Thunderbirds Are Go!

It has been revealed that a new series of CGI Thunderbirds is to hit our screens in 2015, something I'm thoroughly excited about... providing it's better than the travesty of a film from 2004. It's just a shame that the return of the Tracy brothers couldn't have been announced in the lifetime of Gerry Anderson, who passed away on Boxing Day last year.

I grew up with Thunderbirds after its repeats on the BBC in 1992 and was lucky enough to get a Tracy Island model thanks to the tenacity of my parents. I'm excited it's coming back and providing it keeps the appeal of the originals but brings it up to date then it will be great.

Today 'Den of Geek' gave us ten things they'd like to see from the new series of Thunderbirds (http://www.denofgeek.com/tv/thunderbirds/24356/10-things-wed-like-to-see-in-the-new-thunderbirds-series). Here are mine...

1. Keep The Crafts The Same

One major problem I had with the film was how they changed the craft. Yes, we know Thunderbird 2 probably can't fly as it looks, but that's how we know it and that's how it should stay, and the same for the other craft. And that includes FAB1. And whilst they're at it keep the characters at the right ages.

2. Social Networking

One of the elements used in the very first episode of 'Trapped In The Sky' was the fear of people photographing the vehicles and though we've moved on a little from film cameras held in a costume, this should be covered more in the new series. And with most people in possession of a camera on their mobile phone and the internet to spread images, they'll have their work cut out.

3. Thunderbird Six

The inclusion of Thunderbird Six at the end of the second feature film is a bit, well, naff, and though I doubt they'll change the iconic theme - which should definitely return - should be referenced somewhere in the series, even if it's just in the back of shot somewhere.

4. FAB3

We've already been introduced to FAB1 and FAB2 throughout the series. How about a FAB3 for Lady Penelope and Parker, like their own personal plane.

5. A Series Arc

The Hood is a great villain but his boss - General X - was never seen. The original series saw stand-alone episodes whereas in the post-season world the series needs to have an over-reaching arc. What if the organisation they work for are post 9/11 terrorists stopping at nothing and at some point, Terror in New York City-like, destroy one of the craft? Or how about a modern Government fear the threat of International Rescue and hunt them down to stop them operating and maybe steal their tech to form their own military weaponry? Stand-along episodes are fine but a season arc would be incredible.

6. New Pod Craft

We have the Mole, Firefly and the Elevator Cars, but how about some new vehicles in the pods to perform rescues. This will expand the opportunities for rescue.

7. Fireflash

I agree with the Den of Geek writer: Fireflash needs to return. It's an iconic craft and perhaps a future model of it could get into trouble for an exciting rescue.

8. Flashback

We know that Jeff Tracy as a young man landed on the moon well before he headed up International Rescue. How about we get a flashback episode where he meets Brains and they come up with the idea of the Thunderbird machinery.

9. Video Game

OK, this is perhaps a bit of a cheat but the concept of Thunderbirds is a brilliant one and a video game to go with the series would be brilliant. Who wouldn't want to pilot Thunderbird 2?

10. Real Danger or Changes

I'm sure the programme will be aimed squarely at kids but why not put some more adult issues in. How about a little romance between Alan and TinTin that's more, well, adult that the kids of the film? Or perhaps some truly life-threatening dangers that the Tracy brothers get into with maybe even a real tragedy...

These are my ideas for the new series - what would you like to see?