The Thing (segments)


 * For the character, see the Thing. You may also be looking for The Addams Family character Thing.

The Thing is a series of animated segments as part of Fred and Barney Meet the Thing, produced by Hanna-Barbera for NBC's Saturday morning programming block. It ran in 1979, airing 13 episodes. It is the second and final series based on Marvel Comics' The Fantastic Four, which was a straightforward adaptation of the same name.

*Sigh.* This time around, the Thing/Ben Grimm (sans Fantastic Four) has been reimagined as a man who was caught in a mysterious accident transforming him into the rock-like mutant. Thanks to Professor Harkness, he can transform back into a human due to a special ring called "Ring Thing," but unfortunately, only as a teenager, who comes to be known as "Benjy" Grimm. As if that couldn't get more pathetic, his only friend is Professor Harkness' youngest daughter, a precious girl called Kelly, although they hangout with Kelly's popular older sister and Benjy's completely not innappropriate love interest, Betty, her rich boyfriend, Ronald Radford, and last but not least, their Centerville High teacher, Miss Twilly. Yes, they love nothing more than taking old Miss Twilly on rides on outings, usually on school trips that leave all other students absent for some reason. Benjy also has to deal with the local biker gang led by Spike Hanrahan. *Sigh*

Music
The score was composed by Hoyt Curtin.

Cast

 * Joe Baker as The Thing
 * Wayne Morton as Benjy Grimm and Stretch
 * Noelle North as Kelly Harkness
 * Marilyn Schreffler as Betty Harkness and Miss Twilly
 * John Erwin as Ronald Radford
 * Art Metrano as Spike Hanrahan
 * Michael Sheehan as Turkey
 * John Stephenson as Professor Harkness