3. Convincing Jeff to Stay (“Atlantic Inferno”)
An episode best remembered for the character development between Jeff and Scott, a pivotal moment in that development comes from Lady Penelope herself. “Atlantic Inferno” sees Jeff take a well-earned vacation on Penelope’s Australian farm, leaving Scott in charge of International Rescue. Both Scott and Jeff end up making rash decisions, Scott involving when to send I.R. into an emergency, and Jeff’s reluctance to leave I.R. in the hands of another.
In Jeff’s ensuing panic over Scott’s judgement when he dispatches I.R. into a situation he thinks doesn’t require their help, Penelope calms Jeff’s nerves, reminding him to have faith in the judgement of his own children. For such a family as the Tracy’s, with their lack of female influence, Penelope’s gentle, balanced reassuring of Jeff comes as a welcome outside source in this male-dominated world.
2. “Are you going to tie me up?” (“The Man from MI.5”)
An effortless example of why Penelope was such a hit with viewers, her duping of a murderous spy in order to discover his plans is as much an alluring affair for us as it is for the spy. Seductive without sexuality, “The Man from MI.5” is a brilliant showcase for Penelope the spy, a character full of elegance, charm and deadly danger.
It’s true that she still requires a male to come to her rescue once the spy has left her to her apparent doom, but Penelope’s cool manner throughout is a wondrous juxtaposition to the regular rounds of explosions and rocket launches caused by all the men in Thunderbirds.
1. Blowing up The Hood (“Trapped in the Sky”)
Fans may argue till the end of time whether or not Thunderbirds‘ opening episode gave fans too much too soon, and whether or not Lady Penelope and Parker may have been better introduced in a more Penelope-centric episode, but the finale of “Trapped in the Sky” gave fans their first on-screen glimpse of International Rescue’s most suave and sophisticated agent.
Up until “Trapped in the Sky”‘s riveting climax of I.R. helping the bomb-ridden Fireflash to land, Thunderbirds‘ debut episode had shown audiences that it was a hard-nosed, straight-faced, mecha-heavy sci-fi blitzkrieg of action and adventure, all in a world belonging only to men. Lady Penelope’s introduction gave Thunderbirds an extra layer of depth, opening up it’s world whilst giving boys and girl viewers heroes to idolize. Perhaps then it’s just as well that Penny and Parker made their debut as early as possible.
What was your favourite Lady Penelope moment in Thunderbirds? Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments section below or send us a Tweet!
