The original 1973 British series of *The Tomorrow People* holds a unique place in television history. It was Thames Television's ambitious attempt to create a children's sci-fi powerhouse to rival the BBC’s *Doctor Who*. While it never quite achieved the same cultural dominance or longevity as its rival, it remains a beloved "cult classic" for those who grew up in the 70s.
Here is an honest review of the 1973 original:
### The Core Concept: Wish Fulfillment
The show’s premise—that teenagers could suddenly "break out" into a new stage of human evolution (*Homo superior*) with powers like telepathy, telekinesis, and "jaunting" (teleportation)—was pure genius for its target audience. It tapped into the exact desires of the era’s youth: to be special, to be understood, and to have a secret life away from "Saps" (their term for normal, non-evolved humans).
### The Good: Ambitious and Iconic
* **Atmospheric Presentation:** The show is widely remembered for its haunting, synthesized theme music by Dudley Simpson and a truly iconic title sequence that remains creepy and compelling even today.
* **Conceptual Depth:** Despite being aimed at children, the show didn't shy away from complex or dark themes. It touched on Cold War espionage, interplanetary politics, and philosophical questions about what it means to be the "next" step in evolution.
* **The "Lab":** The secret base in a disused London Underground station gave the show a grounded, gritty, and cool aesthetic that felt very real to young viewers.
### The Bad: The Limitations of 70s TV
* **Visual Limitations:** By modern standards—or even compared to some contemporary *Doctor Who* serials—the production values were incredibly low. The "jaunting" effects were basic, the model work was sparse, and the alien costumes and makeup could look notoriously "silly" or campy.
* **Inconsistent Acting:** The cast shifted frequently, and the acting quality was wildly uneven. You have moments of sincerity followed by dialogue that feels wooden or unintentionally comedic.
* **Writing Swings:** Because the show was serialized in short bursts, the quality varied from story to story. Some arcs were genuinely thoughtful and well-paced, while others felt like rushed, low-budget pantomime.
### The Verdict: A Product of Its Time
*The Tomorrow People* is not a show you watch for high-octane action or polished CGI. It is a show you watch for **nostalgic charm and creative ambition**.
If you view it through the lens of a modern, "prestige" TV viewer, you might find it difficult to get past the creaky sets and dated production. However, if you appreciate the scrappy, "do-it-with-what-you-have" ingenuity that defined 1970s British television, it is a fascinating, often hypnotic watch. It captures a specific, slightly eerie, and wonder-filled feeling that very few modern shows manage to replicate.
### Key Takeaways
* **If you love 70s aesthetics:** You will likely find the show endearing and visually memorable.
* **If you are looking for a modern thriller:** This will likely feel too slow or technically outdated.
* **The Legacy:** It deserves credit for paving the way for the youth-oriented sci-fi genre, proving that children's television could tackle complex, non-patronizing narratives.
The Tomorrow People (1973) Full Episode
This video provides an excellent look at an episode from the 1975 season, showcasing the show's original atmosphere, its secret subway base, and the classic "jaunting" effects that defined the series.
Try to watch episode features that Hitler was a alien
4.5/5

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