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darkestwolfx · 4 years

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Grandma Tourismo - Re-Review #44

Wouldn’t we all love to have a Grandma like Sally? Yes everyone, meet Sally. It was, after all, about time someone gave her a name besides ‘Grandma’.

“It’s Sally. Call me Sally.”

For the record, I still adore these dice. They are exactly the type of thing I can imagine fitting in with the Tracy boys lives. I think they belonged to Jeff, or the boys’ Granddad.

And the rescue operation is in full swing!

“Virgil are you fully prepared for today’s mission?”

“Everything’s A-Ok, John.”

“Sure you don’t need backup?”

“Situation under control. Cargo pod is go.”

Yes! Hang on... cargo pod? Yeah, not quite the rescue I originally thought they were setting it up to be.

Those dramatics zooms! It’s only Grandma, remember!

“Let’s do some shopping!”

“This is going to be so much fun.”

I don’t think you could possibly be any more sarcastic, Virgil.

And let the shopping list of Tracy Island be unveiled. P.S. I always thought it was a shame that the paper covered up whatever grand expression Virgil probably made at the sheer length of it.

Suppressant something (Grandma’s hand is in the way)

Toilet Paper

Hairspray

Hawaiian Shirts (this one makes so much sense after ‘The Long Reach’ too, but really, where were the Pink Flamingos? Still raging)

Plant food

Protein Powder

Celery crunch bars (um, last episode’s vow forgotten so speedily Gordon? That’s the last time luck with give up promises ever works for him)

Toothpaste

Piano Strings

Fire Extinguishers

Tanning lotion

Tofu

Multivitamins

Snooker cues

Apple Pie

Bagels

Lemon squeezer

Pillow case

Anti-rust spray

Extra cable

Oh, I know - let’s play a game! Assign someone to every item on the shopping list. I know I have my ideas about what is for whom.

Also, it’s nice to see a really sneaky TOS nod there.

Played in ‘Operation Crash Dive’, ‘Move and You’re Dead’, ‘Security Hazard’ and ‘Thunderbirds Are Go’. I believe there was also a scene shot for ‘Edge of Impact’, but I can’t remember off the top of my busy head whether it made in into the final cut or not. So, I wonder where they’ve been hiding this on Tracy Island?

“Grab some of that super shine gel for Scotty. I’ve never seen a boy spend so much time combing his hair.”

This. This is one of my absolute favourite lines ever in the history of TAG. Because we all knew this was Scott without it needing to be confirmed - and this is also definitely where Gordon gets his nickname streak from.

“Detour!”

Grandma really is a task shopper. And you know what, I love how Virgil knows exactly what that sole word means.

Remember this scene from ‘Unplugged’? Well, this is that episode, but in series 2 and a lightly new form. The thing which has stayed the same? The team up of Virgil and Grandma. Interesting choice for that pairing, but it makes so much sense for it to be Virgil. He’ll joke, but never at her expense, he defends her cooking, he accompanies her on shopping trips, he listens to her, he even seems to take after her. At this point in time, I always thought this was just a nice way to explore that relationship - by the time we get to ‘The Long Reach’ it’s a whole lot more than that. One thing that storyline didn’t disappoint on was tying up this relationship in a neat little bow.

“We’ve got a situation.”

Of course we do, because this family can’t even get through shopping without interruption - which I’m guessing might be the norm as they speed out of the shop with non-paid for goods (note, us normal humans would all be arrested on the spot for this, so do not attempt it in your local store).

“Hey!”

“Put it on our account!”

Or maybe they - like many others - just didn’t want to argue with Grandma. Wisely so.

“This is my job, Grandma.”

“And worrying about you boys is mine.”

Just a really nice little family moment here. The nuggets like this are part of what made this show for me. They tell more than any massive display could.

What a great landing - in fact, there were many great landings in this episode.

Talk about just going along for the ride, hey? I think there was a lot more than that on display.

“I can’t be two places at once, Thunderbird Five.”

“You don’t have to be, I’ll go.”

“Grandma there’s no way you can steer through a storm.”

“Isn’t that what you have your fancy autopilot for?”

“She’ll be safe in Thunderbird Two.”

“The ship will do the work. I’m just going along for the ride.”

“Okay, I’ll program the autopilot to take you straight there and back. You won’t need to touch anything.”

I love how all that concern was disguised with the same look he gives Gordon to not touch his ship.

“Look after her.”

After all these years, I still can’t work out exactly who this line is for. It’s one of those beautiful lines which has such a lovely level of ambiguity. It’s obviously about Grandma, but it also references his ship and there is just a gorgeous level of family and responsibility balanced out in this episode.

“Grandma...”

“I didn’t touch a thing.”

And lovely little chunks of humour interspersed.

“Can you reprogram the autopilot to do that?”

“No. For that we’d need Virgil to pilot remotely.”

Even the communications were all go in this episode. Honestly, sometimes John is so much more than go-between.

“Is Grandma ok?”

“She’s fine, but she needs your help with the rescue.”

“The storm’s about to hit here. I need to get these guys out.”

“The storm’s already here. And this young woman isn’t going to make it, unless you help me get this ship to her.

“Sorry guys, this will just take a minute. Someone needs are help.”

“Go for it.”

Well, those guys weren’t really in a position to say no, were they? I mean they need IR’s help too, and I probably would have been tempted to leave them there if they started getting on their high horses. Good people besides the Tracy’s do exist in the world of TAG and this episode had a really nice mix of them. No obnoxious rescuees.

“Let’s just hope I can do this.”

“I heard that. Of course you can do it.”

“Perfect!”

“You did it!”

Of course he did. He’s Virgil Tracy of International Rescue, and that’s his Grandma.

“There’s no getting out in this! We need to stabilise the building.”

“John, we’re gonna’ have to ride it out down here. Can you make sure Grandma stays put?”

