List of ThunderCats episodes

For episodes from the 2011 series, see List of ThunderCats (2011 TV series) episodes.

ThunderCats is an American animated cartoon series created by Rankin/Bass Productions. The original pilot episode aired on January 23, 1985, followed by the four-season series run from September 1985 to 1989.

Season 1 comprises 65 episodes - a standard number for animated series at the time, as it allowed the series to be shown every weekday for thirteen weeks (one full broadcast season). In 1986, the series returned for a TV movie, "ThunderCats - Ho!", which was subsequently aired as five separate episodes worked into the continuing rerun rotation of Season 1. Beginning in 1987, the show adopted a pattern of a season of twenty new episodes per year, each season beginning with a five-part miniseries that established the new concepts and characters that would play into the events of the season that followed. For whatever reason, however, most online episode guides for the series mistakenly claim that the series only aired in two seasons of 65 episodes, concluding in December 1986, despite the fact that the years of release for the post-Season 1 episodes are clearly presented in the copyright details at the end of the credits as 1986 through 1989.

The entire series has been released on DVD, collecting season 1 across two box-sets, with the remaining 65 episodes spread out over two further sets (misleadingly labeled as "Season 2, Volume 1" and "Season 2, Volume 2", not helping to dispel the internet-borne misconception about the show's season structure). Season 1, Volume 1 was recalled when it was discovered that the second episode was missing its background musical score, and a corrected version was released in its place. Volume 1 was released on August 9, 2005 and volume 2 on December 6, 2005.

The list below presents the episodes in their original broadcast order, which is also the order used for the DVD release of the series. However, neither this order nor the original production order of the episodes is the correct chronological story order for the series. Although there is little in the way of major continuing storyline running through ThunderCats, certain creatures reoccur and clips from other episodes are employed. At times, the order used below causes these to be presented out of order. This is only a problem in the second half of season 1, and especially affects the five episodes which comprise the mini-series Lion-O's Anointment, which are split up throughout the latter half of the season, when the stories featured are supposed to occur on consecutive days. Re-airing on the Cartoon Network years later, the series was presented in a slightly altered, more chronological order with Lion-O's Anointment shown in consecutive order.

Pilot (1985)

Title Writer Original airdate Prod Order[1]CN Order[2]
Exodus Leonard Starr January 23, 1985 1 1
The ThunderCats[3] must find a new home after their home planet, Thundera,[4] explodes. Their journey changes when an enemy force known as the Mutants[5] attack and leaves their ship severely crippled. With the others forced into sleep capsules, Jaga must pilot the ship for the world known as Third Earth [6] And Lion-O, just a young boy, must learn what it means to become a man and Lord of the Thundercats as he learns to wield the power of the Sword of Omens.[7]
The Unholy Alliance Leonard Starr January 23, 1985 2 2
While exploring Third Earth, the Mutants ship, piloted by Slithe, Monkian and Jackalman, is brought down by a mysterious black pyramid;[8] which is the home to Mumm-Ra, an evil demon who is willing to form an alliance to capture the Eye of Thundera.[9] With the young Lord of the Thundercats in sight, Lion-O is about to face his toughest enemy yet.

Series 1 (1985)

