Rambo and the Forces of Freedom
Encyclopedia
Rambo: The Force of Freedom is an animated series based on the character of John Rambo
, from David Morrell
's book First Blood, and the subsequent films First Blood
and Rambo: First Blood Part II
and adapted for television by story editor/head writer Michael Chain. The cartoon ran for 65 episodes, and was produced by Ruby-Spears Enterprises. The series debuted on April 14, 1986 as a five part mini series, and was renewed in September as a daily cartoon. Rambo was cancelled in December of the same year.
-like team called "The Force of Freedom." They went on missions around the world battling against a paramilitary terrorist
organization of neo-Nazis named S.A.V.A.G.E. (short for Specialist-Administrators of Vengeance, Anarchy and Global Extortion).
Fictional countries and back-stories would frequently be featured, some of them echoing historical or current events.
The cartoon was filled with hand-to-hand combat and gunfire, with accurately-illustrated guns; yet unlike the original R-rated films, there was never any sensational violence, blood or gore, since this series was intended for family viewing. Moreover, nobody ever died. The only real injury on the show happened when Rambo broke his arm in a survival episode. Rambo (who was seldom called by his first name, even by Trautman) used violence as a last resort and relied on his resources and guile to outwit his opponents — a character trait not consistent with the later films (Rambo avoids deliberately killing anyone in the first movie).
The cartoon generated a mild controversy at the production studio, with writers wondering how they could present a child-friendly main character who was created as a troubled Vietnam War
veteran suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD). The show's child psychology advisors believed that the target audience, young children and preteens, would not grasp that aspect of David Morrell's character. They recommended that the cartoon not make any references to Vietnam, POWs, or Rambo's experiences in 1982's First Blood and 1985's Rambo: First Blood Part II.
As a result, Rambo and the Forces of Freedom was derided by fans of the movies and David Morrell's original novel.
's scores for First Blood
and Rambo: First Blood Part II
were licensed for use in the series and tracked throughout (mostly from Rambo: First Blood Part II), with his music for the film's trailer for Rambo: First Blood Part II, used as the opening and closing themes. It was supplemented by original music composed by Haim Saban
and Shuki Levy
, who received an "additional music by" credit.
John Rambo
John Rambo is an iconic fictional character and the basis of the Rambo saga. He first appeared in the 1972 novel First Blood by David Morrell, but later became more famous in the film series, played by Sylvester Stallone...
, from David Morrell
David Morrell
David Morrell is a Canadian-American novelist, best known for his debut 1972 novel First Blood, which would later become the successful Rambo film franchise starring Sylvester Stallone. He has written 28 novels, and his work has been translated into 26 languages...
's book First Blood, and the subsequent films First Blood
First Blood
First Blood is a 1982 action thriller film directed by Ted Kotcheff. The film stars Sylvester Stallone as John Rambo, a troubled and misunderstood Vietnam War veteran, with Sheriff Will Teasle as his nemesis and Colonel Samuel Trautman as his former commander and only ally...
and Rambo: First Blood Part II
Rambo: First Blood Part II
Rambo: First Blood Part II is a 1985 action film. A sequel to 1982's First Blood, it is the second installment in the Rambo series starring Sylvester Stallone, who reprises his role as Vietnam veteran John Rambo...
and adapted for television by story editor/head writer Michael Chain. The cartoon ran for 65 episodes, and was produced by Ruby-Spears Enterprises. The series debuted on April 14, 1986 as a five part mini series, and was renewed in September as a daily cartoon. Rambo was cancelled in December of the same year.
Plot
In the cartoon, John Rambo was part of a G.I. JoeG.I. Joe Team
G.I. Joe is the code name of an elite covert special forces unit operating under the control of the United States Military in the fictional G.I. Joe universe....
-like team called "The Force of Freedom." They went on missions around the world battling against a paramilitary terrorist
Terrorism
Terrorism is the systematic use of terror, especially as a means of coercion. In the international community, however, terrorism has no universally agreed, legally binding, criminal law definition...
organization of neo-Nazis named S.A.V.A.G.E. (short for Specialist-Administrators of Vengeance, Anarchy and Global Extortion).
Fictional countries and back-stories would frequently be featured, some of them echoing historical or current events.
The cartoon was filled with hand-to-hand combat and gunfire, with accurately-illustrated guns; yet unlike the original R-rated films, there was never any sensational violence, blood or gore, since this series was intended for family viewing. Moreover, nobody ever died. The only real injury on the show happened when Rambo broke his arm in a survival episode. Rambo (who was seldom called by his first name, even by Trautman) used violence as a last resort and relied on his resources and guile to outwit his opponents — a character trait not consistent with the later films (Rambo avoids deliberately killing anyone in the first movie).
Force of Freedom
- John RamboJohn RamboJohn Rambo is an iconic fictional character and the basis of the Rambo saga. He first appeared in the 1972 novel First Blood by David Morrell, but later became more famous in the film series, played by Sylvester Stallone...
(voiced by Neil RossNeil RossTheodoric Neilson "Neil" Ross is an English voice actor and announcer, born in London, England and now resident and working in Los Angeles, in the United States. He has provided voices for in many American cartoons, particularly those based on Hasbro products and Marvel Comics, and numerous...
