Return to the Planet of the Apes

Beginning very similarly to the original film, a space craft crashes on a desolate world. Three astronauts, Bill, Jeff and Judy, began a long trek through harsh conditions to find food and water they'll need to survive until they're rescued or can find a way home. The hike plays out with minimal dialogue for almost the first 10 minutes and really helps to reinforce the situation. Surprisingly well written, Return isn't a dumbed down kiddie show; it is an intelligent sci-fi series carrying on themes, characters (Cornelius, General Urko, Dr Zaius even Nova!) and situations from the book and films! There's a continuing story, a serialization, that is a rarity in the world of Saturday morning cartoons.

Admittedly Filmation's animation from this period is at times "limited". Static figures against moving backgrounds. Identical footage re-used over and over again. But for all of its faults, it only adds to the character of the series.

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