Title Writer Original airdate Prod Order[1]CN Order[2]
Berbils Leonard Starr 11 September 1985 3 3
Panthro introduces the ThunderTank,[10] saving the others from a meteor shower conjured by Mumm-Ra that buries the remnants of the ThunderCats' ship. Later, Lion-O and Snarf are taken prisoner by a band of small robotic bears named Ro-Bear Berbils, lead by Ro-Bear Bill and Ro-Bear Belle.[11] They soon learn that the Berbils are being frequently attacked by the Trolligs[12] who steal their fruit to give to the Giantorrs.[13]
The Slaves of Castle Plun-darr Leonard Starr 12 September 1985 4 4
The Cats Lair[14] is nearly complete when an agitated Wilykit and Wilykat rush home to tell the other ThunderCats that the Mutants have enslaved a race of creatures called Brute Men[15] to build their new fortress, Castle Plun-darr.[16] After learning more about the Brute Men from the Berbils, Tygra tells the twins to stay behind, as the adult ThunderCats rush off to free these peaceful creatures.
Pumm-Ra Julian P. Gardner 13 September 1985 5 6
Mumm-Ra disguises himself as a Thunderian named Pumm-Ra, and claims to have rescued Cheetara from the mutants in order to infiltrate the now completed Cat's Lair.
The Terror of Hammerhand Ron Goulart and Julian P. Gardner 16 September 1985 6 7
Snarf is captured after freeing a unicorn from the pirate Hammerhand and his Berserkers[17] who are out hunting for food. Lion-O meets the Unicorn Keepers[18] and then sets out to free Snarf from his captors.
Trouble with Time Ron Goulart and Julian P. Gardner 17 September 1985 7 5
The Mutants are looking for a "feminine touch" around Castle Plun-darr and attempts to capture natives of the 3rd Earth. Willa, of the Warrior Maidens[19] is introduced, and she and her sister, Nadya, manage to fight off Monkian; but both of them are cautious of the new arrivals (i.e. ThunderCats & the Mutants). Lion-O also takes the ThunderTank for a short-lived joyride, whilst Tygra looks for Thundrylium[20] in a strange cave and begins to age at an accelerated rate.
The Tower of Traps Leonard Starr 18 September 1985 8 8
Wilykit and Wilykat meet a traveling Wolo[21] and then go in search of a piece of stolen jewellery. Wilykat becomes a prisoner locked up in a tower as Lion-O and Wilykit must find their way to him through a maze of booby traps, set by a mysterious being known as Baron Karnor.
The Garden of Delights Barney Cohen and Julian P. Gardner 19 September 1985 9 9
Tygra chases a giant worm underground and encounters the Molemen.[22] After following them, he runs into Mumm-Ra, who has disguised himself as a flower named Silky. Tygra is drugged and used against his fellow ThunderCats to steal the Sword of Omens. Mumm-Ra and the Mutants then capture Willa the Warrior Maiden in an effort to use the Sword and destroy the ThunderCats.
Mandora - The Evil Chaser William Overgard 20 September 1985 10 10
Lion-O finds what looks like a spaceship's escape pod, he opens it and inadvertently releases the galactic convicts Quickpick, Burnout and Plutar. Mandora the Evil Chaser is introduced and Lion-O assists her in trying to recapture the convicts; encountering the Living Ooze and the subterranean Mudhogs[23] along the way.
The Ghost Warrior Leonard Starr 24 September 1985 11 11
While searching for treasure inside an ancient tomb two Bolkins,[24] Bundun and Hurrick, accidentally release the ghost of the evil Grune the Destroyer. Grune knows of the ThunderCats and reveals an ancient and storied past with Jaga. The Bolkins, Wolos and Berbils urge the ThunderCats to help them against this powerful foe.
The Doomgaze Stephen Perry 24 September 1985 12 12
Mumm-Ra is hatching a plot to release an ancient princess who has the power to mesmerize males with her gaze.
Lord of the Snows Bob Haney 25 September 1985 13 13
A meteor of pure Thundrillium crashes into the remote Hook Mountain. When Lion-O goes after it, he finds himself face to face with a man of the mountain whom he must fight. This is also the first appearance of Vultureman.
The Spaceship beneath the Sands Leonard Starr 26 September 1985 14 14
After repeated defeats, the Mutants ask Mumm-Ra to return their ship which he buried in the desert around his pyramid. Once it is resurfaced, they have new weapons to use against the ThunderCats.
The Time Capsule Peter Lawrence 27 September 1985 15 15
The ThunderCats decide it is time to search for their time capsule from Thundera which has been missing since the crash.
The Fireballs of Plun-Darr William Overgard 30 September 1985 16 16
The Tree Top Kingdom is attacked by fire balls launched from a new weapon inside Castle Plun-Darr. When Tygra goes to investigate, he is captured and locked into a device which will rip him apart by pulling out his four limbs. Lion-O and Willa must rescue Tygra and destroy the Mutants' new weapon.
All That Glitters Bob Haney 1 October 1985 17 17
Mumm-Ra tricks Lion-O and Tygra into fighting each other which causes the Sword of Omens to break. In order to repair it the ThunderCats seek the help of a being whose powers are derived from bathing in liquid gold.
Spitting Image Howard Post 2 October 1985 18 18
After Driller captures Panthro, Mumm-Ra creates an evil clone of the real Panthro to turn the people of Third Earth against the ThunderCats.
Mongor Peter Lawrence 3 October 1985 19 24
While exploring, the ThunderKittens stumble across an old temple where their curiosity gets the best of them and they release a demon. It's a goat-like creature who gets more powerful as others fear him. It's up to the Thundercats to find a way to overcome their fears and defeat this monster.
Return to Thundera Bob Haney 4 October 1985 20 25
The Mutants unleash a new invincible war robot while Lion-O accidentally travels back in time to Thundera when he enters the Time Capsule's hologram. There he meets his father, Claudius, who gives him a scroll containing the secret of the war robot.
Dr. Dometone William Overgard 7 October 1985 21 33
A frog robot swallows Wilykit. It turns out to be piloted by Dr. Dometome the scientist responsible for maintaining the ocean's plug which stops the ocean draining into the Earth's core.
The Astral Prison Peter Lawrence 8 October 1985 22 34
Jaga is imprisoned in the mysterious Astral World, where he is captured by the devilish Nemex. Lion-O must journey there to free him. However, there is no way for him to return.
The Crystal Queen Leonard Starr 9 October 1985 23 28
A rare and beautiful bird is captured by the Queen of a crystal kingdom.
Safari Joe Stephen Perry 10 October 1985 24 29
Safari Joe comes to Third Earth looking for prey 'worthy' of being hunted. He begins hunting the ThunderCats.
Snarf Takes up the Challenge Peter Lawrence 11 October 1985 25 26
After the ThunderCats are captured by Mumm-Ra, it is up to Snarf to save them.
Sixth Sense Peter Lawrence 28 October 1985 26 32
A ship in trouble tries to ask the ThunderCats for help using Cheetara's sixth sense. It ends up taking control of Cheetara and putting her life in danger as the mutants attack it.
The Thunder-Cutter William Overgard 29 October 1985 27 38
Lion-O meets Hachiman, a samurai from another world who wields a sword called the Thunder-Cutter.
The Wolfrat C.H. Trengove 30 October 1985 28 46
Vulture Man builds a robot called the Wolfrat, which uses a miniaturization gas that reduces the ThunderCats to 9 inches high. They must rely on a normal size Snarf to help them defeat the robot.
Feliner - Episode 1 Stephen Perry 31 October 1985 29 41
