Captain Scarlet (character)

Captain Scarlet is the protagonist of the 1960s British science-fiction television series Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons, and its 2005 CGI reimagining, New Captain Scarlet. He is a special agent for Spectrum, a worldwide security organization based at Cloudbase.

In the original series, Captain Scarlet, originally named Captain Hugh Brown, is killed in an attack by the Mysterons, Martian beings who wage a war of nerves against Earth. The Mysterons reconstruct Scarlet's body, imbuing him with their power of "retronization," effectively making him indestructible. Any injury or death he sustains is temporary; he heals and returns to life as if nothing had happened. This immortality makes him a crucial asset in Spectrum's fight against the Mysterons, as he can withstand otherwise fatal attacks.

Scarlet's indestructible nature is not without its drawbacks. While he cannot be permanently killed, he still experiences pain and discomfort from injuries. His resurrected form also differs slightly from his original, with a noticeably deeper voice. In the original series, his personality remains largely unchanged after his Mysteronization, though the effects on his psyche are sometimes hinted at.

In the 2005 New Captain Scarlet series, Captain Scarlet's origin and abilities are similar to the original. However, the CGI series explores the psychological effects of his immortality in greater detail, portraying him as more brooding and emotionally conflicted. His relationship with other Spectrum agents, particularly Captain Blue, is also given more focus.

Throughout both series, Captain Scarlet is portrayed as a dedicated and courageous agent, committed to protecting Earth from the Mysterons' threats. His immortality, while a significant advantage, is also a burden he carries as he continues to face the dangers of the Mysteron war.