This is the voice of the Mysterons.

A delve into the indestructible Captain Scarlet.

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This week, we will see the British classic Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons.

History

Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons is a genuinely British sci-fi series created by the husband-and-wife team Gerry and Sylvia Anderson, who also created Thunderbirds, Stingray, and Joe 90, to name a few. The show made its debut in 1967 and quickly became a cult classic in the world of puppet-based animation. The show was repeated several times and had tie-ins with action figures, novels and comic strips.

Known for its futuristic setting, darker atmosphere and compelling narrative, Captain Scarlet has maintained a dedicated fan base over the years, solidifying its status as a beloved piece of British television history as it was a ground breaker in straddling the gap between children and adult television of the time.

The show had 32 original episodes and was broadcast on ITV (regional franchises)  from 1967 to 1968, becoming so popular that it was shown in over 40 countries.

Anderson used electronic marionette puppetry called Supermarionation. This was combined with scale model special effects sequences in many of his animations of the time.

The show was repeated throughout the decades after its release, and in 1999, Anderson supervised the production of a test film. This used motion capture technology and was released on home media in late 2017.

In 2005, The New Captain Scarlet was released on television, but reviews were mixed as the series was seen as not travelling well.

Plotline

Set in the year 2068, Captain Scarlet unfolds in a world where Earth has established a global defence organisation called Spectrum to protect against extra-terrestrial threats. The primary adversary is the mysterious and hostile race known as the Mysterons. When Spectrum's captain, Captain Scarlet, is killed while investigating the Mysterons on Mars, he miraculously recovers, thanks to the Mysterons' complex powers. His body becomes virtually indestructible, making him the perfect weapon to counter the alien menace.

Spectrum, a worldwide security organisation, counters these attacks. In the first episode, Spectrum agent Captain Scarlet acquires the Mysterons’ self-healing power of ‘retromotabolism’, and with this, he becomes indestructible. As the war with the Mysterons continues, he repeatedly sacrifices himself as he knows that he will always come back to fight another day.

Captain Scarlet and his fellow Spectrum agents, including Captain Blue, Lieutenant Green, and Colonel White, tirelessly combat the Mysterons' plans to destroy humanity. The series is known for its thrilling action sequences, futuristic technology, and the suspenseful tension between Spectrum and the enigmatic Mysterons.

Captain Black is an officer of Spectrum but becomes Mysteron's leading agent as they seize control of his mind.

Spectrum's senior agents hold military ranks and colour codenames and are posted to the headquarters. Cloudbase is an airborne aircraft carrier above the Earth's surface, where it answers to its commander-in-chief, Colonel White.

Cloudbase is defended by Angel Interceptor Fighters flown by an all-female group of pilots led by Destiny-Angel.

Characters

The characters of Captain Scarlet are both distinctive and memorable. The titular hero, Captain Scarlet, can recover from injuries, symbolising resilience and bravery. His loyal companion, Captain Blue, often finds himself embroiled in dangerous situations while carrying out Spectrum missions. Colonel White leads the organisation with wisdom and determination, making the tough decisions to protect Earth.

The Mysterons, while never fully revealed, serve as an enigmatic and formidable antagonist. Their otherworldly powers and sinister plots add depth to the series and provide a constant source of intrigue as they usually begin their attacks with the line, ‘This is the voice of the Mysterons.’

Merchandise

Captain Scarlet has had its fair share of merchandise, from action figures to clothing and books. The iconic character designs and futuristic vehicles have made for popular collectables among fans. Additionally, the show's enduring popularity has led to the production of new merchandise, allowing a new generation to appreciate the world of Spectrum and the Mysterons.

The show has been syndicated in several comics, graphic novels and books. 

Around the World

Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons have made a significant impact worldwide. The series, known for its captivating storytelling and unique blend of marionette puppetry and miniature sets, transcended borders and captivated audiences in multiple countries. Its themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the fight against seemingly insurmountable odds are universal, resonating with viewers of all ages and backgrounds.

Fun Facts

The series was lauded for its meticulous design and attention to detail, including realistic vehicles and futuristic technology, which added depth to the futuristic world of Captain Scarlet.

The series was filmed in a converted factory in Slough's industrial estate.

The idea for the Mysteron’s rings came from a wool advert. The advert featured the Woolmark logo that was then projected onto a woman.

The idea of Captain Scarlet came partly from the canals on the Surface of Mars and the hint of alien life.

Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic science fiction and captivating storytelling. The series continues to be cherished by fans worldwide, and its influence on animation and science fiction is undeniable. Captain Scarlet's battles against the Mysterons symbolise resilience and courage, making this show a timeless classic in the annals of television history.

Coming Up

• Animated Anecdotes: Over 2024,  some people will share anecdotes on animation that influence their lives.  Please let me know if you fancy writing a guest post to share with your readers and my readers.

• Later this year, a series of essays will shine a light on influential animations that have had a cultural impact.