“I’ll tell her to put on the coffee pot.”

“You’re with International Rescue?”

Never judge a book by it’s cover.

“You could say that. I’m the Tracy boys Grandma.”

“Kate. And I’m really pleased to see you Grandma Tracy.”

This was so interesting to watch! What you do when you’re stuck in a Thunderbird.

“I’d offer you something to eat, but I’m all out of homemade cookies. As the boy’s would say, lucky for you.”

And one of my favourites;

“John, be a dear.”

I love it when Grandma says that! We saw her do it in ‘Volcano’ too and it was grand.

“Now if we’re lucky all we do is sit here until this blows over.”

I’ll just clear my throat at the idiocy of saying that as Virgil slides expertly across the floor to hold the roof up. And yes, it was possible to do and type this sentence in the time that move took.

“International Rescue, we have a situation.”

“I think our luck may have just run out.”

Predictable...

“The shifting sands are putting extra weight on the structure. It’s not gonna’ hold much longer. John, if we don’t find a way out of here, we’re not gonna’ make it!”

“Yes you are! I’m coming to get you!”

“Grandma, there’s no way. The storm is interfering with my autopilot, and I’ve got my hands full. I can’t remotely fly you back.”

“Don’t need remote control or autopilot. I’ll do it.

“You?”

“Have a little faith, boys.”

Yeah, have some faith. I think there’s a song lyric there;

You gotta have faith

Back to the conversation at hand;

“Who do you think taught your Dad to fly?”

“But that was a single engine plane.”

“And a long, long, long time ago.”

We so often see Grandma sat here at the desk (like above), so in this episode it’s really nice to see her in the driving seat. Age doesn’t have to stop anyone, and this episode was a brilliant piece of script writing to showcase Grandma’s place in IR. She is far more than just anyone’s Grandma and I love how the tension of this episode really built up with the pressures of duty and family.

Oh, the history that is here! I adored that little chunk of life we got a look into.

“You’re following your dream. Good for you.”

Do this, people, it’s one of the best pieces of advise on the planet. I’ve been doing it, and it’s working out pretty well for me so far. I’ve interacted with animals I honestly thought I would never meet, met amazing people and seen the world from many angles. Whatever your dream is, it’s worth doing it.

“Was this your dream?”

“It was my son’s dream, to help people. And now it’s my Grandsons. And I’m happy to support them.”

“Virgil, how are you holding up?”

“Oh, it could be better.”

“Well don’t you worry, I’ll be there any minute. You tell the others.’“

“My Grandma says don’t worry. She’s coming to pick us up.”

“Your Grandma?”

The look on Virgil’s face which just speaks not to underestimate her.

“I can do this. I think.”

“I heard that. Of course you can do it.”

“Of course I can.”

This moment is the sort of writing I live for. It was so nice to see Grandma’s own words thrown back at her. Everyone needs a little positive reinforcement from time to time. I’m sure Virgil can forgive the little scratch on Two’s paintwork.

The hats! It was a really nice touch and look at how happy Grandma looks in hers. Kate doesn’t know what she’s got herself in for in meeting this family. Little taps of those dice for luck.

“Hurry, Grandma, CO2 levels are critical.”

“We’re not gonna’ make it.”

You were saying?

“I’ve never been more glad to see anyone’s Grandma in my life!”

Too right you haven’t. And Virgil had move moves than Kayo in this episode, even with all his equipment on. I love the fact that Virgil is holding the dice now! Oh, they were so a small thing, but they managed to make them matter so much. Sometimes it’s the little things which matter the most.

“Not so fast! We gotta go back and finish our shopping!”

I think that might be the face of someone who would prefer another rescue than a conclusion to the never ending shopping trip from hell!

Oh well, Virgil’s still in one piece for episode 19 so he must survive and get that shower at some point.

This is another of my favourites though really. The balance of family and danger and normality and duty was just spot on.

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fallenfurther · 3 years

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The popcorn thief

While discussing how John could lurk and spy on his family using all the tech in the living room, the idea of him instigating a popcorn heist from Thunderbird 5 came to me. It was just too much not to write, because I’ve not written John in a while and I can so see him messing with his brothers from up high. Enjoy!

**********

John floated in front of the projection as MAX raced down the corridor with Scott’s popcorn. It had been a slow two weeks in regard to rescues, with only two major and a few minor call outs. Maintenance had been caught up on, as well as sleep, and some of his brothers were now struggling to keep themselves entertained. Gordon was the brother John was keeping his eye on. With Lady Penelope busy in England and having already pulled a few jokes on Alan, it was only a matter of time before he set up a large prank. Thunderbird Five was up to date on every major upgrade and EOS was happily fielding calls to enforce the Grandma mandated relaxation time. He was due to head down to the island that day, but with Gordon prowling, it was about time John got his brother back for the last prank that had been played on him.

John had gotten MAX to wait around the corner next to Gordon’s secret access elevator while Scott had made the popcorn for the movie. Watching his big brother secretly through the camera in the lounge, John waited until the popcorn was on the table and Scott had left to round up the family. He then sent MAX the ‘GO’ signal. The robot had darted out and grabbed the popcorn, before heading back the way he’d come towards the elevator. John observed the theft simultaneously through the living room camera and MAX’s built in one. MAX had even, rather gleefully for a robot, scattered some popcorn under the fish tank as he passed by. The stolen popcorn was then placed in the specially designed box John had strapped into the space elevator. He activated the recall mechanism and smiled in anticipation. Taking a breath, John straightened out his features into his usual calm demeanour and tapped into the communication link between Five and the Island, thus projecting his form into the room. Projected before him was the images of Virgil and Gordon collapsing onto the sofas.

“Not coming down to join us?” Queried Virgil, with a raised eyebrow.

