UFO: Commander Straker’s on where the classic TV series went off the rails (video documentary).
So, the UFO TV series. A classic piece of television history that has left its mark on the hearts of many senior science fiction fans. But let’s take a moment to look back and chuckle at the quirks and idiosyncrasies that made the show what it was.
First off, let’s talk about the show’s protagonist, Ed Bishop. He had a vision for the series that was, shall we say, a bit more…extraterrestrial. He believed the show should have delved deeper into the concept of alien infiltration. Picture it: a more expansive exploration of the unknown, a more diverse portrayal of the extraterrestrial. But alas, the showrunners had other ideas.
Then there’s the mystery surrounding the missing people and body parts. It added a certain je ne sais quoi to the show’s appeal. But here’s the kicker: it was unintentional. That’s right, folks. The intrigue that kept us on the edge of our seats was not part of the initial design. Talk about a happy accident!
And let’s not forget about the human stories, particularly with Commander Striker’s character. As Bishop put it, “It just strained credulity a bit too much at that point.” But hey, who doesn’t love a bit of melodrama? After all, as Bishop said, “We’d much rather say I love you or I don’t love you. I want to be free. I mean that’s what actings are all about.”
Despite these quirks, Bishop believes that the overall integrity of the series is fantastic. The costumes and scenes were of high quality, and shooting the episodes at Pinewood Studios brought a different level of quality to the series. But even with all this, there still wasn’t enough time to fully develop the show’s potential.
In the end, the UFO series was a rollercoaster ride of aliens, missing body parts, and human drama. It may not have been perfect, but it sure was entertaining. And isn’t that what television is all about?