My
latest column at Anorak is now live!
It gazes
at five science fiction TV programs from the last fifty years that underwent
drastic revisions in their second seasons, and were subsequently canceled
because of those changes, at least in part.
The
series I discuss include Space:1999 (1975 – 1977), Buck
Rogers in the 25th Century (1979 – 1981), War
of the Worlds (1988 – 1990), SeaQuest DSV (1993 – 1995), and Dark
Angel (2000 – 2002).
Here’s asnippet:
WE might accept as axiomatic the belief
that patience is a virtue. However, over the decades, several notable and even
celebrated science fiction TV series have failed to live up to this ideal.
Instead of demonstrating
patience and prudence, their makers have instead demonstrated radical
impatience, and — after
promising first season sorties —
instituted sweeping changes that, in some cases, threw away the baby with the
bath water.
Below is a list of five science fiction
programs that — had they adhered more closely to their original format —
might have survived the turbulent air-waves for several additional
seasons.
In
other words, these science fiction TV series were not broke, and simply didn’t
require the kind of dramatic format “fixing” they endured.
ReplyDeleteJohn you absolutely are correct about these series all derailing their first seasons accomplishments with second season radical changes that ruined the series. My favorite series Space:1999 lost so much storytelling strength with it's second season Americanization.
SGB
I generally agree with your comments (posted at Anorak), however I always felt a bit uneasy about criticising Freiberger's changes for the second season of Space:1999. In '76 , I found the changes in the series made it hugely more enjoyable from a kid's perspective. Not just more action , and jazzier music. I actually cared more for the characters (I remember feeling upset that Dr. Russell might have suffered permanent brain damage in "The Metamorph"). Koenig's teary recollection about his wife in "The Rules of Luton" was very moving to me (as a kid). Back then, I found such moments to be lacking in the first season. The characters were fleshed out more in the second season. Critics repeatedly criticise the first season for its shallow characterizations. Freiberger said the show was basically cancelled and that he saved it with ideas for a second season. At least, I can thank him for that. The biggest problem with series was Gerry Anderson: coming up with a ludicrous premise and having more interest in effects and costumes than stories Even Brian Johnson thought the idea of a travelling moon was a "rubbish concept". Anderson even seems to have borrowed the premise for "Journey to the Far Side of the Sun" from Doctor Who's "The Tenth Planet" (Mondas being Earth's double). Anderson was certainly no Gene Rodenberry. He's often been decribed as a British Irwin Allen (another producer who cared little about scientific accuracy in his stories).
ReplyDeleteAs for the second season of Buck Rogers, I appreciated the more serious approach. Gil Gerard has said the the first season was like "Charlies Angels in Space". I agree, it was a bit too fluffy.