughn lead a trio of international trouble shooters in this solid action thriller.
Supercar (1961-62)
Gerry’s first Supermarionation series was a sort of proto-Thunderbirds, with test pilot Mike Mercury
Fireball XL5 (1962-63)
Colonel Steve Zodiac patrols the galaxy in spaceship Fireball XL5 in this series of the same name.
Space: 1999 (1975-77)
Followed the inhabitants of Moonbase Alpha after the Moon sent hurtling through space.
Shining suits & some scary scenes demonstrated a distinct between the seasons. How about those jumping moon craft? I could never figure out why they needed to bounce to get about!
UFO (1970–71)
The first and finest live-action series from the Anderson stable, this sci-fi thriller following the exploits of the Earth defence agency SHADO and possibly the best theme tune ever!
Thunderbirds (1965–66)
The most famous of Gerry’s Supermarionation series, Thunderbirds was adventure storytelling for kids at its most pure and vibrant – the model work, as International Rescue’s crafts launch into action, remains hugely impressive.
Our understanding is that many of the craft makers went on to other sci-fi franchises such as Star Wars
Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons (1967–68)
Yes, it is better than Thunderbirds. Every bit as imaginative and entertaining, but with a slightly darker edge for big kids and more sophisticated puppet work, the original Captain Scarlet is the absolute pinnacle of Anderson’s output. In almost every case the stories are dark.
My best bits have to be the closeup interplay between the puppets and real hands being filmed scenes!
Ahh! We miss it all, roll on the repeats…