) - The main protagonist of the series. He leads the Force of Freedom in fighting S.A.V.A.G.E. when called in by Colonel Samuel Trautman. When not on missions, Rambo would either be shown tending to an animal or helping kids with their survival training. - ColonelColonelColonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures...
Samuel Trautman (voiced by Alan OppenheimerAlan OppenheimerAlan Oppenheimer is an American character actor and voice actor. He has performed numerous roles on live-action television since the 1960s, and has had an active career doing voice work in cartoons since the 1970s.-Early life:...
) - He serves as the group's commanding officer. He would often call in Rambo when he is shown either tending to an animal or helping kids with their survival training. Colonel Trautman would sometimes accompany Rambo on his missions. - Edward "Turbo" Hayes (voiced by James Avery) - An African-American mechanical engineerEngineerAn engineer is a professional practitioner of engineering, concerned with applying scientific knowledge, mathematics and ingenuity to develop solutions for technical problems. Engineers design materials, structures, machines and systems while considering the limitations imposed by practicality,...
and race car driverAuto racingAuto racing is a motorsport involving the racing of cars for competition. It is one of the world's most watched televised sports.-The beginning of racing:...
. - Katherine Anne "K.A.T." Taylor (voiced by Mona MarshallMona MarshallMona M. Ianotti is an American voice actress. She is often cast in the role of young boys. Her roles have included parts in not only Japanese anime, but also in American cartoons as well. Mona Marshall has recently lent her voice to the talking bear Koby the Study Buddy...
) - An Asian-American military girl who was a master of disguises and martial arts alike. Seemed to have a crush on Rambo. She is based on Co-Bao from Rambo: First Blood Part IIRambo: First Blood Part IIRambo: First Blood Part II is a 1985 action film. A sequel to 1982's First Blood, it is the second installment in the Rambo series starring Sylvester Stallone, who reprises his role as Vietnam veteran John Rambo...
. - White Dragon (voiced by Robert ItoRobert ItoRobert Ito is a Canadian voice, television, and movie actor of Japanese decent.A Canadian actor of Japanese descent, Ito was, for many years, a dancer with the National Ballet of Canada before turning to acting in the mid-1960s...
) - A heroic ninjaNinjaA or was a covert agent or mercenary of feudal Japan specializing in unorthodox arts of war. The functions of the ninja included espionage, sabotage, infiltration, and assassination, as well as open combat in certain situations...
who is Black Dragon's twin brother. - T.D. "Touchdown" Jones - A former footballAmerican footballAmerican football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
player and ally of Rambo. - Chief - An IndianNative Americans in the United StatesNative Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
ally of Rambo.
S.A.V.A.G.E.
S.A.V.A.G.E. stands for Specialist-Administrators of Vengeance, Anarchy and Global Extortion. They always have goals for world domination until they end up fighting the Force of Freedom. In addition to a substantial number of soldiers, among the members of S.A.V.A.G.E. are:- General Warhawk (voiced by Michael AnsaraMichael AnsaraMichael Ansara is a Syrian-born American stage, screen, and voice actor best known for his portrayal of Cochise in the American television series Broken Arrow, Kane in the 1979-81 series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, and Commander Kang on three different Star Trek TV series.- Early life and...
) - The leader of S.A.V.A.G.E. who serves as the primary antagonist of the series. He was previously a European army captain who was convicted of selling state secrets and deported. He then organized and built S.A.V.A.G.E. - SergeantSergeantSergeant is a rank used in some form by most militaries, police forces, and other uniformed organizations around the world. Its origins are the Latin serviens, "one who serves", through the French term Sergent....
Havoc (voiced by Peter CullenPeter CullenPeter Claver Cullen is a Canadian voice actor, known as the voice of Eeyore in the Winnie-the-Pooh franchise, Optimus Prime and Ironhide in the original Transformers series, and the narrator in both of the original American Voltron series...
) - General Warhawk's second in command. He has strength that rivals Rambo's strength. - Gripper (voiced by Lennie WeinribLennie WeinribLennie Weinrib was an American actor, voice actor and writer. He is best known for playing the title role in the children's television show H.R...
) - A European mercenaryMercenaryA mercenary, is a person who takes part in an armed conflict based on the promise of material compensation rather than having a direct interest in, or a legal obligation to, the conflict itself. A non-conscript professional member of a regular army is not considered to be a mercenary although he...
with a metal right hand (hence the name) that wears an eyepatch. - Nomad (voiced by Ed Gilbert) - A Middle-Eastern terrorist.
- Mad Dog (voiced by Frank WelkerFrank WelkerFranklin Wendell "Frank" Welker is an American actor who specializes in voice acting and has contributed character voices and other vocal effects to American television and motion pictures.-Acting career:...
) - The leader of an unnamed biker gangOutlaw motorcycle clubAn outlaw motorcycle club is a type of motorcycle club that is part of a subculture with roots in the post-World War II USA, centered on cruiser motorcycles, particularly Harley-Davidsons and choppers, and a set of ideals celebrating freedom, nonconformity to mainstream culture, and loyalty to the...