Vulture Man summons the Mutant warlord known as Ratar-O who kidnaps Snarf's nephew, Snarfer on the planet of Snarfs. Then, they bring Snarfer back to Third Earth and use him as bait to trap the ThunderCats.
Feliner - Episode 2 Stephen Perry 1 November 1985 30 41
The ThunderCats race to try to salvage the part they need for the Feliner from the wreck of the Rat Star before the Mutants can complete repairs. Snarf contemplates leaving the Thundercats forever.
Mandora and the Pirates William Overgard 4 November 1985 31 27
Mandora boards a space freighter for inspection. But it turns out to be the ancient space pirate ship, the Jolly Rogers and she needs Lion-O's help.
Return of the Driller Howard Post 5 November 1985 32 30
Mumm-Ra instructs the Driller to bore a tunnel from an acid lake to the Cats Lair. It's a race to save the Lair as they face obstacle after obstacle while trying to obtain and bring back a sponge cloud to fill the hole.
Dimension Doom Bob Haney 6 November 1985 33 36
Wizz-Ra returns from the 7th dimension once every 7000 years, this time he enters Cat's Lair through a mirror in Cheetara's room. Mumm-Ra, his ancient enemy, is able to steal his magic helmet. He then enslaves the Thundercats and only Cheetara and Snarf are left to help their new friend before his time runs out.
Queen of 8 Legs Stephen Perry 7 November 1985 34 35
Disguised as a diamond fly, Mumm-Ra entices Lion-O into Spidera's Kingdom of Webs.
Sword in a Hole William Overgard 8 November 1985 35 45
The ThunderCats respond to a space liner's SOS only to be captured by mercenaries on Mumm-Ra's pay. The Sword of Omens is cast into a black hole.
The Evil Harp of Charr-Nin Douglas Bernstein and Denis Markell 11 November 1985 36 51
Wily-kit and Wily-kat find a magic harp containing a genie. Mumm-Ra offers to free the genie if he helps to destroy the ThunderCats.
*Lion-O's Anointment Episode I: Trial of Strength Leonard Starr 12 November 1985 37 19
Snarf tells Lion-O that he must earn his title as Lord by completing five trials, the first of which will be to defeat the mighty Panthro.
The Demolisher Bob Haney and Peter Lawrence 13 November 1985 38 40
A bored galactic conqueror comes to Third Earth to battle Mumm-Ra. After defeating Mumm-Ra and hearing of the ThunderCats power he rushes off to battle Lion-O.
Monkian's Bargain Lee Schneider 14 November 1985 39 53
Monkian makes a deal with Mumm-Ra to give him power orbs whatever the cost.
Tight Squeeze Stephen Perry 15 November 1985 40 52
After a disagreement, Vulture Man leaves Castle Plun-darr and destroys all the Mutants' technology. Slithe is forced to ask Mumm-Ra to take away the ThunderCats' weapons, which he seals within the sword chamber so that the ThunderCats cannot reach them.
The Micrits Bruce Smith 18 November 1985 41 49
Lion-O is captured by very small creatures who see him as a threat to their village, and disable Cats Lair and the Thundertank. The Mutants seize the opportunity and wreak havoc on the other Thundercats who do not know where Lion-O is.
*Lion-O's Anointment Episode II: The Trial of Speed Leonard Starr 19 November 1985 42 20
Lion-O must beat Cheetara in a race to pass the second anointment trial.
The Rock Giant Peter Lawrence 20 November 1985 43 37
Mumm-Ra awakens a monster made of rocks to defeat the ThunderCats.
Jackalman's Rebellion Bruce Smith 21 November 1985 44 55
Jackalman forms his own army and steals weapons from the Mutants.
Turmagar the Tuska C.H. Trengove 22 November 1985 45 31
A strange traveller crash lands next to Cats Lair, he enlists the ThunderCat's help to battle a war machine.
*Lion-O's Anointment Episode III: Trial of Cunning Leonard Starr 25 November 1985 46 21
Lion-O must outwit Wilykit and Wilykat in the Maze of Infinity but there are more than ThunderKittens lurking about who are ready to stop him.
The Mumm-Ra Berbil Jeri Craden 26 November 1985 47 58
Mumm-Ra disguises himself as an injured Berbil to infiltrate Cats Lair.
Mechanical Plague Peter Lawrence 27 November 1985 48 39
Mumm-Ra takes advantage of the ThunderCats being separated as they make their own home movies. He gives life to a mechanical plague of robots for his plot to destroy the ThunderCats.
Trapped Stephen Perry 28 November 1985 49 61
Sheltering from a storm inside an old Suspension Capsule,[25] Wilykit and Wilykat become trapped. Things take a turn for the worse when the Mutants find out about it.
*Lion-O's Anointment Episode IV: The Trial of Mind Power Leonard Starr 29 November 1985 50 22
Lion-O must overcome Tygra's mental powers and face his greatest fear.
Excalibur Peter Lawrence 2 December 1985 51 43
Mumm-Ra assumes the form of King Arthur in order to claim the greatest sword of all time, Excalibur. His plot is that he desires to use Excalibur against the Sword of Omens.
Secret of the Ice King Bob Haney 3 December 1985 52 44
An Ice King who has been frozen for 1,000 years is suddenly awakaned and is wreaking havoc on Hook Mountain.
Good and Ugly Peter Lawrence 4 December 1985 53 47
Two aliens arrive in spaceships and fight near Cats Lair and Lion-O must learn a lesson about first impressions.
The Transfer Lawrence DuKore and Lee Schneider 5 December 1985 54 62
An unknown ship containing a dangerous radioactive device approaches Third Earth.
Divide and Conquer Lee Schneider 6 December 1985 55 48
Vultureman creates a voice imitator and the Mutants use it to trick the ThunderCats into splitting up to trap and destroy them.
Dream Master Heather Winters and Annabelle Gurwitch 9 December 1985 56 64
Mumm-Ra assumes the form of the Dream Master to take control of the ThunderCats' unconscious selves.
Out of Sight C.H. Trengove 10 December 1985 57 54
Willa is captured by the Mutants so Tygra makes himself and Nayda invisible to infiltrate castle Plun-darr, not knowing the consequences.
The Mountain Danny Peary 11 December 1985 58 56
Out of sheer boredom, Lion-O climbs an unknown mountain. The Mutants decide to attack, putting themselves and the ThunderCats in danger.
The Superpower Potion C.H. Trengove 12 December 1985 59 50
Vulture Man strikes a bargain with Mumm-Ra after he invents some kind of potion that gives him super powers.
Eye of the Beholder Kenneth E. Vose 13 December 1985 60 57
The ThunderCats create a fake Sword of Omens and use it to trick the Mutants. But the plan backfires when Snarf is captured.
*Lion-O's Anointment Episode V: The Trial of Evil Leonard Starr 16 December 1985 61 23
Lion-O must defeat his greatest enemy, Mumm-ra, to complete the trials.
The Trouble with ThunderKittens Kimberly B. Morris 17 December 1985 62 59
Eager to prove that they are old enough for adult weapons, Wilykit and Wilykat sneak off with the adult Thundercats weapons for some practice. The Mutants seize an opportunity and the kids escape, but the weapons are now in the hands of the Mutants and the kids will have to confess to Lion-O what they did to gain his help in retrieving them.
Mumm-Rana Bob Haney 18 December 1985 63 60
After a space battle, the Mutants' escape pods land next to a white pyramid. Inside, they meet Mumm-Rana who is the good equivalent of Mumm-Ra. Mumm-Ra arrives and takes control of her mind to use her power against the ThunderCats.
The Shifter Matthew Malach 19 December 1985 64 63
Vulture Man builds a device that switches the consciousness of two beings and takes aim at the ThunderCats.
Fond Memories Lee Schneider 20 December 1985 65 65
Mumm-Ra creates a living museum of the ThunderCats' most formidable enemies to trap Lion-O.

