Danger At Ocean Deep
Every John Tracy fan loves this episode because it is the only one in which he participates in an actual rescue.
Unfortunately, John's efforts are overshadowed as Jeff takes him down a few pegs for daring to venture an opinion...!
Ray Barrett said that he was given the job of voicing John Tracy because he'd commented to Gerry Anderson on how much he liked the look of the character.
Lady Penelope's fellow member of the peerage, Lord Worden, was previously seen as Sir Jeremy Hodge in "Perils Of Penelope."
The sea-going theme heard during the maiden voyage of Ocean Pioneer I was originally written and used in the series "Stingray." It's called "The March Of The Oysters."
Bob Williams from "Cry Wolf" is seen next to the reporter on the dock as Ocean Pioneer II launches at Clydeside.
Both 1993 and 1998 are mentioned as excellent years for vintage champagne during the course of the series; however, in reality, 1993 was a rather lousy year for it.
The largest model version of T3 created stood 6 feet tall.
Alan always becomes a pouty brat:
1) Whenever he has to report for duty in Thunderbird 5
2) Whenever he can't go along on a mission
3) Whenever he can't party with the big boys
4) Whenever Tin-Tin isn't speaking to him after he's said something stupid
5) Whenever Tin-Tin is listening to DJ Rick O'Shea
Mere Technicality: The heat from Thunderbird 3's three rocket engines should, by rights, vaporize the Round House! (Of course, it is reinforced with materials which protect it).
Alan keeps track of the exact minute and seconds at which time he started monitor duty aboard Thunderbird 5 and insists on John paying him back in equal measure...despite the fact that he is late relieving John several times during the series.
As Brains acquires the tape aboard Thunderbird 5, it appears that John is taller than both he and Alan. This is due to two factors: The placement of John's waistband is higher, as is Scott's. Actually, all of the Tracy boys marionettes were 22 inches tall. Brains is a slightly shorter version of the standard male marionette used in the series, as is Jeff Tracy.
John is normally a shy and introverted type, easily the most quiet of the Tracy brothers. Rather than romp in the games room with his brothers, it's more common to find him reading a book or roaming the hillsides of Tracy Island as he studies the vegetation, a pastime he misses during his stints in Thunderbird 5.
An avid astral photographer and student of the heavens, John Tracy has written four extensive textbooks on astronomy and is credited with having discovered the Tracy Quasar.
John's handsome, boyish features were modeled on those of pop singer Adam Faith, with his profile being supplied by movie star Charlton Heston.
One of the most widely collected pieces of Thunderbirds memorabilia are the Dinky Toys made in the image of FAB 1; millions of them were sold, but few originals survive today.
As Alan and John trade off in Thunderbird 5, they've apparently both forgotten about bringing their familiar red kit bags with them! Guess John's laundry will have to wait...!
Thunderbird 5 has living quarters for up to six people. This was essential during the construction phase, as most of the needed IR fixtures and fittings were put into place after the satellite had been launched into space.
Seemingly the only reason that John gets to go with Virgil on this mission is that the boys take it upon themselves to leave without direct orders from Jeff. This becomes a more common occurrence during the rest of the series, with the boys choosing the crew and the equipment to be used for the rescues. Look, Pa---they're growing up!
The events of this episode allow John to show a wider range of personality which seems only brought out when allowed to interact with his brothers. He exhibits a feisty side never before seen while working out details with Virgil and when debating rescue tactics with Scott.
This episode has to have happened before "Perils Of Penelope" because Scott mentions having been on all of the previous rescues, yet he did not participate in that one.