. He is first called Spike in the episode "Battlefield Bronx," but renamed Mad Dog in all subsequent episodes.- Animal - Member of Mad Dog's biker gang.
- Jerkface (voiced by Lennie WeinribLennie WeinribLennie Weinrib was an American actor, voice actor and writer. He is best known for playing the title role in the children's television show H.R...
) - Member of Mad Dog's biker gang. - Razor (voiced by Frank WelkerFrank WelkerFranklin Wendell "Frank" Welker is an American actor who specializes in voice acting and has contributed character voices and other vocal effects to American television and motion pictures.-Acting career:...
) - Member of Mad Dog's biker gang.
- Black Dragon (voiced by Robert ItoRobert ItoRobert Ito is a Canadian voice, television, and movie actor of Japanese decent.A Canadian actor of Japanese descent, Ito was, for many years, a dancer with the National Ballet of Canada before turning to acting in the mid-1960s...
) - A rogue ninjaNinjaA or was a covert agent or mercenary of feudal Japan specializing in unorthodox arts of war. The functions of the ninja included espionage, sabotage, infiltration, and assassination, as well as open combat in certain situations...
who is the twin brother of White Dragon. He is known as the greatest assassin that ever lived. - Snakebite (voiced by Peter CullenPeter CullenPeter Claver Cullen is a Canadian voice actor, known as the voice of Eeyore in the Winnie-the-Pooh franchise, Optimus Prime and Ironhide in the original Transformers series, and the narrator in both of the original American Voltron series...
) - A man who was born and raised in the Okeefenokee Swamp and likes wild animals like venomous snakeSnakeSnakes are elongate, legless, carnivorous reptiles of the suborder Serpentes that can be distinguished from legless lizards by their lack of eyelids and external ears. Like all squamates, snakes are ectothermic, amniote vertebrates covered in overlapping scales...
s, insectInsectInsects are a class of living creatures within the arthropods that have a chitinous exoskeleton, a three-part body , three pairs of jointed legs, compound eyes, and two antennae...
s, and black ratBlack RatThe black rat is a common long-tailed rodent of the genus Rattus in the subfamily Murinae . The species originated in tropical Asia and spread through the Near East in Roman times before reaching Europe by the 1st century and spreading with Europeans across the world.-Taxonomy:The black rat was...
s which he carries in his Beast Pack. - Dr. Hyde - A cybernetic mad scientistMad scientistA mad scientist is a stock character of popular fiction, specifically science fiction. The mad scientist may be villainous or antagonistic, benign or neutral, and whether insane, eccentric, or simply bumbling, mad scientists often work with fictional technology in order to forward their schemes, if...
whose head is in a dome-shaped helmet.- Max - Dr. Hyde's android henchman.
- X-Ray - Dr. Hyde's cybernetic henchman.
Controversy
Rambo is the first R-Rated film property to be given a treatment of a children's cartoon show.The cartoon generated a mild controversy at the production studio, with writers wondering how they could present a child-friendly main character who was created as a troubled Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
veteran suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Posttraumaticstress disorder is a severe anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to any event that results in psychological trauma. This event may involve the threat of death to oneself or to someone else, or to one's own or someone else's physical, sexual, or psychological integrity,...
(PTSD). The show's child psychology advisors believed that the target audience, young children and preteens, would not grasp that aspect of David Morrell's character. They recommended that the cartoon not make any references to Vietnam, POWs, or Rambo's experiences in 1982's First Blood and 1985's Rambo: First Blood Part II.
As a result, Rambo and the Forces of Freedom was derided by fans of the movies and David Morrell's original novel.
Episode list
- First Strike (1) - S.A.V.A.G.E. arrives in the country of Tierra Libre in a plot to conquer it.
- The Angel of Destruction (2) - A warplane called the Spectre gets stolen by S.A.V.A.G.E. in their plot to take over Tierra Libre.
- Battlefield Bronx (3) - General Warhawk sends Mad Dog to capture the daughter of Tierra Libre's President during his visit to the United NationsUnited NationsThe United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
. - Raise the Yamato (4) - General Warhawk raises the battleship Yamato in his latest plot to take over Tierra Libre.
- The Taking of Tierra Libre (5) - S.A.V.A.G.E. plots to dispose of Rambo and Colonel Trautman so that they would be out of the way for them to take over Tierra Libre.
- Subterranean Holdup - General Warhawk's latest plan is to steal the solid gold stamps from ChicagoChicagoChicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
's Federal Reserve Bank to print out U.S. currency so he could print his own money. It's up to Rambo to prevent S.A.V.A.G.E. from stealing the solid gold stamps. - Trouble in Tibet - General Warhawk and Sergeant Havoc capture a young monk who would become the next Dali Lama and gains control of a small village in TibetTibetTibet is a plateau region in Asia, north-east of the Himalayas. It is the traditional homeland of the Tibetan people as well as some other ethnic groups such as Monpas, Qiang, and Lhobas, and is now also inhabited by considerable numbers of Han and Hui people...