TV movie (1986)

Title Writer Original airdate Production code #
ThunderCats - Ho! Episode I Leonard Starr 8 September 1986 1 1
Recurring nightmares of Thunderians killed on Thundera as he fled to safety with Jaga and the other ThunderCats awaken Lion-O. Jaga comes to tell him that they in fact survived and are living on Third Earth. After meeting with the other ThunderCats, they decide to begin searching for them but Mumm-Ra has plans as well.
ThunderCats - Ho! Episode II Leonard Starr 9 September 1986 2 2
Lion-O's rescue attempt fails and the captured Thunderians are taken to Fire Rock[26] Mountain after another failed attempt on their part to break free from their captors.
ThunderCats - Ho! Episode III Leonard Starr 10 September 1986 3 3
Lion-O loses the Sword of Omens in an avalanche. Panthro battles the Fist-Pounder with the ThunderTank. The Mutants arrive at Fire Rock Mountain to take control of the prisoners.
ThunderCats - Ho! Episode IV Leonard Starr 11 September 1986 4 4
The Thunderians attempt to escape their prison. Lion-O arrives at Fire Rock[26] Mountain and is confronted by Hachiman who believes Lion-O is causing the suffering of his ancestor.
ThunderCats - Ho! Episode V Leonard Starr 12 September 1986 5 5
Lion-O and Hachiman are reconciled and the ThunderCats close in on rescuing the Thunderians from Fire Rock[26] Mountain. But they will need supernatural help if they are to pass through the Thundranium gasses to reach them.

Season 2 (1986)

Title Writer Original airdate Production code #
Mumm-Ra Lives! Episode I Leonard Starr 15 September 1986 6 6
Mumm-Ra is weak and he faces the threat of three new ThunderCats, so he sends the Mutants to release his old enemies the Lunatacs imprisoned in Dark Side[27] in order to bolster the forces of evil. The ThunderCats celebration of their victory over Mumm-Ra and the welcoming of three new ThunderCats is cut short when Snarf overhears plans at Castle Plundarr after he chased Ma-Mutt there from the Berbil village.
Mumm-Ra Lives! Episode II Leonard Starr 16 September 1986 7 7
The Mutants succeed in releasing the Lunatacs. The ThunderCats discover their Thundrylium[20] mine is being looted and people are being kidnapped from the villages. Lion-O and the ThunderKittens have their first run-in with a Lunatac and Bengali's skills as a blacksmith come in handy.
Mumm-Ra Lives! Episode III Leonard Starr 17 September 1986 8 8
The ThunderCats build the Tower of Omens to monitor for Sky Tomb which will be run by the new ThunderCats. Ma-Mutt disguised as a Berbil[11] spies on the ThunderCats plans and the Lunatacs are sent to destroy the Tower. Snarfer contacts Snarf to tell his uncle that he's coming to Third Earth.
Mumm-Ra Lives! Episode IV Leonard Starr 18 September 1986 9 9
Mumm-Ra's power is restored. Snarfer makes it to Third Earth but crashes in Dark Side and the ThunderCats rush to his aid before the Lunatacs can get a hold of him.
Mumm-Ra Lives! Episode V Leonard Starr 19 September 1986 10 10
The ThunderCats look for Sky Tomb to free the slaves imprisoned inside it. Bengali must learn the importance of teamwork as Lion-O leaves him with guard duty. Lynx-O and Cheetara run reconnaissance to find out if Mumm-Ra is truly back or not.
Catfight Chris Trengove 22 September 1986 11 11
By disguising himself as Jaga, Mumm-Ra tricks Lion-O into believing the new ThunderCats are traitors so that they will fight amongst themselves.
Psych Out Sandy Fries 23 September 1986 12 12
Mumm-Ra tells Alluro where to find a talisman that boosts the self-confidence of the one who possesses it so that they become nearly invincible. And Snarf learns that true courage comes from within.
The Mask of Gorgon Romeo Muller 24 September 1986 13 13
Ma-Mutt digs up an ancient book which leads Mumm-Ra to search for the ancient evil of the mask of Gorgon.
The Mad Bubbler Kimberly Morris 25 September 1986 14 14
The Lunatacs look for Thundrylium[20] in a cave on Hook mountain only to be driven mad by a strange creature who turns them against each other.
Together We Stand Herb Engelhardt 26 September 1986 15 15
Mumm-Ra coats the Bezerker's weapons and armor with Thundranium[26] and Wilykit and Wilykat find that guarding Cats Lair is not always a breeze.
Ravage Island George Hampton and Mike Moore 29 September 1986 16 16
Mumm-Ra activates a mesmerising beacon on Ravage Island which draws the ThunderCats to it and takes hold of their minds.
Time Switch Sandy Fries 30 September 1986 17 17
While taking care of a dangerous Suspension Capsule,[25] dug up near Cats Lair, Lion-O is exposed to harmful gasses inside which cause him grow younger. If the Thundercats do not find a solution in time, he will rapidly become younger until non-existent.
The Sound Stones J. Larry Carroll 1 October 1986 18 18
Vultureman builds a sonic gun from a sound stone he stole in Dark Side as the Lunatacs join with him to attack the Tower of Omens.
Day of the Eclipse Kimberly Morris 2 October 1986 19 19
The day of the centennial total eclipse has arrived and any spell Mumm-Ra casts will last until the next eclipse. He declares a "Day of Decay" on the Cats Lair causing it to fall apart.
Sideswipe William Overgard 3 October 1986 20 20
Chilla freezes Snarfer's spaceship as he heads back to the Tower of Omens with Berbil Mexican Takeout. When Mandora gets involved, Chilla freezes her and becomes a fugitive from the law as Mandora sets her sights on bringing her in.
Mumm-Rana's Belt James Rose 6 October 1986 21 21
Luna discovers that her grandmother's magic belt is now in the possession of Mumm-Rana who claimed it after battle. She heads straight for the white pyramid with Pumyra hot on her tail.
Hachiman's Honor J. Larry Carroll 7 October 1986 22 22
While Hachiman is on his way to the Tower of Omens, Luna steals his sword the ThunderCutter and gives it to an automaton. Lion-O and the ThunderKittens head out to find their old friend.
Runaways Bill Ratter 8 October 1986 23 23
Fed up of feeling useless Wilykat convinces his twin to run away from home, but living on their own is more dangerous than they realized. The other ThunderCats search desperately to find them as they all must learn a lesson in communication.
Hair of the Dog Chris Trengove 9 October 1986 24 24
While all the ThunderCats except Lion-O are gone, Mumm-Ra switches Ma-Mutt with Snarf. Ma-Mutt poisons Lion-O allowing Mumm-Ra to move in.
Vultureman's Revenge Herb Engelhardt 10 October 1986 25 25
Vultureman builds a Thundranium[26] projector which is capable of creating concentrated regions of Thundranium. When the ThunderKittens damage it, he damages their spaceboard sending them off into danger and while Lion-O and Snarf search desperately for the kids, Vultureman plans his revenge.

