Another beloved children's television programme from the past has been subjected to a trigger warning in what critics are labelling an 'over the top' move, due to a character brandishing a plastic firearm. Fans eager to stream the iconic 1960s sci-fi series Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons on ITVX have encountered this alert before viewing.
Details of the Warning and Show
The warning specifically highlights the 'use of guns' and mentions 'violence', despite the fact that the protagonist, Captain Scarlet, is a marionette puppet wielding a clearly artificial weapon. The series, which originally aired in 1967 and comprises 32 episodes, follows the adventures of the 'indestructible' captain from the global security agency Spectrum as he battles the Mysterons, a race of Martians threatening Earth in the year 2068.
Produced using advanced marionette techniques with magnet-controlled mouths, similar to other hits by creators Gerry and Sylvia Anderson like Thunderbirds and Stingray, the show is aimed at a young audience. The explosions featured are often simple recordings of fireworks, adding to the debate about the necessity of such warnings.
Reactions and Broader Context
A source commented to The Sun, expressing that while broadcasters might be cautious about sensitive viewers, applying these alerts to children's series with basic special effects seems excessive. They noted, 'To pick on Captain Scarlet seems to indicate they are operating a zero risk policy, but it’s hardly a Tarantino movie.'
This incident is part of a wider trend in broadcasting. Recently, the BBC faced similar scrutiny when a trigger warning was placed on episodes of the 1990s children's programme Brum, warning of potentially outdated 'language and attitudes'. Although the BBC later stated this was added in error and removed it, social media users mocked the disclaimer, with one asking on Reddit, 'What the hell did Brum do?'
Other examples include BBC sitcom Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em receiving warnings for 'discriminatory language', and a Doctor Who spin-off being flagged for similar reasons. These cases have ignited discussions about balancing historical context with modern sensitivities in entertainment.
Public and Viewer Responses
Viewers have taken to online forums to voice their opinions, with some expressing frustration over the perceived overreach. One viewer remarked, 'The 90s and 00s being seen the same way as the 70s were in my childhood hurts,' while others joked about Brum's content, such as its driving habits. The broader conversation highlights concerns about how classic shows are being re-evaluated in today's cultural climate.
Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons remains available for streaming on ITVX, now accompanied by these new warnings, as broadcasters continue to navigate the complexities of content advisories in an era of heightened awareness.