. - S.A.V.A.G.E. Island - Gripper steals the Pandora Missile that was meant for the Carlaya Islands in order for S.A.V.A.G.E. to force Carlaya's IndonesiaIndonesiaIndonesia , officially the Republic of Indonesia , is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Indonesia is an archipelago comprising approximately 13,000 islands. It has 33 provinces with over 238 million people, and is the world's fourth most populous country. Indonesia is a republic, with an...
n neighbors to surrender. - General Warhawk's Curse - Under the orders of General Warhawk, Sergeant Havoc, Gripper, Nomad and an ally named Bashir take advantage of three countries by passing off fake curses in S.A.V.A.G.E.'s plot to steal the artifacts in the ruins.
- Deadly Keep - Nobel prize winning physicist Herbert Kengsington is kidnapped by the Count (a descendant of Vlad III the ImpalerVlad III the ImpalerVlad III, Prince of Wallachia , also known by his patronymic Dracula , and posthumously dubbed Vlad the Impaler , was a three-time Voivode of Wallachia, ruling mainly from 1456 to 1462, the period of the incipient Ottoman conquest of the Balkans...
) and plans to hand him over to S.A.V.A.G.E. in the Moldavian Mountains. General Warhawk plans to use Herbert in a plot to use neutron fusion energy for world domination. - Beneath the Streets - Mad Dog enters the sewers beneath the Special Forces building and places a bomb there while encountering Rambo's war buddy nicknamed "Wrongway." Upon rescuing Wrongway, Rambo ends up stumbling upon Mad Dog and General Warhawk's plot to plant a bomb underneath the White HouseWhite HouseThe White House is the official residence and principal workplace of the president of the United States. Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., the house was designed by Irish-born James Hoban, and built between 1792 and 1800 of white-painted Aquia sandstone in the Neoclassical...
. - Cult of the Cobra - General Warhawk teams up with the Cult of the Cobra and it's leader Rama to halt the food shipments to the IndiaIndiaIndia , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
n Province of Asam in a plot to force the people of Asam to make him their dictator. - Raid on Las Vegas - General Warhawk plans to blow up Boulder Dam as a diversion so that he can rob the casino money in Las Vegas, NevadaLas Vegas, NevadaLas Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
. It's up to Rambo, Kat, and Turbo to stop General Warhawk, Nomad, Mad Dog, Black Dragon, and a female panther trainer operative named Pandora from robbing the casinos. - The Lost City of Acra - General Warhawk locates the lost city of Acra in IndiaIndiaIndia , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
and leads his soldiers into rounding up the Bindus in a plot to force them to dig up its treasures. - Guns Over The Suez - General Warhawk sets his sights on the Suez CanalSuez CanalThe Suez Canal , also known by the nickname "The Highway to India", is an artificial sea-level waterway in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. Opened in November 1869 after 10 years of construction work, it allows water transportation between Europe and Asia without navigation...
and threatens to blow up all shipping on the Suez Canal unless his is paid $1,000,000. Now Rambo must locate the special gun that will help General Warhawk blow up all the shipping on the Suez Canal and defeat General Warhawk and his ally Sheik Hassat. - Exercise in Terror - General Warhawk does three terrorist attacks in order to gain money to start an international terrorist training camp. First he has Gripper and Mad Dog hold a teacher and her students for ransom in the Statue of LibertyStatue of LibertyThe Statue of Liberty is a colossal neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, designed by Frédéric Bartholdi and dedicated on October 28, 1886...
. Then General Warhawk has Sergeant Havoc and Nomad threaten to blow up the Eiffel TowerEiffel TowerThe Eiffel Tower is a puddle iron lattice tower located on the Champ de Mars in Paris. Built in 1889, it has become both a global icon of France and one of the most recognizable structures in the world...
. Finally, General Warhawk plans to set up his headquarters in Bagdinia. - The Doomsday Machine - Rambo's old friend Mike Flynn steals the XK-7 fighter jet and uses it to help General Warhawk in enslaving the Zimboli to mine diamonds for him.
- Disaster in Delgado - S.A.V.A.G.E. has been intercepting transports for relief supplies bound for the country of Delgado which has been torn apart by natural disasters. It's up to Rambo, Kat, Turbo, and Colonel Trautman to get the supplies to Delgado and drive S.A.V.A.G.E. away.
- Fire in the Sky - Under orders of General Warhawk, Sergeant Havoc, Gripper, Nomad, and a female operative named Varinia steal a submarine called the USS Typhoon and plans to auction it to any terrorist that is interested in it.
- Enter the Black Dragon - When General Warhawk, Sergeant Havoc, Gripper, and Nomad attack a foreign base and end up thwarted by Rambo, General Warhawk calls in a ninja assassin called Black Dragon to take down Rambo.
- Reign of the Boy King - The boy king Alexander of Morovia has been kidnapped by Sergeant Havoc and Gripper allowing Alexander's uncle Black Duke Lucan to succeed him and allow S.A.V.A.G.E. to build a base in Morovia. It's up to Rambo to rescue King Alexander and overthrow Black Duke Lucan.