Series 3 (1987)

Title Writer Original airdate Production code #
ThunderCubs Episode I Peter Lawrence 7 September 1987 1 1
Mumm-Ra learns of the treasure of Thundera[28] and the Sword of Plun-darr which destroyed Thundera. He recreates Thundera and travels there whilst the ThunderCats try to find him.
ThunderCubs Episode II Peter Lawrence 8 September 1987 2 2
After being rescued the ThunderKittens give a presentation on their observations of New Thundera. Vultureman renovates the Rat Star to ambush the ThunderCats on their way to New Thundera.
ThunderCubs Episode III Peter Lawrence 9 September 1987 3 3
Mumm-Ra claims the Sword of Plun-darr and nears the treasure of Thundera. The ThunderCats land on New Thundera.
ThunderCubs Episode IV Peter Lawrence 10 September 1987 4 4
The Mutants arrive and Mumm-Ra has them hide a decoy Book of Omens[29] leading the ThunderCats in the wrong direction.
ThunderCubs Episode V Peter Lawrence 11 September 1987 5 5
The ThunderCubs[30] return to Third Earth and join with the ThunderKittens to mount a rescue mission which will infiltrate Sky Tomb whilst Lion-O continues to battle Mumm-Ra.
Totem of Dera J. Larry Carroll 14 September 1987 6 6
Mumm-Ra recovers the Totem of Dera[28] and learns of its healing powers which can be used to bring inanimate objects to life. He sends the Mutants out to use it against the ThunderCats.
Chain of Loyalty Bill Ratter and Peter Lawrence 15 September 1987 7 7
Whilst studying the Book of Omens[29] Lion-O learns of the Chain of Loyalty[28] and Jaga instructs him to recover it from New Thundera. But when Mumm-Ra breaks the chain, the Thundercats turn against each other and Lion-O must find a way to stop them from destroying each other.
Crystal Canyon Sandy Fries 16 September 1987 8 8
Tygra finds a powerful stone which slowly takes control of his mind. He refuses to listen as Lion-O tries to warn him that the stone is dangerous.
The Telepathy Beam Kimberly Morris 17 September 1987 9 9
Vultureman uses a new weapon on Cheetara to overwhelm her sixth sense in an attempt to destroy her confidence and distract her from sensing the truth that Panthro has become a prisoner and turned slave to upgrade Sky Tomb to be able to make a trip to New Thundera.
Exile Isle William Overgard 18 September 1987 10 10
The Thundercats capture the Lunatacs, put them on trial, and exile them to a desolate planet. However, there is another old enemy of the Thundercats trapped on Exile Isle, with whom the Lunatacs soon team up to plan a destructive return to Third Earth.
Key to Thundera Matthew Malach 21 September 1987 11 11
During an attempt to decode the Book of Omens, Lion-O accidentally traps himself within its pages, prompting Mumm-Ra to try to steal the book from Cats' Lair. Meanwhile, Panthro discovers a mysterious key on New Thundera.
Return of the ThunderCubs J. Larry Carroll 22 September 1987 12 12
Tygra, Cheetara and Panthro fall under Mumm-Ra's power on New Thundera, and he tries to use Cheetara's Sixth Sense to locate the Treasure of Thundera. To rescue his friends, Lion-O must convince the mutants to fly him from Third Earth in the Ratstar.
The Formula Kimberly Morris 23 September 1987 13 13
Alluro's new superfuel formula for Sky Tomb unexpectedly seems to boost the growth of local plant and animal life to massive proportions. Luna orders the mutants to spray it around Cats' Lair, leaving the Thundercats trapped in a gigantic savage garden.
Locket of Lies Bill Ratter 24 September 1987 14 14
Mumm-Ra creates an evil trinket which the Thundercats mistake for a piece of the Treasure of Thundera. It soon leads them into deep trouble on New Thundera, and nobody is around to rescue them.
Bracelet of Power Bill Ratter 25 September 1987 15 15
The Feliner returns from New Thundera with a mysterious bracelet. When Snarf puts it on, he discovers it has the power to turn Thundercats into his obedient servants. While he toys with this new power, Mumm-Ra plots to steal the bracelet for his own evil purposes.
The Wild Workout Becky Hartman 28 September 1987 16 16
The Lunatacs hook up exercise machines to generate power for Sky Tomb's engines, but their own laziness forces them to find Thundercats to do the hard work. Meanwhile, Mumm-Ra plans to lure the Thundercats into a freezing trap in the Caverns of Cold on New Thundera.
The Thunderscope George Hampton and Mike Moore 29 September 1987 17 17
Lion-O and Snarf recover a mysterious telescope from the wreckage of their original spaceship. Mumm-Ra recognizes it as the Thunderscope, which allows its user to locate pieces of the Treasure of Thundera. Lion-O must discover its purpose and keep it out of Mumm-Ra's evil hands.
The Jade Dragon William Overgard 30 September 1987 18 18
Mumm-Ra discovers the power of one of the pieces of the treasure of Thundera. The Double-Headed Dragon of Doom, or the Jade Dragon possess the power to entrap people in its stomach. The legend says that Hachiman's ancestor gave the dragon to his wife as a marriage gift, and since her father was so against their marriage, he put a curse on the dragon and it engulfed Haji-man's ancestor. Jaga freed the him, and he gave the dragon to Jaga for safe keeping. Now, the Thundercats have found the Jade Dragon, and Mumm-Ra manages to trap Lion-O and Cheetara in it. Hachiman is their only hope.
The Circus Train William Overgard 1 October 1987 19 19
A bounty hunter known as Captain Bragg comes to Third Earth to help the Thundercats get rid of the Mutants and the Lunatacks. Capt Bragg tricks Wilykat in going with him and they first go after the Mutants. After capturing them, they go to capture the Lunataks. They capture all except Luna and Amuk, who free the other Lunataks, put Bragg in a cage and tie Wilykat to the train's engine.
The Last Day J. Larry Carroll 2 October 1987 20 20
Impatient with Mumm-Ra failing them time and time again, the Ancient Spirits of Evil give him one final chance: destroy the Thundercats within twenty-four hours, or face exile. To this end, he is granted extraordinary power by the Spirits, and grows to a gigantic size.

