New Captain Scarlet
Also known asCaptain Scarlet
GenreAction
Adventure
Science fiction
Created byGerry Anderson
Based onCaptain Scarlet and the Mysterons
Written byJohn Brown
Brian Finch
Phil Ford
Directed byDavid Lane
Dominic Lavery
Mark Woollard
Voices ofJulia Brahms
Jules de Jongh
Wayne Forester
Mike Hayley
Jeremy Hitchen
Nigel Plaskitt
William Roberts
Robbie Stevens
Emma Tate
Heather Tobias
Suzy Westerby
Glenn Wrage
Music byCrispin Merrell
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of series2
No. of episodes26
Production
Executive producersNigel Jealous
Jim Reeve
James Clay
Margot Ricketts
ProducerGerry Anderson
EditorAndy Walter
Running time22 minutes
Production companiesAnderson Entertainment for Gerry Anderson Productions
The Indestructible Production Company
Budget£22 million[1]
Original release
NetworkITV
Release12 February (2005-02-12) –
26 November 2005 (2005-11-26)

New Captain Scarlet is a British computer generated action-adventure reboot of the 1967 Supermarionation series, Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons. Both series were produced by Gerry Anderson. As a nod to Supermarionation, the new series' computer animation was promoted as "Hypermarionation".[2] It was the last show produced by Gerry Anderson.

The series premiered on the British ITV network in February 2005. Instead of having its own timeslot, each episode of New Captain Scarlet was shown within the children's Saturday morning children TV Show, Ministry of Mayhem. Anderson was unhappy with this scheduling decision, claiming the show was ignored.[3]

The Radio Times said fans "felt the essence of the show had been pixelated away",[4] while The Register called the series a "rehash".[5]

Development

In 1999, Anderson supervised the production of a computer-animated test film, Captain Scarlet and the Return of the Mysterons, to explore the possibility of updating some of his 1960s Supermarionation series for a 21st-century audience.[6][7] The working title was Captain Scarlet – The New Millennium.[7] Produced by Moving Picture Company using a combination of Maya software and motion-capture technology, the film features Francis Matthews and Ed Bishop reprising their voice roles of Captains Scarlet and Blue.[6][7] Set a few years after the Mysterons apparently cease hostilities against Earth, the film sees the reappearance of Captain Black, setting the stage for a revival of the war with Mars.[8] The film was screened at a Fanderson convention in 2000 and a science lecture in 2001.[9][7] It was released on home media in 2017.[10]

It was the success of Captain Scarlet and the Return of the Mysterons which led to the development of New Captain Scarlet.[3] The new series' conventional motion capture technique was promoted as "Hypermarionation" as a nod to the original series' Supermarionation.[2] Much of the series' £22 million budget was contributed by private investors under the Enterprise Investment Scheme.[1][11][12]

Broadcast

ITV premiered New Captain Scarlet on the Saturday morning children's entertainment show Ministry of Mayhem. Episodes were split across two parts and shown with truncated opening titles.

Anderson later claimed: "They took my half-hour show, cut the titles off and cut it in half. It wasn't even listed so people who watched Ministry of Mayhem had to wait and watch all the nonsense going on before the first half. When it finished they didn't say there was a second half or when it was going to start. After they had shown all the episodes, legally it had to be cited as a repeat so it never had a premiere. It just broke my heart."[13]

He interviews with Den of Geek and Big Finish, Anderson further dismissed Ministry of Mayhem as "a three-hour rubbish show", claimed parents had to "suffer" when NCS wasn't on-screen, that he was uncredited, and that Ministry of Mayhem "murdered the show".[14][15]

In the United States, the series aired on Animania HD.[16][17] International sales rights were handled by Sony Pictures Television and Sony Wonder.[18]

Episodes were aired in the order they were completed and delivered to ITV, meaning that the series finale aired as the penultimate instalment. This is because an alternative episode had to be made after one was abandoned because Gerry Anderson thought it was too scary for younger children. On 29 September 2017 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original Captain Scarlet series, New Captain Scarlet became available to stream in North America via Amazon Video. In the years since, the series has also been available to stream on YouTube and Tubi.

Synopsis

In the year 2068, peace on Earth is maintained by the Spectrum Organization, a super-efficient security group, headquartered in the vast floating aircraft carrier Skybase, which hovers on the edge of Earth's atmosphere. Spectrum is staffed by agents recruited from various military services, who are each assigned colour codenames to hide their true identities. Under the command of Colonel White, Spectrum has become the supreme peacekeeping force, maintaining a fleet of sophisticated vehicles for use by Spectrum field agents.

A mission to locate the source of mysterious signals originating from Mars unleashed the power of the Mysterons, a ruthless alien consciousness. When Spectrum Captains Scarlet and Black discovered the Mysteron city on Mars, Black mistook the intentions of a probe for a hostile offensive and opened fire, completely destroying the city. Using their power of retrometabolism (the ability to recreate matter), the Mysterons rebuilt their city, killed Black, and promised to crush Earth and its destructive people. This has taken the form of a war of nerves, with the Mysterons using their powers to influence people, vehicles and inanimate objects to fall under their control.

The Mysterons' primary Earth agent is Captain Black, recreated from the body of the original Spectrum agent. Captain Scarlet was also engineered to become an agent of destruction, but the Mysterons' hold over him was broken after he fell through a power conduit in the Skybase engineering section. Retaining the original man's memories, personality and loyalties, the new Captain Scarlet also retains the Mysteron ability to survive injuries that would prove fatal to any other person. Spectrum's personnel and facilities are now mainly mobilised to combat the threat of the Mysterons, with Captain Scarlet as their greatest weapon.