- Rambo and the White Rhino - S.A.V.A.G.E. steals a sacred White RhinocerosWhite RhinocerosThe White Rhinoceros or Square-lipped rhinoceros is one of the five species of rhinoceros that still exist. It has a wide mouth used for grazing and is the most social of all rhino species...
named Mabuto from the African country of Namboola in order to set up its neighboring country of Ombasi for stealing their white rhinoceros. General Warhawk uses the approaching war as a diversion to mine platinum in Namboola's sacred burial grounds. - Pirate Peril - General Warhawk and his ally Admiral Nomak team up with Captain Scar and his pirates in a plot to raise the sunken Liberte submarine off the coast of Hong KongHong KongHong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
. - Mephisto's Magic - When Rambo and his team stop General Warhawk's plot to steal the Liberty BellLiberty BellThe Liberty Bell is an iconic symbol of American Independence, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Formerly placed in the steeple of the Pennsylvania State House , the bell was commissioned from the London firm of Lester and Pack in 1752, and was cast with the lettering "Proclaim LIBERTY...
, General Stedring insists to Colonel Trautman that his army be used next time. This problem comes into conflict when General Warhawk and his magician ally Mephisto successfully steal the Washington MonumentWashington MonumentThe Washington Monument is an obelisk near the west end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., built to commemorate the first U.S. president, General George Washington...
. - The Halley Microbe - Kat's scientific brother is investigating the ion trail left by Halley's Comet and a space probe sent to gather samples left by the comet is targeted by General Warhawk and Black Dragon who plan to use the alien microbe samples which turns anyone exposed to them into raving lunatics.
- Death Merchant - When Rambo's team captures Death Merchant, the train they are carrying him on is intercepted by S.A.V.A.G.E. who plan to use Death Merchant's services in a plot to rob the treasures of King TutTutankhamunTutankhamun , Egyptian , ; approx. 1341 BC – 1323 BC) was an Egyptian pharaoh of the 18th dynasty , during the period of Egyptian history known as the New Kingdom...
. - Return of the Count - On Halloween, the Count returns and captures a boy named Danny. Even when Rambo escapes his trap and rescues Danny, he discovers that the Count is collaborating with General Warhawk to capture the President of the United StatesPresident of the United StatesThe President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
. - Night of the Voodoo Moon - Rambo, Kat, and Turbo investigate HaitiHaitiHaiti , officially the Republic of Haiti , is a Caribbean country. It occupies the western, smaller portion of the island of Hispaniola, in the Greater Antillean archipelago, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. Ayiti was the indigenous Taíno or Amerindian name for the island...
when a scientist named Dr. Stark goes missing. They discover that General Warhawk has allied with a voodoo magician named Mombo Igthayan in a plot to enslave the islanders and mine the island. - Lagoon of Death - While vacationing in VeniceVeniceVenice is a city in northern Italy which is renowned for the beauty of its setting, its architecture and its artworks. It is the capital of the Veneto region...
, Rambo, Kat, Turbo, and Colonel Trautman discover that General Warhawk, Sergeant Havoc, Gripper, and Mad Dog are forcing the monks at a monastery to use their special ceramic to make nosecones for S.A.V.A.G.E.'s missiles. - Snow Kill - While out testing the survival equipment in UtahUtahUtah is a state in the Western United States. It was the 45th state to join the Union, on January 4, 1896. Approximately 80% of Utah's 2,763,885 people live along the Wasatch Front, centering on Salt Lake City. This leaves vast expanses of the state nearly uninhabited, making the population the...
, Colonel Trautman ends up stumbling upon Gripper attacking a nearby town and ends up captured as well. General Warhawk uses the Earth-Eater machine to go through a gold mine and take over the Warton Missile Complex and threatens to launch an attack from the missile base if his demands aren't met. - Terror Beneath the Sea - While out inspecting a base in the Arctic CircleArctic CircleThe Arctic Circle is one of the five major circles of latitude that mark maps of the Earth. For Epoch 2011, it is the parallel of latitude that runs north of the Equator....
, Colonel Trautman is told by the Eskimo's Chief Molok that a Killer Whale named Korac keeps attacking their village. Colonel Trautman and a security captain are then captured by Gripper. When Rambo, Kat and Turbo come to the rescue, they discover that General Warhawk and his ally Dr. Blackburn are using a mind-control box on Korac in a plot to attack the NOMAD Bases. - Swamp Monster - Rambo and Turbo come to the aid of Turbo's uncle when a swamp monster terrorizes the local town. Rambo discovers that the "swamp monsterSwamp monsterSwamp monsters have been a staple of comics for years. From the 1940s to the present many murk-dwellers have made their muddy mark in comics. Swamp creatures are humanoid creatures similar to fish or resembling living piles of swamp mire. They live underwater and occasionally come to the surface,...
" is piloted by Sergeant Havoc as part of General Warhawk's plot to build a communication center that will enable S.A.V.A.G.E. to control the defense satellites. - Freedom Dancer - While in EnglandEnglandEngland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
, General Warhawk steals the world's fastest racehorse named Freedom Dancer who is owned by Colonel Trautman's friend Winslow. While on a mission to rescue Freedom Dancer, Rambo discovers that General Warhawk has done it on behalf of an Arab horse owner named Al Rasheed in order to remove it from the competition. - Texas Inferno - Rambo's old friend Lucky calls upon Rambo when his oil drilling platform keeps exploding. What Rambo doesn't know is that Lucky's partner Jake is in league with Nomad in a S.A.V.A.G.E. plot to work on a warhead that will help them in world domination.