Series 4 (1988)

Title Writer Original airdate Production code #
Return to Thundera Episode I Peter Lawrence 5 September 1988 1 1
The Ancient Spirits of Evil give new life to Mumm-Ra and Ma-Mutt, send them to New Thundera, and build a new Pyramid for Mumm-Ra. The Thundercats say goodbye to Third Earth and depart for Thundera, leaving Tygra and Pumyra behind to watch the Tower of Omens and Cat's Lair. The Thundercats soon arrive and begin plans to build a new lair. Mumm-Ra meanwhile learns that the planet's gravity is controlled by the Gyroscope under the Churning Rocks at the center of the planet and will use this knowledge to destroy the Thundercats and trick the Gyroscope's guardian, the ancient sorceress Jaguara.
Return to Thundera Episode II Peter Lawrence 6 September 1988 2 2
More and more earthquakes are occurring because of the malfunctioning Gyroscope. Meanwhile Lion-O receives a distress signal from Thunderian refugees, and he, Cheetara, and Snarf go to find them. Mumm-Ra resurrects Grune the Destroyer, and Grune seeks out Lion-O and Cheetara. Grune finds and fights them, breaks the Sword of Omens, and then he chains them up on the Churning Rocks. Snarf, who was hiding, gathers the pieces of the Sword to take back to Bengali to be fixed. Snarf gets captured by Char, a thief who wants the Sword for himself.
Return to Thundera Episode III Peter Lawrence 7 September 1988 3 3
Lion-O, Panthro, and the Thunderkittens take the Whisker, a new flying vehicle, to the Churning Rocks to rescue the Thunderian refugees who had called from there. The Thundercats get captured by Two-Time, a robot with 2 heads. Two-Time takes them aboard his spaceship, Dome-Down, and the Thundercats see that he has also captured the refugees. Lion-O defeats Two-Time and the refugees are freed. Meanwhile, Lynx-O, Cheetara, and Bengali spot Mumm-Ra near the Churning Rocks, and inform Lion-O of this. Lion-O, Panthro, and the Thundekittens head to the Churning Rocks and confront Mumm-Ra, who is in the form of Jaga again.
Return to Thundera Episode IV Peter Lawrence 8 September 1988 4 4
Mumm-Ra sends Ma-Mutt disguised as Mandora to free the Mutants from Capt. Bragg's circus train and sends Bragg and Crowman falling into deep space. The Mutants are then ordered by Mumm-Ra to get rid of Tygra and Pumyra. The Mutants attack Snowman on Hook Mt. and Snowmeyow gets Pumyra for help and Tygra contacts the real Mandora to save Bragg and Crowman. Then together, they recapture the Mutants. Meanwhile on New Thundera, the earthquake tremors grow worse and the new Cats Lair collapses trapping Snarf in the ruins. Lion-O uses the sword to contact the other Thundercats and they rush to the Lair to save Snarf.
Return to Thundera Episode V Peter Lawrence 9 September 1988 5 5
After another earthquake caused by Mumm-Ra ruins the new Cats Lair construction site, the Thundercats go to see Jaguara and confront Mumm-Ra. Unfortunately, Mumm-Ra puts up a force field over entrance. Jaga appears to Lion-O and tells him to use the Eye of Thundera to get to Jaguara and the Gyroscope. Lion-O does so and battles Mumm-Ra, who throws him into the bottomless pit underneath the Gyroscope. Lion-O however, manages to throw his grappling hook to the top, which pulls him back up. Lion-O then shines the signal, which goes through the force field. All the Thundercats leap through the signal which takes them through the force field. Together, they fire all their weapons at Mumm-Ra and he is defeated. But before he leaves, he breaks the cord that holds the Gyroscope above the pit and it falls through. Now, New Thundera is literally falling apart.
Leah J. Larry Carroll and David Carren 12 September 1988 6 6
The Ancient Spirits of Evil bring the Mirror Wraith to Mumm-Ra, and he disguises it as a child's toy. Mumm-Ra then intercepts a thunderian escape pod which carries in it a little girl. He gives the toy to the child (Leah), and leaves. She is rescued by the Thundercats, and goes into New Cat's Lair with the doll.
Frogman Kimberly Morris 13 September 1988 7 7
Wily Kit and Kat are constructing a well for the New Cat's Lair on New Thundera. The Thundercats on New Thundera receive a distress signal from Thunderian refugees trying to find their way to New Thundera. The Kittens are left alone with Snarf on at the New Cat's Lair, and Lion-O and Snarfer are out constructing an early warning device (I guess for weather purposes). The rest of the Thundercats seek out the refugees in space. When Wily Kit and Kat strike water, they accidentally unleash a monster that Jaga trapped in the underground lake centuries ago.
The Heritage Bill Ratter and Peter Lawrence 14 September 1988 8 8
Wily Kit and Kat, exploring New Thundera, stumble upon an Orb of Gold, and pick it up thinking that it is a part of their Heritage. Possessed by the power of the Golden Sphere of City, the ThunderKittens get greedy, and let the power of the orb overcome them. Mumm-Ra manages to get a hold of the orb, and his powers get four times more powerful.
Screwloose William Overgard 15 September 1988 9 align="center" 9
Jaguara cannot work New Thundera's Gyro on her own. The Thundercats order a robot to aid her in running the Gyro. Screw Loose, a robot who specializes in Gyro's, comes to New Thundera. Mumm-Ra manages to mess up Screw Loose's brain so he becomes destructive instead of helpful. The Thundercats must help Jagara get Screw Loose under control, before the entire planet is destroyed.
Malcar George Hampton and Mike Moore 16 September 1988 10 10
Mumm-Ra summons Malcar, an ancient alchemist, to return from the dead. The alchemist returns old and weak, and Mumm-Ra must restore his youth and power. Malcar regains his powers to use them against the Thundercats.
Helpless Laughter Matthew Malach 19 September 1988 11 11
A convergence of the Moons of Plun-Darr causes a drought on Thundera. Panthro and Snarf go looking for water, then Ezuka, the flying Serpent of Dreary Canal wanting to get water itself, attacks Panthro and Snarf and causes them to fall into the Swamp of the Laughing Lilypads, making them laugh out of control. Ezuka attacks the Lair, still looking for water. Lion-O uses the Sword to make some rain, then he and Ben-Gali use the Thunderstrike to melt some ice, but Mumm-Ra comes along and causes a flood.
