The great James McLean -- one of my favorite scholars and friends in the world -- and I are now co-hosting an (irregular) cult-TV podcast called John and Jim's Excellent Journey. The podcast is devoted to classic, cult-TV, and our first episode is now available!
This entry looks at classic TV and, in particular, the TV shows of the late Glen Larson (1937-2014). We discuss Knight Rider, Battlestar Galactica, and Manimal, among other things.
But we are also a bit -- let's say undisciplined -- in our cult-TV ramblings.
Let me know if you like the podcast, and what other subjects you would like to see Jim and I cover!
Very good. I was impressed. I like the philosophical touches. And the application of the word/term "joy". It's funny how that element often gets forgotten by the makers of television shows. (Make it grim & snappy and people will think it's great.)
ReplyDeleteKeep them coming.
John, I extremely enjoyed John and Jim's Excellent Journey episode one. James McLean and your discussions of classic cult-television is simply wonderful. Three networks and syndication of the late twentieth century television history is the foundation of today's new "golden era" of television with so many more outlets. I am so glad that you both will educate the listeners to what came before the year 2000. John, please do a podcast episode with Jim on SPACE:1999.
ReplyDeleteSGB
Thank you, SGB! We are planning to do Space:1999 for our second episode!!!
DeleteAwesome!
DeleteSGB
John, I totally agree with your thoughts on the Knight Rider formula that works.
ReplyDelete1-cool car
2-voice actor K.I.T.T. that has chemistry with on screen actor playing Michael Knight
Also, I agree that the BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25TH CENTURY 1979 pilot "Awakening" feature film established many interesting plot points that were sadly abandoned in the first season:
1-The Earth's cities all being in ruins, except for one and only one the Inner City a.k.a. New Chicago. That matte painting that you mentioned would have made the first season interesting exploring the Earth's many ruins of cities with Buck.
2-Earth Defense Directorate had a defense force field that encompasses the Earth so nothing, including the Draconian Starfortress or it's Marauder fighters, can enter the Earth's atmosphere. This sadly was not mentioned after the pilot film.
3-The computer council that Dr. Theopolis was a member of ruled the only city [New Chicago] on Earth.
SGB
Thanks for reminding me, SGB. A podcast episode on the 1973-1974 US/Canada television series "The Starlost" would be interesting. (Shameless self promotion: I wrote the liner notes for its 2008 DVD release.)
ReplyDeleteThe Starlost would be a great future topic, Simon. That is awesome that you wrote the notes for the DVD release. I have watched those DVDs multiple times. Great job!
DeleteI purchased the 2008 dvd STARLOST set too and Simon your notes are great.
DeleteSGB
Thanks, Gents! Much appreciated.
DeleteThe "Transferring control to Viper fighers/probe craft" lady was portrayed by actress Sarah Rush. The character's name was Rigel.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. The name of the actress and character escaped me in the moment!
DeleteVery interesting and entertaining! Please keep on doing these! And I certainly hope that there will be one concentrating on THE X-FILES, and one on SPACE 1999!
ReplyDeleteI am a little delayed in getting to hear this, but well done. I could certainly listen to you all discuss any manner of topics. Very impressive first outing. Two thinks stuck out to me--your excellent point that an episode like "Trouble with Tribbles" actually likely wouldn't happen in a show running lengthy story arcs, and the discussion that being accused of imitating is not necessarily an automatic negative. Yes, that's what television especially was back when Glen Larson was in his heyday, but it also is an excellent point in general to remember every time someone pulls out the "they just aren't original anymore" argument about Hollywood (one I've seen articulated in the media so many times in my lifetime that I think it's the critics who lack originality). The magic of George Lucas' franchises is that they are energized approaches to familiar material, whether its space opera or cliffhangers. The fact those films inspired other films as well as television should not be an automatic knock on the fact Hollywood saw giving those inspired productions the green light as safe.
ReplyDeleteCool! Can't wait to hear it!
ReplyDeleteUPDATE!
DeleteI listened to the first episode and enjoyed it tremendously! Interesting thoughts on Galactica and the Glen Larson canon.
I look forward to the next episode, particularly if it's going to cover Space:1999!
(Also, if you ever get around to Lost In Space, please...be gentle. It's still my favorite show!)
Steve