Rebooted characters

Spectrum

Main characters

  • Captain Scarlet (Paul Metcalfe): Leading Spectrum field agent. A 32-year-old dual nationality (British/American) former USAF and Special Forces officer, replaced by a virtually indestructible replicant. He was born in Winchester, United Kingdom. Paul's mother was Ann Brightman, a British astrophysicist, while his father, Tom Metcalfe, was an American pilot who later joined the International Space Agency. At the age of 10, Paul watched his father take humankind's first steps on Mars and vowed to follow in his historic footsteps. Scarlet was always quietly jealous of the relationship that had developed between his Spectrum partner and best friend Conrad Lefkon (designated by Spectrum as Captain Black) and Simone Giraudoux (Destiny Angel). However, once Black was Mysteronised, Scarlet's feelings for Destiny resurface and throughout the series the two start to fall in love. Scarlet has black hair and blue eyes, weighs 12 stone (76 kg) and is 6 ft 2in (188 cm) tall. Voiced by Wayne Forester, and motion capture performance by Oliver Hollis.[19]
  • Captain Blue (Adam Svenson): 32-year-old American agent. A decorated former U.S. army officer and first class sportsman. He was born in Fort Hood in Texas, United States. Captain Blue is Captain Scarlet's second partner at Spectrum (after Captain Black dies) but only because of Colonel White's insistence. Initially, Blue did not want Scarlet as a partner because of Scarlet's history with the Mysterons, but as time went on Adam has become a good friend of Paul. Blue has blonde hair and blue eyes, weighs 12.1 stone (77 kg) and is 6 ft 1in (185 cm) tall. Throughout the series, it is hinted that he has romantic feelings for Serena Lewis (Lieutenant Green), though this is never taken further. Voiced by Robbie Stevens.[19]
  • Destiny Angel (Simone Giraudoux): A 29-year-old dual nationality (French/British) Falcon Interceptor pilot, leader of the Spectrum Angels, a former USAF pilot and ISA astronaut. Destiny had a past relationship with Conrad Lefkon (Captain Black) something Paul Metcalf (Captain Scarlet) was always (secretly) jealous of because of his closeness to Destiny. However, once Black dies and is Mysteronised, she and Scarlet start to fall in love throughout the series. Destiny has blonde hair and blue eyes. She weighs 8 stone (51 kg) is 5 ft 9in (175 cm) and was born in Silicon Valley, California. Voiced by Emma Tate.
  • Colonel White (Sir Charles Grey): Spectrum's Commanding Officer, a 55-year-old British former director of MI6, knighted for services to the British Empire. He was born in Gloucestershire, United Kingdom. White has grey hair and blue eyes. He weighs 12.2 stone (77 kg) is 6 ft 0in (183 cm) and is married to Diana; who is a chairman of the Global Heritage Foundation. His daughter, Victoria, studies archeology. His interests include chess, fishing and fencing. He is also an expert in ancient military history. Voiced by Mike Hayley.
  • Lieutenant Green (Serena Lewis): Spectrum's Controller of Operations, a 27-year-old American former UN computer systems development technician; who carries a torch for Adam Svenson (Captain Blue) Green has brown hair and brown eyes. She weighs 8.3 stone (53 kg) is 5 ft 9in (175 cm) and was born in Houston, Texas, USA. She has a minor heart condition. Her father was a US astronaut, who died after an ill-fated mission to Jupiter. Her mother is a Trinidadian singer (reflecting the fact that, in the original series, Lieutenant Green was from Trinidad). In the second-series episode "Proteus" she is offered promotion to captain, but declines in order to continue working alongside White. Voiced by Jules de Jongh.
  • Doctor Gold (Dr Mason Frost): Main doctor on board Skybase. He was shown constantly throughout the series to have terrible bedside manners. Gold has grey hair and blue eyes, and wears glasses. His wife, Ula, is a veterinarian, and his daughter, Hattie, is a cosmetic dentistry scientist. Voiced by Nigel Plaskitt.
  • Lieutenant Silver (Bethany Craig[20]): Skybase's second communication officer who rotates shifts with Lieutenant Green. She has auburn hair and blue-grey eyes. Australian. She appeared in a few episodes, and only spoke twice. Voiced by Emma Tate.
  • Chief Engineer: Featured in Episode "Swarm" and is posted in central control in Skybase. As a possible nod to Montgomery Scott from the Star Trek franchise, he has a Scottish accent.

Field agents

  • Captain Ochre (Elaine McGee): Irish Field Agent, 32 years old. Ochre has brown hair and blue eyes. She exhibits an excellent sense of humour. Introduced at the end of the first series, Ochre is the first and only female captain in the history of the franchise. She is a highly trained operative and an explosives expert who can handle heavy, computerized artillery. The character featured increasingly in the second series. Voiced by Julia Brahms.
  • Captain Grey (Iain Taggart): Scottish Field Agent who plays the bagpipes. He is 38,[20] which would make him the oldest Spectrum Field Agent. He has brown hair and blue eyes. Voiced by Robbie Stevens.
  • Captain Magenta (Mario Moro): Italian Field Agent, aged 28. A former military police officer. He has black hair and grey eyes. Voiced by Jeremy Hitchen.
  • Captain Indigo (John Roach): This character only appears three times throughout the entire series, and never speaks. He is black, with black hair and brown eyes. He has a beard.
  • Captain Brown (Ricky Nolan[20]): This character only appears twice throughout the entire series, and never speaks. He is Caucasian, with brown hair.
  • Captain Orange (Unnamed): This character only appears once throughout the entire series (as part of the salute at Captain Black's funeral in Instrument of Destruction, Part 1), and, in that instance, does not speak. He is Caucasian, with black hair.

