 Various commentators – including Bignell , Cull and O 'Brien – have also discussed Thunderbirds as a product of the Cold War era . Bignell comments that the Hood 's Oriental appearance and mysterious powers draw parallels with James Bond villains and fears of China operating as " a ' third force ' antagonistic to the West " . Cull observes that , despite the series ' focus on the dangers of nuclear technology , the Thunderbird machines contradict this particular theme : in their case , " an image of technology associated with the threat of Cold War mass destruction – the rocket emerging from the hidden silo – was appropriated and deployed to save life rather than to take it . " He argues that the series adheres more closely to cultural norms by drawing on the " Cold War cult of the secret agent whose skills defend the home from enemies unknown " , noting Lady Penelope 's role as a spy in addition to two episodes ( " 30 Minutes After Noon " and " The Man from MI.5 " ) that are heavily influenced by the James Bond novels and film adaptations . 
 Various commentators – including Bignell , Cull and O 'Brien – <a href='been_done' title='1'><mark>have</mark></a> also discussed Thunderbirds as a product of the Cold War era . Bignell <a href='uninflect' title='2'><mark>comments</mark></a> that the Hood <a href='null_genetive' title='3'><mark>'s</mark></a>Oriental appearance and mysterious powers draw parallels with James Bond villains and fears of China operating as " a ' third force ' antagonistic to the West " . Cull <a href='uninflect' title='4'><mark>observes</mark></a> that , despite the series <a href='null_genetive' title='5'><mark>'</mark></a>focus on the dangers of nuclear technology , the Thunderbird machines contradict this particular theme : in their case , " an image of technology associated with the threat of Cold War mass destruction – the rocket emerging from the hidden silo – was appropriated and deployed to save life rather than to take it . " He <a href='uninflect' title='6'><mark>argues</mark></a> that the series <a href='uninflect' title='7'><mark>adheres</mark></a> more closely to cultural norms by drawing on the " Cold War cult of the secret agent whose skills defend the home from enemies unknown " , noting Lady Penelope <a href='null_genetive' title='8'><mark>'s</mark></a>role as a spy in addition to two episodes ( " 30 Minutes After Noon " and " The Man from MI.5 " ) <a href='null_relcl' title='9'><mark>that</mark></a>are heavily influenced by the James Bond novels and film adaptations . 
Various commentators – including Bignell , Cull and O 'Brien – done also discussed Thunderbirds as a product of da Cold War era . Bignell comment dat the Hood  Oriental appearance and mysterious powers draw parallels w James Bond villains and fears of China operating as " a ' third force ' antagonistic to the West " . Cull observe that , despite tdaseries  focus on the dangers of nuclear technology , thdahunderbird machines contradict dis particular theme : in their case , " an image of technology associated with the threat of Cold War mass destruction – the rocket emerging from the hidden silo – was appropriated and deployed to save life rather den to take it . " He argue that the series adhere more closely to cultural norms by drawing on the " Cold War cult of the secret agent whose skills defend the home from enemies unknown " , nuffin Lady Penelope  role as a spy in addition to two episodes ( " 30 Minutes After Noon " and " The Man from MI.5 " ) r heavily influenced by thedames Bond novels and film adaptations .