Space:1999 (TV Series)

Space:1999 grew from a concept for a second series of UFO. When it was obvious that UFO was not going to be renewed, Gerry Anderson decided to make a series based on the Earth's moon.

By a freak accident involving the explosive effects of nuclear waste, the Moon is sent hurtling into outer space. Despite the bad science involved, the series soon acquirred a cult following.

Gerry Anderson enlisted husband and wife team Martin Landau and Barbara Bain to play the principal leads. Other well known names were also used like Barry Morse. Model work and effects were extremely impressive for the time, and the series was the most expensive TV series produced at the time. Unfortunately, the large sets suffered from a number of problems with the often prevalent strikes that plagued British TV during those years. Lighting became one problem, and it can be seen that often, sets are not properly lit.

An Italian network also co-funded Space:1999's first season meaning that a number of Italian co-stars had to be included for the first season, these actors were usually dubbed as they spoke little English.

The second series was co-produced with Fred Freiberger rather than Sylvia Anderson. This had a couple of reasons, the breakdown of the Anderson working relationship, and the insistence on a more action orientated show by the American networks. Strangely enough, years later, most viewers prefer the more cerebral and thought provoking stories of season one to the more action packed season two.

Season two meant drastic changes. Out went Barry Morse's Professor Victor Bergman, also gone were Paul Morrow, Tanya Alexandra and David Kano. Anton Phillip's Bob Mathias character stayed for the first couple of episodes of the second season, but a deal could not be struck and he was replaced by Jefferey Kissoon's Dr Ben Vincent. Tony Anholt, known for his role in The Protectors was brought in as Security Chief Tony Verdeschi, but also played the role almost as a defacto second in command. Catherine Schell brought in a piece of glamour as Maya, the shapechanging alien, an idea which would become popular some years later in Star Treks Deep Space 9. In addition to the actors, the grand sets were slimmed down. The large Main Mission set, which although impressive had been such trouble to light, was replaced by Command Center which was far more claustrophobic. Costumes changed as well, and aliens were more often of the 'man in a rubber suit' variety. Viewer numbers suffered during the second season but there was still some decent stories there.

A third season was never commisioned partly due to poor viewer ratings, and secondly because of Lord Grade, head of ITC, had a desire to move into feature films.

Record 847 - TV series - Last update 27 Jul 2007, 14:33:39

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