"G.I. Joe" (1985) TV series 1985-1986

Writers:

Larry Hama (character development)
Denny O'Neil (writer)

Seasons:

1 | 2

Release Date:

16 September 1985 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Animation

Plot:

An elite special missions force fights against the terrorist forces of Cobra.

Plot Keywords:

Military | Based On Toy

Cast

Chris Latta	...	Cobra Commander / ... (77 episodes, 1985-1986)
Michael Bell	...	Duke / ... (67 episodes, 1985-1986)
Neil Ross	...	Shipwreck / ... (62 episodes, 1985-1986)
Arthur Burghardt	...	Destro / ... (56 episodes, 1985-1986)
Frank Welker	...	Torch / ... (55 episodes, 1985-1986)
Mary McDonald-Lewis	...	Lady Jaye / ... (49 episodes, 1985-1986)
Bill Ratner	...	Flint / ... (45 episodes, 1985-1986)
Zack Hoffman	...	Zartan / ... (36 episodes, 1985-1986)
Kene Holliday	...	Roadblock (36 episodes, 1985-1986)
Morgan Lofting	...	Baroness / ... (35 episodes, 1985-1986)
Corey Burton	...	Tomax / ... (32 episodes, 1985-1986)
Pat Fraley	...	Ace / ... (31 episodes, 1985)

Also Known As:

Action Force (UK)
Chijô saikyô no Expert Team G.I. Joe (Japan)

Runtime:

30 min | 30 min (85 episodes)

Country:

USA | Japan

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Singapore:PG | USA:TV-Y7 | UK:PG

Company:

Sunbow Productions

Trivia:

The line of action figures included one for Zartan the Swamp Master, a villain who could camouflage himself like a chameleon. However, the figure was taken off the shelves late in 1986.

Goofs:

Continuity: Midway through "Cobra's Candidate", Storm Shadow tells Buzzer that Cobra Commander has sent him a communique about the pep rally, to which Buzzer replies "Come on mate; Cobra Commander knows I can't read." Per his file-card, however, Buzzer was a college professor prior to becoming a Dreadnok, and as such would most certainly know how to read.

Quotes:

Mainframe: Beach Head, I wanna talk to you about your deodorant
Beachhead: What do you mean? I don't use deodorant!
Mainframe: That's what I wanna talk to you about!

Movie Connections:

Spoofed in "Robot Chicken: The Ramblings of Maurice (#4.16)" (2009)

One of the few 80s cartoons that has a chance of appealing to youth today.

As a skeptical TV watcher (especially of old stuff) this is one of those 80s "made-for-kids" cartoons that can appeal to youth of today, as well as be interesting enough for teens/adults to watch.

This cartoon has the action, thrills and memorable characters that a 6 year old seeks, but has the literary complexity, subtle humour, and general excellent entertainment value that teens and adults would appreciate.

The Joes, a diverse team of commandos, fight the evil forces of Cobra day in and day out. Each Joe brings a different attribute and personality to the team (personalities that come to life thanks to the talented voice cast - read the credits, you'll see!)

The plots always entail an interesting and often elaborate storyline featuring a diabolical plot for world-domination by Cobra Commander and/or his subordinates (Destro, Baroness, Crimson Guard Twins, Maj. Bludd e.t.c...)

The art quality is excellent - it has an 80s super-hero comic style to it which adds a lot to that nostalgic effect. The animation is satisfactory; it varies between episodes.

Best part is learning the names (real and code) of all of the characters (good and bad), as there are literally tons of characters mixed into the salad bowl that is G.I. Joe, A Real American Hero.

For you 80s toon a-holics out there, this is an absolute MUST HAVE in your library. I only wish it was still on TV for today's generation to see.