- The Iron Mask - While attending Oktoberfest in MunichMunichMunich The city's motto is "" . Before 2006, it was "Weltstadt mit Herz" . Its native name, , is derived from the Old High German Munichen, meaning "by the monks' place". The city's name derives from the monks of the Benedictine order who founded the city; hence the monk depicted on the city's coat...
, Rambo's team discover a plot by General Warhawk and his ally Iron Mask to steal a recently located old warplane containing a fortune of gold. Rambo encounters a boy named Hors who got amnesia when he learns of General Warhawk's plot and Iron Mask's true identity. - Children for Peace - Rambo's team is providing security for the Children's Peace Conference in SydneySydneySydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
. General Warhawk sends Sergeant Havoc, Gripper, Mad Dog, and Black Dragon in a plan to capture the children. - S.A.V.A.G.E. Rustlers - Rambo's team helps a rancher named Shane Dobbs who cattle have been stolen by Mad Dog. They soon discover that S.A.V.A.G.E. is in an alliance with an outlaw scientist named Dr. Gore to slip a belligerence formula into the beef which will cause all humans and animals to act very mean. This beef is planned to be used on the US Army soldiers which will cause a lot of chaos.
- Mind Control - S.A.V.A.G.E. brainwashes three brilliant scientists in order to obtain the plans for a special laser that will shoot down a passing satellite.
- Vote of Terror - Kai Moon's President Wang is forced by General Warhawk to read a letter of resignation days before his reelection. Rambo's team ends up coming to the country's aid when Sergeant Havoc, Gripper, Black Dragon, and Snakebite do various attacks to discourage President Wang and get General Warhawk elected.
- Target, Supertanker - General Warhawk and his men hijack a supertanker and anchor it off the coast of HawaiiHawaiiHawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. states , and is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of...
. He plans to scuttle the tanker causing an ecological disaster if his demands for a warship aren't met. - Enter the White Dragon - In this episode, it shows how Rambo met White Dragon at the time when General Warhawk has Black Dragon steal priceless samurai swords from Ishikawa Electronic Co.
- Skyjacked Gold - When his team ends up captured by S.A.V.A.G.E. when they end up skyjacking a shipment of government gold heading to the Denver Mint following a plane crash in the swamp, Rambo befriends a helpful Indian named Chief who helps rescue his friends. Once that is done, the group must now prevent General Warhawk from burying the gold in the sacred grounds on Spirit Island (where the graves of Chief's forefathers are located).
- Attack on El Dorado - General Warhawk, Sergeant Havoc, Gripper, Nomad, and Mad Dog invade El DoradoEl DoradoEl Dorado is the name of a Muisca tribal chief who covered himself with gold dust and, as an initiation rite, dived into a highland lake.Later it became the name of a legendary "Lost City of Gold" that has fascinated – and so far eluded – explorers since the days of the Spanish Conquistadors...
near Tartatinga and take it over. It's up to Rambo, Kat and Turbo to liberate El Dorado. - The Ninja Dog - While Rambo's team provides security for Senator Thorne during his trip to JapanJapanJapan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
to meet with President Fujita, a prototype chip for an American defense project is stolen by the science team leader Dr. Hiro Gosho who places the chip in the collar of the senator's dog Peewee. General Warhawk sends Gripper and Black Dragon to abduct Peewee and obtain the chip. - When S.A.V.A.G.E. Stole Santa - During Christmas in ColoradoColoradoColorado is a U.S. state that encompasses much of the Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains...
, Rambo and Turbo rescue a kid when visiting Rambo's old friend Kris Kaufman who is a former rocket scientist turned toy maker for an orphanage that goes around his village on Christmas dressed as Santa ClausSanta ClausSanta Claus is a folklore figure in various cultures who distributes gifts to children, normally on Christmas Eve. Each name is a variation of Saint Nicholas, but refers to Santa Claus...
. At the same time, General Warhawk, Sergeant Havoc and Gripper have plans for Kris to make weapons for S.A.V.A.G.E. - Blockbuster - Rambo, Kat, and Turbo are joined by Rambo's old friend T.D. "Touchdown" Jones at the time when Mad Dog forces elderly couples out of their homes as part of General Warhawk's plot to dig into a military base and steal a top secret new super tank.
- Supertrooper - General Warhawk steals a WWII vintage U-Boat 505 from the Museum of Science and Industry. In the submarine, there is a map showing the location of a German Supertrooper developed during the war by combining the cells of mean men and vicious animals.
- Warhawk's Fortress - Following some security guards stopping a thief from stealing the plans to some prototype combat vehicles, Rambo, Kat, Turbo, T.D. "Touchdown" Jones, and White Dragon go undercover where three accidents that Rambo survives are discovered to be the work of the plant's forman Mr. Dirkson who is allied with General Warhawk in a plot to steal the prototypes.
