Since I started writing these online reviews I’ve had the opportunity to catch up on a lot of the different series that were created by Gerry Anderson. It almost seems like every month another one of his shows gets released on DVD. I had always been familiar with his name from the old “Thunderbirds” series, but it wasn’t until last year that I came to realize his resume was far more extensive. Growing up I had watch “Space:1999” and “U.F.O.”, but had no idea that this was also Anderson’s work. Then I find out that “Thunderbirds” was far from being his only supermarionation series. Perusing the various websites dedicated to Anderson certainly gives the impression that he was indeed, quite prolific. The most recent series to hit the DVD market is 1983’s “Terrahawks.” The series marked a newly updated puppetry system he dubbed ‘supermacromation’ which further refined his designs for the stringless puppets. It also quite proudly proclaimed in the opening credits that it was filmed in ‘Hudsoncolor.’ (Whatever in the world that was…)

“Terrahawks” takes place in the year 2020, just three years after Earth’s first alien attack. In response to this attack, the U.N. High command appointed one Dr. ‘Tiger’ Ninestein to establish an elite fighting force capable of defending the Earth against extraterrestrial enemies. Ninestein’s team is comprised of Captain Mary Falconer, Captain Kate Kestrel, Lieutenant Hiro, Lieutenant Hawkeye, Sergeant Major Zero, and Space Sergeant 101. They are aided in their battle by the ultra-sophisticated ‘battlebots,’ called Zeroids, as well as an arsenal of high-tech weapons and vehicles.

When the aliens returned in 2020, they attacked the Mar Colony and set up a stronghold from which they could launch an all out invasion of Earth. The aliens are actually androids from the planet Guk. Zelda, their leader, was originally created in the Earth year 1834 to be a bodyguard for Prince Zegar. But in true Terminator fashion, soon became self-aware and sought out to rid Guk of all humanoids. Now it is Earth’s turn….

I wouldn’t call “Terrahawks”, Anderson’s best work, but it was certainly one of his most imaginative. Having to fight a race of androids gave the series creators the freedom to design some very cool robots (if not a bit dated), and Zelda’s interstellar access permitted them to come up with a myriad of space creatures. Adding to this was the already impressive set and vehicle miniature work that Anderson’s shows always offered.

A&E once again cuts loose another sizable DVD set. It takes a 5-disc box set to deliver all 39 episodes of the series, which also leaves room for few extra features. There is commentary on two of the episodes, the first by director Tony Bell and associate producer Bob Bell on “Gunfight at the Oaky Corral” (get it?), and the other by effects director Steven Begg on “From Here to Infinity.” Both were fairly interesting, but I think I preferred the second one. I’m kind of a technical guy, so I really enjoyed hearing how show’s creators were able to pull off the 1980s special effects.

“Terrahawks” certainly has a lot going for it, and like most of Anderson’s shows, was a bit ahead of its time. By today’s standards, “Terrahawks” might seem a little silly, but if one can imagine the mindset of the 1980s, you’ll certainly appreciate it.

Episodes:
Expect the Unexpected, Part 1
Expect the Unexpected, Part 2
Gold
Close Call
From Here to Infinity
Space Samurai
The Sporilla
Happy Madeday
Gunfight at Oaky’s Corral
The Ugliest Monster of All
The Gun
Thunder Path
Mind Monster
To Catch a Tiger
The Midas Touch
Operation S.A.S.
Yen Top Pop
Unseen Menace
A Christmas Miracle
Midnight Blue
Play It Again, Sham
My Kingdom for a Zeaf
Zero’s Finest Hour
The Ultimate Menace
Thunder-Roar
Ma’s Monsters
Two for the Price of One
Child’s Play
Jolly Roger One
Runaway
First Strike
Terratomb
Doppleganger
Cry UFO
Space Cyclops
Timewarp
Space Giant
Cold Finger
Operation Zero

Starring (the voices of): Windsor Davies, Denise Bryer, Jeremy Hitcher, Anne Ridler, Ben Stevens
Extras: Commentary by director Tony Bell and associate producer Bob Bell on "Gunfight at Oaky's Corral", Commentary by effects director Steven Begg on "From Here to Infinity", Photo gallery: production stills slideshow narrated by Steven Begg, Photo gallery: Tony and Bob Bell at Bray Studios, Terrahawks 10 Codes, Terrahawks history, Character descriptions, Vehicle tech specs
Specifications: Full Screen
Studio: A&E
Release Date: 1/27/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give Terrahawks a B.