The Correct Episode Order of “Return to the Planet of The Apes”

I have been watching the “Return to the Planet of The Apes” animated series, from 1975-1976, on Hulu. I realized they were out of order, so I went to IMDB to see what the proper order is. They are also out of order there, nor do they have a description of every episode. There was only one season, just thirteen episodes. I have pieced together, based on events in the series, what I think the order is supposed to be.

Series Description

Hulu Summary: Astronauts traveling aboard the NASA spacecraft Venture leave planet Earth in 1975 and return in the year A.D. 3979 only to learn that intelligent, technologically advanced apes now rule the planet. This relatively short lived series was based on “La Planète des Singes” (The Monkey Planet) by Pierre Boulle. Unlike its predecessors, Return to the Planet of the Apes is able to place the apes in a society that is not primitive and realize Boulle’s original style and setting. Filmation contributes its trademark animation and the great writing makes the show enjoyable.
IMDB Summary: While on a mission, three astronauts in their space ship get caught in a time vortex. They return to Earth in the year A.D. 3979 and discover that intelligent apes are now the highest form of life.

Flames of Doom

Hulu Summary: A trio of astronauts are thrusted forward in time and space. They find themselves fugitives after crash landing on the Planet of the Apes. Can they survive a relentless pursuit?
IMDB Summary: Three astronauts are catapulted into the future. Soon Judy is swallowed by the Earth and Bill and Jeff wind up in the company of primitive humans who are captured by talking apes.

Escape from Ape City

Hulu Summary: General Urko’s gorilla army launches an attack on the humanoids’ caves and Jeff is nearly killed as a result. Jeff is able to hide with Nova in the hopes of evading capture by Urko’s troops.
IMDB Summary: When Bill ends up at the laboratory in Ape City, Cornelius and Zira help him escape. Meanwhile Jeff and Nova search for Bill.

Tunnel of Fear

Hulu Summary: Overcoming fears of being caught, Bill and Jeff move the humans from the warpath of General Urko and his army. Will the two be able to help the people get to a new home before Urko catches up to them?
IMDB Summary: Bill and Jeff plan to relocate the humanoids, so they turn to Zira and Cornelius for help.

The Unearthly Prophecy

Hulu Summary: Urko and his gorilla army set out into the desert in search of the secret entrance to the Under-dwellers caverns. Will they succeed or can they be stopped before it’s too late?
IMDB Summary: Jeff and Bill discover an entrance to the lair of the Underdwellers, where they discover they’ve returned to Earth and find a brainwashed Judy in cahoots with the locals.

Terror on Ice Mountain

Hulu Summary:  During an archaeological dig on an ancient ruin, Cornelius uncovers an ancient, human-made book entitled ‘A Day at the Zoo’. Needless to say, the images and words inside could lead to much trouble for man and ape alike….

 

Lagoon of Peril

Hulu Summary: The Simian Senate convenes a secret session to discuss an event that could have direct effect on ape society – one of Urko’s soldiers, returning from a journey into the Forbidden Zone, babbling about intelligent humans.
IMDB Summary: Dr. Zaius mounts an expedition to the Forbidden Zone to find the astronauts’ spaceship, so Bill and Jeff head there first to destroy it.

River of Flames

Hulu Summary: Bill and Jeff discuss the best means of eluding Urko’s troops that are pursuing them, and Judy, relentlessly.
IMDB Summary: The Underdwellers enlist help from Jeff and Bill to stop a volcano from destroying their dwellings.

Screaming Wings

Hulu Summary: Bill, Jeff and Judy are heading for the human settlement across the plain between the mountain ranges when they spy human shapes far below. Are they about to encounter more free humans or individuals that are dangerous to all three?
IMDB Summary: When General Urko discovers a World War II fighter plane, the astronauts make plans to swipe it.

Trail to the Unknown 

Hulu Summary: Bill, Jeff and Judy begin building rafts to help the human tribes reach New Valley. Going through a nearby jungle, the trio encounter a very unlikely sight: a wrecked US spaceship and its pilot, Ron Brent.
IMDB Summary: The astronauts lead the humanoids to New Valley and stumble upon fellow astronaut Brent. Meanwhile General Urko tries to find the thief who stole his plane.

Attack from the Clouds

Hulu Summary: Residents of Ape City awaken one night to the sight of a huge flying object attacking the city. Urko believes the humans are behind the attack and orders his troops to track down those responsible and capture the object.

Mission of Mercy 

Hulu Summary: Bill and Jeff, realizing that most of their plane’s fuel was used up fighting the flying monster, set out to locate a new supply. However, Nova becomes ill during the trip and Judy hurries to Ape City in a race against time to get a cure for Nova.

Invasion of the Underdwellers 

Hulu Summary: Reports pour in to the police that burglars are striking all over Ape City. In fact, the burglars are General Urko and his troops, who hope to frame the Underwellers for the crimes.

Battle of the Titans

Hulu Summary: Urko has been relieved of his duties for three months because of his recent negligence involving his leadership and the failed attempts at capturing Blue Eyes and the rest of the humans.

 

Images and descriptions from Hulu and IMDB.