A mock-up of the Blue Thunder helicopter, as seen on the back lot tour of Disney Hollywood Studios, Florida
Blue Thunder is an American action drama television series based on the movie of the same title that aired on ABC from January 6 until April 16, 1984, featuring the Blue Thunder helicopter.[1]
The series revolves around the tactical helicopter being operated by a four-person LAPD Air Support Division team, but partially controlled by APEX, a fictional federal government agency that oversees and monitors (also occasionally assigns missions) its operations and maintenance, which is on loan to the police force for usage against criminal elements and security threats.
Blue Thunder used the converted Aérospatiale Gazelle helicopter and large portions of stock footage from the 1983 film. A ground unit named "Rolling Thunder" backed up the helicopter in the television series. This was a large support van with a desert camouflage off-road vehicle stored inside.
The show aired as a mid-season replacement but after only 11 episodes were made, it was canceled by ABC due to low ratings.[2]
Cast
James Farentino as Frank Chaney, protagonist, policeman and pilot of "Blue Thunder".
Dana Carvey as Clinton Wonderlove, aka "JAFO", Frank's flight engineer on "Blue Thunder", as well as his sidekick. Clinton handles technical aspects of the chopper.
Sandy McPeak as Captain Ed Braddock, Frank's superior.
Bubba Smith as Lyman "Bubba" Kelsey, a cop who is one of the two members of "Rolling Thunder" of the "Blue Thunder" ground crew.
Dick Butkus as Richard "Ski" Butowski, another cop who is the other member of "Rolling Thunder".
Ann Cooper as J.J. Douglas, radio operator who is Frank's contact at headquarters.
Episode list
US television ratings
Home media
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment released the complete series on DVD in Region 1 on August 22, 2006.[4]A Region 2 release followed on September 27, 2010.[5]
References
^O'Connor, John J. (6 January 1984). "TV WEEKEND; 'JERK TOO,' 'BLUE THUNDER'". The New York Times. Retrieved 2010-11-08.
^"Blue Thunder: The Complete Series". DVD Talk. Retrieved 2010-11-19.
^"1983-84 Ratings History -- The Networks Are Awash in a Bubble Bath of Soaps".
^"Blue Thunder DVD news: A Thundering Change In The Box Art!". TV Shows On DVD. Archived from the original on 2012-10-16. Retrieved 2012-06-28.
^"Blue Thunder: The Complete Series [DVD]: Amazon.com: James Farentino, Dana Carvey, Dick Butkus, Bubba Smith: Film & TV". Amazon. 27 September 2010. Retrieved 2023-02-06.
External links
Blue Thunder at IMDb
Blue Thunder series page on tvacres.com
Blue Thunder TV series page on gregdonner.org & episode guide
