stranger-than-reality moments, as seen on "Thunderbirds" on TechTV
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Trapped In The Sky
"Trapped In The Sky" debuts the key phrase heard throughout the series: "F.A.B.!" While many fans have speculated its meaning, the term came from slang for "fabulous" and the initials mean...nothing!
This episode introduces the recurring themes of espionage, terrorism and avarice on the part of The Hood, the younger half-brother of the Tracy's friend, Kyrano. The Hood's real name, Belah Gaat, was given in the comics series.
Just in case they scare the kids: These electronic marionettes' mouths operated through the use of a solenoid to move the lower lip which was set on hinges, with a piece of leather placed below the lip for flexibility. The eyes were spring-loaded and set on a track rod, then given leather eye lids for realistic blinking movements. However, in the early models, heads were created to either have blinking eyes or rolling eyes; they couldn't blink and roll their eyes on the same head until further advancements were made.
The pilots of the Fireflash rejoin the cast in later episodes such as "Operation: Crashdive" and "The Impostors."
"Thunderbirds" features one of the many notable single fathers of 1960s TV, Jeff Tracy of International Rescue. His deceased wife, Lucille, is never mentioned during the series.
The scene showing the runaway elevator car was a real accident. It wasn't in the script---but it looked so dramatic on film that Derek Meddings convinced the Andersons to add it to the episode. They then added the sequence of the car smashing into nestled planes off of the airstrip, providing even more mayhem.
Tin-Tin is the niece of The Hood, but apparently has never known him. She doesn't recognize him when she meets him face to face during the series.
As in "Trapped In The Sky," The Hood directly endangers Tin-Tin again, in the episode "Desperate Intruder."
"Trapped In The Sky" features the only black supporting character of the series. A TV series couldn't be sold to places like South Africa or some markets in the American South with black characters interacting on par with whites. However, the Andersons were allowed to add a continuing black character in the follow-up series, "Captain Scarlet And The Mysterons."
The cocky villain, The Hood, has a tendency to remove his disguises before he's safely away.
In later episodes, updates to Thunderbird 5 include a modern automated chair to replace the stool seen near the window in this episode.
The young rescue officer "Bob Meddings" is the namesake of Supervising Special Effects Director Derek Meddings and Art Director Bob Bell.
Jeff Tracy's status as "one of the first men to land on the moon" only works in the time setting of the series, 2026. In the alternative setting of 2065, he'd have to be well over 100 years old to have managed that feat! This was later restated in the comics as Jeff having been the first of men to set up permanent dwellings on the moon instead.
"Trapped In The Sky" is the only episode in which Jeff Tracy dictates through a microphone to his typewriter. In later episodes, Tin-Tin takes dictation.
This episode introduces the color-coded uniforms of International Rescue; the individual boys wear unique colors on their sashes, hats and boots.
In an unusual scene, we actually are treated to seeing Scott and John updating each other during a mission; normally we are just told that they will do so. Though the visuals are rare in the series, they also do so in the episodes "The Duchess Assignment," "Pit Of Peril" and "Atlantic Inferno."
Small notions, kitchen utensils and model kit parts were used to create the ultramodern hangar of Thunderbird 1. (Note the lemon reamer, door bells and tube caps glued to the hangar wall)!
The concept of winching a man into a troubled aircraft as seen in this episode is revisited in the episode "Operation: Crashdive" and in the theatrical film "Thunderbirds Are Go."
The Fireflash SSTs are the target of terrorism in both this episode and "Operation: Crashdive," but they are the preferred method of air transport for Lady Penelope and her butler, Parker. First class, if you please!
Thunderbird 1's Mobile Control Unit is one of the only non-automated pieces of IR rescue equipment. It requires a crew to transport it at the trouble spot.
Lady Penelope's IR symbol is a tea pot...as she's usually just sitting down to tea when called to action!
Parker is an expert butler, as well as a crack shot with a rifle and well adept at safecracking and all other forms of larceny. And he makes a smashing cuppa!
Scott and Virgil have participated in all of IR's rescues except for one each: Virgil missed out on the stateside events in "Terror In New York City," and Scott remains on Tracy Island during the adventures of "The Perils Of Penelope." (He doesn't leave the island for "Atlantic Inferno," but he's definitely participating---in fact, he's the commander)!
As will become the habit in many future episodes, once John has delivered the rescue information, he is not seen again---by orders of Gerry Anderson. However, in this episode, "Pit Of Peril" and "The Duchess Assignment," to name a few, he can be seen updating Scott and Virgil as they attempt rescues. (Hooray for the writers---they fought as best they could for some quality John time)!
This episode establishes the secrecy with which IR guard their organization: Jeff's fear is that their equipment could be used as weapons of mass destruction.
The radio controlled elevator cars seen in "Trapped In The Sky" are never used again during the series.
The Hood is such a meticulous criminal that he labels his bomb "Auto Bomb Explosive Unit"---in gold! (Makes you wonder who did the engraving)!
Introducing Mr. and Ms. Kiss'n'scratch: The series' romantic duo, Alan and Tin-Tin, are first seen cuddling out on the balcony in this episode.
Jeff's protective move, "Operation Cover-up" includes "civilian" portraits of each of his sons---but visitors never ask why John isn't anywhere to be found on the island...!
The musical Virgil presumably wrote "The March Of The Thunderbirds," since he's heard playing it on piano at the end of this episode. That should be a bit confusing to the great Barry Gray, as he composed the wonderful music for this series.
"Trapped In The Sky" is the only episode to use a different version of "The March Of The Thunderbirds" over the closing credits.