“Grandma won’t be happy.” Gordon jeered, eyes sparkling at the thought of witnessing a battle of wills between John and Grandma.

“I have a few more things I need to finish up here first.”

Technically it wasn’t a lie, but all the things left on his list were non-urgent or research related tasks that could be put off until next week. Not that John let any of that show in his face. He was a master communicator and could withhold information in a heartbeat if he didn’t deem it necessary for the task ahead. The sound of feet announced the arrival of Alan as he raced into the room, only to stop abruptly with a confused look.

“Where’s the popcorn?”

“What popcorn?”

“The popcorn Scott just made. He told me to get in here fast before you two ate it all.”

Virgil and Alan both turned to Gordon, whose face showed mild shock until he smiled.

“Seriously guys, you think I’d mess with Scott’s popcorn after what happened with Virgil? Scott was a right misery guts after that, and Virgil only stole it because he thought he could get away with it.”

“I managed to placate him. Though I had hoped he would blame it on you. It would have been left unattended on the island for a whole rescue and it was pretty much guaranteed to be eaten in that time.”

“Well, we’d better find it before he comes back. He’s just helping Grandma finish the laundry, so she can join us.”

Alan’s voice held concern as John watched his brothers split up at light speed to search for the missing popcorn. He popped up the map showing the little moving dots of everyone on the island. EOS had labelled each heat signature with the persons favourite colour after verifying the individual each signature belonged to using cameras and deduction. The frantic footfall echoed around the comm sphere as his brothers searched the lounge and beyond. Virgil headed down to the kitchen while Alan headed around the corner, as the blue and purple dots of Scott and Grandma started their approach to the lounge. John smiled internally.

“There’s popcorn near your fish tank, Gordon!”

Alan was still within range of the highly sensitive microphones in the living room, as the yellow dot started toward the youngest Tracy.

“Someone must be trying to frame me.”

The aquanaut responded as the green dot left the kitchen and joined the red and yellow one at the scene of the crime. To the right of the map, John could see the blue and purple dots reaching the living room.

“Gordon, if you don’t own up, you’re going to be in trouble, and Scott will make sure you don’t have any celery crunch bars in Thunderbird Four for the next month.”

“It wasn’t me this time.”

“What wasn’t you, this time?”

It was Grandma stern voice from the empty lounge that echoed down the corridor as she headed over the Tracy huddle. She had ears like a hawk, and Scott was right on her heals. It didn’t take long for them to put two and two together. John was certain they were standing in front at least one worried looking Tracy.

“Where’s the popcorn Gordon?”

“I don’t know.”

“You had better go fetch it, that was the last of the kernels.”

Scott voice was level but stern. John knew it wasn’t that last kernels as he’d gotten MAX to hide the rest. Grandma would also know this, having done the weekly inventory two days ago.

“I don’t know where the popcorn is.”

With that, the yellow dot scarpered.

“You better be fetching my popcorn!”

Gordon was far enough away now that John couldn’t hear his response, but whatever it was made Scott give chase. Knowing no one was watching him, John finally let himself smile as the game of Cat and Mouse started. It was very much like the old cartoon Grandma made them watch as kids, which Gordon had loved replicating as a child. The rest of the dots headed back to the living room, and all but Grandma sat down on the couches.

“You were meant to be coming down, young man.”

“I’ve got a few more things to do up here. I might be able to come down tomorrow.”

“I’ve heard that before John Glenn Tracy. If you’re not down by the end of the week, I’m sending Scott up.”

“FAB Grandma. I’ll be down when this has blown over.”

The matriarch studied him with a frown and John kept his cool, though he knew the game was up. She knew, he could see it in her eyes.

“Right then, Virgil you get the film ready. Alan bring the portable holoprojector across from the desk, if John won’t be here physically, he can float beside us, and John, make the missing kernels appear so Scott can have his popcorn. I’ll go get your brothers.”

John shut down the visual feed and sent the message to MAX to put the kernels back and thanking the robot for his help. Propelling himself away from the projections, John headed to the elevator and retrieve the box of popcorn. It had a special rubber opening in the top which allowed him to access the popcorn while still keeping it mostly contained. He carried it back to the comms sphere where EOS had linked the lounge projector up to Thunderbird Five, so it now displayed the start menu for Virgil’s choice of film. The little green box popped up at the bottom, indicating that John was now being projected somewhere. Tapping the icon, brought up the camera feed alongside the film screen, clearly displaying the relaxing holograms of his family. Their voices once again filled the air around him.

“I can’t believe you did that, John,” Alan’s voice full of surprise, “Scott’s going to drag you down later.”

John just smiled knowingly at his younger brother, as Scott, Grandma and Gordon entered the room. Reaching into his box, John grabbed a handful of popcorn and started popping pieces into his mouth. Grandma was standing between Gordon and Scott, obviously not impressed by their behaviour. John just hovered waiting for their eyes to fall on him, enjoying the mix of sweet and salt that Scott always made. Anger flicked across the man’s face before he spoke in a steady voice.

“So, you really did steal my popcorn.”

“I was in the mood for popcorn.”

“You could have just come down.”

“And share it with all of you? Also, you’ve forgotten to ask if I wanted some the past three movie nights.”

Scott winced slightly at the accusation, knowing full well that it was correct. John knew his brother never meant to forget him.

“Sorry John, I’ll remember next time.”

“Apology accepted.”

Grandma patted Scott on the back and guided him towards the kitchen.

“Now go make some more, the missing kernels should be back where they belong.”

Scott turned to glare at John’s hologram, before heading down the stairs.

“Now John, aren’t you going to apologise for framing Gordon?”

“No point.” Gordon butted in, “He was just getting me back for the bagel swap I did on him last time he was down.”

John nodded while Grandma sighed.

“You’re all meant to be responsible adults.”