Spectrum Angels

  • Harmony Angel (Rebecca Drake): Harmony Angel is Destiny Angel's second-in-command if Destiny is busy with other duties or is injured. She is aged 26 has red hair, which is most likely dyed, and blue eyes. She has a heavy Southern States accent. Voiced by Jules de Jongh.
  • Rhapsody Angel (Caroline Foster-Finch): Rhapsody Angel was a member of the Fleet Air Arm, where she piloted rescue helicopters. She is also a competent mechanic, and can often be found servicing her Falcon interceptor instead of allowing the technicians to do it. Aged 28, she has light brown hair tied in a plait, and an upper-class British accent. Voiced by Julia Brahms.
  • Melody Angel (Esther Jackson): Aged 25, she has brown hair and brown eyes. American. Voiced by Heather Tobias.
  • Symphony Angel (Yoko Inukai): Symphony Angel, age 24, has black hair and brown eyes. Japanese. Voiced by Jules de Jongh.

Mysterons

  • The Mysterons are the Alien enemies of Spectrum from the planet Mars. They have the power of retrometabolism, which means they can kill a person and rebuild them as a weapon under their control. Represented by two green circles when travelling over surfaces on Earth. Voiced by Mike Hayley.
  • Captain Black (Conrad Lefkon): Lead Mysteron agent, a 33-year-old American former Special Forces officer and leading Spectrum field agent, replaced by a virtually indestructible replicant. He used to be Captain Scarlet's best friend and partner and dated Destiny Angel before his Mysteronisation. Black has silver/black hair and hazel eyes. He weighs 11.3 stone (72 kg) is 6 ft 2in (188 cm) and was born in Brooklyn, New York, United States, although he speaks with a clipped British accent. Voiced by Nigel Plaskitt.

Reimagined Spectrum equipment

Skybase

Skybase is a 330 metre long command ship and the operational headquarters of Spectrum. It is permanently stationed above the clouds at 18,288 m. There are six main engines to keep the base positioned in the sky and a further ten engines designed to keep Skybase balanced. Skybase is home to the fleet of high-tech Spectrum vehicles, including the squadron of Falcon aircraft.

The Falcons are handled on Skybase using a unique magnetic control system. After landing on the magna-strip runway, a circular lift lowers the plane into the hangar. Robotic arms automatically re-fuel, and re-arm guns and missiles. Using this system means that the Falcons are always action ready.

Spectrum ground vehicles

  • Rhino TRU: (the SPV in Anderson's earlier series) - the Rhino TRU (Tactical Response Unit) is a heavy-duty attack vehicle, with an ultra-tough full armour. The Rhino is capable of high speed with the help of twin ram air booster jets at the rear. Built with ten wheels (two front sets, three rear sets), as well as with variable ride-height suspension, it is equipped with a multi-wheel steering system. This makes this cumbersome-looking vehicle easy to manoeuvre, on any kind of normal road as well as giving it good off-road performance. The Rhino is armed to the teeth with a large arsenal; two front mounted twin cannons firing explosive tipped rounds, armour piercing missiles, harpoon guns and magnetic clamp guns. There are also extendable battering rams on the front and rear. It is also equipped with evasive action anti-missiles launched from the rear. The Rhino is a sealed armoured vehicle, and access to the cabin is gained from the hatches on the vehicle's sides. Rear-facing seats on the retractable hatch openings receive the driver and passenger, and slide into position in front of the control panel. The vehicle can be driven from either side, the steering sliding into position to whoever needs to drive. Other hatches are situated on top of the vehicle and underneath it. The driver's cabin has multiple control screens to act as the drivers eyes, as there is no window. Equipped with all manner of computerised equipment needed for Spectrum work, the Rhino also comes with a security device allowing the driver to lock the vehicle by password and voice command, thus avoiding theft of the Rhino by an enemy if it should be left by itself. Whenever a Rhino is needed on a given mission, Spectrum will use the Albatross to transport the vehicle. The Albatross will land and the hatch beneath will open, a lift lowering to the ground to deposit the Rhino - with driver inside - ready to perform its mission.
  • Cheetah RRV (the SSC in Anderson's earlier series): The Cheetah is a rapid response vehicle. It can travel on its four wheels, but this car also features concealed wings and a tail fin that emerges from the boot (US: trunk). When powered by the jump jets in its wings and booster jets in the rear, the Cheetah is able to glide over obstructions with ease. In any mode the Cheetah, like its animal namesake, is capable of extremely rapid acceleration and deadly speed. It has a machine gun concealed inside the front grill, and also possesses star deflectors used to repel missiles. In the first series, these wings were only ever used for landings from Skybase or flying jumps. In the second series was the Cheetah shown to be able to take off from the ground under its own power.
  • Stallion Raid Bike: The Stallion is Spectrum's high-speed attack bike. With its pressurised canopy and wings it can be launched from Skybase. After leaving the runway, the Raid Bike freefalls, before deploying its wings in stages to glide. As the bike touches the ground, the canopy and wings disengage, the twin rear wheels grip the road and it blasts away. The rear wheels tilt independently of the body, keeping traction on the road. Extra stability is provided at high speed with front winglets. The Stallion Raid Bike is armed with two front mounted machine guns and two racks of missiles.

