In this post, I focus specifically on the inaugural episode of Adventure of Superman's third season, the very first episode of Superman ever broadcast in color.
What this means essentially, is that the season premiere, "Through the Time Barrier" represents the first time in live-action television history that the Man of Steel's red, blue and yellow costume could be seen in all its colorful, dynamic glory.
In "Through the Time Barrier," the notorious gangster Turk Jackson (Jim Hyland) has turned himself over to reporter Clark Kent at the Daily Planet, in hopes of getting a fair shake from the Metropolis DA.
As Kent, Jimmy, Lois and Perry White escort the thug to the elevator, however, they run into the hapless Professor Twiddle (Sterling Holloway), a man who claims to have "conquered time."
To prove his point, Twiddle activates a small, suitcase-sized time machine and subsequently hurls everyone in the elevator back to the year 50,000 BC.
Once in prehistoric times, Clark and the others realize that Twiddle is no prankster and that they really have been transported through epochs of history. Unfortunately, Twiddle has "neglected" the reversal process and there's simply no way to get home. Secretly, Clark transforms into Superman, but even the Last Son of Krypton cannot pierce "the time barrier" and get back to modern Metropolis.
Meanwhile, Turk realizes he's been given a "get out of jail free" card and sets about corrupting the local cave men; setting himself up as history's first mob boss. Turk maintains order by bullying the Neanderthals with fire...and with his gun.
Even as Professor Twiddle comes to believe that a special mineral found only in meteors (!) may be the key to getting back home to the 20th century, Lois, Jimmy and Perry fall prey to poisonous "coal gas" in their new cave home.
This looks like a job for...Superman.
Produced on threadbare sets, "Through the Time Barrier" is nonetheless an enjoyable romp that shows off the series at its innocent, entertaining best. The dialogue is witty and charming without being campy, and there's even a terrific shot late in the half-hour featuring Superman breaking through a cave wall, lunging toward the camera as rocks explode in every direction. The episode also has some material in common with the very first Doctor Who serial in 1963, "The Unearthly Child." Both deal with primitive man, fire, and escape from the prehistoric era.
As Kent, Jimmy, Lois and Perry White escort the thug to the elevator, however, they run into the hapless Professor Twiddle (Sterling Holloway), a man who claims to have "conquered time."
To prove his point, Twiddle activates a small, suitcase-sized time machine and subsequently hurls everyone in the elevator back to the year 50,000 BC.
Once in prehistoric times, Clark and the others realize that Twiddle is no prankster and that they really have been transported through epochs of history. Unfortunately, Twiddle has "neglected" the reversal process and there's simply no way to get home. Secretly, Clark transforms into Superman, but even the Last Son of Krypton cannot pierce "the time barrier" and get back to modern Metropolis.
Meanwhile, Turk realizes he's been given a "get out of jail free" card and sets about corrupting the local cave men; setting himself up as history's first mob boss. Turk maintains order by bullying the Neanderthals with fire...and with his gun.
Even as Professor Twiddle comes to believe that a special mineral found only in meteors (!) may be the key to getting back home to the 20th century, Lois, Jimmy and Perry fall prey to poisonous "coal gas" in their new cave home.
This looks like a job for...Superman.
Produced on threadbare sets, "Through the Time Barrier" is nonetheless an enjoyable romp that shows off the series at its innocent, entertaining best. The dialogue is witty and charming without being campy, and there's even a terrific shot late in the half-hour featuring Superman breaking through a cave wall, lunging toward the camera as rocks explode in every direction. The episode also has some material in common with the very first Doctor Who serial in 1963, "The Unearthly Child." Both deal with primitive man, fire, and escape from the prehistoric era.
What I noticed most about "Through the Time Barrier," however, is -- again -- the way a cunning Clark Kent is always one-step ahead of everybody else, directing the action, even pushing his friends (and enemies) towards certain conclusions so as to protect his identity as Superman...and also save the day. Superman always smiles and seems cheery, but he's actually guiding the whole world, one move at a time.
I'm of the generation that grew up with Christopher Reeve as Superman, but the more I watch these episodes of Adventures of Superman, the more I appreciate George Reeves' clockwork-perfect sense of timing; and his subtle shifts of mood and disposition.
The story-line of "Through The Time Barrier" isn't so much simplistic as...uncluttered. Superman attempts to find a way home, and also must deal with a crook who sees a way to exploit the situation.
There isn't any time or energy in the half-hour diverted to angst or soap opera plot lines. It's just action, reaction, and some funny character moments. Again, I must note how much the dialogue here sparkles. The episode reminded me a bit of the original Star Trek: there's a deep-seated joy in the performances -- just between the lines -- that renders the entire enterprise remarkably fun.
By lasting for five enjoyable, heroic and inventive seasons, The Adventures of Superman laid the foundations for literally every superhero series in television history. Accordingly, many of the newer shows made since seem to follow slavishly in its impressive footsteps. The Adventures of Superman vetted the evil double show, the amnesia show, the "dream" show, the time travel show and just about every other variation on a theme too. And it did so with this trademark sense of fun.
The Adventures of Superman inspired me as a kid; and the series is good enough that it still inspires me in adulthood, trumpeting not just "truth, justice and the American Way," but the timeless and priceless values of clever writing, tight narratives, and great characterization.
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