In the 1980s, action figures and toys were an integral part of children’s entertainment. Thundercats, GI Joe, and He-Man were among the most popular toys that kids desired. However, Captain Power, a sci-fi show with revolutionary toy technology, failed to capture the hearts of audiences as expected.
Captain Power and the Soldiers of the Future ran for a single season from 1987 to 1988. The show followed Captain Jonathan Power and his team of specialized soldiers as they battled against Lord Dread’s army while wearing power suits. The show featured interactive elements where kids could “shoot” targets using a toy jet called the XT-7 made by Mattel. Unfortunately, parents protested against the show, arguing that it blurred the lines between a children’s program, warfare, and toy commercials.
Despite its failure, Captain Power left an indelible mark on TV history. It was the first show to feature CG-modeled characters as part of its main cast. This innovation may have inspired a villain on Star Trek and paved the way for future generations of sci-fi entertainment creators. The writers crafted complex stories with dramatic themes aimed at adults rather than children. While this strategy may have been effective in reaching an adult audience, it proved challenging when trying to sell toys based on the show to kids.
The story of Captain Power is an inspiring tale about perseverance in the face of failure. If you want to learn more about unique stories like Captain Power and their impact on TV history and science fiction culture, consider subscribing to Popular Science’s YouTube channel to explore topics such as Butler in a Box and drilling holes in heads.
