Hercules (TUGS)
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Hercules is a fictional character who appeared in the 1988 television series TUGS, created by the producers of Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends.
Hercules is Captain Star's largest vessel, an 'ocean-going' tug who is often used for large-scale operations and important contracts. During periods of bad weather he is out at sea answering distress calls, and is often sent out to escort large vessels into the port. He is often considered to be one of the fleet's main leaders, and is often placed in charge of large operations. Like the rest of the Star Fleet, Hercules is based on the tugs of San Francisco waters from the 1920's. He shares his name with the commonly known mythological figure (see Hercules), although he may have been named after the well-known British war vessel, HMS Hercules. The most likely basis for his name however is the Ocean-Going Tug Hercules, an actual vessel from 1907 with an identical hull and superstructure, based in San Francisco, the same city on which TUGS' crew drew inspiration for the Star Fleet.
Character-wise, Hercules is a cool-headed fighter. He speaks with a clear, soft tone and a politically correct (P.C.) English accent, but his words are often hard. Nothing can break him and not even the antics of the Z-Stacks and Bluenose can set him back. He is held in high regard by most of the tugs in the harbour, and even Zorran knows that he cannot win a confrontation with Hercules. Hercules is famously known for referring to his fellow Star Tugs as "ma' dears", "darling" and "sweet-heart".He is the only TUGS character to have sideburns. He is recognised for his 'discreet' relationship with Lillie Lightship, and his 'lady's man' persona.
Like Big Mac, Hercules is fitted with a chime whistle, but one with a 'cleaner' sound and a two-tone signiture.
Hercules makes various appearances in selected episodes across the series. He is not seen as often as the other Star Tugs, mainly because he is often away winning contracts or on errands at sea. He is voiced by British actor Nigel Anthony.
The identity of the artist behind Hercules' voice was unknown. However, it was later discovered in Bigg Freeze to be the same artist who also provided the voices of Big Mac, Zebedee and the Fire Launch.