She muttered under her breath as she took the seat next to Virgil. Gordon was grinning from ear to ear as he put his feet up on the table. John continued to eat his prize as Grandma berated Gordon about his manners. Scott returned with a bowl full of fresh popcorn, which he placed on the table before taking a handful. Multiple other hands reached forward and dived in after him. Scott smirked as he glanced at John’s hologram.

“Are you keeping that piece in your hair for later?”

John reached up and sighed as his fingers found the runaway kernel.

“Do you need me to increase the flow through the extraction unit, John? It would be problematic if food got in any of Thunderbird Five’s circuitry.”

Laughter from the island filled the space at EOS’s helpful comment, the image of the AI projecting above the feed of his family.

“No, EOS. That won’t be necessary.”

#thunderbirds are go #thunderbirds fanfiction #John Tracy #Gordon Tracy #Scott Tracy #Virgil Tracy #alan tracy #grandma tracy #MAX #tracy family #pranks #theft #sneaky john

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melmac78 · 4 years

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I’m going to try Alan and ball and sparkle... of sorts:

Alan looked at the candy jar, watching it sparkle under the lights of the Colorado hospital fundraising dinner the brothers were at. The youngest had been wandering around, trying to remember something he had to do there, but couldn’t.

The ball shaped glass jar however now entranced him, making him forget his worries, and frustration.

He couldn’t go to the fancy mystery dinner yet again - seriously, he was a teetotaler and turned 21 the very next day, so that was annoying - but could attend the luncheon earlier that day.

The sweet chocolate drops were very tempting to win... and all it cost was $2 for a chance.

“So, you gonna try? ‘Cause If you’re not then I am,” said a light voice beside him.

Alan turned, and found it was Gordon, who had finished putting in a bid for a scuba diving set in the silent auction.

“Really? You hate chocolate,” said the youngest.

Gordon chortled. “But I love beating you in guessing...” he said as he paid the money for several chances.

Alan glowered. “You can’t beat me,” he scoffed.

“Then try... or are you chicken?” Teased the aquanaut.

A quick exchange of money, and Alan had his one entry. Gordon quirked an eyebrow but didn’t comment lest his only younger brother tried filching one of his entries.

Alan studied the sparkling glass bowl, complete with shimmering red and pink candies.

He looked at the observer. “Is it OK if I lift the jar?” Alan queried.

The judge shrugged. “Don’t know how it’ll help, but you can as long as it’s not opened,” she said.

Gordon however snorted back a laugh. “Weighing? It’s number of candies” he laughed as he placed his entries in the jar.

Alan however lifted the candies and estimated the weight. “Shhh... I’m trying to make my guess,” he said seriously, only finding Gordon laugh harder.

After a quick calculation based on the weight, he handed in his entry. The two then went around the hall, making a few more bids on items and eat lunch.

•••••

“I don’t believe it.”

“I told you so.”

“Alan... I just don’t believe it,” said Gordon as they walked back to the hotel.

“Well believe it - I won... and with one guess,” Alan added before Gordon could protest.

Scott and Virgil however followed with items they won in the auction.

Virgil chuckled. “Alan, as much fun as it is to see Gordon’s brain break...”

Gordon stooped abruptly “my mind isn’t broken,” he said.

The second eldest rolled his eyes, “whatever, Gordon outwitted... how did you win the candy?” said Virgil.

“More to the point missing by one - just weighing it?” Added Scott.

Alan looked at all three and shrugged. “Well, I know roughly how many candies are in a single bag and its weight,” he said. “It felt like it weighed three pounds so I multiplied the number of candies in a bag by three.”

Gordon glowered. “Yeah, and my best guess was two off,” he said. “At least I won something in the silent auction.”

Scott chortled. “Gordon, you were the only bidder for a year’s supply of celery crunch bars,” he said.

“I still won...” said Gordon.

“By default.”

“I had to put my name on it to win right?” Gordon pointed out.

“Fair point” conceded the eldest.

Alan smiled as he looked in the ball shaped jar again, filled with chocolates.

Then he paused, realizing one error. “Uh oh...” said Alan.

The others stopped, worried a little when his face paled. “Uh oh what?” said Gordon, humor gone.

“I remembered what I forgot,” the youngest said then took a deep breath. “Worse, I go up to Five, can’t take it to Five, and John’s coming down for the dinner tonight. That’s going to be a problem.”

“A problem? You can’t go to the dinner...” said Gordon, but seeing Alan’s pallor, continued. “You OK bro?”

Alan looked at the others’ concerned faces. “Yeah, I’m fine, but I have one problem with all this chocolate.”

“I don’t see what the problem is,” said Scott, perplexed.

“John will eat my chocolate.”

“So he eats a few pieces, you have three month’s worth,” said Gordon.

“Sure, I have three months of chocolate... but... I need to lock it from him.”

“Why lock?” said Scott.

“More to the point, why from John?” added Virgil.

“I forgot to bid on the telescope he wanted ... he’ll be after my chocolate in revenge.”

(Based on a true story, and while this technique isn’t foolproof, I got so sick of them that I couldn’t eat Hershey Kisses until December, and only then their candy cane chocolate bits).

#thunderbirds are go fanfic #alan tracy #tracy brothers #FABfive2020

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darkestwolfx · 4 years

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Attack of the Reptiles - Re-Review #43

We’re in the centre of South Africa searching for the great horned ape today! Or rather, two humans?

I actually missed these two (probably not as much as Gordon though)! Buddy and Ellie are two of the good regulars that IR have on the books. But seriously, even Buddy asked;

“What could be worse than that?”

There’s always something to come when you say something like that on this show.

And this place doesn’t look at all creepy.

“These are badlands, very dangerous!”

Hmm... I wouldn’t have guessed.

I like this version better! You know before it became over run by giant reptiles. Even so, maybe this is a message we shouldn’t be messing around with nature.