Cracker's Revenge William Overgard 20 September 1988 12 12
Capt. Cracker and his mechanical parrot Polly land on Way-Out Back and free the Lunatacs and put Bragg and Crownan in one of the train's cages. They plan to go to Third Earth to attack it since most of the Thundercats are no longer on Third Earth. Meanwhile the ThunderCats have learned Cracker escaped and Snarfer and Mandora go to catch him. Bragg has Crownan ride a fire exstiquisher, so he can get into space and get help. Mandora finds him, and the three of them go to Third Earth. Mandora fights with Cracker and the Lunatacs, but is beaten and she and Snarfer are tied to her cycle and sent towards a mountain. Lion-O, Panthro, and Cheetara arrive and Lion-O saves Mandora and the others. Meanwhile Cracker and the Lunatacs go to attack Cats Lair.
The Mossland Monster Chris Trengove 21 September 1988 13 13
Tygra, on a solo trip to New Thundera to meet the other Thundercats, decides to take a shortcut through a meteor shower. His ship is damaged, and he lands on an unexplored region of New Thundera. The Moss-Land. It turns out that the moss in moss-land is part of a giant monster who captures Tygra with its moss. Lion-O and Bengali set out to save Tygra and battle the Moss Monster.
Ma-Mutt's Confusion Beth Bornstein 22 September 1988 14 14
Mumm-Ra has a new device, the Babylonian Barbarian Boiler, that he plans to use on Cats Lair. Ma-Mutt fools around too much and Mumm-Ra banishes him from the Pyramid. Later, the Thunderkittens, Snarf, and Snarfer bring Ma-Mutt back to Cats Lair and then Mumm-Ra fires the Boiler's beam at the Lair, which causes it to start melting. Snarfer makes a communicating device (because Ma-Mutt was trying to tell them about the beam), so they can understand Ma-Mutt. Ma-Mutt starts telling them of the Boiler, but Mumm-Ra sees this and through the Cauldron's magic brings Ma-Mutt back to the Pyramid.
Shadowmaster Dennis J. Woodyard 23 September 1988 15 15
From the Shadow Realm, the Shadowmaster contacts the Ancient Spirits of Evil (ASOE), telling them of how he captured Lion-O's father, Claudus, just before Thundera blew up. Then the Shadowmaster, through a bad dream, shows Lion-O his captured father and challenges Lion-O to a fight. Lion-O goes to the Shadow Realm through the Book and Sword of Omens, and is able to fight the Shadowmaster as long as the Sword stays bonded to the book. However, the Shadowmaster sends a huge bat to steal the Sword. It succeeds, and then Lion-O becomes very weak in the Shadow Realm. Mumm-Ra meanwhile, feeling like the ASOE will turn against him in favor of the Shadowmaster, sends Ma-Mutt to secretly steal the sword from the bat and put it back near the book. This will be crucial to Lion-O's triumph in this realm.
Swan Song William Overgard 26 September 1988 16 16
An Ecology Inspector (EI) comes to Thundera to inspect the new Cats Lair. His ship uses the SWAN system (Space Way Airborn Navigations) to direct him to planets all over the universe. When he arrives on Thundera, he gets ambushed by Two-Time (see Return to Thundera, Part III, this page). Two-Time uses a hologram to make the EI's ship crash into a mountain, and then when the Thundercats come to rescue the EI in the Feliner, Two-Time uses the hologram again. Lion-O manages to fly around the mountain and lands the Feliner. Meanwhile, Two-Time flies to new Cats Lair in his spaceship, Dome-Down. He actually picks up the whole Lair and keeps it inside Dome-Down.
Touch of Amortus Bill Ratter 27 September 1988 17 17
Mumm-Ra orders Amortus, a being he banished to the Land of No Return centuries ago, to destroy Lynx-O. Amortus makes Lynx-O crash in the Thunderstrike, and then he touches Lynx-O's face. The spell from the touch makes Lynx-O feel like he is an outcast, so he leaves to join Amortus in the Land of No Return. The other TCats, Lion-O, Panthro, and Cheetara, go after him. In the Land of No Return, Amortus again touches Lynx-O, this time causing him to turn to stone. The other TCats arrive and try to beat Amortus, but he touches all of them, causing them to start turning to stone. But just as Lion-O is about to turn entirely to stone, he calls the Sword and it breaks them free.
The Zaxx Factor Matthew Malach 28 September 1988 18 18
Vultureman escapes from exile by hijacking a bookmobile. He finds a disk containing ancient history about two powerful evil forces on Third Earth: Mumm-Ra and his enemy Zaxx. Using this information, Vultureman plots to defeat Mumm-Ra and rule the universe.
Well of Doubt Dennis J. Woodyard 29 September 1988 19 19
The Thundercats use a new Tower signal to guide a Thunderian ship in; aboard are Baron Tass and Mr. Grubber, a devious pair of Thunderians. Later Lion-O sends Torr, Baron Tass and Mr. Grubber to get water, but on the way the Baron stops at the Well of Doubt and gets some of its water. The water causes a person to become very doubtful of his own abilities. When they get back to the Thundercats, Baron Tass gives some of the water to Lion-O. On the way to inspecting the new Tower in the Whisker, Lion-O feels the effects of the water and causes the Whisker to crash. Tass comes back (from getting his Guardsman, giant stone-men), and has them attack the Thundercats. Will Lion-O recover his courage and determination?
The Book of Omens William Overgard 30 September 1988 20 20
Finally Panthro deciphers how to use the Key of Omens. He enters the code to open the lock, and suddenly, the Guardian of Omens is summoned. It tells the Thundercats they have 24 hours to present both the key and four other items to the four places in disgrace (geological disasters) all over New Thundera. All was proceeding correctly except for the key, which was stolen by the evil Mumm-Ra. However, he enters the Book just when Lion-O found him, and the battle will go on inside the book. This presented a somewhat legitimate finale for the complete series, with an open ending (which is somewhat continued in a short series of non-canon comics in an "after future" saga in the year 2002).