- The Konichi - Rambo's team is sent to guard the plans for a new medical laster that are being transported from Cleveland to St. LouisSt. Louis, MissouriSt. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St...
by train. When Turbo encounters a female doctor named Dr. Omi Ikawa when she treats his sprained ankle following an accident, Black Dragon appears and identifies Omi as the last of the Konichi Ninja Clan. Black Dragon also states that her supervisor Dr. Nori Yamata was the last living ninja of another clan that dishonored the Konichi. - Robot Raid - A girl named Jennifer (who will soon be the leader of a major defense company) is targeted by S.A.V.A.G.E. when her uncle (the current president of the company) Merick, wants to stop the transition. She escapes S.A.V.A.G.E.'s soldiers and runs into Rambo's team who protect her from the attacks of S.A.V.A.G.E.'s mad scientist Dr. Hyde and his robotic henchmen X-Ray and Max.
- Alphas, Arms, and Ambush (1) - Rambo's team is enlisted to help General Stedring's Alpha Force guard a ship loaded with NATO military supplies bound for Europe. Meanwhile, General Warhawk's men attack and capture a remote NATO base in Norway.
- Alphas, Arms, and Ambush (2) - After evading a missile launched at their helicopter by Black Dragon, Rambo's team and the Alpha Force work to prevent General Warhawk from auctioning the NATO military supplies to the other terrorists.
- Crash - When a plane carrying a doctor and his patient Nicky (who is need of a kidney operation) crashes near Rambo's mountain cabin, Rambo must get them to the hospital before General Warhawk gets them first.
- Mirage - Rambo, Turbo, Kat, White Dragon, T.D. "Touchdown" Jones, and Chief end up springing to action when General Warhawk kidnaps the Vice President of the United StatesVice President of the United StatesThe Vice President of the United States is the holder of a public office created by the United States Constitution. The Vice President, together with the President of the United States, is indirectly elected by the people, through the Electoral College, to a four-year term...
and half of the Cabinet when their plane ends up disappearing over the China Seas. - Blind Luck - Rambo ends up blinded during his fight on an aircraft carrier against Dr. Hyde's minion Max. With help from a blind girl named Stacy, Rambo ends up turning the tables against S.A.V.A.G.E.
- Turbo's Dilemma - Black Dragon targets a new synthetic fuel at INT Laboratories which is guarded by Rambo, Kat, Turbo and T.D. "Touchdown" Jones. At the same time, Turbo finds out that his mother has been captured by a motorcycle gang.
- Masquerade - General Warhawk plans to capture General Bernard who is the leader of the Starfire Defense Team. Rambo and Colonel Trautman use a look-a-like named Corporal Justin Wilbur in order to fool S.A.V.A.G.E.
- Just Say No - Rambo visits his old friend Chopper and learns that his teenage son is involved in a drug gang who are allied with General Warhawk in a plot to smuggle cocaine.
- Monster Island - Rambo, Kat, Turbo, T.D. "Touchdown" Jones, and Chief investigate a sea monster in the Gulf of AlaskaGulf of AlaskaThe Gulf of Alaska is an arm of the Pacific Ocean defined by the curve of the southern coast of Alaska, stretching from the Alaska Peninsula and Kodiak Island in the west to the Alexander Archipelago in the east, where Glacier Bay and the Inside Passage are found.The entire shoreline of the Gulf is...
and come across an island filled with crossbreed animals (like crocodile/condor hybrids, giraffe/deer hybrids). Rambo discovers that the crossbreed animals are the work of Dr. Hyde and his animal cell-splicing knowledge as part of General Warhawk's latest plot for world domination. - Quarterback Sneak - Rambo and T.D. "Touchdown" Jones play football...for freedom! Going undercover on a professional team playing an exhibition game in a communist country of Talinia, the guys save a scientist named Professor Ivanovich when he is targeted by General Warhawk and Talinian Secret Police leader Zared whom plan to extract the formula for a proton bomb from Professor Ivanovich.
- Sepulcher of Power - Max steals some ancient MayanMaya civilizationThe Maya is a Mesoamerican civilization, noted for the only known fully developed written language of the pre-Columbian Americas, as well as for its art, architecture, and mathematical and astronomical systems. Initially established during the Pre-Classic period The Maya is a Mesoamerican...
tablets (which will lead whoever possesses them to the Mayan Sepulcher) from Dr. Ramirez. General Warhawk plans to use the Mayan Sepulcher to unite the Mayans. - The Twin Within - Black Dragon takes the place of his twin brother White Dragon in order to infiltrate the Force of Freedom and relay information of the radioactive material and a super tank to General Warhawk.
- S.A.V.A.G.E. Space - Mad Dog and his biker gang hijack the space shuttle Xenon which is also a laser-defense space station. General Warhawk plans to use Xenon to blow up satellites if his demands aren't met.
- Change of Face - Dr. Hyde creates a robot body double that can replicate anyone like Senator Thorne and the President.
- Horror of the Highlands - T.D. "Touchdown" Jones visits his Uncle George in ScotlandScotlandScotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
. When a remote-controlled submarine version of the Loch Ness MonsterLoch Ness MonsterThe Loch Ness Monster is a cryptid that is reputed to inhabit Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. It is similar to other supposed lake monsters in Scotland and elsewhere, though its description varies from one account to the next....
operated by General Warhawk terrorizes Loch Ness, T.D. calls in the rest of the Force of Freedom to help stop General Warhawk and his mechanical Loch Ness Monster.
