In previous weeks, we’ve observed how Thunderbirds Are Go is at its best when offering something new in terms of plot.
So, along comes ‘Fireflash’, a remake of the classic series’ inaugural episode ‘Trapped in the Sky’.
Not a straight-up verbatim remake, but a remake nonetheless, ‘Fireflash’ has all the key ingredients of the original episode – the Hood sabotages a new supersonic aircraft with Kayo onboard, leaving it unable to land.
Easily one of Thunderbirds’ most acclaimed episodes, it seems odd and yet understandable for the new series to retell such a classic. However, as expected, it’s when scribe Andrew Robinson (The Spectacular Spider-Man) deviates from the original plot that the episode is at its best.
Putting Kayo front and centre and showcasing more of her skills certainly improves on the original episode, wherein Tin-Tin merely sat around for almost 50 minutes. Kayo coming to blows with the Hood makes for some great drama, developing her storyline and showing just how much of a genuine badass she is, whilst her heroic attempt at self sacrifice in the climax is further proof of her brilliance. No wonder she’s got her place in the opening titles. Already she’s outmatching Lady Penelope in terms of effectiveness and awesomeness.
The climactic rescue sequence certainly justifies the do-over as well. Taking the famous Elevator Car sequence from the original episode and subverting it by having them fail is genius and plausible. Having Thunderbird 2 grab the aircraft and bring it in to landing? Less plausible, but oh-so cool! Once again, the show succeeds when it does something different, something that even the best model sequences in the world couldn’t make credible.
As you’d expect from a remake, there’s much more fan service here than we’ve had in previous episodes. Captain Hanson, pilot of the Fireflash in ‘Trapped in the Sky’, turns up, with a design that echoes his original puppet model, whilst the use of Barry Gray’s iconic ‘Fireflash Landing’ theme is inspired. If the Foster Brother’s wish to incorporate more music from the original in future episodes, that’ll be just fine, thanks.
‘Fireflash’ is unnecessary when you consider how good previous episodes have been when they bring something new to the table, but there’s certainly no denying that the production team take a good stab at retelling a much-loved story, adding some fresh ideas to the mix and keeping the action and characters at the top of the priority list.
Visually stunning and breathtaking throughout, it’s certainly an interesting, if ultimately mixed bag.
Aired on Saturday 25 April 2015 on CITV.
> Order Volume 1 on DVD on Amazon.
> Buy the complete Thunderbirds collection on Blu-ray on Amazon.
What did you think of this week’s episode? Let us know below…