RIP Gerry Anderson
On Boxing Day it was announced that Gerry Anderson had passed away at the age of 83. Anderson was one of the most famous figures in UK TV in the 1960s and 1970s, working on a number of science fiction and fantasy shows. However, he will always be closely associated with a number of children's series featuring puppets operating highly-detailed vehicles: Supercar , Fireball XL5 , Stingray , Thunderbirds , Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons , Joe 90 and Terrahawks . In addition to his puppet shows, Anderson created several live-action SF series: UFO , Space: 1999 and Space Precinct (as well as the non-SF The Protectors ). Despite his fame and his shows' place in popular culture, he was unable to find a format with longevity: aside from Terrahawks , none of his shows lasted more than two seasons. Thunderbirds returned with a live-action movie in 2004 which Anderson was not involved with, criticised heavily and was panned on release. Anderson did produce a two-season revival o...