Starman (1987) – Starscape: Part 2, and The Test

The television series is on its last two episodes. In one sequence we learn that the events of the movie, in this version, were supposed to take place in 1972, explaining how Scott (Christopher Daniel Barnes) can be fourteen a couple of years after the events in the movies (which were definitely set in the…

Starman (1987) – Fathers and Sons, and Starscape: Part 1

Three stories to go? Somehow we’re rushing towards the end of the series, and it seems to be gearing up to go out on a high note. Fathers and Sons is a wonderful episode, even if it still subscribes to the formula that moves us from week to week. Written by Syrie James this episode…

Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1981) – The Dorian Secret

The final episode of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century was written by Stephen McPherson and is a bit of rumination on guilt, justice, and terrorism. The series surprised me one last time by delivering a story on 16 April, 1981, that had a lot to say, but surprise, surprise, wasn’t allowed to thrive the…

Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1981) – Journey to Oasis

Mark Lenard guest stars in the second feature length instalment of what is Buck Rogers derided second season. Written by Bob Mitchell, this double episode first aired on 22 January, 1981, and sees Buck (Gil Gerard) leading a party – despite the presence of a higher ranking officer, COLONEL Wilma Deering (Erin Gray) in the…

Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1981) – Time of the Hawk

So the retooled Buck Rogers launched on 15 January, 1981, with a two hour premiere that was written by Norman Hudis. Fans at the time, and anyone rewatching the series, like me, must have been scratching their head over the nonsensical changes that had been forced onto the series, even as it tried to shoehorn…

Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1980) – Flight of the War Witch

Flight of the War Witch, written by Rob Gilmer and Bruce Lansbury from a story by David Chomsky, closed out the first season of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, with a two hour finale on 27 March, 1980. I’ve resigned myself to the campiness of the series now, but I’m a little upset knowing…