Thunderstone (TV series)

Jonathan M. Shiff Productions

Company type	Production company
Industry	Television production
Founder	Jonathan M. Shiff
Headquarters	Australia
Products	Thunderstone (TV series)

Thunderstone is a science fiction television series from Australia, produced by Jonathan M. Shiff Productions. It is set in a post-apocalyptic future following a comet impact on Earth. The main character, Noah, is played by Jeffrey Walker, who is also recognized for his performances in Ocean Girl and Mirror, Mirror. The cast features Gerard Kennedy, Christopher Elliott, Emily Browning, and Daniel Daperis.

The show originally premiered on Network Ten from 12 February 1999 until 8 September 2000. Additionally, the first two seasons were aired on ABC Kids.

Synopsis

Taking place in the year 2020, the story follows Noah Daniels and other survivors living within an underground settlement named North Col after Earth's surface has become unlivable due to the catastrophic Nemesis comet collision. This event triggered severe cold weather and relentless snowstorms. Since all animal species have become extinct, children study these creatures through a virtual environment known as a holodeck. Noah is transported forward in time to a place called Haven, where a group of youngsters called the Nomads battle against the villain Tao and his Protectors to control thunderstone, a rare blue mineral.

Thunderstone is a chemical element originating from the Nemesis comet and serves as an extremely potent energy source. It powers explosives and vehicles and can extend lifespan when ingested as a solution. However, it is highly unstable and disintegrates upon contact with itself. Much of the narrative revolves around securing and managing thunderstone reserves because of its vital role as an energy resource.

North Col

• Noah Daniels (portrayed by Jeffrey Walker) – a clever adolescent residing in the subterranean research facility North Col during 2020. He demonstrates strong loyalty to his family and friends, confronting numerous obstacles to safeguard them.
• Becky Daniels (Kate Keltie) – Noah’s younger sister who is determined to locate him after his disappearance. She is the first to suggest that Noah may have traveled through time.
• Dr. Liz Daniels (Nikki Coghill) – mother of Noah and Becky.
• Dr. Simon Daniels (Andrew Larkins) – father of Noah and Becky.
• Dr. Pretorius (Gerard Kennedy) – part of North Col’s ruling Triumvirate, acting as Noah’s mentor and supporter.

Haven

• Arushka (Mereoni Vuki) – Nomads’ leader and close companion of Noah.
• Sundance (Damien Fotiou) – member of the Nomads and twin brother to Sutch.
• Geneva (Anna-Grace Hopkins) – Nomad.
• Kwan (Nathan Wentworth) – Nomad with expertise in culinary skills.
• Chip (Daniel Daperis) – Nomad.

Season 1

The initial season centers on Noah’s experiences in Haven, where he brings extinct animals from the past into the present and moves between North Col, Haven, and times before the apocalypse. His activities attract scrutiny from North Col’s Triumvirate as well as Haven’s Shadow Master, who seeks to accumulate thunderstone to gain immortality. Together with his allies, Noah uncovers the Shadow Master’s true identity and devises a plan to destroy the core of the Nemesis Comet by exploiting its explosive nature combined with salt. This strategy succeeds, resulting in the Shadow Master’s demise and ending Tao’s control.

Season 2

After the Shadow Master is defeated, Noah stays at North Col but returns to Haven despite limited thunderstone supplies. This season revolves around the quest to obtain a substantial Thunderstone Cube, introduced by Mayah and her brothers, who are fugitives from the future. Harnessing its energy, Noah manages to completely destroy the Nemesis Comet, averting the apocalypse and erasing previous occurrences from history. Consequently, Earth’s future becomes more hopeful, with the comet shattering into a thunderstone ring that orbits the planet—laying the groundwork for significant events in season three.

Season 3

Noah’s inventive prowess leads to the development of experimental wormholes, through which he establishes a colony in space. Future residents attempt to kill young Noah, blaming his future self for causing their parents’ deaths. Utilizing time travel technology, they make several assassination attempts. The season’s narrative centers on Noah discovering the truth behind these attacks and ultimately making peace with these individuals.

Broadcast history

The series premiered on RTÉ Two in the Republic of Ireland on 5 February 2001.

DVD releases

Umbrella Entertainment released Season 1 as a three-disc DVD collection on 28 June 2008.

External links

• Jonathan M. Shiff Productions – official producer website offering comprehensive series details
• Thunderstone at the National Film and Sound Archive
• Thunderstone – Episode 3 at Australian Screen Online