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 The original production order, which also corresponds with the original air-date and DVD episode order.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Listed in Chronological order as re-aired on Cartoon Network.
  3. ↑ The ThunderCats - The original group consisting of the young Lion-O, Tygra, Cheetara, Panthro, Wilykit, Wilykat, Snarf and Jaga (who later appears only in spirit form after the first episode).
  4. ↑ Thundera - Homeworld of the Thunderians and the ThunderCats, it was destroyed at the beginning of the series.
  5. ↑ The Mutants - The original mutant group lead by Slithe, with his henchmen Monkian and Jackalman, in charge of various nameless reptilian, monkian and jackalmen underlings).
  6. ↑ Third Earth - The home planet of a wide variety of sentient and non-sentient beings of both native and alien origins. It became the home of the ThunderCats after Thundera was destroyed and is the setting for most of the series.
  7. ↑ Sword of Omens - A mystic sword originally carried by Jaga which he then passed on to Lion-O shortly before his death.
  8. ↑ The Black Pyramid - Home of Mumm-Ra, the Ever-Living. The Pyramid contains Mumm-Ra's sarcophagus, magic pool and the statues of the Ancient Spirits of Evil.
  9. ↑ Eye of Thundera - The source of the Thundercats power, it is embedded in the Sword of Omens. It awakens when summoned by Lion-O and appears as a black cat head against a red background.
  10. ↑ ThunderTank - The ThunderCats main vehicle, constructed by Panthro early in the series from the remains of their wrecked spaceship. It is a rugged all-terrain vehicle with many attachments including a drill, claws, and a crushing mouth.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Ro-Bear Berbils - A race of small robotic bears from the planet Ro-Bear, also stranded on Third Earth, who are regular allies of the ThunderCats and helped them build their lair.
  12. ↑ Trolligs - A race of Bulldog-faced creatures who frequently raid the Berbil village to steal their fruit.
  13. ↑ Giantorrs - A race of giants who live on top of the Trollig's mountain where the trollberry bushes grow. They refuse to let the Trolligs eat the leaves off those bushes unless they bring them Ro-Bear Berbil fruit. After the ThunderCats drive the Trolligs and Giantorrs off, the Berbils become their allies and offer to help them build their new home.
  14. ↑ Cats Lair - The name of the ThunderCats' home and fortress on Third Earth, a replica of the one on Thundera, it was designed by Tygra and built quickly with the help of the Berbils.
  15. ↑ Brute Men Brute-Men are a tribe of unintelligent, anthropomorphic bovine-like creatures. Although normally docile, they can make violent and powerful opponents when angered.
  16. ↑ Castle Plun-darr - The name of the Mutants' home-base on Third Earth, a towering fortress with a massive winged gargoyle, it was built with the enslavement of the Brute Men.
  17. ↑ Berzerkers - Originally a bloodthirsty viking pirate crew, captained by Hammerhand; they were later reformed and mechanized to include Cruncher, Ram-Bam and Top-Spinner as well.
  18. ↑ Unicorn Keepers - A male and female pair with moon shaped scepters and star tattoos on their faces; they are the guardians of the rare creatures called Unicorns in the Unicorn Forest and keepers of the crystal of the Bridge of Light.
  19. ↑ The Warrior Maidens - Strong amazonian-like women who live in the Treetop Kingdom. Lead by Willa, they are frequent allies of the Thundercats on Third Earth.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 Thundrylium - a mineral that occurs on Third Earth, Thundera and other planets that the ThunderCats and Lunataks alike use for fuel.
  21. ↑ Wolos - A small people that live peacefully on Third Earth, resembling anthropomorphized badgers.
  22. ↑ Molemen - Small, skiddish, unfriendly, mole-like creatures found wandering around the underground tunnels of Third Earth. They were known to be slaves of the Molemaster.
  23. ↑ Mudhogs - Pig-like sentient species who live underground on Third Earth. They communicate through snorting and are ruled by their Mudhog King.
  24. ↑ Bolkins - A timid, sheep-like sentient species on Third Earth, similar in appearance and manner to the Wolos.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 Suspension Capsule - stasis pods which the Thundercats used on their journey from Thundera to Third Earth so they would not age.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 26.3 26.4 Thundranium (known as fire rocks on Third Earth) - a mineral that weakens Thunderians, and can eventually kill them. (Analogous to Superman and Green Kryptonite)
  27. ↑ Dark Side - Forbidden territory to ThunderCats and Mutants alike because of the danger there. When the Lunatacs came to Third Earth years earlier and tried to destroy Mumm-Ra, he imprisoned them there.
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 Treasure of Thundera/ThunderCats - A collection of magic objects with various powers, the most important being the Book of Omens.
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 Book of Omens - This book contains the secrets of the ThunderCats
  30. ↑ In the previous episode Cheetara, Tygra, Panthro, Snarf, and Snarfer all became younger after being tricked into entering the valley of youth.

References

External links