Spectrum aircraft

  • Albatross SDC: Amongst Spectrum's fleet of various craft, the Albatross is unique. Skybase carries two of these massive VTOL Deployment Aircraft, which are used to carry vehicles - mainly a Rhino - anywhere it is needed around the world. It can carry the heaviest weight, putting it down or picking it up on any ground, and in almost any conditions. The deployment system of the Albatross is unique. The cargo doors under the belly of the craft open, and unfold to form the landing feet. Then, the vehicle it carries is lowered by a lift from the Albatross' cargo, just as it finishes its landing procedure and approach. The Rhino can be deployed at the same second the Albatross makes its landing, and once it is out, the craft can take off immediately. This "drop-and-go" deployment, helped by the SlyFOXX anti-detection shielding with which the Albatross is equipped, makes the aircraft perfect for covert operations. However, due to its massiveness, it could attract visual attention, and therefore; the sturdy craft has been equipped with anti-missile Acoustic Disruptors - which makes it a hard target to hit, despite his size. While so massive, the Albatross nevertheless has remarkable swiftness in flight. Powerful pivoting twin multi-directional XBurn engines, set on each side of the craft, give it lifting capability, maneuverability, and in-flight velocity, even while carrying the heaviest of loads. Also unique is the launching method with which the Albatross is launched from Skybase. Set in its hangar over an airlock, the Albatross is held in place by clamps attached to its nose. During launch sequence, the airlock doors open, and the pilot powers up the thrusters. Once ready for launched, the pilot releases the clamps, and the Albatross drops several meters from underneath Skybase, before the thrust of the engines stops its fall and it finally leaves Skybase to carry on its mission.
  • Falcon Interceptor: (the Angel Interceptor in Anderson's earlier series) - the five White Falcons of the Angel Squadron comprise the main force of Skybase's air power. The White Falcon is the Spectrum ATF or Advanced Tactical Fighter, piloted by the Angels. Each pilot has a designated craft, assigned to them, with her codename marking the fuselage. The same codename also appears on the front of each Angel's helmet. An ultimate all-around attack aircraft, the Falcon is a high-speed fighter plane powered by two of Halo pulsejets, with multi-step afterburners. State-of-the art designed wing-tip geometry and variable multi-plane flaps make the Falcon a supersonic strike fighter with high speed and agility, that can outmanoeuvre any other known fighter plane. Because of the incredible forces generated by the supersonic speeds and turning ability of the Falcon, the Angel pilots need to wear specifically designed and fitted G-suits for their protection against G-forces in flight. Armament comes in the form of twin 30 mm Tempest cannons, front and rear, firing titanium-tipped ammunition. Stowed within the main fuselage of the Falcon, a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles can be fired through internal tubes at any target. In the case of an emergency, the front portion of the plane, including the front canard wings, can disengage from the main body and become a self-powered escape pod. In the unlikely event of this pod failing or being damaged, there is still an ejector seat.
  • Swift Passenger Jet: (the SPJ in Anderson's earlier series) - the Swift is Spectrum's fast and comfortable passenger jet. Smooth handling and travel is provided by a sophisticated design where the whole body acts as one big wing. While designed primarily for relaxation and off-duty travel - it has extremely luxurious living and dining areas - the Swift can be converted into a fully operational control centre at a moment's notice.
  • Hummingbird Helicopter: The Hummingbird is Spectrum's multi-purpose helicopter. Its specially developed rotor blade works with a number of jet systems providing fantastic agility and flexible flying. Retractable inflatable floats situated within the nose and side-engine pods sit alongside a standard undercarriage. A high-powered gun is hidden within its belly. The Hummingbird is capable of rapid ascent and descent, flying manoeuvres and speeds.
  • Skyrider: The Skyrider is a single-person, high-speed, atmospheric transport for Spectrum personnel. It appears to use highly compact, dual rocket thrust units of relatively long duration. Atmospheric lift and directional control is provided using winglets, compact control surfaces and vectored thrust. It is used both on Earth and Mars.

Other craft

Hydrolabs Condor Freighter with tail raised for loading

These craft are either Spectrum vehicles (used off-Earth) or vehicles not associated with Spectrum but used multiple times during the series;

  • Bison Alien Terrain Vehicle: A high-speed, multi-wheel, long-suspension surface rover for exo-atmospheric use. It is a sealed vehicle allowing the operators to drive helmetless during normal operation. Used on the surfaces of the Moon and Mars.
  • Spectrum Space Shuttle: Used to transport personnel from Earth to and from Spectrum bases on the Moon and Mars. The shuttle comprises an orbiter with the main drive section, and a lander using vectored thrust engine pods for planetary landings. The orbiter is capable of carrying multiple personnel, and has many facilities for long-duration inter-planetary flight such as a gym, a kitchen and sleeping quarters. The lander is capable of transporting a Bison rover vehicle for rapid EVA.
  • Mercury Shuttle: A rail-launched civil space launch system. This vehicle was intended to be an homage to one of the Anderson stable's earlier space vehicles, Fireball XL5, using a similar take-off method along a rail ramp.
  • Vampire Interceptor: the World Air Force's current high-performance interceptor aircraft. Matched only by the more advanced Spectrum Falcon Inteceptor, it has been used to deadly effect by the Mysterons on several occasions.
  • Druzynik Battlewagon: A massive, highly automated tank sporting a high-eV railgun cannon for main armament. Virtually unstoppable, with multiple offensive and defensive armaments.
  • Condor Freighter: The Condor is a civil multi-purpose, heavy-lift freight aircraft. The design incorporates an unusual, but effective tail ramp design, removing the need for hinged access to the load space whilst on the ground.

