THUNDARR THE BARBARIAN: EPISODE 8 – CHALLENGE OF THE WIZARDS (1980)
In this one, Thundarr, Ariel, and Ookla are riding through the ruins of Los Vegas and they run across a wizard named Sholow, who is after something called the “Helmet of Power”. He tells Thundarr he’s going to kill a bunch of people if Thundarr and his crew don’t race for him to get the helmet. In the race, Sholow is up against some rival wizards. Each has their own “death vehicle”, but for some reason, Sholow doesn’t give Thundarr, Ariel, and Ookla anything but their horses (or whatever that thing Ookla rides is). Our heroes must figure out how to free the people without surrendering the “Helmet Of Power” to Sholow. Only they don’t do that…so we have to see how this goes.
Growing up this was my single favorite episode in the entire series. Sholow looks very “Darth Vader-ish” and comes across as being formidable. What isn’t clear is why he had Thundarr do his bidding, but whatever, we still have to have an episode, so that’s just what’s happening. There are some really cool vehicles in this almost “Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors” quality.
Overall the artwork and designs in this episode are awesome. I love all of it. The fact that they are in Vegas was also a cool idea. What is a bit of a bummer is Thundarr’s attitude. He takes a few leaps back in his treatment of Ariel in this one telling her she can’t drive a dune buggy they encounter, even though it’s clear she’d be better at it. Thundarr couldn’t even get it started. Thundarr is a barbarian and all, but we have seen him better than this. Writing-wise for his character this episode is a miss. Everything is else is fantastic.
Fact – Silver is impervious to certain sorcerer powers.
Best Line – “No he knows how it feels to be someone else’s plaything” – Thundarr.
For me this one gets a 6 out of 7. It's solid in just about every way.
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A look around the series...
THUNDARR THE BARBARIAN: EPISODE 1 – SECRET OF THE BLACK PEARL
THUNDARR THE BARBARIAN: EPISODE 2 – HARVEST OF DOOM
THUNDARR THE BARBARIAN: EPISODE 3 – MINDOCK THE MIND MENACE
THUNDARR THE BARBARIAN: EPISODE 4 – RAIDERS OF THE ABYSS
THUNDARR THE BARBARIAN : EPISODE 5 – TREASURE OF THE MOKS
THUNDARR THE BARBARIAN : EPISODE 6 - ATTACK OF THE AMAZON WOMEN
THUNDARR THE BARBARIAN : EPISODE 7 - THE BROTHERHOOD OF NIGHT
THUNDARR THE BARBARIAN : EPISODE 9 - VALLEY OF THE MAN APES
Please check out the link below by clicking on the picture. Because no one should die buttonless.
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