Thunderbirds Are Go!.
— Scott Tracy
The pilot of the rebooted series. The story begins in the middle of a violent storm where a father and son are trapped in an out-of-control weather balloon, requesting help into an emergency radio. They hear the sound of engines and throw the thick storm clouds, the green Thunderbird 2 arrives and hovers right beside the balloon. Virgil Tracy - its pilot - rises from an access hatch and immediately renders aid, Taking the son first before reaching for the father. As Virgil Reaches out for the father, the harsh winds catch the balloon and tear it to pieces, sending the father plummeting down. Virgil requests contact with Thunderbird 5 and the opening title begins.
Tropes
- Big Damn Heroes: Global Security show up to assist Kayo at The Hood's base not long after he'd mocked them for being unable to stop him.
- Big Red Button: When Lady Penelope and Parker arrive at the address where the parts for the earthquake device had been shipped they find one of these with a message: "Press me and all your questions will be answered".
- Dark Secret: Kayo is actually the Hood's niece.
- Earthquake Machine: The Hood has constructed several of these and placed them along the Ring of Fire, causing the main disasters of the episodes. They also include holographic projectors for when one of them is captured by International Rescue, allowing The Hood to make his demands to them.
- Establishing Series Moment: The aspects that set this series apart from its predecessor are quickly established in this two-parter: Jeff Tracy is missing, leaving Scott and Grandma in charge, International Rescue are an established presence in communication with the Global Security Council and well aware of The Hood, and Kayo is a full-blown Action Girl and Sixth Ranger to the Tracys with her own Thunderbird.
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Harsher in Hindsight: Virgil's comment to the boy he rescues at the beginning that "no one is losing their dad today" is sadder when later on it becomes apparent that Jeff has been missing for some time. - Humble Hero: When Virgil bemoans that Scott makes latching onto the research centre look easy. Scott says it was a lucky shot.
- It's Raining Men: Kayo makes a HALO jump from Thunderbird 3 to reach The Hood's base.
- Plot Tailored to the Party: As the pilot of the series, the episode ensures that a situation arises that calls for all five of the Thunderbirds to be used.
- Secret Secret-Keeper: Grandma is aware of Kayo's family secret.
- Sixth Ranger: Kayo's position as this is solidified by the episode's end when Brain's presents her with her very own Thunderbird, Thunderbird Shadow.
- This Looks Like a Job for Aquaman: The research centre that sends out the SOS is an underwater research centre meaning Gordon and Thunderbird 4 are the perfect choice.
- Wham Line:The Hood: Families shouldn't keep secrets, Tanusha. Do they know yours? That the man they believe is responsible for the great Jeff Tracy's demise is your very own uncle.