Episodes

Series overview

SeriesEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
Test film4 September 2017 (2017-09-04) (on Blu-ray)
11312 February 2005 (2005-02-12)14 May 2005 (2005-05-14)
2133 September 2005 (2005-09-03)19 November 2005 (2005-11-19)

CGI test film

The 2005 CGI reboot of Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons, New Captain Scarlet, was preceded by a short test film titled Captain Scarlet and the Return of the Mysterons and screened privately in 2000 and 2001.[21] The film was finally released to home video as part of the Complete Blu-ray set in 2017.

Title [22]Directed byWritten byOriginal release date
Captain Scarlet and the Return of the MysteronsGerry Anderson
& John Needham		Gerry Anderson
& John Needham		4 September 2017 (2017-09-04) (on Blu-ray)

The Mysterons renew their vow to destroy all life on Earth. Captain Black appears to have been released from their control and returns to the service of Spectrum. Appearances can be deceptive, however. Soon Captain Scarlet finds himself caught up in a race against time to save the Drontenon power station from Black's Spectrum Patrol Car, which is packed with explosives.

The test film ran for 4 mins. approx.[22]

Series 1 (2005)

No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
11"Instrument of Destruction (Part 1)"David LanePhil Ford12 February 2005 (2005-02-12)1
Dateline – 2068. When an unidentified mysterious extraplanetary signal from the surface of Mars is detected, the world security organisation known as Spectrum sends Captains Scarlet and Black on a search of the desert surface to find out who is sending the signal. There, they discover a cloaked city, which they destroy, fearing themselves under attack. The city rebuilds itself and the inhabitants, calling themselves the Mysterons, announce that they will destroy humanity with its own violence. Captain Black appears to be killed and Scarlet is returned to Earth as the Mysterons' instrument of destruction.
22"Instrument of Destruction (Part 2)"David LanePhil Ford19 February 2005 (2005-02-19)2
The Mysterons resurrect Captain Black, who gains control of a worldwide distribution company and a Russian military leader. With the latter they launch an all-out attack against Skybase whilst with the former they transport enough nuclear material to Siberia to create a bomb large enough to crack the world wide open. Meanwhile Captain Scarlet, who is now back to his old self, must earn Captain Blue's trust as they must work together to stop Captain Black. Meanwhile Black's former lover, Destiny Angel, must come to terms with the fact that the man she once loved is now in league with the enemy.
33"Swarm"David LanePhil Ford26 February 2005 (2005-02-26)8
The Angels shoot down a USAF transport plane that was heading for Skybase, but it releases a swarm of cyberbugs, advanced robots the size of a bug that are capable of eating metal and reproducing with great speed. Once they are aboard Skybase, they set about eating their way towards the atomic reactor core. The headquarters will be destroyed unless Scarlet can find a weakness.
44"Rat Trap"Dominic LaveryPhil Ford5 March 2005 (2005-03-05)7
Three weeks after losing contact with Elysium Base on Mars, a team consisting of Captains Scarlet and Blue, Destiny and Harmony Angels, and Doctor Gold are sent to find out what happened to the crew. On arrival, they realise it is a Mysteron trap and that they are under attack from an titanium armour-plated research robot named Remote Acquisition Technology (RAT) which carries lasers and a diamond-tipped saw. Under Mysteron control, the RAT has become the ultimate killing machine.
55"The Homecoming"David LanePhil Ford12 March 2005 (2005-03-12)5
A space capsule escape pod from the Endeavor II, a crewed mission to Jupiter which mysteriously disappeared fifteen years ago, returns to Earth with Lieutenant Green's father, Commander Lewis, aboard. Believed lost, he wastes no time catching up with his daughter, but when he arrives for his debriefing at the International Space Agency, he is revealed as a Mysteron agent and takes Green hostage inside a bunker containing an antimatter reactor that is rigged to blow, leaving nothing but a smoking hole from California to Texas and taking 8 million people with it.
66"Mercury Falling"Dominic LaveryPhil Ford19 March 2005 (2005-03-19)4
