Marcus Hearn, author of "Thunderbirds: The Vault", considers the reference to "atomic" engines during the attempted re-location of the Empire State Building to be an example of "Thunderbirds" "pre-occupation with nuclear power", which he argues "betrays the era of its production." He regards the episode overall as a satire of American TV networks in its characterisation of Ned Cook. Hearn also argues that unlike other episodes whose scripts were re-written to satisfy the longer running time, "Terror in New York City" balances its "two major plot strands" effectively. He describes the final act as "quintessential "Thunderbirds", with one jeopardy piled on another, a last-minute rescue and the sentimental redemption of the wheelchair-bound Ned".