“I’m not even going to think about how long that’s been there.”

How about all the way back when EOS was pinging Bagels everywhere at the end of ‘EOS’? That would be my best guess because I can’t imagine John as messy besides then. Anyhow, I love how he chucks it out of the way to become all IR business like.

“I checked the camera feed. Look what it’s filming now.”

“They’re either really into dirt or the camera’s been dropped. That’s not a good sign.”

“The guide said you’d have to be crazy to go in after them.”

“Oh, I’ll do it! We can’t let Buddy and Ellie disappear! They haven’t finished filming season 14 yet.”

We all know what that waiting for the next series to air is like.

“Yes! More adventure with the Pendergasts!”

That little dance he does gets me every time! It’s so realistically Gordon and the animation is on point.

“I’m such a huge fan!”

“Really? I never would have guessed.”

I love episodes where we get to see a bit of Scott and Gordon interaction. I mean, Virgil and Gordon, and Gordon and Alan both work great as duos, but there is still so much potential in scenes with these two. And there was a slight amendment to the launch sequence. After all, besides Brains, we’ve always seen Scott travelling alone in Thunderbird One.

“Do you have visual on ground?”

“Not exactly.”

“Then we need someone on the ground.”

“You’re clear. Ready to go into the unknown?”

Did anyone else here this line and instantly think Panic at the Disco? Or was that just me?

Is it a bird?

Is it a plane?

No, it’s a parachuting Tracy!

“Now to make a nice, soft landing. Oh no! Not exactly soft but it could have been worse.”

I’m holding off on commenting for a moment because-

“You just had to say something didn’t you?”

-Gordon said it for me for once!

He did stumble across Ellie though.

“Gordon Tracy!”

“I’m here to rescue you! Could you chuck me a rope?”

One of my favourite starts to a rescue. I’m not sure which is best - Scott and Ned, or Gordon and Ellie.

“We do search and rescue all the time. Couldn’t be simpler! Oops, sorry, did see the hole.”

“Uh, Gordon, that’s a footprint.”

“John, are you getting a life sign nearby?”

“Yeah, but judging by the size it has to be a glitch.”

“Nothing’s wrong with your equipment, John.”

“Are you sure?”

“Trust me.”

I reckon that doesn’t normally happen when Gordon says that, but we’ll go with it for now. All that hushed whispering was great as well. A nice difference to the usual shouting and orders that we get over the comms links.

“Gordon, what’s going on down there?”

“I don’t know!”

Loved that moment.

“My pet store nightmare just came true.”

Giant reptiles? I think that’s a nightmare for many people.

Now, in the original TOS episode ‘Attack of the Alligators’, on which many parts of this one are based, the nightmare was Alan’s, but it completely makes sense to put Gordon in his place and it works really well in my opinion.

“I can’t see anything- woah!”

Yeah, really well done, Scott, nearly smash Thunderbird One to smithereens. Look where you’re going! Talk and look, I believe in you.

And now we move onto one of my definite favourite moments. Although, not quite the size of Thunderbird Four, me thinks.

“Do you seeing what I’m seeing?”

“And peppers.. and cucumbers...”

“This is no ordinary jungle. We’re running through a supersized vegetable garden!”

We could feed the world with vegetables that size! Or we could release and single? Opinions?

I’m still not sure what was up with all the ‘Thunderbirds are Go’ title cuts that ran through this episode. It’s like they thought it would be too short without them, because I know they aired the episodes without advert breaks. Interesting. It happens about 4 times though and it’s actually really irritating.

“We’re safe for the moment.”

“But how? Who sealed the door?”

“That would be me love!”

“Buddy! You’re alive!”

I love how they’ve been running around looking for him, and here Buddy was, sitting pretty the entire time. All’s well and that’s all that matters, right? Right. Also, I still love how there is a character with a disability so openly shown on a program like this. It’s an absolutely brilliant choice.

“Orchard Industries.”

“John, can you check on that?”

“Orchard industries claim that they could greatly increase the size of crops. But they were shut down years ago.”

Yep, in TOS, Professor Orchard created said growth serum with carries this plot.

“Does it say why?

“The GDF found out The Hood was a silent partner. And there were reports of secret facilities in hidden locations. According to my files they were experimenting with a new type of growth serum.”

The Hood didn’t have any involvement in the original story, but the serum did catch eyes and there was an attempt to steal it, potentially with intent to sell it on, so The Hood could always have heard about it and been a perspective buyer.

“Well that explains the humongous plants out front.”

“And if the reptiles ate those serum filled plants, that would explain how they got so big! Scott, please get us out of here.”

Call on big brother for a rescue. Classic.

Gordon sneezing! Brilliant. I can imagine this was a little bit of a dream situation for him for a moment though - you know, taking away the giant reptiles and the allergies and the danger, and... well, maybe everything save Buddy and Ellie.

“It’s a hover boat. We have a hover boat!”

“And this canal could take us all the way to the river. If the boat was working that is?”

“I just need a hypo-spanner to fix it.”

“The good news is, I know where you can find one.”

“And the bad news? I had to ask.”

Yes, Gordon, you did.

And so, here we go. The desperate attempt to obtain the hypospanner from within the cluster of giant reptiles which nearly ends early when Buddy let’s the wire slip. And then does nearly end abruptly - after some success - when the clip breaks away.

“I’m not very tasty...”

Says you, Gordon, and I’m kinda hoping that you wouldn’t be certain of that.

“Hey, come and get us you overgrown amphibians.”

“They’re reptiles love.”

“Common mistake.”

Um... no comment.

Look, it’s Gordon of the Jungle! I think he’s been watching too many movies.

“I’ll give up celery crunch bars for a year is you please just start.... Yes!”

I would hold off on the cheering, Gordon. Gosh, think how much money will be saved on the shopping!

