Stingray

1 9 6 4 - 1 9 6 5 (UK)
39 x 25 minute episodes

Stingray has the honour of being the very first British TV series to be filmed in colour (although it was originally broadcast in black & white). It relates the exploits of the World Aquatic Security Patrol (WASP) in the 21st century. 

WASP are a type of ocean police force attempting to keep the seas free from the forces of evil (because let's face it, that's always been a problem!). 

The main perpetrator of evil is Titan, a green megalomaniac and the ruler of Titanica (and rumoured to be based on Laurence Olivier). Titan has an underwater army called the Aquaphibians who travel in a gothic submarine called Terror Fish. He has a slightly less competent spy on land called Agent X20 who is a master of disguises but has terrible bug-eyes.

Fortuitously, WASP have The Stingray - An atomic powered submarine  equipped with sixteen sting missiles and based at Marineville which is WASP's Island Headquarters (connected to the ocean by a tunnel from which Stingray emerges each episode). 

The captain of Stingray is Troy Tempest - dashing, blue-eyed and square-jawed hero.  Also onboard is drawling southern gentleman, George "Phones" Sheridan (scientific genius and Troy's offsider). Phones is also one of the few marionettes who actually smokes cigarettes (!).

The third crew member of Stingray is Marina - a mute green-haired, mermaid beauty. If you want to get specific, she is the daughter of Aphony (benevolent ruler of Pacifica) and was rescued from the clutches of Titan by Troy and Phones in episode 1 . . .

The head of WASP is Commander Sam Shore. Sam was disabled in a submarine accident and is a paraplegic, getting around in a mini hovercraft (like you do!). He is assisted by his beautiful daughter, Atlanta who fancies Troy terribly and constantly vies with Marina for his attention (Was Stingray the first ever marionette soap opera?). 

Atlanta's sexy voice was provided by the late Lois Maxwell (who played Miss Moneypenny in the earlier James Bond films).

Even when stacked against Anderson's later works, Stingray stands up well. There was plenty of kiddie-targeted action, while the more mature could enjoy the spoofs which featured often. Troy Tempest was a caricature of a movie idol (apparently based on actor James Garner) and constantly had his eyebrows raised in a quizzical fashion.

TRIVIA NOTE
Despite the series being made in England, its principal characters are all American, a decision made on the grounds of expediency: Gerry Anderson, Stingray's producer, believed this would make the show more saleable to US broadcasters, without alienating UK viewers who were already accepting of American-made shows. The decision paid off and Stingray was bought by the US network NBC. 

EPISODES

Stingray  Plant Of Doom  Sea Of Oil  Hostages Of The Deep  Treasure Down Below  The Big Gun  The Golden Sea  The Ghost Ship  Countdown  Ghost Of The Sea  Emergency Marineville  Subterranean Sea  The Loch Ness Monster  The Invaders  Secret Of The Giant Oyster  Rapture Of The Deep  Stand By For Action  The Disappearing Ships  Man From The Navy  Marineville Traitor

Tom Thumb Tempest   Pink Ice  The Master Plan  Star Of The East  An Echo Of Danger  Invisible Enemy  Deep Heat  In Search Of The Tajmanon  Titan Goes Pop  Set Sail For Adventure  Tune Of Danger  Rescue From The Skies  The Cool Caveman  A Nut For Marineville Trapped In The Depths  Eastern Eclipse  A Christmas To Remember The Lighthouse Dwellers  Aquanaut Of The Year