Series synopsis
Free Willy is a Canadian animation kids sci-fi & fantasy television series that premiered on Global TV on September 24, 1994. It ended on September 24, 1994. It was created by Tedd Anasti, Stephen Hodgins, Patsy Cameron, Patricia R. Burns. It stars Zachary Bennett, Paul Haddad, Alyson Court and Rachael Crawford.
Free Willy is an animated television series, inspired by the 1993 film of the same name.
This television series was produced by Warner Bros. Television, Regency Enterprises and the Canadian company Nelvana for Warner Bros. Studios. The show, which aired for one season on American Broadcasting Company, continues the adventures of the orca Willy and Jesse, the boy who freed him from captivity as shown in the film. In retrospect, the series also anticipates multiple plot elements of the film seque ...
Premise
Free Willy is an animated television series, inspired by the 1993 film of the same name.
This television series was produced by Warner Bros. Television, Regency Enterprises and the Canadian company Nelvana for Warner Bros. Studios. The show, which aired for one season on American Broadcasting Company, continues the adventures of the orca Willy and Jesse, the boy who freed him from captivity as shown in the film. In retrospect, the series also anticipates multiple plot elements of the film sequel, Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home, released the following summer. The overarching conflict is reminiscent of Moby-Dick: a powerful oil baron, known to the main characters only as a cyborg called "The Machine" until the final episodes, loses his arm and part of his face to Willy while committing an environmental atrocity and wants revenge upon "that rotten whale... and his boy".
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Zachary Bennett as Jesse (voice)
- Paul Haddad as Willy (voice)
- Alyson Court as Lucille (voice)
- Rachael Crawford as Marlene (voice)
- Gary Krawford as The Machine (a.k.a. Rockland Stone) (voice)
- Michael Fletcher as Randolph (voice)
- Neil Crone as Mr. Naugle (voice)
- James Kidnie as Amphonoids (voice)
Episodes
This series spans 2 seasons with 21 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 21 | September 24, 1994 | December 24, 1994 |
| Season 2 | 0 | September 9, 1995 | December 16, 1995 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Truth Talker Jesse begins his new job at Misty Island Park. However, just as he meets Mr. Naugle, Randolph, and Marlene—the crew of the rescue center—he quickly becomes unpopular. His friend Willy, the orca, eats all the fish intended for the sick and injured animals. Shortly after, Jesse has a confrontation with Mr. Naugle, the center's director, and decides to quit his job abruptly. Then something extraordinary occurs: Jesse suddenly realizes that he can understand Willy, and the whale seems to understand him as well. Randolph, a Native American, explains to Jesse that there are children who can communicate with animals. Are Willy and Jesse soul brothers? |
September 24, 1994 |
| 2 |
Cry of the Dolphin The parents of a baby dolphin have died because of barrels of toxic waste dumped in the sea. He is taken in at the station, and Marlene decides to name the clever little fellow Einstein. Einstein quickly wins everyone's hearts and soon becomes a full-fledged member of the Misty Island family. Meanwhile, Jesse and Willy are busy solving the case of the toxic waste dumps. They soon discover that the crooked Machine is behind it once again. |
October 1, 1994 |
| 3 |
Stone Rockland Stone, also known as Machine, has devised a particularly cruel scheme this time: he uses sonar to disorient the whales. The crew from Misty Island attempts to assist a stranded whale, but their efforts quickly become nearly impossible. Suddenly, Rockland Stone arrives and offers his help with the rescue operation. Everyone is excited about his offer—except for Willy, who suspects the true intentions behind Stone's facade as an environmentalist. |
October 8, 1994 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Voyage of the Eco Ranger II | September 9, 1995 |
| 2 | Tip of the Iceberg | September 16, 1995 |
| 3 | The Hunted | September 23, 1995 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | Global TV |
|---|---|
| First aired | September 24, 1994 |
| Last aired | September 24, 1994 |
| Runtime | 30 minutes |
| Status | ended |
| Schedule | Saturday |