This is definitely another brilliant episode though. Very Gordon centric, but giving him a story where he definitely has to work out of his comfort zone of the ocean. Scott has to cope with hovering above doing very little actually - which was probably a struggle for him, and John really needs to clean Thunderbird Five.

“What an adventure!”

“Season 15 is just around the corner!”

“You’re doing another season! Oh, wait till I tell Alan!”

“I just hope we have enough material. Occasionally we’re told our show is too far-fetched.”

“Really? I never would have guessed.”

I love the repetition of certain lines in this episode - it adds to the humour.

“You shouldn’t have. You really, really shouldn’t have”

“Aww, they’re cute.”

Once again, in the original, Tin-Tin bought Alan a Pigmy alligator at the end of the episode as a birthday present, but Buddy and Ellie get Gordon two for saving their lives! That was classic and Gordon’s reaction was perfect. He really must enjoy being their number one fan now! And did Scott actually coo? I think he did.

But, they do look kinda cute...

Cuter than these fella’s were at least;

Sorry this one’s a little short - today is a poor internet day, so I had to take what I could get.

#thunderbirds are go #attack of the alligators #attack of the reptiles #Gordon Tracy #Scott Tracy #John Tracy #Virgil Tracy #Alan tracy #Buddy Pendergast #Ellie Pendergast #Re-Review Series #Darkestwolfx #Thunderbirds2015 #citv #itv #ir #international rescue #Tracy island

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fallenfurther · 4 years

Text

Virgil’s second topiary lesson

Another Post Buried Treasure Fic. I just couldn’t have Virgil not meet up with the groundskeeper again, who I’ve named Mr Greene, mainly for his green fingers though I realised halfway through the significance in relation to Virgil. I blame the early shift at work for that one not registering. Enjoy!

****

Virgil landed Tracy Two on the private runway and taxied her into the reserved area. He stepped off the plane into the cool morning air and sighed. He'd been looking forward to this day for a while. It was almost three months since the rescue had cause a sinkhole in the reclaimed land and he was looking forward to seeing it at its best again. He'd made sure they paid for the restoration of the area. The tunnel had been shored up to stop future cave-ins and the ground that had caved in had been covered over and a fresh topsoil added. It should look as it did before.

Virgil was currently driving to the park to meet up with Mr Greene, the Groundskeeper. They'd kept in contact since his impromptu topiary lesson and Virgil had apologised profusely for what had happened to his shrubs. Thankfully the swift work to put the damage right, had put Virgil, and to some extent International Rescue, back in Mr Greene’s good books. Yesterday the new bushes had arrived, and Mr Greene had agreed to let Virgil join him in shaping them. Virgil parked up and headed over to where the groundskeeper was waiting for him.

"I'm glad to see you didn't bring those machines with you." Mr Greene joked as he shook Virgil's hands.

"Me too. Hopefully they'll stay safely in their hangers for the rest of the day. Now, let's see what we have to work with. What's the theme we have to stick to?" Virgil rubbed his hands together. He was ready for a busy creative day and couldn’t wait to get started.

“It’s the same as before, seeing as no one got to see it last time, but thanks to your generous donation there’s more to do. They want three centrepieces for the area that got destroyed and an animal parade leading up to it. There are four trees and seven bushes that need to be shaped.”

“We’d better get to it then.”

Virgil followed Mr Greene along the sculpted paths that ran through the manicured lawns. There were birds in the trees and butterflies flying around the flowers, and with the wind and birdsong being the dominant sounds, it was peaceful. It was hard to believe that beneath their feet was centuries old rubbish and active mining! They stopped at a path that they would be focusing on. Looking down it, Virgil could see the lawn that had caved in last time he was there and the three large bushes that were to become the new centrepieces. Mr Greene stood and pointed to the trees as he spoke.

“The animals along the path will be in pairs, one on each side. First will be the wolves and then the next will be meerkats. After that will be a bear with penguins at the front. The animals weren’t my choice, they were voted on by the local children.” Mr Greene clearly didn’t like the idea of penguins; he’d screwed his face up as he said the word. “The three centrepieces will be a giraffe, an elephant and a gorilla. We’ll start with the path. We’ll do one of each of the pairs, at the same time, so I can give you pointers and advice as we go along. Sound reasonable?”

“Yes.” Virgil smiled. There was a lot to do and he was nervously excited that his work was going to be displayed alongside that of a professional. He hoped the kids approved.

Mr Greene had laid out the tools of the trade by the first bush, and Virgil climbed into the protective overall that had been provided. Picking up the shears he stood by the bush, ready to receive the instructions on how to best shape a wolf. Mr Greene gave him clear instructions, which Virgil followed, though he did give Virgil a little leeway, here and there, to put his own spin on things. Soon the wolves had taken shape, and they swapped to the secateurs to do the finer trimming and neatening. Once Mr Greene had given his wolf the once over, they swapped sides and started on meerkats. A simpler shape than the wolves, and with less leaves to trim away to reveal the animal, they were finished much quicker. Again, they swapped sides, and started on the bears. These were much bigger, and ladders were required to reach the tops. Mr Greene finished first and gave him encouragement from below. Virgil carefully snipped away at the top, shaping the ears and the snout. He wiped his brow on his sleeve as the sun’s glare warmed his brow. Once satisfied, he climbed down the ladder and let Mr Greene up to inspect his work. A few small cuttings, and his mentor was satisfied.

“How about we break for lunch?” Mr Greene said as he reached the bottom of the ladder. “I’ve packed us a few bits which we can eat in the shade of the trees.”

Virgil’s stomach growled in response, his focus on his work having distracted him from his hunger. He hadn’t eaten anything since he’d left the island.

“That sounds fantastic.”

