Joe 90 Season 1 Episode 20 Talkdown

Joe 90 is a classic British sci-fi children's television series that aired from 1968 to 1969. The show was created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson, who were also responsible for other iconic puppet-based TV shows such as Thunderbirds and Captain Scarlet. Joe 90 is the story of a young boy named Joe McClaine, who uses a special device called the "BIG RAT" (Brain Impulse Galvanoscope Record And Transfer) to learn advanced skills from a variety of experts.

Season 1 episode 20 of Joe 90 is called Talkdown. In this episode, Joe is brought in to help a British military pilot named Captain Foster who has been suffering from a mysterious illness. Foster has been experiencing intense vertigo while flying, and his condition is a serious concern since he is due to fly a highly classified VIP transport mission in a few days. The military calls upon Professor McClaine (Joe's father) to help, and he sends Joe in to use the BIG RAT to learn the skills of a defense against the psychological phenomenon known as "talkdown."

Talkdown is a situation that can occur when a pilot experiences spatial disorientation during flight. This can cause them to lose their sense of up and down, which can be disorienting and potentially deadly. In some cases, the pilot may even be talked down by an external source, such as air traffic control or a fellow pilot. This can exacerbate the situation, as conflicting instructions and confusion can make the situation worse.

Joe's mission is to learn how to resist talkdown, so he can teach Captain Foster how to do the same. Joe uses the BIG RAT to learn the skills of a pilot who successfully resisted talkdown during a dangerous flight situation. This allows Joe to experience the sensation of disorientation and learn how to resist the urge to rely on external instructions. Joe then teaches Captain Foster these skills, and he is able to successfully complete his mission without incident.

The episode is filled with tense moments as we see Captain Foster's struggle with his illness, and the stakes are high as he prepares for his mission. Joe's use of the BIG RAT is always exciting to watch, as we see him learn new skills and take on different personas. The scene in which Joe learns how to resist talkdown is particularly well-done, as we see him go through the same disorienting experience as the pilot he is learning from.

As always, the puppetry and special effects are top-notch, with detailed miniature sets and props that create a convincing world for the characters to inhabit. The show's use of a unique blend of puppetry and live-action footage also helps to create a sense of realism that is rare for a children's TV show.

Overall, Talkdown is a thrilling episode of Joe 90 that combines science fiction and suspense in a way that is sure to engage viewers of all ages. The show's unique premise and charming characters make it a classic of British children's television, and this episode is a shining example of the show's best qualities. Fans of classic sci-fi and puppetry will not want to miss this episode of Joe 90.