"Defenders of the Earth" (1986) TV series

User Rating:

7.7/10   

Writers:

Allan Cole (co-writer)
Evelyn Gabai (writer)

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

8 September 1986 (USA)

Genre:

Adventure | Animation

Plot:

The four of the greatest comic strip heroes join forces to battle Ming the Merciless.

Plot Keywords:

Orphan | Family Relationships | Outer Space | Father Daughter Relationship | Space Hero

Cast

Adam Carl	...	Kshin (7 episodes, 1986)
Ron Feinberg	...	Ming the Merciless (7 episodes, 1986)
Buster Jones	...	Lothar / ... (7 episodes, 1986)
Loren Lester	...	Rick Gordon (7 episodes, 1986)
Sarah Partridge	...	Jedda Walker (7 episodes, 1986)
Diane Pershing	...	Dynak X (7 episodes, 1986)
Peter Renaday	...	Mandrake the Magician (7 episodes, 1986)
Lou Richards	...	Flash Gordon (7 episodes, 1986)
Peter Mark Richman	...	The Phantom (7 episodes, 1986)
Dion Williams	...	L.J. (7 episodes, 1986)
William Callaway	...	Ming the Merciless / ... (3 episodes, 1986)

Runtime:

30 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Australia:PG | Australia:G (some episodes) | USA:TV-Y7

Company:

Marvel Productions

Quotes:

Jedda Walker: Kero, I need your help!

Movie Connections:

Spoofed in "Robot Chicken: Werewolf vs. Unicorn (#3.1)" (2007)

Good Concept But Years Too Late

This show had the interesting idea of bringing together the stars of the four greatest adventure strips that were distributed by King Features Syndicate and team them with their children to fight Ming and his son. Too bad it only lasted a short time because I really enjoyed the cross generational concept. This show probably would have succeeded if it had come on perhaps during the late sixties at a time when the strips featuring the principals were still popular and at a time when super hero shows were at their peak.