Must-Watch: The Top 8 Young Indiana Jones TV Show Episodes Revealed!

These are the episodes of The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones worth watching out of the 22 episodes currently streaming on Disney+ under the Indiana Jones category. Created and written by George Lucas, these episodes were originally produced as a joint venture between Lucasfilm and Steven Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment. They aired on ABC from 1992 to 1993 under the title The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles. Some episodes were not regularly syndicated, and four TV movies were released in the mid-90s. In 1996, Lucas collaborated with T.M. Christopher to reassemble all 28 episodes and the TV films into 22 episodes, each lasting about 90 minutes.

Each episode showcases two adventures in chronological order, following Indy's journey from his early days as a young boy traveling the world with his father, Professor Henry Jones Sr., to his involvement in World War I as a teenager. From East Africa and Istanbul to Germany and Paris, Indy finds himself caught up in the excitement of the era's historical events, including Lawrence of Arabia's struggles in Egypt, Al Capone's Prohibition-era Chicago, the vibrant art scene in Paris with Pablo Picasso, and the menacing presence of Nazi Germany. The best episodes strike the perfect balance between adventure, excitement, historical trivia, and valuable life lessons.

8 My First Adventure

In the first episode of Young Indiana Jones, fans of Indy's adventures in Egypt in Raiders of the Lost Ark will be captivated. The episode follows nine-year-old Indy as he joins his father on a worldwide lecture tour, visiting notable places such as the Valley of the Kings and the excavation of Ka's tomb. During his journey, Indy forms friendships with T.E. Lawrence and a young Howard Carter before the discovery of King Tut's tomb. However, trouble arises when the mysterious jackal headpiece is stolen, leading Indy and Lawrence on a mission to uncover the culprit. Along the way, Indy is abducted by slave traders and taken across the Sahara.

This episode not only provides insight into Indy's backstory, including his relationship with his father and his childhood kidnapping, but it also sets the stage for his intense hatred of the Thuggee cult in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. In a later episode, an older Indy recognizes the man responsible for the theft of the headpiece during the Mexican Revolutionary War in 1916. Similar to his pursuit of the Cross of Coronado in The Last Crusade, Indy's ability to solve the mystery surrounding the artifact brings the story full circle. However, this accomplishment is explored in a different episode.

7 Travels With My Father

In the series Travels With My Father, a young Indy (Corey Carrier) accompanies his father to the monasteries of Meteora in Greece during flashbacks. Meanwhile, an older Indy (Sean Patrick Flanery) returns to Princeton after serving in World War I. The flashbacks in this particular episode highlight the stark contrast between the last time Indy and his father had a positive relationship and their current strained dynamic. Lloyd Owen, portraying a younger version of Sean Connery in the episode Rings of Powers, delivers a remarkable performance in a tense table scene. Here, a teenage Indy attempts to convince his father about the realities of war, only to be met with strong opposition in a battle of intellects.

Fans who have long been intrigued by Indy's complex relationship with his father, particularly since The Last Crusade, will appreciate how Young Indiana Jones delves into their backstory and expands the existing canon. The feud between Indy and his father is not solely rooted in Dr. Jones' preoccupation with the Holy Grail diary, as one might assume. Both Indy and his father possess stubbornness and an inability to understand each other's perspectives, leading to a breakdown in communication. Nonetheless, there is a genuine sense of pain in Henry's eyes when Indy embarks on another adventure instead of dedicating more time to convincing his father of his own beliefs.

6 Passions For Life

In this thrilling episode of The Young Adventures of Indiana Jones, Indy embarks on a captivating journey that takes him from British East Africa to the vibrant streets of Bohemian Paris. Accompanying his father on a global lecture tour, Indy (Corey Carrier) finds himself invited to a coffee plantation in Africa, where he unexpectedly encounters President Theodore Roosevelt. Instantly captivated by Indy's charm, Roosevelt enlists his help in collecting valuable artifacts for the esteemed Smithsonian Museum.

As the story progresses, an older Indy (Sean Patrick Flanery) ventures to Paris and becomes immersed in the city's diverse art subcultures. Along the way, he forms unlikely friendships with two renowned painters, Norman Rockwell and Pablo Picasso, who represent contrasting artistic styles.

While it may seem extraordinary for Indy to have so many encounters with influential historical figures during his childhood, it is important to note that he possessed an impressive linguistic ability, speaking 27 languages by the age of 19. His insatiable intellect, combined with his exceptional talents with a bullwhip and rugged good looks, made him both intriguing and appealing to others. Furthermore, the series skillfully infuses these encounters with a touch of whimsy, reinforcing the idea that there is a vast and captivating world waiting to be explored by those as daring as Indy.

