MovieChat Forums > Thundarr the Barbarian (1980) Discussion > Thundarr (First Episode Trivia) *Sort of...

Thundarr (First Episode Trivia) *Sort of Spoiler*


In the first episode Thundarr travels to the village of Manhat... It's Manhatten, but part of the sign was missing. While in the city the background pan shows both towers of the WORLD TRADE CENTER still standing in 3994 with only minor earthquake damage. When I saw that after 9/11 it hit me hard. Just think if 9/11 had not happened, could the towers still be standing 2000 years from now? Hey, Roman & Greek buildings & Eygptian pyramids are still standing. Is not our present building methods sturdy enough for such age?




The Metal Man From Titan

"Till All Are One!"

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Realistically speaking, no. Our building methods pretty much ensure a short life-span for cities.

Ancient architects (Roman, Egyptian, Mayan, etc. etc.) used solid stone for their buildings, typically without mortar. The weight of the stones (one or more tons per block) was enough to keep the entire edifice in place, which is good because mortar will often wear out before stone. The placement of the buildings was critical, because if the ground was too soft or otherwise unstable, the building would sink or collapse (c.f. the "bent pyramid" of Snefru.) There's also the human factor: most of the best-preserved buildings have had human caretakers through all these centuries, who prevented the vandalism of thieves and armies, and routinely repaired such structures to the best of their ability. And yet, even with all of these factors, most ancient buildings are in terrible state. Some of the best ancient ruins are just foundations.

In contrast, we build our structures of metal and concrete - neither material can withstand centuries of wear the way raw stone can. Also, we build on top of subways, sewers, parking garages, and other underground structures. Also, most of our buildings are not "sacred" ~ churches and cathedrals may have devoted caretakers that endure for centuries after the fall of civilization; I doubt the same could be said of the Chrysler Building or Hearst Tower (no offense intended to those latter, excellent structures or their owning organizations).

However...

It seems pretty clear that, in Thundarr's timeline, earth scientists had discovered a way to make skyscrapers and other buildings resistant to age and weather. Perhaps a spray-on coat of highly durable, clear plastic? (If they could make sunswords before 1994, it sounds reasonable...) Also, I think wizards probably helped prevent the collapse of Manhat and other 40th-century locales. I can totally see Gemini using his powers to keep his evil demesne together; likewise Ariel, only for goodly and righteous reasons. (When all other argument fails, blame it on magic.)

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