Virgil followed Mr Greene down the path and further into the gardens. They headed into a hedged off area and he found himself in a secret garden with a large apple tree at its centre. Beneath the tree was a couple of cool boxes. Mr Greene sat down, opened one up and handed him a bottle of chilled water. Virgil took it gladly and gulped down the water. It’s cool touch on his parched lips was heavenly. Virgil plonked himself down by Mr Greene as the man passed him a box. Inside were ham and cheese sandwiches.

“I’ve got some sandwich pickle in the cool box if you want some. Not everyone’s a fan, but I love a good bit of pickle in my sandwiches.”

“I’m good. My brother, Gordon, the blond one, is the big pickle fan in our family.” Virgil smiled as he bit into a sandwich, thinking of all the times he’d watched Gordon make one of his sandwiches. His brother always tried fit as much as possible between the slides of bread. As he ate, Mr Greene laid out mini-sausages, tomatoes, radishes, celery sticks and a sharing bag of crisps. Virgil tipped a few crisps into the box with his last sandwich and grabbed a few tomatoes, popping one in his mouth. He avoided the celery. Years of sitting next to Gordon crunching Celery Bars meant he’d gone off it.

“How are you finding the topiary today? You’re doing very well for a beginner. You’ve a real eye for detail, and how you want the shape to be.”

Virgil took the compliment with a smile, “It’s great. I love creating things. I paint, when I get the chance, and I find this is just another way of expressing and revealing the images that can form in your head. At least, that’s how it works for me. I see the image of the bear, you tell me how it should be standing, where its arms need to be, and I picture it in my head. Then it’s just working out how to translate that image into the bush. I’m loving the 3D aspect of it.”

Mr Greene chuckled, and it was strange but good to see the lightness in his face normally stern face. “You have a way with words young man! I wish others saw this like you do. When the area is open to the public, people waltz in with their phones in their hands, gaze and gape, take a few photos then move on. They barely stop to truly see what’s before them, and they certainly don’t think about all the effort that’s gone into it. It’s why you don’t get so many people doing it nowadays. It’s considered old-fashioned and a relic from the days of nobility.” Mr Greene sighed.

Virgil sat back and thought about it. There were parts of it that made sense. As an artist he could appreciate the effort that goes into the production of a sketch or painting, and some of his brothers understood that. Yet when he dragged Alan to an art gallery, he’d whizz around it before getting bored, and Virgil was never quite sure how much the boy had taken in.

“I can see where you’re coming from. But at least they are taking an interest and getting out of the city. This place is amazing, and even if they take just a little bit of that home with them, then we’ve done our job right.” Virgil ate another tomato before continuing, “and just look at this little garden. I’ll remember this moment forever. It’s secluded and peaceful, the flowers have been carefully chosen to highlight the area and bring your attention to exactly where it needs to be to highlight its beauty.”

Mr Greene sat a little straighter, “Well, I did try my best. It wasn’t easy, mind you, to convince the higher-ups to see my vision. But once people come here, they’ll trust me.”

They finished their meal, which was completed with homemade banana bread, while discussing artists and beautiful places. When all was eaten, they packed up and headed back to their bushes. Mr Greene passed Virgil a straw hat, to keep the sun off his neck and out his eyes, for which Virgil was grateful. They made light work of the penguins, and then they started on the centrepieces. Mr Greene asked him to get the basic outline for the elephant done, while he started on the gorilla, which was to stand in the middle. Virgil worked away, losing track of time. He finished his rough outline and got Mr Greene’s approval to continue. Trimming closer, he got out the secateurs and started clipping the detail into the ears and face. He smoothed out the body and trunk, making sure it curved in just the right way. Standing back, he gazed up at his handiwork.

“Not bad. Not bad at all.” Mr Greene’s voice came from behind him. Virgil turned around, a contented grin on his face, and looked at Mr Greene. Except Virgil’s gaze fell on the bush behind the man. His jaw dropped. It was a male silverback gorilla, made entirely from one bush. Mr Greene had managed to sculpt most of it, and it was breath-taking in its detail. The hands were still a work in progress, but it was the face that caught his attention. The gorilla was gazing straight down the path and had such a dignified look on it’s face.

“That good, huh? I have a soft spot for gorillas. Used to draw them all the time as a boy, and although I don’t do it much anymore, I still have that soft spot or the apes.”

“It’s incredible.” Virgil slowly walked around it, taking in the way it had been cut, trying to work out how it had appeared from the ordinary bush which has been there just hours previously.

“Thank you. How about you try the giraffe? Be careful with the neck, that’s the tricky part. I’ll come join you once I’ve finished the hands, and we might get it all done before sundown.”

Virgil nodded, not quite ready to take his eyes of the gorilla. With a renewed determination to master the art to that kind of level, Virgil walked towards the last untouched bush as made the first snip with the shears. Mr Greene soon joined him, and they made light work of it, and soon the giraffe appeared. True to his word, the sun was low in the sky when they had finished. Virgil slipped out of the overall and placed the shears, hat and secateurs into Mr Greene’s wheelbarrow.

“I’ll clear up the cuttings tomorrow.” Mr Greene said as he picked up the cooler boxes and Virgil pushed the wheelbarrow towards the exit. When they reached the carpark, Virgil placed in down and shook Mr Greene’s hand.

“Thank you so much for today. It was fantastic.”

“You’re welcome, young man, and if I need a hand or inspiration, I know who to call.” Mr Greene gave Virgil a smile before heading off towards the groundskeeper’s shed. Virgil sat in the car; his body was exhausted. It definitely wasn’t safe to fly, and he was thankful he had planned to stay the night in a hotel. A quick call to John to confirm everyone was okay, and he drove off. A shower and some clean clothes and Virgil lay in the bed with his sketchpad. Despite the exhaustion, he sketched a few different views of the secret garden, though his favourite was the view from under the tree. He added a few extra details to it before yawning. Another yawn and Virgil knew he was done for the night. He placed the pad on the bedside table, pulled the covers over himself and turned off the light. His mind was full of flowers, gardens and shaped bushes which he knew would fill his dreams. He closed his eyes and hoped there were no callouts tomorrow. He wanted to start on his painting of the secret garden, hoping to permanently capture its beauty in paint.