Captain Blue and Destiny Angel pilot the International Space Agency shuttle Mercury on a top secret mission into space. They are to deploy a new satellite into Earth orbit, which will provide early warning of an imminent attack by identifying Mysteron energy on Mars. However, just as Mercury achieves orbit the shuttle's controls are taken over by an outside force, and its systems lock onto a new flight path. Spectrum then receives a transmission from an unidentified extortionist who demands a ransom of $50 million in diamonds or else they will initiate Mercury's re-entry over North America and crash the shuttle onto Washington DC. Captain Scarlet must discover the identity of the blackmailer before Captain Black can turn the situation to his (and the Mysterons') advantage and send the craft on a collision course with the White House.
77"Circles of Doom"Mark WoollardBrian Finch26 March 2005 (2005-03-26)9
Captain Black reveals that, using Mysteron technology, that he now has control over all the digital systems on Earth and can destroy them at will. The Mysterons then speak through the rogue agent, demanding mankind's surrender in twenty-four hours or else they will trigger a world-wide technological failure that will destroy everyone on the planet. With humanity's surrender as the price, how can Spectrum carry on the fight with weapons that do not work?
88"Rain of Terror"Mark WoollardJohn Brown9 April 2005 (2005-04-09)3
Spectrum becomes involved in a cloud seeding experiment, however they become desperate and race to stop it when it goes wrong after the Mysterons poison it and send one of the scientists mad with fear. A full test of the process in planned already and Colonel White is in the centre of it after being knocked unconscious by Captain Black, who disguises himself as a research scientist. If the Mysterons succeed, then they will send millions of people, including Colonel White, insane.
99"Skin Deep"Mark WoollardJohn Brown16 April 2005 (2005-04-16)12
Destiny Angel is kidnapped by Captain Black, and sometime later it looks as though Destiny has staged a daring robbery of some missile launch codes. It appears that she has turned into a Mysteron agent, but things are not as they appear, when Captain Scarlet goes looking for her and finds that her so-called "betrayal" is only the first stage in an attack on Skybase.
1010"Chiller"Mark WoollardPhil Ford23 April 2005 (2005-04-23)6
In a remote diner in Phoenix, Arizona, Spectrum flight engineer Xander Story makes contact with two Mysteron agents. Story agrees to destroy Spectrum's Skybase in return for the aliens' promise that they will halt their war on mankind – he accepts a fusion bomb in a briefcase and also a large payment. Captain Scarlet gatecrashes the meeting but is shot and killed. Knowing that his body will regenerate, the Mysterons try to engineer Scarlet's total destruction in a massive explosion. Captain Blue finds his devastated corpse and takes it to Skybase. Doctor Gold finds that Scarlet's injuries are too severe, and with no sign of the retrometabolisation process taking place, he pronounces the agent dead. While Destiny and Blue grieve for their lost friend, Story plants the bomb on Skybase, set to an hour's delay. In sickbay, Scarlet regains consciousness, only to find that no one can see or hear him, and that he has somehow become intangible, yet somehow he must warn Destiny and Blue about the bomb.
1111"Trap for a Rhino"Dominic LaveryJohn Brown30 April 2005 (2005-04-30)10
In the Scottish Highlands, an elderly lady named Mrs. Mackenzie is alarmed to see green lights hovering over the nearby Grampian Nuclear Power Station; she reports the incident to the authorities, but no one believes her. When Colonel White learns of the incident he immediately sends Captain Scarlet and Harmony Angel to investigate. But that turns out to be just what the Mysterons want as the Spectrum SPV Rhino ground vehicle is just what they need to breach the reactor's defenses.
1212"Heist"Dominic LaveryPhil Ford7 May 2005 (2005-05-07)13
Three men kidnap Colonel White's daughter, Victoria and threaten to harm her unless the Colonel uses a Spectrum Rhino and help them mount an attack on an armored express train en route to Paris so that they can steal its cargo of $1 billion in gold bullion. But it is all part of a Mysteron plot by Captain Black to incriminate the Colonel in the robbery and thus end his Spectrum career. Whilst Colonel White pretends to go through with the robbery, Captain's Scarlet and Blue must get Victoria back.
1313"The Achilles Messenger"David LanePhil Ford14 May 2005 (2005-05-14)11
Captain Scarlet and Destiny Angel are at a Spectrum Training Base in Castle Balmeath, Scotland. But the base commander, Astrid Winters, is turned into a Mysteron, but tells Scarlet she only wants to help humanity end the war and that she was sent by represents of a faction of the Mysteron consciousness which believes the war with Earth is a mistake. Winters is willing to pass the secret of defeating the Mysterons to Colonel White alone, but all the forces that the Mysterons can bring to bear will be ranged against her getting that far.

