My earliest recollection of Thunderbirds must have been when it was first repeated on New Zealand television... and I've had a crush on Virgil Tracy ever since. Thirty odd years later his picture adorns my wall, computer, clock...

Apart from him, why do I like Thunderbirds? Mainly it's because here is a group of people who unselfishly, without expecting reward of any kind, help others in need. In today's society this is something that happens all too rarely.

It is also a show that, while exciting, manages to be relatively non-violent. The heroes don't reach for their guns when things get tricky... they reach for The 'Mole', The 'Firefly' and all sorts of other interesting equipment. As one friend said to me "I'll bet you watch it because you like the machinery!"

My reply to that was "No, I watch it because Virgil is cute!"

I also like puppet shows... I mean marionette shows. (Sorry, Mr Anderson.)

A note about a couple of my submissions to this site - while originally conceived as two separate stories, "Everything Happens for a Reason" and "Blind Ambition - Blind Fury" have become linked together. In order to fully understand "Blind Ambition - Blind Fury" you'll have to read "Everything Happens for a Reason" first.

A word of warning. I happen to be one of those people who believe the 'revisionist' version of the show. I think there is enough evidence in various episodes and original movies to make Thunderbirds set in the 2060's and I've seen an interview by Gerry Anderson in which he states it's set in this era. I also think that John is second oldest and Virgil the middle Tracy son, based on the order of the opening credits. Be aware of this when you read my stories. But in the end does it matter? No matter what you choose to believe it is still a great show, and if you've delved this deep into this website you must agree with me on that.