#thunderbirds are go #virgil tracy #groundskeeper #buried treasure #topiary

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darkestwolfx · 7 years

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TAG - S2E18 ‘Grandma Tourismo’ Review

Well…

What an episode.

As much as I missed the rest of the brother’s today, I did like having an episode that finally focused on Grandma a little more. Since we’ve seen less of this version of her – apart from as a supporting character – it was nice to have that development.

So, things we learnt in this episode are going first;

1. Grandma’s name is Sally. Sally Tracy. Well, someone had to name her I suppose. I was wondering when the time would come around for a name reveal, since she’s always just been called “Grandma”.

2. The boys do still play snooker in this verse! Where the hell they keep that table I’ve no clue.

3. Scott cares a lot about his hair… Hmm, like we hadn’t worked that out. P.S. I still want to know about this Virgil and Gordon hairdryer situation.

4. Grandma once travelled the world. The money must have come from her side of the family then, because we know Jeff’s dad was a farmer/agriculturalist.

5. Grandma can also fly and it seems, taught her son.

One thing I picked up on this week, though was strange and I think ITV have either missed a trick or very belatedly decided to inform us of a complete shake up.

So (I’m not going to dare go into full territory on this because the debate is long and varies depending on your view), in TOS, there was always some contentment as to Virgil and John’s ages and question as to who was older, for many reasons. Personally, I’ve always worked with John being the second child and Virgil the third. (That doesn’t mean you can’t have it the other way, if that’s how you work!)

However, the ITV series has led us to believe from the first episode and onwards, that they are working with John being older than Virgil, other thing which seems confirmed by the ages they gave for the brothers on their website;

Scott: 23, John: 22, Virgil: 21, Gordon: 19, Alan: 14.

So from this, we can all assume they meant John to be older – and I think a lot of us writers over on ff – have been working and writing with that. However, in this episode we hear the line,

“You’re braver than I am, big brother.”

From John. Which kind of throws Gordon’s spanner into the wrench. I would quite appreciate ITV sorting that out for us.

Moving swiftly on...

I have to interject and say that I just love the dice with the niffy Thunderbird Two logo on - thank you, Fischler, they are a far sight better than your logoed jumpsuits. A new good luck charm maybe?

A shopping trip. And not just any shopping trip. A complete restock of the island just Virgil and Grandma. Not to mention, John was certainly worried.

I think Virgil did a very good job at hiding his sarcasm.

“Let’s do some shopping.”

“This is going to be so much fun.”

Of course, we have to remember he said that before he saw the list. Like this shot at the end, you can just see him, tired and be forced into finishing what they started, skim-reading and desperately questioning why everyone needs so much. Then we get to piano strings of course - any idea who those might be for, Virge?

Even so, I think he’s glad when John interrupts. It saved him from having to spend all morning looking at tracksuits.

Something that made me laugh was the Manager of the shop running after them when they left the shop. Why would you think International Rescue were going to steal from you? Especially if we take from Grandma,

“Hey!”

”Put it on our tab.”

That they shop there a lot?

It did make me chuckle though, so it’s kind of okay.

Of course, we know Virgil can’t be in two places at the same time. Still, I think we can all recognise that look the boys get about their ships.

I’m still trying to work out how he’ll feel about the very minor scratches to the paintwork! Still, John was right, in fairness to Grandma, for something big an heavy - 406 tonnes apparently - which she’d never flown before she didn’t do bad at all.

And we have to give credit to those moves across the quarry. International Rescue, risking life and limb.

I’m also very appreciative of the design to the remote piloting graphics. They look very nice. Virgil is certainly skilled at it too, for I can’t imagine its easy to fly a ship you’re not in.

I think John ends up worrying too much. I’m actually surprised none of these brothers ever have panic or heart attacks from their line of work and the amount of worry and stress they must encounter (especially for each other). But then again, I’ll just put it how Virgil did;

“It’s my job, Grandma.”

I think his brothers would all agree. When they’re not left worrying.

Poor, poor Virgil. All that heavy lifting! He kept shifting those rocks for nothing. I really felt for him when he thought it was over.

But then of course we have Grandma to save the day!

And obviously, the crew were doubtful about that;

“Well don’t you worry, I’ll be there any minute. You tell the others.“ “FAB. My Grandma says don’t worry. She’s coming to pick us up.” “You’re Grandma?”

And you can just see the look on Virgil’s face - I like to think it says, ‘you don’t know my Grandma - yet.’

And that led to one of my favourite moments of this episode, the brother’s joint:

“You?”

Another moment I quite enjoyed was our lovely ending. We got to see International Rescue hang around long enough to get some thanks for once in the TAG verse, but that meant we also got to see this;

Virgil was not expecting that. Bless him though, the way his shoulders dropped in the final moments when he realises - No shower, just shopping.

Of course this is me, so I cannot help myself when it comes to a little scenery.

This was a shot I particularly liked;

But this is one that I think Virgil could appreciate too: I mean, look at his face;

So, I’m going to leave everyone with a little game/task – whatever you like.

These were the items I managed to pull from the clearly extensive shopping list. Let’s see if we can match them to the right brother, I think a few are easy;

Multi-vitamins, snooker cues, apple pie, bagels, lemon squeezer, pillow case, anti-rust spray, extra cable. super shine, toilet paper, hairspray, Hawaiian shirts, plant food, protein powder, celery crunch bars, toothpaste, piano strings, fire extinguishers, tanning lotion, tofu.

And yes, pictures have returned!

Episode transcript link to follow shortly.

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