Series 2 (2005)

No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
141"Touch of the Reaper"Mark WoollardPhil Ford3 September 2005 (2005-09-03)24
Two scientists die at chemical research facility - only to be reborn as Mysteron agents, each with the power to kill with a single touch. It is unclear who their target is and where they are both hiding, but it is up to Spectrum agents Captain Scarlet and Captain Blue to find them before they carry out their plans.
152"Virus"David LanePhil Ford10 September 2005 (2005-09-10)14
After several cases of random suicides, an investigation into the latest one leads Captain Blue to inadvertently upload a virus to Skybase's computers. Everyone on the base apart from Captain Scarlet and Destiny Angel are infected by the deadly virus which makes people end their own lives. Scarlet and Destiny must erase the virus before they too become infected.
163"Enigma"Dominic LaveryPhil Ford17 September 2005 (2005-09-17)16
The Mysterons send a space ship to Earth and Colonel White sends the Angel fleet to intercept. However their weapons are useless against it. The ship lands in the Northern Territory of Australia and Captains Scarlet, Blue, Ochre and Gray are despatched to investigate only to end up getting teleported into the Mysteron ship. Soon the group end up as victims in a round of Mysteron mind games, unsure of whether or not they will be able to escape.
174"Best of Enemies"Dominic LaveryJohn Brown24 September 2005 (2005-09-24)17
In the frozen wastes of Russia, Captain Black steals a prototype organic limpet mine from the Russian Navy Technology Division and ends up being pursued by Captain Scarlet in a Spectrum Rhino. After a brief chase and a fight in the snow, Scarlet and Black end up trapped in the Rhino under frozen ice. With no way to escape, can Scarlet and Black work together to get free?
185"Contact"Mark WoollardPhil Ford1 October 2005 (2005-10-01)15
Doctor Phil Bogart, the designer of the devastating Thunder Pulse compression bomb, which is used as a sonic displacement weapon, is killed and reconstructed by the Mysterons. After the Mysteron double steals his invention and goes into hiding, Spectrum turns to his twin brother, Frank Bogart, a convicted criminal who has a telepathic link with his brother.
196"Proteus"Mark WoollardPhil Ford8 October 2005 (2005-10-08)18
Captain Scarlet, Colonel White and Lieutenant Green are aboard a new stealth warship going through sea trials. However the Mysterons decide to use the ship for their own ends, by using it to start a war between the US and China.
207"Syrtis Major"Dominic LaveryPhil Ford15 October 2005 (2005-10-15)19
Spectrum mounts a raid on the headquarters of Vulcan Industries. Colonel White confronts the board of governors over their recent breach of the Martian Exclusion Directive: despite the fact that the company's durinium mining operation on Syrtis Major was suspended some time ago, a three-man maintenance team recently left for Mars. On learning that all contact with these engineers has since been lost, Colonel White sends Captain Scarlet, Captain Blue, Captain Ochre, Destiny Angel and Doctor Gold to investigate.
218"Fallen Angels"David LanePhil Ford22 October 2005 (2005-10-22)20
After being shot down on a deserted tropical island, Angels Destiny, Harmony and Melody feel like they are in Paradise, until the Mysterons send replicas of modern-day pirates to pry the secret location of the World Summit from them.
229"Storm at the End of the World"Mark WoollardPhil Ford29 October 2005 (2005-10-29)21
In the small town of Ragnarok in Alaska, which the Mysterons have destroyed and replicated, Scarlet and Blue are captured and forced to help mine for an ancient meteorite bearing a spore that can kill all life on Earth.
2310"Duel"Dominic LaveryPhil Ford5 November 2005 (2005-11-05)22
Captain Scarlet must foil a plot by Captain Black to steal a Spectrum Bison vehicle on the Moon, with which he can target any facility. Black's first target is Tranquility, a lunar spa where Destiny and Lieutenant Green are on vacation.
2411"Shape Shifter"David LanePhil Ford12 November 2005 (2005-11-12)23
Captain Scarlet is guarding a particle collider at the Laroux Foundation in Louisiana. When a container tank is hit it releases a gaseous substance with special properties, which the Mysterons use to create an exact copy of Captain Scarlet. After disposing of the real Scarlet, the clone makes his way back to Cloudbase, intent on killing Colonel White. Later, it sets about destroying Skybase and Houston.
2512"Dominion"Dominic LaveryPhil Ford19 November 2005 (2005-11-19)26
Captain Black claims he is free of the Mysterons' control and suggests Scarlet return with him to Mars in a daring plan to destroy the Mysteron complex. Can Black really can be trusted - or is Scarlet being led into one final lethal trap?
2613"Grey Skulls"David LanePhil Ford26 November 2005 (2005-11-26)25
After the Mysterons take over a Phoenix policeman named Rimmer and use him to steal a canister of deadly alien spores brought back by a space probe from Ganymede, Captain Scarlet and Captain Blue are ordered to give chase. But they are thrown off their trail when the Mysterons take over a biker named Brock and use him to carry out the plot instead. Meanwhile, Captain Ochre's Raid Bike is stolen by another biker named Colt.

Home media

DVD

Both Series 1 and 2 are available on DVD in the UK, the latter being produced under the ITV DVD banner. Individual volumes are available with three or four episodes on each disk and box sets of all volumes from both series are available separately. The DVD case for Series 2 gives a completely inaccurate description of the episode "Grey Skulls". The description mentions Scarlet taking a camping holiday with his sister and her son when they are attacked by the Mysterons. They then seek shelter in a house owned by an old toymaker and collector (plans were for him to resemble Gerry Anderson) but the Mysterons then bring to life all the toys in the house with murderous intentions. This episode (called "House of Dolls") was originally planned and scripted but eventually scrapped, as it was considered too scary for small children, and may not have been shown by broadcasters, so it was replaced by "Grey Skulls". However, the script was given a live performance by the cast at the 2006 Fanderson convention Sector 25 (with a guest appearance by Shane Rimmer as the toymaker). Series 2 is rated 12, due to some rather blunt violence that was not shown in the CITV version. It is also worth noting that the episode in Series 2 known as "Duel" has the wrong name on the box for the holiday resort. It is called Serendipity on the episode summaries, but was called Tranquility in the episode itself. Furthermore, the episode order for the last disc of the series 2 DVD is incorrect. The final episode of the series "Dominion" and the aforementioned "Grey Skulls", which was the penultimate episode, should be watched in reverse order. As of early 2013 the series (Sony Licensed) has yet to achieve DVD release in North America, making it one of only a handful of Anderson series not to receive home video release outside the UK.

Volumes
DVD title Number of disc(s) Number of episodes DVD release
Region 1 Region 2 Region 4
New Captain Scarlet Series 1 Volume 1 1 4 - 17 October 2005[23] -
New Captain Scarlet Series 1 Volume 2 1 3 - 30 January 2006[24] -
New Captain Scarlet Series 1 Volume 3 1 3 - 30 January 2006[25] -
New Captain Scarlet Series 1 Volume 4 1 3 - 30 January 2006[26] -
New Captain Scarlet Series 2 Volume 1 1 4 - 18 September 2006[27] -
New Captain Scarlet Series 2 Volume 2 1 3 - 18 September 2006[28] -
New Captain Scarlet Series 2 Volume 3 1 3 - 18 September 2006[29] -
New Captain Scarlet Series 2 Volume 4 1 3 - 18 September 2006[30] -
Boxsets
DVD Title # of Disc(s) Year # of Episodes DVD release
Region 1 Region 2 Region 4
New Captain Scarlet Series One 4 2005 13 - 17 October 2005[31] 7 September 2016[32]
New Captain Scarlet Series Two 4 2005 13 - 18 September 2006[33] 7 September 2016[34]
New Captain Scarlet Series 1 & 2 8 2006 26 - 18 September 2006[35] -

Blu-ray

In December 2014 it was announced on Gerry Anderson's official site that the HD masters of the series which were thought to be lost were located and hopefully to be released on Blu-ray in the future.[36] On 6 May 2017, Network announced they were going to release a new DVD of Dick Spanner and New Captain Scarlet on Blu-ray for 4 September 2017 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the original series.

