This year mainstream media- whether that be TV, Movies, Music or Games it feels like we have stepped back in time. The return of the likes of Crystal Maze (albeit it for a one off special), Pokemon taking over the world (again); even the NES has re-emerged (albeit in miniature form)! It seems that recently, the entertainment world is looking back for inspiration to produce what we will enjoy going forwards. Granted it’s all a bit Back to the Future, but as somebody who would class themselves as a “90’s” kid, it felt fitting to look back at my top 5 childhood programmes that could do with a reboot!
So it’s pretty much self-explanatory: Sharks on the Streets. And no they aren’t flopping about like a fish out of water (PUN!) but these guys are “roided” up to the max and spend their time fighting monsters in the fictional city of Fission City. So let’s just clarify the actual premise of the story follows a university professor named Dr. Robert Bolton and his partner Dr. Luther Paradigm. The two doctors create the ground breaking “gene-slammer” slammer machine which has the capability of changing aquatic animals into anthropomorphic hybrids (yes I had to look that up) by combining their DNA in a weird nutribullet style fashion.
In weaving in the morality to the tale, Bolton’s attempt to prevent Paradigm from using the “slammer” machine for personal power, he is transformed into an unseen monster/hybrid/thing, but fortunately manages to escape.
Later, Paradigm gives Bolton’s four sons John, Bobby, Coop, and Clint the likeness of four different sharks. When Dr. Paradigm decides to capture their friend Bends, the aptly named “Street Sharks” rescue him and combine the evil Paradigm with piranha DNA (marine biologists are loving this right now). In the following episodes, Dr. Paradigm creates the stereotypical variety of monsters in an attempt to destroy the Street Sharks.
In another rendition of animal turn street gang heroes, Biker Mice from Mars has a slightly more extra-terrestrial twist to it. Originating from you’ve guessed it- Mars, a race of mice with human like features and characteristics enjoyed a very similar way of life to that of humans on earth. At some point in their back story, the race were obliterated by the Plutarkians (bad guy fish people) and thus the protagonists of the story are set.
Three survivors from the culling lead by the Plutarkians, Throttle, Modo and Vinnie were able to flee via a spaceship to only be shot down during their daring escape and crash landing in the city of Chicago; that’s on Earth if you didn’t know. To their astonishment they find out that the Plutarkians have also managed to make it to Earth and plan to pillage and plunder the planets resources. Having befriended a charismatic female mechanic by the name of Charlene “Charley” Davidson, the Biker Mice discover that the City’s leading industrialist Lawrence Limburger is actually a Plutarkian (Duh, duh duuuuuhhhh!). It’s then down to the vigilante motorcycle loving Biker Mice to save the day and bring the Plutarkians to justice for their plans on Earth and their actions on Mars.
Ok so I know I’m cheating a bit with this one as a movie reboot has already been announced for 2017 but I’m throwing it in anyway!
Each rendition of the series is based around a group of teenagers/young people who are able to “morph” into Power Rangers and are able to use a number of special powers. On top of that, they are able to pilot gigantic assault vehicles known as Zords and these could then combine into one- MEGAZORD! For when the enemies all go ‘Godzilla-esc’ of course.
When “morphed”, the Rangers transform into powerful superhero-like beings wearing colour coded suits and helmets. In Mighty Morphin, Red, Blue, Black, Yellow and Pink make up the core team; with further story dynamics incorporating legendary White and Green Rangers. When in their morphed state, the Rangers are able to exhibit superhuman speed or invisibility for example. On top of this, each Ranger has their own unique weapon as well as those used more commonly for hand to hand combat.
Rangers tend to work in groups of three or five with more joining the team later. Each team of Rangers, with only a minor number of exceptions, follows a ‘code’, which is outlined as “Power Rangers may not use their Ranger powers for personal gain or for escalating a fight (unless the enemy does so), nor may the Power Rangers disclose their identities to the general public.” The penalty for breaking this code is to lose their powers.
Also known as ‘Break Time’ in the British Isles, followed a motley crew of children in elementary school and their interactions with their peers and teachers. The group consists of the mischievous T.J., tomboy Ashley, the jock Vince, the genius Gretchen, the gentle giant Mikey and the buoyant Gus; all of which have a pivotal part to play in the dynamics of the “gang”/friendship group. During the process of the series, the children take charge and form their own society within the school playground; complete with their very own government (being housed in the jungle gym), a class structure and even a form of “laws”. They are ultimately ruled by a 6th grader (year 6) who goes by the name of “King Bob” , who in turn has a number of enforcers to make sure that laws are abided by and rulings on playground disputes are abided by.
Dinosaurs is initially set in 60,000,000 BC in Pangaea . The show is an American Family sitcom which follows a family of dinosaurs (portrayed by puppets and costumes) in their everyday life. Designed in association with Jim Henson and Walt Disney TV, the show focused on the Sinclair family: Earl Sinclair (the father), Fran Sinclair (née Phillips), the mother and Earl’s wife, their three children—son Robbie, daughter Charlene, and Baby Sinclair—and Fran’s mother, Ethyl. Earl’s job is to push over trees for the Wesayso Corporation with his friend and coworker Roy Hess where they work under the supervision of their boss Bradley P. Richfield (Thanks Wiki).
Now I must admit that when compiling a list like this, I have to acknowledge those franchises who have already made their revival into the 21st Century. The re-birth of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the transformation of the Transformers franchise (yeah I went there…), it feels like perhaps some of the entertainment content is swinging back round from yester-year.
The interesting point i’ll leave you with here though is what will be revamped from our current generation in the years to come?
Have I missed out any of your favourite shows? Let me know what you thought in the comments section below or find me on twitter: @MeteCritic
