Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels

Hanna-Barbera was determined to let no mystery go unsolved. They hit upon a successful TV formula when they created a group of mystery-solving teens with their 1969 series Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! After numerous variations on this theme — like The Funky Phantom (1971), Goober and the Ghost Chasers (1973), and Clue Club (1976) to name but three — they released their latest incarnation in 1977, involving a group of three teen beauties assisted by a short and hairy, but powerful and comical caveman.

One day, the three self-described Teen Angels, Brenda (brunette), Dee Dee (African-American) and Taffy (blond) found a caveman encased within a prehistoric block of glacial ice, and they set him free. Turns out, their newfound companion came in handy when they needed muscle while solving mysteries.

Understandably, Captain Caveman’s (or “Cavey” for short) primitive characteristics made him both a hindrance and a help. His neolithic intellect allowed for only a limited vocabulary, making him easily confused when carrying out all but the simplest of instructions. He did, however, make up for his mental shortcomings with some superhero-like abilities and a handy club.

Among his unique traits, Captain Caveman had super strength and the sporadic ability to fly (because it constantly fizzled out). In addition, his hollow utility club contained something similar to a Swiss Army knife of dinosaurs that popped out of the club’s hinged end in order to carry out a task. If all else failed, Cavey could pull an endless variety of useful objects from the depths of his body hair.

In its first season, Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels was part of the two-hour programming block, Scooby’s All Star Laff-A-Lympics. Brenda, Dee Dee, Taffy and Captain Caveman simultaneously debuted in Laff-A-Lympics — a separate series that was part of the same programming block. There they competed with other Hanna-Barbera cartoon characters in sporting competitions for gold, silver and bronze medals.

The series lasted for three seasons. In its second season it was part of the 90-minute programming block Scooby’s All-Stars, and in its third season the show stood on its own. In 1980, Captain Caveman returned to his prehistoric roots when got his own, self-titled segment on the 90-minute, The Flintstones Comedy Show. In this series he acted as copy boy at the Bedrock Daily News, while interacting with reporters Wilma and Betty. In 1986, Captain Caveman made another comeback when he starred in a show-within-a-show segment called Captain Caveman and Son as part of the 30-minute series, The Flintstone Kids.