Among the notable performances in the Young Indiana Jones series, James Gammon's portrayal of Teddy Roosevelt stands out as one of the finest portrayals of historical figures.

5 Treasure of the Peacock's Eye

In Treasure of the Peacock's Eye, viewers are taken on a thrilling journey that embodies the essence of a classic Indiana Jones adventure. Filled with intense action sequences, globe-trotting escapades, and a touch of mysticism, the film centers around the quest for the Peacock's Eye, an exceptionally rare and invaluable diamond. As the seasoned Indy (played by Sean Patrick Flanery) and his trusty companion Remy embark on their mission, they traverse the globe, eventually finding themselves in New Guinea. However, their pursuit is not without obstacles, as a mysterious One-Eyed Man relentlessly pursues them from Egypt to the South Pacific.

Originally created as part of the mid-'90s television series, The Young Adventures of Indiana Jones, this particular episode truly captures the essence of the iconic Lucas and Spielberg films. The episode boasts high production values, evident through its impressive special effects and meticulous art direction. Notably, viewers are treated to captivating scenes in which Indy and Remy find themselves captured by headhunters, cleverly outwit Chinese pirates, and even cross paths with the renowned anthropologist, Bronislaw Malinowski.

4 The Trenches Of Hell

In this episode, Indy and his friend Remy find themselves amidst trench warfare as they join a Belgian company in their fight against the Germans in WWI. The company suffers devastating losses, leaving only a few survivors. In the absence of officers, a temporary French commander orders the remaining soldiers to capture a château. However, their mission goes awry, resulting in Indy being captured by the Germans and Remy being left for dead. The subsequent events take place in a prison camp where Indy, determined to escape, devises a plan with the help of Charles De Gaulle.

"The Trenches of Hell" is part of a series of episodes known as "The War Years," which follow Indy and Remy's adventures during WWI. These episodes provide a raw and unfiltered depiction of the chaos and violence of war, shaping Indy into the righteous protector he becomes in the films and solidifying his disdain for Nazis. Another notable episode from this period is "The Phantom Train of Doom," which showcases an exhilarating high-speed adventure aboard a German train.

3 Demons Of Deception

In another installment of "The War Years," Demons of Deception, Indy faces challenging decisions during WWI, particularly when it involves officers sacrificing their men without any territorial gains. Reuniting with Remy, Indy manages to secure leave in Paris with the help of his father's influential friend. Despite knowing he can't trust her, Indy falls in love with the renowned German spy, Mata Hari, only to find himself arrested and interrogated by the French police.

This episode skillfully blends the horrors of war with the intrigue of espionage and wartime spying. Since these episodes solely center around Sean Patrick Flanery portraying a teenage Indiana Jones, they delve into more mature themes and adopt a more adult tone compared to the adventures featuring Corey Carrier. Indy is compelled to confront his naive understanding of the world's workings, as the illusions of youth gradually give way to the wisdom gained through life experiences.

2 Mystery Of The Blues

In Mystery of the Blues, Indy finds himself transported to the lively atmosphere of the Roaring '20s. Amidst the vibrant Chicago jazz scene, a restaurateur is tragically murdered, setting off a thrilling crime adventure. Alongside his work at a speakeasy and his pursuit of learning the blues from Sidney Bechet, Indy joins forces with the renowned FBI agent Eliot Ness and famous author Ernest Hemingway to unravel the mystery. As he delves into the treacherous world of the criminal underworld, Indy encounters notorious figures like Al Capone, who dominated the Prohibition Era.

What sets this episode apart is the appearance of the original Indiana Jones himself, Harrison Ford, in a Young Indiana Jones cameo. Snowed in a cabin in Wyoming, a 50-year-old Indy reminisces about his time in Chicago, his eyes shining with that trademark spark. During the filming of The Fugitive, Ford graciously agreed to film the cameo in his own home, donning a salt-and-pepper beard seven years prior to the events of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

1 Masks Of Evil

In Masks of Evil, a supernatural twist is introduced as Indy comes face to face with General Mattias Targo, believed to be the reincarnation of Vlad the Impaler. Disguised as a journalist, Indy embarks on a journey from Venice to uncover the fate of three men who were investigating Targo's origins. To his astonishment, Indy realizes that he may be confronting Count Dracula himself. Simultaneously, he endeavors to persuade Turkish general Mustaga Kemal to choose peace with the Allied Forces over the Germans.

This episode stands out from others in The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones due to its infusion of fantasy, adding to its appeal and connection to the blurred line between reality and fiction in the Indy films. Noteworthy is Bob Peck's portrayal of General Targo, which coincided with his role as game warden Robert Muldoon in Jurassic Park. Peck delivers a larger-than-life performance, akin to a Bond-like nemesis, that adds an extra layer of intrigue to the Indiana Jones franchise.