Joe 90

Actually there's two versions around of the first episode.

The original one where the mission was just a scenario, then there was a later compilation of episodes were the 'scenario' elements were taken out and he actually did blow up everything.

Of course the idea of a Westerner sneaking into a Russian base, jumping into a fully armed fighter, and taking off, and battling back to the West - was obviously a great idea...

... years later, the whole episode was ripped off to become a Clint Eastwood movie called Firefox...

The similarities are rather extreme, then there's that episode of Space: 1999 where a crew come across an abandoned derelict spacecraft, and find a lone creature that attacks the crew and eats them, with one lone survivor escaping in a life pod, whose story is not believed. I think that became a movie or two as well...

Stingray was good, Thunderbirds were fantastic, and Captain Scarlet was awesome - but for me Joe 90 was the best of all. Maybe because I was about "Joe's" age when I watched it that it seemed all the more wonderful.

Typical Gerry Anderson - superb sets, rocking explosions and fantastical vehicles. What more could you want! Haven't seen it for years on TV but as all the others have made it back to UK TV fingers crossed...

Thanks Gerry!

(P.S. Every kid I grew up with who wore glasses probably hates this show!)

Joe 90 is the next series that sticks in my mind as a favourite next to Thunderbirds and Stingray. Great story lines to this series, more so than Thunderbirds. I prefer this to Captain Scarlet. Definitely an essential to add to your Gerry Anderson collection.

This is so underrated but I remember Joe 90:as clearly as watching Thunderbirds as a child of the late 60s. I love all Gerry Anderson's work but Thunderbirds, Joe 90, Stingray have to be my favourites. Following Captain Scarlet which this is in the style of. And of course another underrated series is The Secret Service. Not forgetting of course the charming black and white series of Fireball XL5, Supercar. Never get bored of watching these. Great storylines, effects and attention to detail.

Joe 90 had a concept that most children would dream of; after all, who wouldn't want to go on missions with the brain patterns of someone to succeed? This in itself seems quite a winning concept; however, the show wasn't as successful as the other Gerry Anderson productions, and in its own right.

One of the problems with the show, and why I didn't feel it was as a big a hit, is that the first episode was rather weak; it featured a 'this is what could happen' scenario that just didn't work. Fortunately, the later episodes were much better, but this may put you off seeing the rest of the series.

Not brilliant, but still had its good moments.