Cast
- Neil RossNeil RossTheodoric Neilson "Neil" Ross is an English voice actor and announcer, born in London, England and now resident and working in Los Angeles, in the United States. He has provided voices for in many American cartoons, particularly those based on Hasbro products and Marvel Comics, and numerous...
- John Rambo - Michael AnsaraMichael AnsaraMichael Ansara is a Syrian-born American stage, screen, and voice actor best known for his portrayal of Cochise in the American television series Broken Arrow, Kane in the 1979-81 series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, and Commander Kang on three different Star Trek TV series.- Early life and...
- General Warhawk - James Avery - Turbo
- Peter CullenPeter CullenPeter Claver Cullen is a Canadian voice actor, known as the voice of Eeyore in the Winnie-the-Pooh franchise, Optimus Prime and Ironhide in the original Transformers series, and the narrator in both of the original American Voltron series...
- Sergeant Havoc, Snakebite - Ed Gilbert - Nomad
- Robert ItoRobert ItoRobert Ito is a Canadian voice, television, and movie actor of Japanese decent.A Canadian actor of Japanese descent, Ito was, for many years, a dancer with the National Ballet of Canada before turning to acting in the mid-1960s...
- Black Dragon, White Dragon - Don LaFontaineDon LaFontaineDonald Leroy "Don" LaFontaine was an American voiceover artist famous for recording more than 5,000 film trailers and hundreds of thousands of television advertisements, network promotions, and video game trailers. His nicknames included "Thunder Throat" and "The Voice of God"...
- Opening Narration - Mona MarshallMona MarshallMona M. Ianotti is an American voice actress. She is often cast in the role of young boys. Her roles have included parts in not only Japanese anime, but also in American cartoons as well. Mona Marshall has recently lent her voice to the talking bear Koby the Study Buddy...
- Kat - Alan OppenheimerAlan OppenheimerAlan Oppenheimer is an American character actor and voice actor. He has performed numerous roles on live-action television since the 1960s, and has had an active career doing voice work in cartoons since the 1970s.-Early life:...
- Colonel Samuel Trautman - Lennie WeinribLennie WeinribLennie Weinrib was an American actor, voice actor and writer. He is best known for playing the title role in the children's television show H.R...
- Gripper, Jerkface - Frank WelkerFrank WelkerFranklin Wendell "Frank" Welker is an American actor who specializes in voice acting and has contributed character voices and other vocal effects to American television and motion pictures.-Acting career:...
- Mad Dog, Razor
Additional voices
- Michael Bell -
- Dale IshimotoDale IshimotoDale Ishimoto was an American actor of Japanese descent. He was born in Delta, Colorado in 1923 and was raised in Guadalupe, California.-Military service:...
- - Russi TaylorRussi TaylorRussi Taylor is an American voice actress. She is the current voice actress of Disney's Minnie Mouse character. She has held this role since 1986, longer than any other voice actress...
-
Music
Jerry GoldsmithJerry Goldsmith
Jerrald King Goldsmith was an American composer and conductor most known for his work in film and television scoring....
's scores for First Blood
First Blood
First Blood is a 1982 action thriller film directed by Ted Kotcheff. The film stars Sylvester Stallone as John Rambo, a troubled and misunderstood Vietnam War veteran, with Sheriff Will Teasle as his nemesis and Colonel Samuel Trautman as his former commander and only ally...
and Rambo: First Blood Part II
Rambo: First Blood Part II
Rambo: First Blood Part II is a 1985 action film. A sequel to 1982's First Blood, it is the second installment in the Rambo series starring Sylvester Stallone, who reprises his role as Vietnam veteran John Rambo...
were licensed for use in the series and tracked throughout (mostly from Rambo: First Blood Part II), with his music for the film's trailer for Rambo: First Blood Part II, used as the opening and closing themes. It was supplemented by original music composed by Haim Saban
Haim Saban
Haim Saban is an Egyptian born Israeli-American television and media proprietor. With an estimated net worth of $3.5 billion, he is ranked by Forbes as the 104th richest person in America.-Biography:...
and Shuki Levy
Shuki Levy
Shuki Levy is a music composer and television writer, director, and executive producer. Levy's best known work is soundtrack compositions for children's television programs of the 1980s, such as Inspector Gadget, The Mysterious Cities of Gold, M.A.S.K., Dinosaucers, Dragon Quest, He-Man and the...
, who received an "additional music by" credit.
DVD releases
Lions Gate Home Entertainment (which also owns the DVD rights to the Rambo films) has released the entire series on DVD in Region 1 in 6 volume sets.| DVD Name | Ep # | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| Volume 1: A World of Trouble | 11 | June 14, 2005 |
| Volume 2: Enter The Dragon | 11 | June 14, 2005 |
| Volume 3: S.A.V.A.G.E. Island | 10 | September 13, 2005 |
| Volume 4: Up In Arms | 11 | September 13, 2005 |
| Volume 5: Snow Road | 11 | December 13, 2005 |
| Volume 6: Face of Freedom | 11 | December 13, 2005 |