International Rescue returns to television thanks to Amazon Prime Video. This reinvention of the classic marionette based children show is done in CG, but the same story elements of the original remain. As the show opens we are dropped into a frightful scene of a hot-air balloon stuck in a storm. Just as things look bleak for the father and son inside, Thunderbird 2 slowly breaks through the cloud cover saving the boy, but losing the father just as the intro rolls. The CG work allows for a more dynamic show, but that same feeling of adventure is still there. Plus, the use of the original countdown sent nostalgia tickles down my spine. Yes, this is a whole new series, but those involved in this revamped children show understand its roots.
The Tracey brothers and their fabulous machines look great and they get updated suits more resembling the work they do. The animation is far more dynamic and engaging than the original and seeing all the birds in action early on helps to set up each brothers role on the team. As a longtime fan I just hope Scott Tracy gets to actually do something this series from up on the space station. Brains, Lady Penelope and company are all here as well as Kayo, the newest addition to International Rescue. It’s a well-rounded group of characters that allows all sorts of kids to find someone to connect with.
“No one is losing their dad today.”
The thing that concerned most people going into this reboot was the CG animation used. Sure, there was no way that the team would use marionettes here, but this isn’t your typical CG schlock usually dumped onto kids shows. Thunderbirds Are Go employs a mix of both CG and model work to produce something really special. The CG still retains the toy like aesthetic and really pairs up well with the handcrafted models. It’s a really pretty show to watch with the kids and a fun game can be made of spotting what’s CG and what’s a model.
Ring of Fire does a great job establishing everyone and their role within the organization. We get full scenes of each brother and Thunderbird ship launching and heading to, well, rescue people. These machines each serve a unique function on the team. Each one has a distinct look built perfect for a line of toys, something I’m hopeful for as this is an Amazon property.
The Tracy brothers come together in “Ring of Fire” to rescue an undersea lab that is being rocked by massive seaquakes. It’s a great disaster to show off their skills, and it’s also great seeing Lady Penelope, their London secret agent, doing her thing. As this is happening Thunderbird 4 (the undersea vessel) gets distracted by a beacon that resembles the one from their father’s ship. This is another focus on the show as the brothers lost their father under mysterious circumstances in a crash and this little distraction nicely sets up the shows grander story arc about the family.
As the team finishes the rescue we are introduced to the International Rescues archenemy, The Hood. This mysterious figure was responsible for the cash that took the boys’ father and has a strange hatred for the team, whose only purpose is to help people. This première episode is broken up into two parts, and we begin the later half with the team reacting to The Hood and his earthquake machines that have appeared around the Ring of Fire.
Another display of the Thunderbirds in action leads to The Hood making demands of a free island, some in-universe special material, and the Thunderbird ships for his own. It’s quite silly, really, but it works for a kids show, even if it is a tad cheesy and over the top. John Tracy, the youngest team member, gets a mission and is accompanied by Kayo, his “babysitter,” but the show coolly sets up a possible romance angle between the two.
Part two does a good job featuring the team both in and out of their ships helping people around the world. The teamwork aspect helps to keep things engaging, as the old show just had them fix everything from their birds. Groundwork was kept to a minimum as everything would turn into a fight out of Team America really quick. The little bits and tools that each uses as part of each ships loadout also helps flesh out each Tracy brother better than the original show ever could.
At the tail of the show we finally get to see what Kayo can do as she performs a Halo Drop from Thunderbird 4. It’s a darn impressive display that builds her as an essential member of the team in a more combat heavy role. She finds the location of The Hoods base and we learn of the connection between him and Kayo. It’s not expanded on deeply, but we learn that they are family as The Hood is her Uncle.
As the episode comes to an end we get the first extension to the show as Kayo gets a specialized Thunderbird with Thunderbird S; The S standing for Shadow. Thunderbird S is a much different bird as it looks to be built and designed for a more combat/stealth role. We shall see how this new bird in action and what role it takes among its family in later episode. All in all Thunderbirds Are Go “Ring of Fire” could not have had a better start to a kids show. It offers up a lot of fun and tense moments that can appeal for both parents and kids alike.
Final Thoughts:
- The Thunderbirds each look fantastic
- The mix of model and CG work fits really well
- The show doesn’t pander to kids and ramps up the action
- Getting a new Thunderbird in Thunderbird S opens the show up
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