I remember my old man telling my 7 year old self not to forget that a new series from the makers of Stingray starts on Saturday … that was 30th September 1965. It became one of those defining moments that you have when you’re young that goes with you through the rest of your life.
Seriously, that first episode must have captivated much of the UK population of kids … and a lot of adults, my old man included. What was not to like? Stingray was great fun but Thunderbirds was way out there with cool machines, edge of the seat action and they blew the crap out of everything in a most satisfying way.
There was perfect chemistry with Thunderbirds from the choice of voice actors to Derek Meddings wonderful creations. In fact Gerry Anderson’s universe had a profound effect on me in my developing year’s right through to the hormone awakening Lt Gay Ellis in UFO but that’s going a bit off topic I guess
Seeing TB1 in the hanger and its launch sequence, the crazy “its never gonna make it” take off of TB2 on the ramp and so on sticks in the mind BUT there is always one image you take away more than any other.
For me it was the very first touchdown of TB1 at the airport in that first episode – Trapped in the sky. Seeing TB1 sweep in low and touch down in a cloud of smoke grabbed me on that old settee from 1965 and never let me go.
Once TB1 arrives you just knew it was all going to be alright and there have been a few times in my adult life where a metaphorical TB1 was needed which duly turned up – Man, sometimes I’m a silly old git!
Interesting snippet:
Trapped in the sky was the only episode written by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson. (I suppose everyone knows this and I'm just late to the gig).
Anyway, this is my homage to Thunderbird 1 and happy New Year to all.