Boxsets
Blu-ray Title # of Disc(s) # of Episodes Blu-ray release
Region A Region B Region C
New Captain Scarlet: The Complete Series 3 26 - 4 September 2017[37]
(Region free)		 -

References

  1. 1 2 Bentley, Chris (2008) [2001]. The Complete Gerry Anderson: The Authorised Episode Guide (4th ed.). London, UK: Reynolds & Hearn. p. 281. ISBN 978-1-905287-74-1.
  2. 1 2 Bentley 2008, p. 281.
  3. 1 2 Bentley 2008, p. 282.
  4. ↑ "Captain Scarlet: the 50th anniversary of an indestructible TV hero". Radio Times. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  5. ↑ "CGI Thunderbirds sadly not go". www.theregister.com. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  6. 1 2 Bentley 2001, p. 123.
  7. 1 2 3 4 Marcus, Laurence (June 2006). "Gerry Anderson: The Puppet Master – Part 5". teletronic.co.uk. Archived from the original on 30 October 2007. Retrieved 22 November 2009.
  8. ↑ Bentley 2001, p. 124.
  9. ↑ Bentley, Chris (2001). The Complete Book of Captain Scarlet. London, UK: Carlton Books. p. 125. ISBN 978-1-84222-405-2.
  10. ↑ "Reviews: New Captain Scarlet". starburstmagazine.com. Manchester, UK: Starburst Magazine. 23 November 2017. Archived from the original on 28 December 2019. Retrieved 28 December 2019.
  11. ↑ Farrow, Paul (25 June 2003). "Tax breaks for brave investors". telegraph.co.uk. Archived from the original on 10 February 2010. Retrieved 14 September 2023.
  12. ↑ "Investment with no strings attached". BBC News Online. 19 December 2003. Archived from the original on 24 November 2005. Retrieved 14 September 2023.
  13. ↑ "Talking Shop: Gerry Anderson". BBC News Online. 7 October 2008. Retrieved 7 October 2008.
  14. ↑ "Interview: Gerry Anderson". Den of Geek. 23 June 2009. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  15. ↑ "Gerry Anderson Tribute - News - Big Finish". www.bigfinish.com. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  16. ↑ https://www.animationmagazine.net/2006/11/vooms-animania-enters-space-race/
  17. ↑ https://www.satelliteguys.us/xen/threads/animania-hd-gets-new-captain-scarlet-series.60762/
  18. ↑ https://www.awn.com/news/gerry-anderson-sony-launch-new-cg-captain-scarlet-series
  19. 1 2 "Captain Scarlet Actors in New Doctor Who Stories". Gerry Anderson. 12 January 2016.
  20. 1 2 3 The Complete Gerry Anderson: The Authorised Episode Guide
  21. ↑ Bentley, Chris (2001). The Complete Book of Captain Scarlet. London: Carlton Books. ISBN 978-1-842224-05-2.
  22. 1 2 Bentley, Chris (2008) [2001]. The Complete Gerry Anderson: The Authorised Episode Guide (4 ed.). London: Reynolds and Hearn. ISBN 978-1-905287-74-1.
  23. ↑ "New Captain Scarlet - Series 1 Volume 1 [DVD]". Amazon.co.uk. 17 October 2005. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
  24. ↑ "New Captain Scarlet - Series 1 Volume 2 [DVD]". Amazon.co.uk. 30 January 2006. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
  25. ↑ "New Captain Scarlet - Series 1 Volume 3 [DVD]". Amazon.co.uk. 30 January 2006. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
  26. ↑ "New Captain Scarlet - Series 1 Volume 4 [DVD]". Amazon.co.uk. 30 January 2006. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
  27. ↑ "New Captain Scarlet - Series 2 Volume 1 [DVD]". Amazon.co.uk. 18 September 2006. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
  28. ↑ "New Captain Scarlet - Series 2 Volume 2 [DVD]". Amazon.co.uk. 18 September 2006. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
  29. ↑ "New Captain Scarlet - Series 2 Volume 3 [DVD]". Amazon.co.uk. 18 September 2006. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
  30. ↑ "New Captain Scarlet - Series 2 Volume 4 [DVD]". Amazon.co.uk. 18 September 2006. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
  31. ↑ "New Captain Scarlet - Series 1 [DVD]". Amazon.co.uk. 17 October 2005. Retrieved 24 October 2011.
  32. ↑ "Captain Scarlet Season 1". shock.com.au. Retrieved 4 September 2016.
  33. ↑ "New Captain Scarlet - Series 2 [DVD]". Amazon.co.uk. 18 September 2006. Retrieved 24 October 2011.
  34. ↑ "Captain Scarlet Season 2". shock.com.au. Retrieved 4 September 2016.
  35. ↑ "New Captain Scarlet Series 1 & 2 Slip Case [DVD] [2005]". Amazon.co.uk. 18 September 2006. Retrieved 24 October 2011.
  36. ↑ "Gerry Anderson Archive - December 2014 Update". gerryanderson.co.uk. 13 December 2014. Retrieved 29 January 2015.
  37. ↑ "New Captain Scarlet: The Complete Series Blu-ray". Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved 3 June 2017.
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