SEALAB 2020

SEALAB 2020 is an animated series introduced by NBC and Hanna-Barbera in 1972, with a premise built around an underwater research base, SEALAB, which is located in an undisclosed area of the world's deepest oceans. The show was released during a period when there was a great interest in exploring the mysteries of the undersea world. This enthusiasm for underwater exploration was incorporated into the show's narrative structure, characters, and storylines.

The series introduces us to a futuristic world where underwater exploration and habitation have become routine. It is set in the year 2020 and features a crew of 250 men, women, and children living in an underwater scientific colony with dual objectives of researching marine life and studying the ocean floor's resources.

SEALAB, an acronym for Sea, Earth And Life Abode possesses a sophisticated design suited for deep-sea living and exploration, complete with laboratories, living quarters, observational domes, and storage facilities. Furthermore, SEALAB is equipped with several research vehicles, including submarines, diving suits and small hovercrafts to explore the ocean depths and interact with marine organisms.

The main characters of the series include Dr. Paul Williams, the director of the undersea lab; his assistant Professor Thomas Benton; and other staff such as Captain Mike Murphy, the head of the sealab's security; Hal, the head technician; Gail, the physician; and Junior, an adventurous boy. These characters work together to make the most of their underwater environment and navigate the complex problems they encounter.

One of the key aspects of the show was its emphasis on environmental conservation. Episodes often revolved around the delicate balance of nature and human intervention, inserting sound ecological messages. Characters frequented in attempting to solve problems or address crises that arose due to natural disasters, marine accidents, and encounters with strange underwater creatures. Interaction with a diverse range of sea life, including dolphins, whales, and various other fishes are regular occurrences in the series.

Another salient feature of SEALAB 2020 is its attempt to infuse a sense of adventure and exploration into the narrative. Each episode invariably brings a new and exciting challenge for the SEALAB crew, allowing them to use their ingenuity and teamwork to find solutions. In turn, while watching these episodes, it encourages viewers to appreciate the beauty, mystery, and vastness of the planet's oceans.

The series also showcases the practical aspects of underwater research, as well as the potential challenges and dangers it presents. It explores multiple dimensions of the deep-sea environment, including the behavior of marine life, the discovery of valuable resources, the investigation of ancient shipwrecks, and the prospect of dealing with underwater geological phenomena, such as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.

Though primarily designed for children, SEALAB 2020 manages to engage viewers across various age groups with its thought-provoking themes and interesting animation. The show was unique for its time, focusing on an aspect of the future that was often overlooked in science fiction: the potential of humanity's expansion beneath the oceans.

SEALAB 2020 covered a range of themes with a serious and realistic tone, distinguishing it from many Saturday morning cartoons of its time. The cleverly written storylines fascinated the audience with tales of underwater threats, potential discoveries, and the thrill of exploration. It illustrated the clash and union between scientific exploration and nature, posing several moral and environmental dilemmas. The show's emphasis on teamwork, courage, and respect for nature were notable elements that added depth to the characterization and plot development.

Unfortunately, despite its lover letters to science and the exploratory nature of humanity, the show was short-lived, running for only 13 episodes. However, the series later attained cult status among animation enthusiasts and fans of classic Hanna-Barbera productions. It even inspired a parody show, "Sealab 2021," in the early 2000s.

SEALAB 2020 remains an important milestone in the development of animated television. Not only did it bolster Hanna-Barbera's reputation for producing high-quality cartoons featuring compelling plots and characters, but it also tapped into the human spirit of exploration and respect for nature in a very pioneering way. It's this blend of adventure, science, and environmentalism that makes SEALAB 2020 a timeless piece of television, worth exploring for both new viewers and nostalgic fans alike.