Thunderbirds 2086

Synopsis

Set roughly two decades after the original series (commonly believed to take place around 2065, though other dates appear on screen), Thunderbirds 2086 follows the exploits of the Thunderbirds, a rescue unit operating under the International Rescue Organisation. Whereas the original International Rescue was a small, family-run operation, the IRO is a massive organization with numerous divisions, all governed by the Federation—the 2086 counterpart to the United Nations. No explicit narrative links are drawn between the two shows, but it is implied that the original International Rescue gradually grew into its 2086 form over the intervening thirty years. The Tracy family is never referenced in this animated series. Notably, in this version the name "Thunderbirds" designates the rescue team itself, whereas in the original it referred only to their vehicles. Apart from that, the show closely mirrors the original, with most episodes centering on natural or man-made disasters that the Thunderbirds must investigate and resolve. What sets Thunderbirds 2086 apart is its ongoing storyline involving a separatist faction called the Shadow Axis, headed by the enigmatic Star Crusher. The series strongly hints that Star Crusher is not human and may be some form of alien being.