

The Tripods
In the year 2089, an alien race stalks the land in towering machines known as Tripods. They have taken over the earth and enslaved mankind with a mind-controlling device, ceremoniously implanted at adolescence. Will Parker, desperate to escape this ritual, leaves the village with his cousin, Henry and attempts to link up with the human resistance movement.
Insights
Plot Summary
In the 23rd century, humanity has been subjugated by alien Masters who control them through metal Caps. Will, a young boy, is about to undergo the Ceremony of Attainment, which will allow him to be controlled. However, he and his friends, triggered by a mysterious wandering Sage, decide to flee and join a growing resistance movement fighting to free humanity from the Masters' rule.
Critical Reception
The 1985 BBC television adaptation of 'The Tripods' was a notable attempt to bring John Christopher's classic sci-fi novels to a wider audience. While it garnered attention for its ambitious scope and source material, its reception was mixed, with praise for its adherence to the books but criticism often directed at its pacing and special effects, which were typical of television productions of the era. It remains a fond memory for many who grew up with it, representing a significant early foray into children's science fiction television.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its faithful adaptation of the beloved novels.
- Criticized for slower pacing and dated visual effects.
- Remembered fondly by a generation for its intelligent sci-fi themes.
Google audience: Audience reviews generally reflect nostalgia and appreciation for the show's attempt to tackle complex sci-fi themes for a younger audience, though some acknowledge its limitations in production value by modern standards.
Fun Fact
The series was originally intended to be shown in three parts, with the first part airing in 1984 and the second in 1985. However, due to financial difficulties and scheduling issues, the planned third part was never produced, leaving the story incomplete.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources