TV Sci-Fi

16 + GUIDE

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TV Sci-Fi
CONTENTS

Page

IMPORTANT NOTE................................................................................................................. 1
ACCESSING RESEARCH MATERIALS.................................................................................. 2
APPROACHES TO RESEARCH, by Samantha Bakhurst ....................................................... 4
INTRODUCTION by Sean Delaney ......................................................................................... 6
AMERICAN TELEVISION ........................................................................................................ 8
SCIENCE FICTION ON AMERICAN TELEVISION ................................................................. 9
AUDIENCES AND FANS ......................................................................................................... 11
ANDROMEDA ......................................................................................................................... 12
BABYLON 5 ............................................................................................................................ 14
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA ................................................................................................... 17
FARSCAPE ............................................................................................................................. 19
THE IRWIN ALLEN QUARTET

VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA ...................................................................... 23

LOST IN SPACE............................................................................................................... 24

THE TIME TUNNEL.......................................................................................................... 27

LAND OF THE GIANTS.................................................................................................... 28

QUANTUM LEAP .................................................................................................................... 30
STARGATE SG-1.................................................................................................................... 32
STAR TREK: Introduction ..................................................................................................... 37

GENERAL REFERENCES ............................................................................................... 38

ORIGINAL SERIES (1966-1969) ...................................................................................... 41

THE MISSING SERIES .................................................................................................... 43

THE NEXT GENERATION (1987-1994) ........................................................................... 44

DEEP SPACE NINE (1993-1999) ..................................................................................... 46

VOYAGER (1995-2001).................................................................................................... 47
THE TWILIGHT ZONE ............................................................................................................ 50

Compiled by:

Sean Delaney
Chris Bryant
Nicola Clarke
Nathalie Sergent

Layout/Design:

Ian O'Sullivan

Project Manager:

David Sharp

bfi National Library

21 Stephen Street
London W1T 1LN

2002

16+ MEDIA STUDIES

INFORMATION GUIDE STATEMENT
Candidates should note that examiners have copies of this guide and will not
give credit for mere reproduction of the information it contains. Candidates
are reminded that all research sources must be credited.

ACCESSING RESEARCH MATERIALS

1. bfi NATIONAL LIBRARY:
All the materials referred to in this guide are available for consultation at the bfi National
Library. If you wish to visit the reading room of the library and do not already hold
membership, you will need to take out a one-day, five-day or annual pass. Full details of
access to the library and charges can be found at www.bfi.org.uk/library.

bfi NATIONAL LIBRARY READING ROOM OPENING HOURS

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday

10.30am - 5.30pm
10.30am - 8.00pm
1.00pm - 8.00pm
10.30am - 8.00pm
10.30am - 5.30pm

If you are visiting the library from a distance or are planning to visit as a group, it is advisable
to contact the Reading Room librarian in advance (tel. 020 7957 4824, or email
[email protected]).

bfi National Library

British Film Institute
21 Stephen Street
London W1T 1LN
Tel. 020 7255 1444
www.bfi.org.uk/library
The librarys nearest underground stations are Tottenham Court Road and Goodge Street
(please see www.bfi.org.uk/library/visiting for a map of the area).

COPIES OF ARTICLES
If you are unable to visit the library or would like materials referred to in this guide sent to you,
the bfi Information Service can supply copies of articles via its Research Services. Research
is charged at a range of hourly rates, with a minimum charge for half an hours research full
details of services and charges can be found at
www.bfi.org.uk/library/services/research.html.
For queries about article copying or other research, please contact Information Services at
the above address or tel. no. or post your enquiry online at www.bfi.org.uk/ask.

2. OTHER SOURCES:
Your local library
Local libraries should have access to the inter-library loan system for requesting items
they do not hold and they may have copies of MONTHLY FILM BULLETIN and SIGHT
AND SOUND. Some recent newspaper items may be held by your local reference library.
Larger libraries will hold other relevant materials and should offer internet access.
Your nearest college/university
Universities may allow access to outside students, though you may not be able to borrow
books or journals. Ask your reference librarian, who should be able to assist by locating
the nearest college library holding suitable material. The BFI Film and Television
Handbook lists libraries with significant media collections.
Your school library
Local bookshops
Some of the books mentioned in the bibliography will be in print and your bookshop should
be able to order items for you.
The British Library Newspaper Library
The Newspaper Library will have all the newspaper items referred to in this guide. Contact
the library first if you wish to visit. 16+ students under the age of 18 will need to make an
appointment.
The British Library Newspaper Library
Colindale Avenue
London NW9 5HE
Tel. 020 7412 7353

APPROACHES TO RESEARCH

Samantha Bakhurst

Why do research?
You cannot simply rely on your existing knowledge when approaching essays in Media
Studies. Although you will have some understanding of the area being explored, it is not
enough to enable you to examine the area in depth. If you were asked to write about the
people in your street in detail, you might have some existing information about names, faces,
relationships, issues and activities but this knowledge would not offer you details such as
every single one of their names, who knows who, who gets on with whom, how people earn a
living, what has happened to them in the past and so on. This extra information could change
your opinions quite dramatically. Without it, therefore, your written profile would end up being
quite shallow and possibly incorrect. The same is true of your understanding of media texts,
issues and institutions.
Before researching any area, it is useful to be clear about what outcomes you are hoping to
achieve. Research is never a waste of time, even when it doesnt directly relate to the essay
you are preparing. The information may be relevant to another area of the syllabus, be it
practical work or simply a different essay. Also, the picture you are building up of how an area
works will strengthen your understanding of the subject as a whole. So what outcomes are
you hoping to achieve with your research?

A broad overview of the area you are researching: This includes its history, institutions,
conventions and relationship to the audience. Research into these aspects offers you an
understanding of how your area has developed and the influences which have shaped it.

An awareness of different debates which may exist around the area of study: There
are a range of debates in many subject areas. For example, when researching audiences
you will discover that there is some debate over how audiences watch television or film,
ranging from the passive consumption ofvalues and ideas to the use of media texts in a
critical and independent way. Any discussion about censorship, for example, and an
analysis of the debates which emerged over the release of the film Crash, will be
extremely shallow if you have no knowledge of these different perspectives.

Some knowledge of the work of theorists in that particular area: You need to
demonstrate that you have read different theorists, exploring the relevant issues and
investigating the area thoroughly in order to develop your own opinion based on acquired
knowledge and understanding.

Information relevant to all key concept areas. You should, after research, be able to
discuss all key concept areas as they relate to that specific subject area. These are the
codes and conventions, representation, institutions and audience.

Types of research

Primary: This is first-hand research. In other words, it relies on you constructing and
conducting surveys, setting up interviews with key people in the media industry or keeping
a diary or log of data (known as quantative information) on such things as what activities
women are shown doing in advertisements over one week of television viewing, for
example. Unless you are equipped to conduct extensive research, have access to relevant
people in the media industry or are thorough in the up-keep of your diary or log, this type
of research can be demanding, complex and sometimes difficult to use. Having said that, if
you are preparing for an extended essay, then it is exactly this type of research which, if
well used, will make your work distinctive and impressive.

Secondary: This is where you will be investigating information gathered by other people in
books, pamphlets, on radio, television, in the newspaper and in magazines. All of these
sources are excellent for finding background information, statistics, interviews, collected
research details and so on. This will form the majority of your research. Some of these will
be generally available (in public libraries for example); others such as press releases and
trade press may only be available through specialist libraries.

Other Media: When considering one area of the media or one particular product or type of
product, it is very important that you compare it with others which are similar. You will
need to be able to refer to these comparisons in some detail so it is not enough to simply
watch a film. You will need to read a little about that film, make notes, concentrate on one
or two scenes which seem particularly relevant and write all of this information up so that
you can refer to it when you need to.

History and development: Having an understanding of the history and development of

the media text which you are researching will provide a firm foundation and context for
contemporary analysis. There is a difference between generally accepted facts and how
theorists use these facts.

Theory: This is the body of work of other critics of the media. Most of the books and
periodical articles which you will read for research will be written by theorists who are
arguing a particular viewpoint or position with regard to an issue within the media. It is this
which forms the debates surrounding the study of the media, in which you, as a media
student, are now becoming involved.
Using research

Organising your research: Before rushing headlong into the local library, the first stage
of research is to plan two things. When are you able to do your research and how are you
going to organise the information gathered? You may, for example, wish to make notes
under the headings listed above.

Applying your research: Always return to the specific questions being asked of the text.
The most obvious pitfall is to gather up all of the collected information and throw it at the
page, hoping to score points for quantity. The art of good research is how you use it as
part of or evidence for an analysis of the text which you are exploring. The knowledge you
have acquired should give you the confidence to explore the text, offer your own
arguments and, where appropriate, to quote references to support this.

Listing your research: It is good practice, and excellent evidence of your wider
reading, to list all references to secondary research, whether mentioned within the
essay or not, at the end of your work. This is usually written in this way:
Notes

1.Len Masterman, Teaching About Television, London, Macmillan, 1980.

2. Manuel Alvarado and Bob Ferguson, The Curriculum, Media Studies and Discursivity,
Screen, vol.24, no.3, May-June 1983.
Other media texts referred to in detail should be listed, with relevant information such as
the director, date of release or transmission, production company and, where possible,
scene or episode number.
Where you have compiled primary research, it is useful to offer a brief summary of this also at
the end of your work.

Introduction

by Sean Delaney

This 16+ Study Guide is based of the holdings of the bfi National Library. Although it is aimed
at A-Level Media Studies students, it is hoped it will be useful for under/post-graduate
students as part of their initial literature searching, and, fingers crossed, may even be of use
for the television science fiction (TVSF) fan.
It contains a larger main TVSF bibliography section framed by two short sections on American
television and fandom. The rest of the guide contains sections on selected shows from
ANDROMEDA to THE TWILIGHT ZONE. STAR TREK is the series that all other science fiction
shows are judged by and refer to or imitate. Selection has been based upon an Americansin-Space format. (Therefore, no X-FILES, BUFFY etc.). Availability of useful sources was also
a factor. Quite where The Twilight Zone fits in is a moot point. The compilers defend its
inclusion on the basis that it was a ground-breaking series not only for science fiction but for
American television as well. The series is also a classic example of the problems of defining
the genre.
The literature and the problems of genre
American television science fiction (USTVSF) is as old as American television and has been
consistently popular with audiences. However, this popularity does not always extend to
academics, broadcasters and producers.
The genre may be as old as television itself, but there is no large body of research as there is
for other genres. This may reflect the reality of television studies itself. Film studies has
many standards texts now in their umpteenth edition for titles such as Bordwell & Thompsons
Film Art: an Introduction or Louis Gianettis Understanding Movies. (American) television,
by contrast, does not.
Mark Siegels chapter in TV genres: a handbook and reference guide (q.v.) is an excellent
place to start. It notes that as a genre, science fiction TV is notoriously vague and difficult to
define. There are no neat fixed boundaries as there are for westerns or police series. Many
series, especially cult TV series such as THE CHAMPIONS, THE PRISONER, THE MEN FROM
UNCLE etc., overlap with science fiction but could hardly be described as such. The Twilight
Zone is another example of how hard it is to pin the genre down
Science fiction also borrows heavily from other genres such as horror, the gothic and the
western. In the latter case, this was to the point where not only actors could switch from the
high plains to outer space (Lorne Greene from BONANZA to BATTLESTAR GALACTICA) but
scripts as well (ex-GUNSMOKE helmers brought some old scripts to the second, and
despised, series of BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25TH CENTURY).
This fuzziness, therefore, does not lend itself to theoretical frameworks which hinders
standard academic approaches. And, as if any fan needs reminding, TVSF is hardly
considered to be a high-brow art form either.
Although, science fiction is a fascinating and serious area for the study of fandom, there
have only been a few notable studies to date. Too few academics have been brave enough
to either come out of the closet or to run the gauntlet of fans. In Fan Cultures, by Lee Hills,
the author examines this question in his introduction: Why fans dont like academics, and
vice versa. From bitter experience, the bfi National Library has some history of incurring
fans wrath, when its HITCHIKERS GUIDE TO THE GALAXY Study Guide was (infamously)
mauled in its fanzine press. (And those wounds still weep).

Sky One, Sci-One??

Ratings have also been a great problem for the genre. All broadcasters have always been
reluctant to resource properly set designs and effects for TVSF series. British series like
BLAKES 7 had to survive on budgets levels based on other light entertainment shows it was
replacing in the schedule. The traditional broadcasters have also been wary of investing
heavily in science fiction, a genre which has a long history of expensive flops. Many shows
failed to attract a large and reliable audience which possessed the right demographic for
advertisers. Browsing the encyclopedias reveals how American TVSF was (and still is) a
graveyard of failed pilots and broken shows.
The success of STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION changed broadcasters minds and TVSF
was desirable again. TVSF audiences were small but very loyal and it was these that the new
cable/satellite channels set out to target. (HBO, Showtime, Sci-Fi Channel). Classic shows
were signed up and proposals sitting on shelves on desks went into production. For example,
examine the daily schedule of Sky One and note its dependence upon science fiction series.
It is more Sci-One than Sky One (apologies for that).
The Producers
TVSF has never been greatly popular with journeyman producers either, largely because of
the problems of translating the writers ideas from the page to the small screen via special
effects (sfx) and set designs. You could either adopt the cut and paste British school of
special effects (e.g. any BBC TVSF series). Or one could buy in big screen special effects
expertise e.g. BATTLESTAR GALACTICA and SPACE: 1999. But these were hugely expensive
shows, and although their effects may stand up today, their huge expense was never justified
by their ratings. But special effects are not the be-all and end-all. Cheap and cheerful
effects, design and locations can be part of the appeal or even the aesthetic. Unlike its big
screen cousin, a series cannot survive on effects alone, and some satisfying storylines are
inevitably required. It was not until the advent of CGI that TVSF series could approach the
standards of special effects in the cinema.
It was CGI which enabled auteur producers like Straczynski to undertake SFX in-house and
keep the costs down, which made it possible to make the series in the first place. In
USTVSF, it is the producer who is king, not the director. The best series are the creation of
one person (but sometimes two), with an overriding and often overbearing vision of what the
universe should look and sound like. These individuals or science fiction auteurs often
become indivisible from their shows. The obvious example is Gene Roddenberry and STAR
TREK but the genre is littered with other examples from Rod Serling and THE TWILIGHT ZONE,
right up to J. Michael Straczynski and BABLYLON 5.
Media
The science fiction media are very important to the promotion and reception of a series. The
power of StarBurst, Starlog and TV Zone should not be underestimated. These magazines
are written by fans, for fans. They have the power to keep a series in the spotlight even if
sometimes one suspects that some features are based upon rumours from the science fiction
convention circuit and/or the fantasies of under-employed science fiction stars. Most of the
successful shows ensure that their cast and crew are readily available.
Producers have also used the Internet to promote their shows with a plethora of official and
unofficial sites. But this can be a two edged sword: a Google web-search on Stargate SG-1
will embroil the browser in the furore over the departure of one of its stars.

As audiences have fragmented, the once peripheral marginal audiences for TVSF have now
became rather important. Perhaps somebody might write a book about it some day.

American Television
Books
Below are suggested titles, which may provide some useful background reading into how
American television industry works and set the programmes in some context.
BARNOUW, Erik
Tube of plenty: the evolution of American television.
Oxford University Press, 1990. 518p.illus.bibliog.

BROWN, Les
Les Brown's encyclopedia of television.
Detroit: Gale Research, 1992. 723p.illus.bibliog.appendix.index.

BUTLER, Jeremy G.
Television; critical methods and applications.
Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing, 1994. 369p.illus.gloss.index.

A very useful for studying American television. Part one examines narrative structure of
television series, serials and TV films; the importance of characters and actors/stars; and how
reality is employed or constructed. Part Two looks at the style of television and its history.
Part Three examines special topics (music and animation). Part four outlines the
methodology and application of critical analysis and how the industry looks at itself in contrast
to academic methods covering auteur theory and genre studies.

CREEBER, Glen (ed)

The television genre book
bfi, 2000.
163p.illus. bibliog. index.
This work is one of the initial attempts to cover the gaps in television studies, which are so
well covered for cinema by such works as The Cinema Book, by Pam Cook. It should
provide the reader with a framework to study television.
Despite its literary origins, television science fiction is not considered as high culture. It is
strictly popular entertainment. In the past, it was not popular with producers largely due to the
necessity of time consuming and expensive special effects.
It notes that television science fiction remains under-analysed and under-theorised. It
suggests this is because it defies any neat classifications and sprawls from fantasy to
adventure. The programmes tend to reflect contemporary social and political concerns in
the utopias and dystopias they depict. The fear of the Other is still prevalent: the STAR
TREK franchise still has a bogeyman to fear in the Borg.

NEWCOMB Horace (ed)

Television: the critical view (6th ed)
Oxford University Press, 2000. 721p.
Latest edition of this popular reader on all aspects of American television with old and new
essays on topics ranging from audience research to studio system.

Science Fiction On American Television

Books
FULTON, Roger and BETANCOURT, John
Encyclopedia of TV science fiction (4th rev ed).
London: Boxtree, 2000. 836p.illus.chronology.
[Also published by Warner Books as: The Sci-Fi Channel encyclopedia of TV science fiction.]

From A FOR ANDROMEDA to THE X-FILES through over 350 titles from long running series to the
more obscure one season wonders and one-off pilots. This is an informative and entertaining
encyclopedia in which the authors provide well-written entries summarising the concepts and
themes of the shows with some critical appreciation.

GERANI, Gary (with Paul H Schulman)

Fantastic television.
New York: Harmony Books, 1977. 192p.illus.

A pictorial history of science fiction, the unusual and the fantastic on television from CAPTAIN
VIDEO to STAR TREK. Although limited by date, it does cover a wider range of series than
covered in this guide.

HELFORD, Elyce Rae

Fantasy girls: gender in the new universe of science fiction and fantasy television.
Lanham, MD; Oxford: Rowman and Littlefield, 2000. 273p.illus.index.

(See STAR TREK entries for note about this work). It contains chapters the VOYAGER and
DEEP SPACE NINE strands; The X-FILES; BABYLON 5; and, naturally and by no means least,
XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS and BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER.

JAVNA, John
The best of science fiction TV: the critics' choice from Captain Video to Star Trek, from
the Jetsons to Robotech.
Titan, 1988. 144p. illus. bibliog.
Once you overcome the waggish and Top 10 approach, this book does contain lots of
information that cannot readily be found elsewhere such as special effects budgets.

KAMINSKY, Stuart
American television genres.
Chicago: Nelson-Hall, 1985. 220p. illus. bibliog. index.

Key text on television genre with a chapter on science fiction.

Sadly this book is missing from the bfi National Library. (Replacement o/o Summer 2002).

LUCANIO, Patrick and COLVILLE, Gary

American science fiction television series of the 1950s: episode guides and casts and
credits for twenty shows.
Jefferson, NC; London: McFarland, 1998. i-vii, 252p.illus.bibliog.indices.

Painstakingly compiled companion to the era when the space opera was kindled and
CAPTAIN VIDEO, SPACE PATROL and TOM CORBETT, SPACE CADET riled the space lanes. In
the latter, the author notes the features of such shows and how familiar they are: the
spaceship setting; a crew of sharply drawn characters; the action based upon some familiar

(and 20th Century) problems and moral dilemmas, and all with a passing nod to science
thrown in. (Sound familiar?).

MORTON, Alan
The complete directory to science fiction, fantasy and horror television series: a
comprehensive guide to the first 50 years 1946-1996
Peoria, IL: Other World Books, 1997. 982p.

Contains entries with summaries and episode guides for over 360 series.

NAZARRO, Joe
Writing science fiction and fantasy television.
London: Titan Books, 2002. 253p. gloss. index. credits.

This book contains a very impressive collection of interviews with some of the creator-writerproducers of the most important science fiction programmes on television today. These
programmes include: ANDROMEDA; BABYLON 5 (with J. Michael Straczynski); FARSCAPE
(with Rockne S. OBannon); LEXX; STARGATE SG-1 (with Jonathan Glassner); STAR
TREK/NEXT GENERATION; THE X-FILES (with Chris Carter); and BUFFY and fantasy/SF genre
supremo, Joss Whedon.

PHILLIPS, Mark and GARCIA, Frank

Science fiction television series: episode guides, histories, and casts and credits for 62
prime time shows, 1959 through 1989.
Jefferson, NC; London: McFarland, 1996. 691p. illus.cast.biogs.appendices.bibliog.index.

This is a well-researched and entertaining source for science fiction series. It is especially
strong in seeking out the views and experiences of the participating actors e.g. Gil Gerards
frustrating experiences in BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25TH CENTURY.

ROSE, Brian G. (ed)

TV genres: a handbook and reference guide.
Westport, CT; London: Greenwood Press, 1985. 453p.bibliogs.index.

Chapter 6: Science fiction and fantasy TV, by Mark Siegel, pp.91-106

This is a must-read chapter. It offers a brief history to the mid-80s with several approaches to
looking at science fiction on television. The author states that although the genre is as old as
broadcasting itself it is one that is very hard to define and establish boundaries. A historical
framework is provided on the evolution of the genre qualifying this model with its apparent
limitations. The differences between the genre on the big screen are also studied: special
effects will not sustain a badly written television series yet might make a poor film watchable.
The author also examines the ideology of the main shows with their common themes of fear
of technology and omnipresent ethnocentrism. It also looks at why the genre had been
somewhat bland to date and how this reflects the need to attract large audiences for network
television unlike its darker literary sibling.

10

SARDAR, Ziauddin and CUBITT, Sean (eds)

Aliens R Us: the other in science fiction cinema.
London: Pluto Press, 2002. 186p.index.

This is a recent examination of the global culture of science fiction and makes reference to
television series
In Chapter Three, Displacements of gender and race in SPACE: ABOVE AND BEYOND,
Nickianne Moody, the author, looks at the representation of women in this series and the role
of women depicted in military situations and compares this with films of the same period e.g
STARSHIP TROOPERS, COURAGE UNDER FIRE etc. The author notes how important it is to
keep the TV sci-fi media (eg StarBurst, Starlog, TV Zone) onside, which this show apparently
did not, and consequently suffered from mixed reviews.
Chapter 7 looks at how the Other is depicted in STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE, which is
described in that section below.

SOBCHACK, Vivian
Screening space: the American science fiction film.
New York: Ungar, 1987. 345p. illus.bibliog.indexes.

Possible background reading. The author sets out the limits and iconography of the genre as
depicted by Hollywood, which may inform study of its television sibling.

WRIGHT, Gene
The Science fiction image: the illustrated encyclopaedia of science fiction in film,
television, radio and the theatre.
New York: Facts On File, 1983. 336p. illus.col.plates

Ageing but potentially useful encyclopedia on most aspects of the genre.

Audiences and Fans

Books
HILLS, Matt
Fan cultures.
London; New York: Routledge, 2002. xviii, 237 p. bibliog. index.

This very recent work sets out to map fandom and is particularly strong in reviewing the
academic studies to date. As a scholar-fan, rather than merely fan, scholar or fanscholar, the author is well placed to examine previous academic efforts to theorise and
categorise fans and their communities. Not surprisingly, STAR TREK and THE X-FILES along
with other cult/science fiction shows feature heavily.

JENKINS, Henry
Textual poachers: television fans and participatory culture.
London: Routledge, 1992. 343p.illus. appendix. bibliog. index.

Seminal work on fandom looking closely at STAR TREK fans. (See STAR TREK entry for
notes).

11

LEWIS, Lisa A. (ed)

The adoring audience: fan culture and popular media.
London: Routledge, 1992. 245p. index.

This collection of essays sets out to go beyond the stigma of fandom and analyse the
relationship between fans, stars, the shows and the companies that produce them. Chapter
11 looks in particular at the science fiction fan community.

TULLOCH, John and JENKINS, Henry

Science fiction audiences: watching Doctor Who and Star Trek.
London: Routledge, 1994. vi-xiii. 294p. index.

Another initial attempt to examine the phenomenon of fandom in particular relating to the two
shows from the title. Worth noting is the chapter on interviews with STAR TREK fans who
lobbied the NEXT GENERATION producers for a gay/lesbian character.

Andromeda

compiled by Chris Bryant

Another Star Trek influenced science fiction television series by the same creator, Gene
Roddenberrys ANDROMEDA deals with the adventurous escapades of five mercenaries,
under the command of Captain Dylan Hunt (played by Kevin Sorbo, star of HERCULES: THE
LEGENDARY JOURNEYS) to restore peace and tranquillity to the Universe
Articles
CINEFANTASTIQUE
vol.33 no.3. June 2001, pp. 12-15

Of Sex and Starships, by David Z.C Hines

This is an interesting article that provides valuable insight into two of the actresses on the hit
television show. Lexa Doig (Andromeda) and Lisa Ryder (Beka Valentine) both provide
detailed information as to their time on the programme. Funnily enough, both of the stars
appear alongside each other in the recent horror thriller Jason X in alternate roles (Ryder as
a non-human with human form, and Doig as a feisty female lead) and they explain how they
travelled to and from each of the two projects sets constantly.
Lexa Doig provides humorous information on her jelly boobs that dug into her shoulder
blades, and Lisa Ryder explains how she enjoys her active role I get to do all the fun stuff.
A comment from another member of the programmes crew towards Lexa Doig You in a
leather bikini in a cage equals ratings provides a humorous distraction.

STARBURST
vol. Special no. 53, pp. 84-89

Cometh the hour, by Paul Spragg

Actor and Executive Producer Kevin Sorbo explains how the show had to change for its third
season, after its noted rocky patch mid-through Season Two. He explains how the show is
still doing well, and sets the record straight as to why the other executive producer Robert
Hewitt Wolfe, strangely left the show (amidst rumours that Sorbo himself had Wolfe fired!).
Sorbo also explains to Spragg that he is pleased with the progress that the show is making,
and what he would like to see happen in Season Three. Sorbo finishes off by discussing his
movie career, and how he would enjoy doing something different as he feels that hes been
doing all this action stuff for so long.

12

TV ZONE
No. 135, February 2001, pp. 36-39

Brent Stait Gentle Bem, by Steven Eramo

An informative look at the character Bem, a member of the carnivorous species known as the
Magog and the actor playing him. Brent Stait discuses his early life and the various television
shows that he has appeared in previous to Andromeda - which is the first role he has had as
a recurring character. He describes his character as a very spiritual being, much like a monk
and explains more about Bems traits.
There is noteworthy information on the amount of heavy make-up and prosthetic appliances
the actor has to endure, which took a while getting used to. It is interesting to read about how
he compares his character to the Chewbacca in the Star Wars films, and how he positively
rates fellow Andromeda actor Kevin Sorbo. A well-written look into the stated character, Stait
claims that Bem is a fascinating character and one thatsfun for me to play.

TV ZONE
No. 139,June 2001, pp. 24-33
Kevin Sorbo Brains and Brawn, by Steven Eramo
Beginning with Im really enjoying myself, Sorbo, who plays lead star Captain Dylan Hunt,
enthusiastically describes his time on the programme. He begins by talking about how he
decided to leave Hercules and how he is pleased that this new show is not just about him
I didnt want to do a show where I had to carry the whole loadI got my wish. There is some
brief information on Sorbos early acting career and how he has now made it to becoming
Executive Producer, as well as star, on Andromeda. He also discuses each of the other
characters in turn, and the actor playing them.

TV ZONE
No 145, December 2001, pp. 46-50
Andromeda, Season One
If its a quick-glimpse statistics for the first series of this hit show that youre after, then this will
be the article for you. Its basically an episode guide, but does come complete with initial
transmission dates, guest casts and credits as well as brief plot synopses for each of the
twenty-two episodes for the programmes initial season.

13

Babylon 5 (1994-1998)

compiled by Nicola Clarke

Babylon 5 was a space opera charting the trials and tribulations of the inhabitants of a space
station several centuries in the future, that supposedly acted as neutral ground for warring
species from all corners of the galaxy. This was the brainchild of one man, J. Michael
Straczynski, and the five-year story arc was devised before the first scene was even filmed. It
was soon praised for its serious minded approach to science fiction and its commitment to
strong character development. Despite rapidly acquiring a large devoted fanbase, it was
always a struggle to keep the show on the air, and the all-conquering spectre of Star trek
constantly loomed large. It did get to complete its planned five years after much behind the
scenes network politics, and Babylon 5 has been hailed as a classic of its genre, though the
passage of time may give way to more objective viewpoints.
Articles
STARBURST
Special #16. June 1993, pp. 33-39

Babylon 5 creator, by Joe Nazzaro

Writer J. Michael Straczynski recalls the original germ of an idea for BABYLON 5, which came
from several different sources, one of them being the use of unproven computer-generated
special effects. He also confidently reflects on how this fledgling science fiction television
series will measure up to the spectre of the long established STAR TREK.

CINEFANTASTIQUE
Vol.25. No.2. April 1994, pp. 24-47, 61

BABYLON 5: The next generation of science fiction on television debuts, by various

contributors
Series of articles concentrating on several aspects of the show in its television debut, namely
creator J. Michael Straczynskis science fiction philosophy and how BABYLON 5 distinguishes
itself from juggernaut science-fiction space explorers like STAR TREK and STAR WARS;
computer graphics for special effects generated by Foundation Imaging; casting changes
after the pilot episode; preview of the first season; makeup effects by Sylmar-based Optic
Nerve; set design by production designer John Iacovelli; and the shows spiritual forebear
CAPTAIN POWER AND THE SOLDIERS OF THE FUTURE.

STARBURST
No.206. October 1995, pp. 42-45

Building Babylon 5, by Joe Nazzaro and Sheelagh J. Wells

Executive producer Doug Netter first comments on the initial factors that have kept the show
within the restrictions of television budget, and then explains the various improvements made
over the course of its first two seasons in terms of characterisation and technical production.

STARBURST
Special #27. TV Sci-Fi Special. April 1996, pp. 39-43

Bruce Boxleitners messages from Babylon, by David Bassom

The actor, who took over from Michael OHare as commander of the space station, reviews
his two-year work on the popular series, which he rates as one of the highlights of his career.

14

STARBURST
No. 215. July 1996, pp. 26-31

Harlan Ellison on Babylon 5, by Joe Nazzaro

Conceptual consultant Harlan Ellison discusses his contribution to the series, his script
collaboration with J. Michael Straczynski, and the shows fickle audiences.

STARBURST
No. 215. July 1996, pp. 32-35

John Copeland and now for a word, by David Richardson, Stephen Payne & Paul Warbrick
Producer John Copeland discusses his role in the BABYLON 5 production process, the series
ability to turn in quality Science Fiction television for a fraction of the cost of its rivals, and
improved ratings.

CINEFANTASTIQUE
V.29. No.9. January 1998, pp. 32-37

Straczynskis prototype for future TV creations, by Frank Garcia

A discussion with J. Michael Straczynski on how the key concepts of his BABYLON 5
pioneering five-year novel structure and content have changed the way science fiction will be
presented on television in the future.

STARBURST
Special #35. March 1998, pp. 6-63

In the Beginning, by John Binns

An illustrated dossier exploring the history of the BABYLON 5 universe, from season one to
season four, including inset panels on the various races; a foretaste of season five; the fan
phenomenon; an interview with Tracy Scoggins as season five new captain Elizabeth
Lochley; a character profile of Psi Corp Bester played by Walter Koenig (aka Star Treks
Chekhov); the filming of the first standalone BABYLON 5 television movie, Thirdspace, by
director Jesus Trevio and some of the cast; the work of cinematographer and occasional
director of the series, John C Flinn III; and finally the development of and relationships
between the characters.

CREATIVE SCREENWRITING
Vol.5. No.4. Jul/Aug. 1998, pp. 30-31, 60

Get the hell out of our galaxy!: the western mythos in Star Trek, Star Wars, and
Babylon 5, by Thomas Marcinko
A discussion of the use of the western narrative in the STAR TREK and BABYLON 5 television
series, and in the STAR WARS feature film trilogy.

TV ZONE
Special #32. February 1999, pp. 20-26, 56-69

Faith manages: the rise and rise of BABYLON 5, by David Richardson & Deanne Holding
An illustrated feature article looking back at the highlights of the five years of the television
series, with comments by the cast and producers, followed by a timeline from beginning to

15

end of the fifth season, highlighting notable events and presenting the main characters on the
way.

CINEFANTASTIQUE
Vol.31/32. No.12. June 2000, pp. 32-117

The Making of Babylon 5, by Robert Garcia and Frank Garcia

The ultimate behind-the-scenes of the science fiction epic with a complete five-year episode
guide, cast profiles, special effects, set design, cinematography, special makeup effects,
costume design, soundtrack, and a last word by its creator-producer J. Michael Straczynski.

Books
KILLICK, Jane
Babylon 5: season by season: signs and portents.
Del Rey Books/Ballantine, 1998. 176p. [14] col.plates.

The first in a series of season guides which begins with a foreword by actor Michael OHare
(Commander Sinclair in the first season), and features a comprehensive introductory chapter
on how series creator J. Michael Straczynski brought his creation to the screen. It then goes
into an overview of the premiere season, including in-depth episode summaries of the pilot
and all twenty-two shows, followed by a detailed analysis by the author.
The issues covered in the introduction include the difficulties of selling a then unfashionable
genre to the networks, the ever present spectre of STAR TREK, the importance of audience
demographics and how it affected getting financing for the show, and the revolutionary CGI
that cut the cost of special effects. There are interviews with all the main players in
production.
The overall critique of the first season is very even-handed, singling out notable episodes
both good and bad, analysing running themes, and looking at the character development of
both humans and aliens. It concludes that BABYLON 5s appeal is that it is a successful soap
opera in space, and that the first season is an excellent scene setter for the five year story
arc.

LANCASTER, Kurt
Interacting with Babylon 5: fan performances in a media universe.
University of Texas Press, 2001. xxxv, 202p. illus.bibliog.index.

This is a very dense academic case study within the theory of performance studies, and is
therefore perhaps better suited to degree level study. But it is worth trawling through several
of the chapters for interesting insights into the fandom of BABYLON 5, the creators/producers
relationship to it, and the origins of the show itself.
The introduction and chapter 5 are particularly recommended. Entitled Webs of Babylon:
textual poaching online, it covers the official and unofficial websites in some detail, and has
an analysis of fan fiction on the net, a fan site for a minor character, and role-playing games
online.
The book has an extensive bibliography that can be used as a springboard for further study.

16

Battlestar Galactica

compiled by Sean Delaney

This was the first major series after Star Wars, which became a millstone around its neck.
Produced by Glen Larson (dubbed Glen Larceny by noted SF writer Harlan Ellison for the
notorious similarities between his shows and cinema blockbusters), its state of the art special
effects could not overcome its second-hand storylines and often terrible science. It never
managed to hang on to its initially large audience and was cancelled largely because of its
high budget. The lack of chemistry between the leading characters is also interesting as this
contrasts with genre series such as the X-Files, Star Trek, or even Blakes 7. Frightened by
the vacuum left by the series - and as suggested by John Muir below, possibly due to
commitments to toy manufacturers - the networks looked to produce a second series on the
cheap. This failed and Larson moved on to putting the Buck Rogers franchise on the screen.
Books
MUIR, John Kenneth
An analytical guide to television's Battlestar Galactica.
Jefferson, NC; London: McFarland, 1999. 234p.illus.bibliog.index.

Even the author admits that BATTLESTAR GALACTICA is best remembered as a guilty
pleasure. Poorly received by the critics, it was notorious as yet another Glen Larson film ripoff with its hackneyed situations from second-hand Western scripts and its hawkish outlook if
viewed as a Cold War metaphor. Mr Muir staunchly defends his chosen subject especially
against the charge it was a mere STAR WARS rip-off. He believes it was part of a science
fiction explosion in which both films and television shows took part. The book itself looks at
the continuing phenomenon of BATTLESTAR GALACTICA and how interest in it continues both
with fans and with producers. It also contains an interesting appendix of all the stock footage
and models recycled for BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25TH CENTURY, another Larson project.

Articles
STARBURST
Special October 1994, pp.63-66

Battlestar Galactica: the return of Starbuck, by David Bassom

Interview with Dirk Benedict (Starbuck) who looks back fondly at BATTLESTAR GALACTICA,
which in spite of its continual re-running ever since only ran to one series. He wisely steered
clear of the second hastily prepared follow-up series (GALACTICA: 1980) due to the weak
scripts and the cheaper production values. A lot of money was spent on the original series:
the pilot cost $14million. He also reveals that there was little or no chemistry between
Richard Hatch (Apollo) and himself.

TV ZONE
Special June 1995, pp.52-55

Richard Hatch, by David Bassom

Interview with Richard Hatch (Apollo). This is just one of a series of interviews which seem to
be part of a personal campaign to return BATTLESTAR GALACTICA to the screen. He has even
co-written a comic novel based on the show and regularly attends the conventions. He
admits there were production problems but the pilot debuted at No.5 in the charts, a huge hit
by genre standards.
The three hour premiere was the most expensive television show to date when it was
broadcast on 18 September 1978. Even the real computers used for the set design cost
$3million. Hatch believed the show was going from strength to strength and weak storylines

17

were being addressed although the Cylons were hardly a formidable enemy. (Compare the
Cylons to the irrepressible Borg, the godlike Goaulds, or even the Daleks). Hatch claims that
even SF legend Isaac Asimov was pencilled in for the second series.
In a genre where everybodys show has to be one big happy family, Hatch provides, perhaps
unintentionally, some interesting insight on BATTLESTAR GALACTICA as an amazing family
devoid of big egotistical stars. However, it was Hatchs character Apollo that was
underdeveloped, his storylines that were weaker than Benedicts Starbuck and received far
more attention from the writers and producers. When Hatch complained to Larson (producer)
some changes were made but Hatch was still not happy.
Hatch declined GALACTICA: 1980 as it was aimed at children with a budget to match and
turned out very dull. The fates of Apollo and Starbuck were not addressed in the series and
Hatch points out that this was a mistake as the fanbase are very aware of the overarching
mythology of their shows and are loyal and protective of their favourite characters. At this
time Larson and Hatch were interested in reviving the show but had little success.

STARBURST
Special #39 Winter 1998/99, pp.36-39

Captain eloquent, by John Peel

Another interview with Richard Hatch looking back on the show. He looks at why it was only
a 22-episode show. Hatch believes this was due to the studios/network perceptions of
genre/SF shows in primetime and their fear of losing a mainstream audience.

STARBURST
No.273. May 2001, p.6.

Battlestar Galactica back on TV, by Ian Calcutt

Short note on the possible resurrection of BATTLESTAR GALACTICA . This has more
momentum than Hatchs one man quest. X-MEN helmer, Bryan Singer, and producer Tom
DeSanto are big BATTLESTAR GALACTICA fans and have clout. Both were looking into a
BATTLESTSTAR GALACTICA project. From their experiences with THE X-MEN, both men had
a healthy respect for the fanbase of sci-fi fantasy franchises and Im confident that the
Galactican brand is a sleeping giant. The series still has a sizeable cult following.

18

Farscape (1999-2003?)

compiled by Nicola Clarke

FARSCAPE is arguably the most groundbreaking science fiction show in years, American or
otherwise. It takes a pretty clich ridden premise (a modern day astronaut is thrown through a
wormhole into a galaxy light years away from earth, and finds himself aboard a living
spaceship populated by alien escaped convicts), and uses it to cleverly subvert the
stereotypes of the whole genre.
An American-Australian co-production (with some European funding thrown in for good
measure), it boasts the movie quality effects of the Jim Henson Creature Shop and the writing
talents of old hand Rockne S. OBannon, whose previous credits include the original
screenplay for the ALIEN NATION movie and several STAR TREK episodes. It is truly Sci-Fi
without rules and anarchic television in its own right.
Of course in the tradition of science fiction shows from the dawn of television, it is now in
danger of prematurely disappearing from our screens. In an article posted on E! Online News
on September 10th 2002 entitled Fans rally as Farscape flames out, it was reported that
the Sci Fi Channel would halt production on the series after the end of filming the present
fourth season, citing growing production costs and declining ratings, throwing in the relevant
statistics for good measure (the cost of an episode is muted at $1.5 million). Interestingly
enough the news was leaked to the fans first in the Sci Fi Channel chat room by executive
producer David Kemper and lead actor Ben Browder.
The report also has links to several unofficial fan sites raising campaigns to resurrect the
show. The most notable being Save Farscape (farscape.wdsection.com) and Farscape
World (www.farscapeworld.com) which contain online petitions, information on letter-writing
campaigns, very interesting chat room debates, and news updates, along with everything else
you would expect from fan sites. Farscape World in particular has a rather good review of
the recently published guide to season 3, now with colour pictures!
Articles
STARBURST
No.257. January 2000, pp. 20-24

New frontiers, by James E. Brooks

An interview with Rockne OBannon and David Kemper, the main creators of FARSCAPE
where they talk about the ideas behind the show, covering the uniqueness of its structure and
plots in the homogenised genre of Science Fiction. The two mens creative history in the
genre is briefly mentioned and there is a sidebar containing brief character outlines of the first
series cast.
The main points that come up in this article is the anarchic situation the amoral characters
find themselves in (for the main part they are escaped prisoners and there is no military
hierarchy as there is in STAR TREK), and the full interaction between the different branches of
the production team. The show appears to be very much a team effort (although with two
definite figureheads) and this is cited as a reason for its increasing quality, along with the
freshness of the Australian approach to filmmaking.

TV ZONE
No.123. February 2000, pp. 44-49

Farscape: the new motley crew, by Jane Killick

An interview with Peter Coogan of the Jim Henson Company that presents a concise
overview of the makeup and creature effects on FARSCAPE. There are small sidebars on the
evolution of the regular effects characters from conceptual design to screen, and an
explanation of the mechanics of transporting puppets from the Creature Shop in London and
adapting them to their new environment on set in Australia.

19

Coogan also talks about the benefits of filming in Australia, primarily its alien looking
landscapes and its relative cheapness compared to the US, though he argues that having a
restricted budget forces more creativity in effects and production design.

BROADCASTING & CABLE

Vol.130 no.49. 27 November 2000, pp. 74-84

Far from kids TV, by Deborah McAdams

This is an interesting article for those interested in the politics of audience ratings and
demographics. It is an interview with Brian Henson, chairman of the Jim Henson Company
and one of the creative minds behind FARSCAPE, where he talks about how the show came
into being, how it ended up on the Sci Fi Channel, and the advantages and disadvantages of
working in cable television.
He explains that he wanted a more adult televisual outlet for the creative talents of the
Creature Shop and how it led into a collaboration with Rockne OBannon to create an edgy,
character-driven science fiction series.
Henson then goes on to detail how several scripts were developed at the Fox network before
it was dropped for a cheaper show and rescued by the cable Sci Fi Channel, who were
prepared to finance a whole series and give the show a chance to build up an audience, and
the economic advantages of international co-production.
Finally he talks about how FARSCAPE was specifically engineered to appeal to the hardcore
Sci Fi community, involving the grooming of its internet fanbase, and pacing the showing of
the episodes to increase the audience appetite for it.

CINEFANTASTIQUE
Vol.33 no.1/2. April 2001, pp. 26-95
FARSCAPE, by Anna L. Kaplan

Extended feature (almost the whole edition), including a detailed episode guide to seasons 1
& 2, covering every aspect of the show (special effects, animatronics, makeup, production
design, costume design and music) and interviews with all the main actors. It is arguably
more comprehensive than the official series guides and has the added benefit of a reasonably
objective viewpoint, so is essential reading for anyone who doesnt want to wade through the
obvious publicity blurb of a book.
Every episode of the first two seasons has a thorough synopsis, star rating, quote from the
script, and anecdotal information from the production crew. The main body of the piece is a
critique of the show detailing its concept (a contemporary everyman in an alien environment),
how it came into being, how its brought to the screen every week (much praise is given to its
high production values), how the series has evolved over two seasons, and analysing the
success of its vision. The tone is very appreciative, calling FARSCAPE the the best science
fiction show on television and explaining why, it turns the genre on its head and is never
predictable.
Notable aspects are detailed breakdowns of the making of the best received episodes, the
interesting division in nationality on set (the writers and lead actor are American, virtually
everybody else is Australian), an examination of the pop-culture references the lead
character, Crichton, brings to the show, and an article about a tie-in novel.
Much emphasis is given to the contrast between the sanitised world of STAR TREK and the
character based reality of FARSCAPE, with a detailed insight into how the writers created the
psychological terrain explored in season # 2.

20

STARBURST
No.278. October 2001, pp. 26-33

What TV was invented for, by Scott Andrews

A love letter to FARSCAPE in the form of an analysis of exactly what makes it a cut above any
other science fiction show on television. It traces the shows unpromising beginnings
(unknown cast, puppets by the same company that produced THE MUPPETS, a seemingly
clichd and clunky pilot) and then explores how it gradually evolved into a series that
continually subverted the rules of the very genre it sprang from.
All the classic science fiction shows that FARSCAPE took elements from are name-checked,
(including STAR TREK) especially the stock characters, and then the exceptional way these
staples are turned on their heads are examined. Special mention is given to the huge risk the
show took by having the lead character go slowly insane over the course of one season.
Other themes explored are the constant conflict and distrust between the amoral main
characters, the complex characterisation of the animatronic puppets that makes viewers really
care about them, the daring fast-paced narrative structure, and the unique production design
due to the Australian set location and crew.
There is also a sidebar of five defining FARSCAPE moments and the piece concludes by
stating that the show is essential viewing if you like your Sci-Fi challenging and unexpected.

STARBURST
Special no.51. February 2002, pp. 26-31

Bigger, better, faster, more, by Joe Nazarro

A fairly run of the mill interview with series creator Rockne S. OBannon where he admits he
is doubtful that there will be a FARSCAPE movie until the show finishes its run on television,
due to the pressures of the production schedule and wanting to do it properly as the
beginning of a franchise in itself . The piece redeems itself by including OBannons regret
that his original spec script for the film ALIEN NATION was not fully credited as a blueprint for
the later TV series, and a detailed insight into the mechanics of his writing process for
FARSCAPE, especially the difficulties of writing for a production based in Australia when he
lives in LA.
Books
SIMPSON, Paul and HUGHES, David
Farscape: the illustrated companion.
Titan Books, 2000. 159p. illus. credits. Gloss.

The official guide to the first series. Its comprehensive and entertaining if rather publicity
conscious, with plenty of black and white stills and design sketches.
The book is split tidily into definite chapters covering the Genesis of the show, the episodes,
the characters, the effects, and an introduction into season two. These are topped and tailed
by a foreword by series creator Rockne OBannon and the Lexicon, a two page tongue in
cheek dictionary of the alien languages created for the show.
Genesis goes into detail about the origins of FARSCAPE with a wealth of quotes from Brian
Henson, Rockne OBannon, and David Kemper, the shows three main creative minds, about
the tortuous process of finding the finance to bring it to the screen. There are plenty of
enlightening concept sketches and lots of information is presented clearly and concisely, even
though it is a bit of a back-slapping exercise.
Each episode guide is prefaced by a credits list and a snappy quote from the script, and then
goes on to detail every aspect of the making of that particular episode (from the production
side to character and plot development). There is also a sidebar profiling the alien of the
week. The same detail is given to the character profiles, with the actors being interviewed on
every aspect of their roles. There is a look behind the scenes of the Jim Henson Creature

21

Shop whose ambition is to bring feature film special effects to a television show, and Garner
McLellan Design, the company in charge of the CGI effects, and the main players are
interviewed.
Finally, Into Season Two examines the audience and critical reaction to the first season,
official merchandise, Scapers and fan websites, and hints of future plotlines.

SIMPSON, Paul and THOMAS, Ruth

Farscape: the illustrated season 2 companion.
Titan Books, 2001. 158p. illus. Credits. Gloss.

More of the same in this second book. This time the foreword is by Brian Henson and the
format is almost exactly the same apart from chapters detailing the script to screen process of
the season finale, and looking at costume design and Creating Pilot, an important
animatronic character in the show.
There is also an extended look ahead to season three that includes the growing worldwide
audience, the increase in FARSCAPE merchandise available, the first fan convention, a cast
thank you to the fans and production crew, and a list of the awards the show has received.
The book finally rounds off with an analysis of the show so far, with a recommendation of
essential episodes to watch, and hints of season three plotlines.

22

THE IRWIN ALLEN QUARTET

compiled by Chris Bryant

Irwin Allen is perhaps best remembered today for his disaster films of the Seventies (ie. The
Towering Inferno and The Poseidon Adventure), but in the Sixties he was one of the most
successful producers in Television. He created what many fans have christened The Irwin
Allen Quartet four successful science-fiction shows for Television which have today,
achieved cult status.

Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea (1964 1968)

A spin-off of Allens own 1961 Motion Picture of the same name, Voyage... dealt with the
hazardous experiences of a fantastic nuclear submarine, the Seaview. With Admiral Nelson
and Captain Lee Crane taking on spies, aliens and giant plant monsters to name but a few
perils, this hit show ran for four seasons over an impressive 110 episodes.
Articles
PRIMETIME/THE BOX
No 16. Winter 1990/1991, pp. 23-26

Bon Voyage, by Howard Foy

A feature article exploring the many depths of the programme - initially analysing it as the
inner-space version of Star Trek. The article also looks at the early life of its creator, Irwin
Allen, and goes on to explain how the series evolved from the initial 1961 film - looking at the
careers of the shows two main stars, along the way. David Hedison amusingly comments on
his time on the show towards the end of the article.
The article becomes more interesting when the series 110 episodes are evaluated in each of
their respective four seasons for example, commenting on how the first series episodes
were more conventional and involved underwater spies, sabotage etc, where as the
seasons progressed the popularity of outlandish aliens and giant monsters onboard the
Seaview grew. Information on model-work, and a complete Season One episode guide
rounds things off nicely. An interesting read.

TV ZONE
No 116. July 1999, pp. 64-67

Fantasy Flashback Journey with Fear, by John Abbott

An illustrated scene-by-scene look at episode #88 Journey with Fear kicks off this minor but
interesting article. Analysing the show as Doctor Who with a budget and Stingray with real
people, Abbott looks at the sets and guest stars of the above episode. More interesting are
the continuity flaws in the script and how new rooms seem to just magically appear on the
submarine as per the episodes requirements. One notable point is how Abbott assesses the
assumed hostility of the Seaview crew towards their unknown foes as a common Voyage
trademark.

STARBURST
Special #24, pp. 16-24

Subtext to a Voyage of Discovery, by Andrew Pixley and Neil Alsop

A well-written and very interesting article on Voyage with an excellent eye for detail. The
article plays like an extensive overview of the show beginning, unlike other articles, with the
film version of 1961. The main characters are interestingly defined to start with, and the article
proves that the fantasy episodes overshadowed the earlier conspiracy ones at the beginning

23

of the run in the ratings hence the decline into outlandish aliens and situations as the show
progressed.
The article then clearly looks at how episodes were written to make use of existing film sets
and stock footage from other films to save on special effects (notably those from Irwin Allens
own The Lost World which appeared in each of his four sci-fi television shows).
More interesting facts include separate episode evaluations, good illustrations and an
excellent time-line for the show, looking at the facts and feats for each episode in its original
transmitted order. An excellent and informative look at the programme recommended.

Newspaper Articles
DAILY MAIL

28th November 1967

Manly, by Virginia Ironside

A brief, but nevertheless interesting, look at gender and how the writer notes the
overwhelming masculinity of the show. It notes how the dialogue is typically over the top
fear of failure is greater than the fear of death and how the show remained without the
consistency of female characters to buoy the manliness of the programme, something the
lead actors were known to have pleaded with Irwin Allen to rectify.

DAILY MAIL

4th April 1992, pp. 36.

Voyage to the Bottom of the Barrel

A typically one-sided look at the show, talking about it how the truly terrible programme
makes strangely compelling viewing every week, claiming also that the shows popularity was
down to its ridiculousness.

Lost In Space (1965 - 1968)

Wanting a follow-up to Voyage, Allen conceived a futuristic version on the classic
childrens novel Swiss Family Robinson as his next venture into science-fiction. With another
well-cast show, Lost in Space became another sure-fire hit for Allen running for three years
and 83 episodes. The story follows a family whose spaceship crashes on a desolate planet.
Books
SHIFRES, Ed
Lost In Space - The True Story: The inside story of a Hollywood scandal.
Windsor House, 1998. 395p. illus. bibliog.

An important and very interesting book on the creation of the programme, and its earliest
origins. Shifres notes that the Lost In Space show was actually devised from a potential
Disney film Space Family Robinson, and that Irwin Allen grabbed the credit and the
millions of dollars for it. There is a good introduction by the proposed creator, Ib Melchior
(who wrote and directed science fiction films in the early Sixties) who explains his point of
view. The book is like a maze of interlocking occurrences and behind the scenes
manipulations that will explain to whom the rights to the show actually belong.
A very interesting work, with a great deal of research and detail that is a must for anyone
researching this programme.

24

HISE, James Van

Lost In Space 25th Anniversary Tribute Book
Pioneer Books, 1990. 170p. illus.

An informative book focusing on the episodes of the show in extensive detail (transmission
dates, guest stars, facts and full plot synopses per episode), whilst interlocking them with
good interviews with each of the main stars, and even the writers behind the scenes. A wellwritten book bursting with facts about the show.

Journal Articles
TV ZONE
No. 105. August 1998, pp. 60-64

Space Family Robinson The Jupiter 2s Second Mission, by Mark Phillips

An interesting look at the cult television show and the 1998 big-budget film remake. Phillips
looks first at the original show (a quick glimpse as to who originally was to star provides some
rare facts), noting that it was made at the time when real space-travel was becoming news
creator Irwin Allen utilised certain newspaper headlines and incorporated them into his show.
The article also looks at the three seasons of the show, the changes per season (for example,
from black and white to colour stock, and the character change of Dr. Smith from villain to
camp coward) and how the ratings faired.
Information on the film remake is discussed in detail, how it did at the box office and a few
comparisons to the original show (and even where you can spot the original stars cameos in
the new film) finish off this fresh and informative work. Complete with illustrations.

STARBURST
No. 126. March 1989, pp. 34-35

Lost in Space Will Robinson, alias Bill Mumy, by Janette Hyem

A good look at the life of the actor who played in the original show. After a brief introduction of
Mumys life, he himself explains about the origin of the show, the sets that were used and
what he really thought of his own character. He notes on how the show changed over its
three year run, how he used to juggle school-work with acting, as well as clowning around on
the set. He also talks about a proposed revival of the show that he wrote that was never taken
further. A couple of paragraphs headed Ruined his Career? finishes off this article, which is
unique in getting the stars own words on the subject.

STARBURST
No.106. June 1987, pp. 26-29

Lost In Space, by Patrick Mulkern

A feature article on the show that looks at the characters of the space-age programme and
how by 1965 standards the show was fast-moving and very sophisticated. Information on
title sequences per season and the dramatic and exciting cliff-hanger endings per show (that
seldom bore any connection with the foregoing episode) is included. The article finishes with
transmission details and an episode checklist. Brief, but nonetheless an interesting read.

25

CINEFANTASTIQUE
Vol.29 no.12. April 1998, pp. 26-28

Lost in Space a Retrospective, by James Van Hise

Another well written look at the show in chronological order. A small comparison to Star Trek
with regards to the shows spaceship is noted, but the article kicks into gear when each of the
cast members are analysed in turn, providing valuable insight into their time on the
programme. For example, Guy Williams is stated to have thrown temper tantrums, and Mark
Goddard did not want to be on the show at all! Interesting notes as to how the unaired pilot
was cut down and spliced over the first five episodes is excellent, as well as good information
on guest stars, special effects and continuity to round things up.

CINEFANTASTIQUE
Vol.29 no.12 April 1998, pp. 29-30

Lost in Space Oh, the pain, the pain!, by James Van Hise
This follow up to the previous article takes a look at the Special Guest Star of the show (and
how that term was invented for the character) the lovable rogue Dr. Zachary Smith. Along
with the Robot, Smith proved to be the main character and Hise examines how actor
Jonathan Harris transformed the villain of the show into the cowardly rogue that won the
ratings. I became the first anti-hero in television to become the hero states Harris. It is
interesting to note how Harris is unwilling to discuss his co-stars reactions to his
metamorphosis throughout his duration on the show, although the long friendship with the
young Billy Mumy is discussed in detail. Harris also states that although he takes the credit for
the transformation of his character, he also credits creator Irwin Allen for allowing him
creative latitude to accomplish it.

STARLOG
No.219. October 1995, pp. 69-74

Space Families Lost Part One, by Mark Phillips

The first in an impressive two-part 30th Anniversary article which plays as an extensive
overview of the hit show. Phillips notes how each of the characters appealed to the varied
ages of the audience, ie.) how Zachary Smith acted like a big child and was therefore liked by
the younger audience, and how each of the characters had a function on the show (the adults
served as the serious base that the show needed), as well as the usual behind the scenes
information and facts.

STARLOG
No.220 November 1995, pp. 67-72

Space Families Found Part Two, by Mark Phillips

The conclusion of the above entry details the descent into humour that the programme
attained. It also notes how Guy Williams was unhappy with the way that the show was
progressing in that as Zachary Smith was propelled to stardom, Williams top-billed role
became more of a co-star. The article then goes on to look more at the directors and writers
of the show, which provides more information than the overview type reviews. An interesting
two-part article.

26

The Time Tunnel (1966)

Two American scientists are lost in the swirling maze of past and future ages, during the first
experiments of Americas greatest and most secret project The Time Tunnel.
Tony Newman and Doug Phillips now plunge helplessly towards a new fantastic adventure,
somewhere along the infinite corridors of time.
Original narration.
Irwin Allens third show, although ambitious and expensive, was the least successful of his
quartet. It followed the story of two scientists who are transported to a different time in history
each week it ran for only one season of thirty episodes, and although it was commissioned
for a second run, this never materialised.
Journal Articles
STARBURST
No 285. May 2002, pp. 46-50

The Time Tunnel by numbers, by Andrew Pixley

A statistical study of the science fiction show in bullet-point format - highlighting relevant and
very interesting facts about the programme. Facts covered include a look at guest stars, how
star James Darren hit Number Three in the charts with a song in 1961, which episodes were
spliced together to form TV movies in the seventies, etc. There is also an interesting TimeLine, which looks at the chronological order of Doug and Tonys 30 time-travelling adventures.
A worthy read with some rare facts, complete with illustrations.

STARBURST
Yearbook 1989/90, pp. 15-20

The Time Tunnel, by Jon Abbott

Another overview type article, which looks at the creation of the programme to begin with,
and then descends afterwards into the familiar episode breakdown format. The section
entitled A Part of History is interesting to read, as Abbott states it became apparent that
Doug and Tony were not interfering or intruding on History they were most assuredly a part
of it. The article also notes some mistakes in the show (such as the model rocket in One
Way to the Moon which changes throughout the episode), as well as information on script
work and how the show bypassed the history adventures in favour of the space/alien stories
later in the seasons run. The article is finished off with notes on Television showings and
Lost episodes, as well as a complete (and for once in proper order) episode checklist.

PRIMETIME
Vol.1 no.10. 1985, pp. 13-17

Tunnel Vision, by Neil Alsop

Initially described as a potential US rival to the UKs Dr Who, The Time Tunnel is examined
here in extensive detail by Alsop, who compares it episode at a time to other science-fiction
television shows such as Dr Who, Sapphire and Steel and Star Trek amongst others,
noting many similarities. There are some interesting notes about what was initially planned
for Season Two (that was never filmed), and a planned revival of the show by creator Irwin
Allen in the Seventies The Time Travellers which only lasted as a one-off pilot show.
Information on Tie-ins, how the episodes became television movies, and a well-researched
episode check list rounds the article off nicely.

27

Land Of The Giants (1968 1970)

The final of Irwin Allens four science-fiction television shows was Land of the Giants, a
programme based on the original template for Lost in Space (note the seven characters lost
in a parallel dimension trying to get home whilst taking on a variety of perils), but with a new
concept. This programme was the most expensive show in production up to that time, and ran
well for two seasons over 51 episodes.
Journal Articles
TV ZONE
No. 105. August 1998, pp. 66-69

Fantasy Flashback - Ghost Town, by Jon Abbott

An illustrated scene-by-scene look at episode #2, Ghost Town kicks off this minor but
interesting article. The article is quick to point out that not all episodes were shown in the
order that they were filmed this episode for example, was the fourteenth shot but ended up
being shown second. Stating that this episode in one of the best, and best remembered,
Abbott looks at the guest stars in this particular show and the people behind the camera such
as fantasy director Nathan Juran. A brief look at the good and bad points of the episode
rounds things off.

STARBURST
No. 139. March 1990, pp. 32-35

Land of the Giants, by Jon Abbott

Cleverly analysing this as Lost in Space but in a new format, Abbott examines this as the
more adult and non camp of the four shows and notes how creator Allen went to play this
series straight after the camp craze had subsided. Abbott also notes that the show was the
most expensive show in production at that time. There are sidebars on a where are they now
paragraph for the main cast members, and an episode checklist of stories (for once in the
order that they were made) providing interesting and rare information on the show.

The OUTER LIMITS (1963-65; 1995-2002?)

compiled by Sean Delaney

Longest running anthology style TVSF series with both the 1960s and 1990s series breaking
records for their lengthy runs. Whereas the first series was noted for its Cold War era
paranoia, the dangers of science and the even greater dangers of aliens, its offspring
attempted to provide more rounded and socially provocative self-contained stories.

Books
SCHOW, David J and FRENTZEN, Jeffrey
The Outer Limits: the official companion.
NY: Ace Science Fiction Books, 1986. 406p. illus. teleog. index.

Detailed work on the origins and evolution of the 1960s series with episode guide. The book
outlines the career of its producer Leslie Stevens who sought greater artistic control through
his independent production company. This was quite a novelty at this time and deliberately
sought out low budget features and eventually television to keep control. The book also
reveals how a programme like THE OUTER LIMITS was produced and given the go-ahead by
the American networks and the mechanics of scheduling e.g. strongest episodes first for most

28

impact. It is also interesting to note that most of THE OUTER LIMITS team became involved in
other science fiction series such as BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25TH CENTURY, BATTLESTAR
GALACTICA, and the revived TWILIGHT ZONE in the 1980s. When the studios fell out
seriously with Gene Roddenberry, it was to chief OUTER LIMITS writer Joe Stefano that the
studios turned to take over the reins of STAR TREK.

Journal Articles
STARBURST
No.242. October 1998, pp.46-49

No limits, by Ian Calcutt

Interview with executive producer Richard B Lewis on the continuing success of the show,
surpassing its 60s predecessor to become the longest running anthology show on US
television. Lewis explains that the 1990s series requires greater depth and looks beyond a
smaller hard-core science fiction audience (but without alienating it). He also notes that the
paranoia of the 1960s Cold War predecessor is a greater influence upon THE X-FILES than
the revived OUTER LIMITS. A feature film spin-off is also suggested.

STARBURST
No.250. June 1999, pp.24-103.

Special extended feature on the revived OUTER LIMITS. It includes an episode guide and
articles on: how the anthology series was reinvented for the 90s; several key episodes;
Trilogy entertainment Group that produce the show; the legacy of the 1960s series; the
thoughts of Joe Stefano, chief writer in the 1960s; and of Brad Wright, the chief writer initially
for the 90s series until co-producing STARGATE SG-1.

STARBURST
no.277. September 2001, pp.30-33.

Know your limits, by Steve Eramo

Interview with executive producer Pen Densham on the move from the Showtime Network to
the Sci-Fi Channel for its 7th season. The article notes that Densham had just been voted one
the 50 most influential people in science fiction. Densham and his company Trilogy were
approached by MGM to produce a revamped OUTER LIMITS. MGM wanted a modern show
with regular ongoing characters. After some reflection, Densham decided that it was a return
to the anthology format as a showcase for science fiction themes or nothing. He wrote a
very impassioned document - which became the bible for the show proving that the
[anthology format] was the right way to go. Densham also states that the Sci-Fi Channel
provided a very open forum for the show and that MGM are very old hands at this sci-fi
genre. The article also shows how much American television companies are prepared to
resource their programmes in terms of well known actors and special effects. For instance,
$250,000 dollars was spent on computer-generated effects for just one episode In the Blood.

29

Quantum Leap (1989-93)

compiled by Nicola Clarke

It is the near future and quantum physicist Sam Beckett is conducting an experiment,
sponsored by the US government, to test his theory of time travel. But the experiment goes
ca-ca and Sam finds himself bouncing around time, inhabiting other peoples bodies and
lives, striving to put right what once went wrong. His only companion is Al, a hologram from
his own time that only Sam can see and hear, and all the time he is searching for a way back
home
Quantum Leap was always something of a cult show, even within the cliquey world of TV
science fiction. It had a constant and devoted audience, though it was never as large as its
network would have liked. After several shifts of its time slot and a controversial tweaking of
the shows concept in its fifth and final season, QUANTUM LEAP finally ended with a complex
episode which left its fans scratching their heads. The quality of the show was never in doubt
though, and the uniqueness of its formula (it was virtually a different show every week albeit
with the same two leads) has never been completely recaptured.
Journal Articles
EMMY
Vol.13 no.1. February 1991, pp. 44-48

Time will tell, by Rod Lurie

Publicity conscious article looking at the background to the series production, its concept, the
storylines, and its transmission slots and audiences in the US. It also covers the shows
cardinal rules (there to be broken), and the critical acclaim and awards that QUANTUM LEAP
garnered.
At the time this article was written the show was suffering a drop in ratings, and there is an
attempt at analysis of time slots and audience demographics to explain the relative failure of a
series with a strong cult following. There seemed to be a disparity between QUANTUM LEAPs
intended family audience and the18-49 age group it was actually most popular with.

JOURNAL OF POPULAR FILM & TELEVISION

Vol.21 no.3. Autumn 1993, pp. 111-120

Epic heroes, ethical issues, and time paradoxes in QUANTUM LEAP, by Kayla McKinney
Wiggins
An academic but easy to digest essay analysing the ethical dilemmas of time travel as
presented in QUANTUM LEAP. It provides a detailed breakdown of the shows concept (Sam
Becketts quantum theory of time travel is explained), and exposes the many time paradoxes,
rule-breaking(of the time travel project and therefore the show), and plain mistakes, in
individual episodes, especially the controversial finale. Most of these mistakes are explained
by the rules being made up as they go along to encompass the writers imagination and
needs.
The two main players (Sam Beckett and Al Calavicci) characters and personal
choices/morality are examined (they are seen as an epic hero and anti-hero), as is the shows
apparently liberal stance on the important social issues of the post-war period, most notably
racial and gender prejudice. These are all explored through Sams experiences in different
lives.
An enjoyable read with many examples from individual episodes and an extensive notes
section.

30

STARBURST
Vol.16 no.5. January 1994, pp. 38-42
QUANTUM LEAP: a leap too far?, by David Bassom

A detailed critique of the last series with possible reasons for why it failed to save the show. It
analyses the most notable episodes, both good and bad. The article concludes that, on the
whole, QUANTUM LEAP maintained its high quality (especially the acting) until the end, but
was let down by high concept episodes which alienated the fans and betrayed its original
concept.
The article also contains a favourable review of the confusing final episode, comparing it to
the last episode of THE PRISONER and praising its complexity. Finally there is a sidebar
listing the title, leap date and US transmission date for every episode of the five year run.

STARBURST
Special no.21. October 1994, pp. 60-62

Quantum producer, by David Bassom

Interview with Charles Floyd Johnson, co-executive producer of the fifth and last series of
QUANTUM LEAP. He explains he was brought in to increase ratings and cut the budget, but
still maintain the quality. Johnson also discusses the changes to the show imposed by the
network (NBC) that made the plotlines more ambitious, covering real-life events and historical
figures, but which also broke the cardinal rule of Sam Beckett not changing world history.
He concedes that these high concept episodes didnt really work within the context of the
show, but were well made nevertheless.

TV ZONE
No.81. August 1996, pp. 21-24

Dean Stockwell: quantum reflections, by David Bassom

A nostalgic interview with the actor who played Sam Becketts sidekick, Al Calavicci. Starting
with a brief career biography, Stockwell goes on to discuss the uniqueness of QUANTUM
LEAPs premise and his initial fears that the show would not find an audience. Most
interestingly he argues that QUANTUM LEAP was a drama with Science Fiction elements, as
opposed to the other way round, thereby broadening its audience appeal.

FILM AND HISTORY

Vol.30 no.2. 2000, pp. 41-49
QUANTUM LEAP: the postmodern challenge of television as history, by Robert Hanke

An essay taking QUANTUM LEAP as an example of television being utilised as a form of

history, this is possibly more suited to degree studies and should be approached with caution,
but it does throw up some interesting ideas. Miss the introductory section altogether and
concentrate on the part directly studying QUANTUM LEAP.
This analyses the social content of the show, explaining that most episodes put contemporary
social issues in an historical context, but also identifies several clusters of episodes that dealt
directly with important issues in recent American history. It goes on to analyse the plotlines of
several specific episodes, and contentiously argues that QUANTUM LEAP told history from a
conservative viewpoint with one notable exception, a controversial episode dealing with gay
rights in the military, that had an outcome that was very progressive at the time.
But possibly the most interesting part of this essay is the proposition that QUANTUM LEAP was
a television show about the history (and future) of television. Several episodes are pastiches

31

of classic film and television genres, and the character of Sam Beckett can be seen as a
metaphor for the TV viewer, zapping through time as the viewer can zap through channels.
The article concludes with an excellent bibliography of other sources.

Books
CHUNOVIC, Louis
The Quantum Leap book.
Boxtree, 1993. 160p.illus. (mostly col.)

A fairly bland official TV tie-in that holds no great surprises but is entertaining and
substantially filled out with photographs (colour and black and white) and design sketches.
It contains brief biographies of the two lead characters and interviews with the actors that play
them, synopses and original transmission dates of all the episodes at the time of publication,
a look at the costume and production design, and a tentative look at the possible future of the
show.
There is also an interview with the shows creator, Donald P.Bellisario where he talks about
the variable success of anthology shows on US television, his method of working, the
decision to restrict Sam Becketts time travelling to his own lifetime (to give the plots a
grounding in reality) and the debt he owes QUANTUM LEAPs loyal fans for keeping the show
on the air.
Most interestingly, there is an examination of the theory of the future and the theory of the
show where the quantum leap theory of time travel is fully explained, and the shows bible of
guidelines that is given to every episode scriptwriter is laid out to any prospective writers out
there.

Stargate SG-1

compiled by Sean Delaney

The best current science fiction series on television? It is certainly the most successful
series: the networks quickly extended their contracts from the standard two to four seasons
before an episode had been made. Well resourced and well run, the show has stretched to
six seasons with a rumoured spin-off show Atlantis in the offing or the franchise even
returning to the big screen. It has just recently seen off its most recent rival for the title,
Farscape, which has been dropped by the Sci Fi Channel due to its lower audience figures
compared to SG-1. It is noted for its fine special effects with a distinct emphasis on humour.
Books
GIBSON, Thomasina
Stargate SG.1: the illustrated companion: seasons 1 and 2
London: Titan Books, 2001. 158p.illus.credits.

Stargate SG.1: the illustrated companion: seasons 3 and 4

London: Titan Books, 2002. 158p.illus.credits.

Official companions to the series containing episode guides to the first four seasons. The first
has a short section on how STARGATE SG-1 came to the small screen. The second looks at
the producers hoped to maintain the series great success. They also contain profiles of the
major characters and their thoughts upon their roles. The Behind the Scenes sections show
how much time and money is invested in the production and costume design of a series of
this kind, and how the effects are achieved.

32

Journal Articles
TV ZONE
No.103. June 1998, pp.32-34

Jonathan Glassner: reopening the Stargate, by Jonathan Wright

Article on how the producers transferred STARGATE the movie to the small screen.
Emmerich and Devlin, the creators of the original movie, refused to have anything to do with
the series. They had planned STARGATE as the first of a series of movies. The studios,
however, were not so keen as they believed television would be more profitable for the
franchise and had no intention of committing themselves to any STAR WARS style saga. They
gave the project to Jonathan Glassner and Brad Wright who were part of the team that had
resurrected THE OUTER LIMITS series, which had been very successful for MGM. The
producers spent two solid months analysing the movie and drawing out and even constructing
the mythology and science behind the film, such as the Stargate itself. STARGATE SG-1
requires four sound stages and it takes several weeks to build a set and then is used for just
5-7 days to shoot the script. The producers experience and expertise developed from THE
OUTER LIMITS was very useful. Glassner and Wright acknowledge the trends in story arcs in
TV Sci Fi, but for their show this is a by-product rather than an intention as in BABYLON 5.

STARBURST
no.252. August 1999, pp.54-58

Gate keepers, by Ian Calcutt

Interview with Glassner and Wright. They answer questions on the creation and evolution of
the series. They mention how MGM preferred them to Emmerich and Devlin, who would not
cooperate with the new producers. Glassner and Wright spent three months analysing the
film in detail, filling out some of the mythology, technology, science and potential storylines.
Although the series had similar situations to STAR TREK, the producers were keen to have
much more humour, deadpan especially, and to be more socially relevant to its audiences.
There would also be no Prime Directive to inform the characters actions when confronting the
inevitable ethical/moral dilemmas. A mix of character and action based episodes were also
aims of the series.

STARBURST
Special # 41 (Star Trek) November 1999

Egyptian delights, by Ian Calcutt

Article about series production designer, Richard Hudolin. It is in marked contrast to the
experiences of British television designers. The articles reveals how much artistic, physical,
organisational and especially financial commitment required for a successful major TV series.
Hudolin has several teams and departments to draw upon. Set designs take about 1-3
weeks from concept to drawings, another 2-3 weeks is required to construct a set, and then a
week to tear it down and start all over again. Sets are constructed about four episodes
ahead of rest of production. Hudolin created such an inspired design for The Devil You
Know that the producers expanded the storyline to a two-parter in order to allot a bigger
budget to it. Some of these sets can cost over $1million, even though Hudolin uses old
fashioned wooden props where it is cheaper to do so (e.g. the fixed Iris on the Stargate).
This is to save money as most of the budget is spent on post-production CGI.

33

STARBURST
No.255. November 1999, pp.26-29

Costume drama, by Thomasina Gibson

Interviews with Christina McQuarrie, senior costume designer, and Jan Newman, make-up
designer, about their work. McQuarrie came to SG-1 via genre shows SLIDERS and
HIGHLANDER, whereas Newman had worked previously with actor-executive producer,
Richard Dean Anderson. Both discuss how they prepare their designs and overcome some
of the many technical problems such as forehead tattoos of the Jaffa and the incompatibility
of rain and make-up.

STARBURST
No. 256. December 1999, pp.42-45

Demon director, by Ian Calcutt

Peter DeLuise (one of the two SG-1 directors) discusses his influences and approach to
directing SG-1. His influences range from JAWS to JABBERWOCKY, MONTY PYTHON and
STARSHIP TROOPERS. The production emphasis is to have the best possible product by the
end of a 12-hour day and then move on. Due to the costs involved, rookie directors either
need to learn fast or need not apply.

TV ZONE
No.123. February 2000, pp.16-25

Jonathan Glassner & Brad Wright: creating the gate, by Steven Eramo
Article on how a series is produced and an episode comes into being. The producers
Glassner & Wright wear many hats. Story meetings are held almost daily with the writers.
The producers listen to their pitches who in turn put the approved storylines forward to the
studio executives in LA. (Associate producers Greenburg and Anderson look after things in
Vancouver whilst Glassner and Wright are away). Most of the debate, and the budget, is
devoted to the post-production special effects.
SG-1 had a great start. The movie was a smash and everybody involved knew the television
spin-off would be a winner too. Selection criteria were laid down for the cast: Daniel Jackson
had to have leading man charisma; Samantha Carter had to be tough and intelligent but
attractive. Tealc had to look other worldly (my italics) and soldierly. Signing Anderson, an
established TV star (MACGYVER), was a coup and an experienced anchor for the series.

STARBURST
Special # 43, TV Sci-Fi April 2000, pp. 32-37

Standing at the gate, by, Ian Calcutt

Another article indicating the level of effort required to make a series on the scale of SG-1.
Producer Michael Greenburg provides some background on this well funded series. Scripts
are turned around in 8 days. The actors know their parts so well after 88 episodes that they
become part of the script developing process. The series tries to keep to two main directors
(Martin Wood and Peter Deluise) in order to maintain continuity (in contrast with other series).
Filming on location in the forests in and around Vancouver has not only been cheap and
convenient, it has become part of the iconography of the show. Wood has even visited
NORAD complex to help find similar locations with the feel of a top secret USAF base.

34

STARBURST
No: 263. July 2000, pp.62-66

Stargate mission 4, by, Paul Spragg

STARGATE SG-1 was not especially well received. Its slow-burn pacing was also criticised.

However, the producers knew that the networks were committed to further seasons and had
the luxury of using the series as a reference point for many character/story arcs for later
seasons. Michael Shanks was given his directorial debut in season #4, the first on SG-1,
which is unusual in a genre show.

STARBURST
Special #47 TV Sci-Fi April 2001, pp.74-79

Gateway to the future, by Isabelle Meurnier

STARGATE SG-1 is now in season # 5. The slow pace of the first two seasons has given the

later seasons a rare depth that has contributed to the shows continued popularity. It has
enjoyed this breathing space as many networks committed to it so early on (Showtime, Fox,
Sci-Fi). Michael Greenburg also claims that the contemporary themes and storylines have
contributed to the great success of the show. He also claims that they are not tied to a
spaceship or particular set. The USAF approval is important to the producers who work
closely with the USAF Space Command who can veto scripts in return for their cooperation
and proprietory Badge on the end credits, which is very important for marketing purposes.
Greenburg suggested in the article that the cast are experienced actors who know a good
thing when they see it. The show has produced no outstanding star who is keen to leave and
build a career outside the show. (Oops! See below). Anderson was a steadying influence and
has been around a long time. The cast are shrewd enough to know some actors go from one
failed pilot to another.
However, Greenburg does admit that a film may be in the offing and this is what attracted
him, and star Anderson, in the first place. But how would it transfer back to the big screen?
STARGATE SG-1 is expensive and big budget Hollywood films usually mean Hollywood stars
[This interference could damage the franchise and upset the fanbase]. The STAR TREK:
NEXT GENERATION route is suggested as a possible option.

TV ZONE
No.134. Jan 2001, pp.16-22

Action Jackson, by Lee Binding

Interview with Michael Shanks about his directing debut. Whereas other profiles effuse
nothing but what a happy ship SG- 1 is, this interview hints at Shanks possible estrangement
and having very distinct storylines (i.e. episodes that feature Daniel Jackson as main
character offer very little for the others). The lack of involvement of his character in various
action scenes is also raised.

STARBURST
No. 284. April 2002, pp.44-48

This is ground control to Major Sam, by Nick Joy

Interview with Amanda Tapping (Major Samantha Carter). She talks about her aspirations
and discusses why co-star Michael Shanks decided to go. But she reiterates that STARGATE
SG-1 is an ensemble show and you cant always expect to be the A storyline. (Indeed).
Article shows how important the Carter character had become by season # 5, receiving
meatier storylines placing her at the heart of the technological-mythological axis of the show.

35

STARBURST
No 286. May 2002, pp.46-50

America's most wanted, by Diane McGinn

By the end of season # 5, Michael Shanks (Daniel Jackson) had had enough of his
characters narrow and marginalised storylines, as well as the increasingly soapy scripts,
and quit the show. His revealing interview puts the blame firmly with the producers and hints
how it has unsettled the cast. It is interesting how Shanks notes how the character of Sam
Carter has been developed and extended. It is also revealing that he also does not mention
fellow cast member and SG-1 producer, Richard Dean Anderson. He also wonders whether
the brisk way in which he was shown the door, following by his character out of the series,
may cause waves that may distance the shows huge fan base with the sixth (and final?)
season coming up, and a proposed film and spin-off show in the pipeline.

36

Star Trek

compiled by Nathalie Sergent

Introduction

Trek, (S. Africa. 1849) a. Trek: draw, pull, march. In travelling by ox-wagon, a stage of a
journey between one stopping-place and the next. b. an organised migration or expedition by
ox-wagon 1890 (in The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary).

Arguably the most popular science fiction programme ever produced, the Star Trek franchise
has used the medium of television and silver screen - for over 30 years to explore such
themes as racism, sexism, religion, the duality of personality, economic and political
colonialism, propaganda, and science. It has been at various times reflective, informative, and
critical of American culture if not society as a whole, but most remarkably has triggered the
launch of a network of fans worldwide, better known as the Star Trek phenomenon.
As early as 1960, Gene Roddenberry, a former airline pilot and police officer, who had
become a prolific Western and television writer in the 1950s, described his idea of a new
adventure series as a Wagon Train to the Stars. One of his concepts involved a 19th century
dirigible la Jules Verne. Yet Roddenberry also acknowledged a debt to C.S. Foresters
Captain Horatio Hornblower novels, which describe the exploits of the captain and crew of an
18th century British naval vessel. Hornblower in Space was to be the alternate designation
for the new show, but instead became, after several rejections, Star Trek. Roddenberrys
vision of the Enterprise cast the ship and its crew as pioneers exploring space, space as a
stand-in for Americas western frontier, but was indubitably a distinctly American parable of
politics and domestic social issues of the 1960s.
th

STAR TREK premiered on 8 September 1966 on NBC. Three seasons later, the show was

cancelled because the network ratings were weak, but, through the process of syndication and more appropriate schedule - in early 1970s, it was re-discovered by a whole new
audience. By the late 70s, there was an intense demand for its return, and though an attempt
had been made by network programmers to launch a new Star Trek series, better
remembered by a few as The Missing Series, it was only in 1987 that a new Trek TV series
would entertain a growing number of fans with the revised and beloved catchphrase to boldly
go where no one has gone before. STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION proved to be a major
commercial success, elaborating on and challenging Roddenberrys original concept. Before
the sequel was to conclude its run after seven seasons, its spin-offs, STAR TREK: DEEP
SPACE NINE and STAR TREK: VOYAGER, were created and produced by Rick Berman, who
had teamed up with Gene Roddenberry in 1987, and had inherited the franchise mantle after
Roddenberrys death four years later. Both series would also last seven seasons each and
explore new life and civilisations in the infinite universe.
In parallel to this multiple-series production, a unique cultural phenomenon has developed
with fans of Star Trek creating countless unofficial novels, drawings, costumes, and videos,
and official sponsored merchandise (guidebooks, technical manuals, encyclopaedia, comic
books, action figures, and games). Although this Star Trek phenomenon has been dissected
by academics and the like, it can also be glimpsed in a documentary, TREKKIES (1999),
(which should have been titled Trekkers, as ferociously remarked by devoted fans), and in a
spoof science fiction comedy, GALAXY QUEST (1999), relating to fan club conventions.

The following bibliography encompasses all but the Animated Series (1973-1974), based on
the original television series, and the latest Star Trek series, ENTERPRISE, first aired in 2001
on UPN. It has been broken down into several sections, beginning with a general heading,
which covers a wide-range of materials on all aspects of the Star Trek franchise; followed by
a section on each television series, in chronological order; and finally three smaller sections
on special effects, costume and makeup, and websites.

37

Star Trek: General References

Books
BARRETT, Michele and BARRETT, Duncan
Star Trek: the human frontier.
Cambridge; Oxford: Polity Press; Blackwell, 2001

This is an ideal book for those unfamiliar with the Star Trek television series. The authors
expertly shed light on what is all too often perceived as an intricate narrative structure mingled
with sensitive social issues. In Part I, a comparative analysis is made between Star Treks
imaginative exploration of space and the imaginative literature of the exploration of the sea
taking Melville, Conrad, Forester and Jules Verne as examples. Part II examines the central
preoccupation of Star Trek, that is human identity, considering along the way colonialism and
race. Finally, part III looks at the question of religion, mental instability, scientific rationality,
gender and sexuality.

BERNARDI, Daniel
Star Trek and history: race-ing toward a white future.
New Brunswick: Rutgers University Press, 1998

A bold attempt to address the diverse ways in which race is articulated in this science fiction
series, through the creative and network decision-making, inter-texts, and fan readings of
race. The author defines race not in biologically reductive terms but within the historical
context of American institutions, social structures, and popular culture, arguing that despite
Treks didactic call for civil rights and multiculturalism, the mega-texts imagination has been
and continues to be depressingly Western and painfully white.

DILLAR, J.M.
Star Trek: Where no one has gone before: a history in pictures
New York: Pocket Books, 1996

This is the right book to get a gist of the history of the Star Trek franchise from 1966 to 1994
(including STAR TREK: VOYAGER), with full colour illustrations, entertaining and informative
texts on the casting of leading characters, directors, Klingon language, visual effects,
production design, western-style conception, and foes.

ENGEL, Joel and RODDENBERRY, Gene

Gene Roddenberry: the myth and the man behind Star Trek.
New York: Hyperion, 1994

An authoritative study of Gene Roddenberrys real relationship with the enduring Star Trek
adventures, told in biographical anecdotes and focusing heavily on the scriptwriting process
of the pre-1990s television series and feature films. Most of all, this book sheds light on a
complex man, who, according to the author, did not always live up to the mystic reputation
that one was made to believe.

GROSS, Edward and ALTMAN, Mark A.

Captain's logs: the complete Trek voyages
London: Boxtree, 1993

A useful reference show-by-show guide for those not familiar with all Star Trek episodes of
the original series and STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION first five seasons. It includes
airdates, brief synopsis, behind-the-scenes production information, and credits for each
episode. Each season guide is preceded by an informative introduction with comments from

38

the staff production, directors, etc. Please note that some of the episode airdates may differ
from those put on websites cited below.

GROSS, Edward and ALTMAN, Mark A.

Captains' logs supplemental: the unauthorized guide to the new Trek voyages.
London: Little, Brown, 1996

Another complete show-by-show guide, this time featuring the first four seasons of STAR
TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE and the first two seasons of STAR TREK: VOYAGER, including
airdates, brief synopsis, behind-the-scenes production information, and credits for each
episode. Each season guide is preceded by an informative introduction with comments from
the staff production, directors, etc. Please note that some of the episode airdates may differ
from those put on websites cited below.

IRWIN, Walter and LOVE, G.B.

The best of the best of Trek II: from the magazine for Star Trek fans.
New York; London: Penguin, 1992

In this second collection of published articles and letters from fans and professionals alike,
diverse and often strong opinions on STAR TREK television series and feature films are
expressed. We discover how unknown individuals feel about some characters, the Vulcan
philosophy of Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations (IDIC), attending conventions, medical
practices, blueprints, solutions to STAR TREK mysteries, video and computer games, time
travel in the STAR TREK universe, and uniforms.

JENKINS, Henry
Textual poachers: television fans and participatory culture.
New York; London: Routledge, 1992

(Studies in culture and communication)

Written by a science fiction fan and academic, this book is entirely devoted to the study of
media fandom, examining the social and cultural status of the fan community and evaluating
ways in which fans have reappropriated elements of some of the films and television series
universe as a basis for their own cultural production. There is good reference to fans of STAR
TREK, who, for example, have developed a genre of adult trek-themed stories called slash
(featuring homoerotic liaisons between Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock), and have experimented
with home videos by creating montage sequences from existing episodes.

[Before writing the work above, the author outlined some of the points in an article from:
CRITICAL STUDIES, vol.5 no.2. June 1988.
Star Trek rerun, reread, rewritten: fan writing as textual poaching, by Henry Jenkins III.
Also reprinted in:
Close encounters: film, feminism, and science fiction, edited by Constance Penley et al.
University of Minnesota Press, 1991, pp.171-204.
Television; the critical view, edited by Horace Newcomb. OUP, 2000. pp.470-494.]

OKUDA, Michael, OKUDA, Denise and DREXLER, Doug

The Star Trek encyclopedia: a reference guide to the future.
London; New York: Pocket Books, 1997

Quite a meticulously researched and cross-referenced A-Z lexicon to the entire Star Trek
saga, placed in a historical perspective and including material partway through the 1996-1997
production seasons of STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE and STAR TREK: VOYAGER. There are
countless informative illustrations of, for example, starships, props, phasers, uniforms,
emblems, and an exhaustive list and description of all featured planets. Appendices cover a
timeline of Star Trek production; historical events in the Star Trek universe, cast, writers,

39

directors, and production personnel of the Star Trek television episodes and motion pictures.
In short, this is the Star Trek reference book.

PORTER, Jennifer E. and McLAREN, Darcee L.

Star trek and sacred ground: explorations of Star trek, religion, and American culture.
Albany, NY: State University of New York Press, 1999
This volume of articles focuses on the portrayal and treatment of religion in the various Star
Trek series, in relation to science, technology, and changing societal attitudes towards
religion. It also discusses the religious, mythic, and ritual aspects (particularly conventions) of
Star Trek fandom, and how fans have found meaning in their own lives through the franchise.

Journal Articles
EMMY
January/February 1992, pp. 24-29

Capital Adventure, by Janet Kawamoto

Considers the international appeal of STAR TREK from the standpoint of fans and
professionals. Includes a tribute to Gene Roddenberry.
FILM AND HISTORY
Vol.XXIV. Nos.1-2. 1994, pp. 19-35

From the New Frontier to the Final Frontier: Star Trek From Kennedy To Gorbachev, by
Rick Worland
An essay analysing STAR TREKs allegorical relationship to the Cold War, from the escalating
Vietnam War and Kennedys space conquest in the 1960s to the complete disintegration of
the Soviet Union and the eastern European bloc in the early 1990s.
Newspaper Articles
DAILY TELEGRAPH
12 August 1997, pp. 8-9

Star Trek: the vexed generation, by Dave Green

Explores the world of fan fiction on the Internet.
THE INDEPENDENT
22 February 1994, p. 6

Star Trek boldly goes across new sci-fi frontiers

A brief comment on how the Star Trek shows have become more scientifically sophisticated
but less optimistic than in the sixties.
THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY MAGAZINE
12 May 1996, pp. 44-46

Its illogical, Captain, by Paul Rodgers

A discussion by physicists and scientists of some of the technologies used in Star Trek (e.g.
transporters, warp drive, and holodecks), which, in their opinion, are unlikely to ever work
because they defy the laws of physics.

40

Star Trek (The Original Series: 1966-69)

Books
ASHERMAN, Allan
The Star Trek interview book.
London: Titan Books; Pocket Books, 1988

A collection of 38 interviews, conducted by the author, with the most famous and lesserknown people, who worked both sides of the camera on STAR TREK and feature films.

BLAIR, Karin
Meaning in Star Trek.
New York: Warner Books, 1977

Years after the original series was produced, Karin Blair seeks to understand the appeal of
STAR TREK by exploring the concept of alienation in the show and to some extent in our own
unconscious mind. For the author, STAR TREK is structured out of polarities (good/evil,
mind/emotion, masculinity/femininity, outer/inner dualities, known/alien, positive/negative, and
youth/age), which are first encountered in the character of Spock, the hybrid Vulcan-human,
and then in the voyages of the starship. In fact, the show is as much a voyage out as it is a
voyage in; it is an attempt to go beyond human boundaries but it is also concerned with
looking back at the earth, that is ourselves and our society.

GERROLD, David and Starlog Magazine

The world of Star Trek.
New York: Bluejay Books, 1984

Scriptwriter David Gerrold - most famous for penning the 1967 episode The Trouble With
Tribbles - here revisits his thoughts on the world of STAR TREK, which he had first published
in 1977. Apart from revealing mythical truth behind the original series scenes as it has never
been told before, he chronicles the birth of the Star Trek phenomenon and how fans kept the
show on air right through the early 80s with the release of the feature films. To accompany
this personal input, there are over 100 photos of the original series as well as crucial
interviews from fans and professionals.

LICHTENBERG, Jacqueline, MARSHARK, Sondra, and WINSTON, Joan

Star Trek lives!
New York: Bantam, 1975

An in-depth examination of the creators, crew, and stars of STAR TREK, as well as fans and
conventions, mostly through interviews and personal notes. Of particular interest is how Star
Trek fans unexpectedly responded to the syndicated science-fiction series in the early 70s.

SOLOW, Herbert F. and SOLOW, Yvonne Fern

The Star trek sketchbook: the original series.
New York: Pocket Books, 1997

A richly colourful book devoted to the creative work of four visual designers (Walter Jefferiesaka Matt Jeffries-, William W. Theiss, Frederick B. Phillips, and Wah Min Chang), whose
talent no doubt contributed to the appeal of STAR TREK, especially at a time when colour
television was developing. The book mainly comprises sketches and illustrations of every
aspect of the Starship Enterprise from its inception; some of the most lavish uniforms and
costumes worn in the galaxy; makeup designs of aliens, including Spocks ears; and science
fiction props and gadgets.

41

WESTFAHL, Gary
Science fiction, children's literature, and popular culture: coming of age in fantasyland.
Westport, CT; London: Greenwood Press, 2000

(Contributions to the study of science fiction and fantasy, no.88)

Chap.6: Opposing war, exploiting war: the troubled pacifism of Star Trek
An essay analysing the political stance of STAR TREK throughout its three year run, which is
conveyed in a number of episodes making explicit arguments against the then Vietnam War.
The author also considers in retrospect the place of pacifism in a paradoxically violent show.

WHITFIELD, Stephen E. and RODDENBERRY, Gene

The making of Star Trek.
New York: Ballantine, 1968

This is a fresh and wholly accessible record of the original concept, creation and production
of STAR TREK. The author (aka Stephen E. Poe), who was indirectly involved in the
merchandising of the Enterprise spaceship at the time, supports his text with quotes from
Gene Roddenberry and reproductions of memos, letters, while giving a down-to-earth insight
into 1960s American television production. This book also provides blueprints, charts, and
discussion of the technical design of U.S.S. Enterprise, as well as a biography of the crew
and STAR TREK regulars.

Journal Articles
AMERICAN CINEMATOGRAPHER
Vol.48. No.10. October 1967, pp. 714-717

Out-of-this-world Special Effects for Star Trek, [Editorial]

The presidents of each Special Effect studios - Howard A. Anderson Company, Film Effects
of Hollywood, Inc., and the Westheimer Co - explain the behind-the-scenes technology of
creating illusions for STAR TREK, namely the design and building of spaceship, speed through
space, transporter effect, phaser effect, television reductions, and optical effects.

CINEFANTASTIQUE
Vol.27. No.11/12. July 1996, pp. 24-111

Star Trek: the 30th anniversary, by various contributors

Extended feature commemorating the 30th anniversary of STAR TREK, including a behind-thescenes tribute by James Doohan (Scotty), George Takei (Sulu), Nichelle Nichols (Uhura),
Walter Koenig (Chekov), and Grace Lee Whitney (Janice Rand); casting the series;
scriptwriting some episodes; special visual and sound effects; and set decorating.

FILM AND HISTORY

Vol.XXIV. Nos.1-2. 1994, pp. 48-59

Professional Women in Star Trek, 1964 to 1969, by Mary Henderson

An essay on the various images of women presented in STAR TREK, which can be attributed
in part to the different writers, directors, and producers who shaped the series from episode to
episode, from season to season, and also to the changing roles of women in the sixties
decade.

42

JOURNAL OF POPULAR FILM AND TELEVISION

Vol.12. No.2. Summer 1984, pp. 52-65

In Search of Spock: A Psychoanalytic Inquiry, by Harvey R. Greenberg

This paper, written by an adolescent psychologist, focuses on the character of Mr Spock,
seen as a major source of influence among teenagers and STAR TREKs enduring appeal.

Newspaper Articles
DAILY TELEGRAPH
26 August 1996

[Star Trek is 30 years old this week], by Michael Harrington

Considers the reasons why STAR TREK has retained a cult status across the decades, while
its spin-offs have left a less deeper impression on the public imagination.
NEW SOCIETY
2 September 1976

Star Trek lives, by Paul Harrison

An examination of the appeal of STAR TREK in the context of other American television series.

Star Trek: The Missing Series

Book
REEVES-STEVENS, Judith and REEVES-STEVENS, Garfield
Star Trek: Phase II: the lost series.
New York: Pocket Books, 1997

An objective account of the missed Star Trek television programme, STAR TREK: PHASE II,
which was to launch a fourth independent, Paramount-owned television network in 1978 and
be a continuation of the original series. The book encompasses a genesis of the project right
through to its cancellation; the original bible or guide book, updated for the new series; the
early production scripts; and a synopsis of the first thirteen episodes, two of which were
rewritten to appear in STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION. There is also a range of amazing
illustrations from storyboards, photos, blueprints, and images from test footage shot on sets
while still under construction.

43

Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-94)

Books
GROSS, Edward and ALTMAN, Mark A.
Creating the Next Generation.
London: Boxtree, 1995

This book looks back at the genesis of STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION, beginning with
its announcement in October 1986, and provides an overview of the development of the first
season episodes from script to screen. It also includes a reprinted feature article by Mark A.
Altman on the early days of the new series in 1987.

HARRISON, Taylor. PROJANSKY, Sarah and ONO, Kent A.

Enterprise zones: critical positions on Star Trek.
Oxford: Westview, 1996.

A collection of essays analysing the intersection of gender (construction of masculinity

through a study of Kirk), race (through the character of Data), sexuality, feminist issues,
modernism, capitalism, colonialism, death, and the fashioning of bodies through the narrative
of STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION. The book closes with an interview with Henry Jenkins
(see Textual poachers: TV fans and participatory culture) about his role vis--vis fan studies
and Star Trek.

POUNDS, Michael C.
Race in space: the representation of ethnicity in Star Trek and Star Trek: The Next
Generation.
Lanham, MD; London: Scarecrow Press, 1999

An interesting book for its thorough comparative analysis of the first two STAR TREK television
series, regarding programme schedules on American networks, audience ratings, and the
symbolic codes semiotics - associated with the representation of ethnicity (black American,
African, Indian, and extraterrestrial aliens) and Americas changing social values.

ROBERTS, Robin
Sexual generations: "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and gender.
Urbana; Chicago, IL: University of Illinois Press, 1999

A full examination of the STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION seven-year run from a feminist
perspective, exploring a set of social and cultural issues such as sexism, homophobia, sexual
orientation, rape, abortion, and race as it is dealt with through the metaphor of female aliens.

Journal Articles
DISABILITY ARTS MAGAZINE
Vol.4. No.2. Summer 1994, pp. 24-25

Star Trek An Equal Universe, by Bethany Joseph

A short but positive examination of the portrayal of disabled people in STAR TREK: THE NEXT
GENERATION.

44

FILM AND HISTORY

Vol. XXIV. Nos. 1-2. 1994, pp. 2-16

Technological Utopias: The Future of the Next Generation, by F.S. Braine

As opposed to the fearsome futuristic technology depicted in early American science fiction
serials and films, STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION, set in the 24th century, projects a
technologically sophisticated and humanistic future. Yet the show remains scientifically
unconvincing because of its hazy reference to the technological changes that took place in
the previous three centuries or so.

STARBURST
Special #16. July 1993, pp. 57-63

The Romulans, by Rod Summers

A full profile of the main and far more interesting adversaries of the United Federation of
Planets in STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION, starting with a presentation of the original
Trek Romulans right through to their political tactics with the Klingons in Season # 6.

STARBURST
Special #20. July 1994, pp. 34-39

Beverly Crusher, by David Richardson

Gates McFadden discusses the treatment of women in STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION,
her role as Dr. Beverly Crusher, and her promotion to the rank of Captain.

Newspaper Articles
PARAMOUNT NETWORK TELEVISION
Star Trek: The Next Generation, by Larry Goldman and John A. Wentworth
A collection of press sheets on STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION, produced by Paramount
Network Television. These include the creation of the show as a spin-off of the original series,
biographies of the leading characters, story ideas and tip sheet, and a presentation of the
U.S.S Enterprise.
NEW YORK TIMES
2 November 1986, pp. 31-32

New Star Trek Plan Reflects Symbiosis of TV and Movies, by Aljean Harmetz
Retraces Paramount Studios decision to make a new syndicated sequel to STAR TREK, and
distribute it to new television channels and cable.

NEW STATEMAN AND SOCIETY

28 September 1990, p. 30

Working out in space, by Paul Morley

A personal, if not cynical, view on the launch of a second Star Trek television series.

45

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993-99)

Books
ALTMAN, Mark A. and SOLTER, David Ian
Exploring Deep Space and beyond.
London: Boxtree, 1993

This book begins by looking at the history of space stations in science fiction, followed by an
in-depth analysis of the creation of STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE, devoting whole chapters
on pre-production drawings of title sequence and space station, make-up, special effects,
press critics, and interviews with directors David Carson, Winrich Kolb, and Paul Lynch.

HELFORD, Elyce Rae

Fantasy girls: gender in the new universe of science fiction and fantasy television.
Lanham, MD; Oxford: Rowman and Littlefield , 2000

Part III, Chap.11 No ramps in spaces: the inability to envision accessibility in Star Trek: Deep
Space Nine, by Hanley E. Kanar, pp. 245-263
An essay on the representation of physical disability in STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE, taking
the Melora Pazlar character, in the episode Melora, as a case in point. The author argues
that a number of scenes reinforce social stereotypes about disability, coupled with femalegender issues, and that, despite envisioning a diversity-packed utopia where a startling
variety of beings commingle in working harmony, the scriptwriters struggled to portray people
with disabilities in a neutral way.

SARDAR, Ziauddin and CUBITT, Sean (eds)

Aliens R Us: the other in science fiction cinema.
London: Pluto Press, 2002. 186p.index.

This is a recent and interesting work on the culture of science fiction worldwide.
Chapter 7, entitled: Saying Yours and Mine in Deep Space Nine, by Kirk W. Junker and
Robert Duffy, is worth noting. The authors begin with a brief philosophical overview on how
the question of the other came to be pondered. They examine the simplistic notions of the
other in the original series and compare and contrast these with DEEP SPACE NINE, the
darkest of all four (sic) strands of the STAR TREK franchise. In the show, even the (AfricanAmerican) Captain Sisko can be considered as an other, and this is certainly the case of the
regular characters, not all of which have American pie values.

VAN HISE, James

Trek: Deep Space Nine: the unauthorized story.
Las Vegas, NV: Pioneer Books, 1993

As the groundwork to the third Star Trek series can be found in the last episodes of the
preceding series, STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION, the first part of this book inevitably
makes a parallel analysis of both television shows from the standpoint of their creation and
villainous characters. The rest of the book offers biographies of the major actors and
actresses, and a complete guide to the first 11 episodes.

46

Journal Articles

CINEFANTASTIQUE
Vol.29. No.11. March 1998, pp. 63, 125

Far Beyond the Stars, by Anna L. Kaplan

A discussion of how the cast and crew of a STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE episode, Far
Beyond the Stars, set in 1950s America, tackled the difficult issue of racism.

CINEFANTASTIQUE
Vol.28. No.4/5. November 1996, pp. 44-46

Taboo breaker, by Dale Kutzera

A discussion of the passionate gay kiss between Lenara and Jadzia Dax, in the episode
Rejoined, regarded as a broken Trill taboo in the STAR TREK universe. The article puts great
emphasis on some of the worries felt during the pre-production stage and the ensuing mixed
reactions by fans and audience.

Star Trek: Voyager (1995-2001)

Books
HELFORD, Elyce Rae
Fantasy girls: gender in the new universe of science fiction and fantasy television.
Lanham, MD; Oxford: Rowman and Littlefield, 2000

Part III, Chap.9 Science, race and gender in Star Trek: Voyager, by Robin A. Roberts, pp.
203-221
An essay discussing how racial and ethnic differences affect female crew members
interactions and their scientific practice in two episodes of STAR TREK: VOYAGER,
Dreadnought and The Omega Directive.

INNESS, Sherrie
Tough girls: women warriors and wonder women in popular culture.
Philadelphia, PA: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1999

(Feminist cultural studies, the media, and political culture)

Chap.6: Tough women in outer space: the final frontier (Captain Janeway takes the helm, pp.
114-119)
A short essay reflecting on Kathryn Janeways toughness as a leader but also much
emphasised femininity in STAR TREK: VOYAGER.

POE, Stephen Edward

A Vision of the future: Star Trek: Voyager.
New York: Pocket Books, 1998

A substantial book with a novelistic approach on the early days of STAR TREK: VOYAGER.
Once more, the author (aka Stephen E. Whitfield in 1968) recounts the behind-the-scene
struggles and triumphs of producing a new Star Trek franchise, adding commentaries from
creator/producers to the stagehands, while exploring the impact the whole Star Trek universe
has had on peoples lives.

47

Journal Articles
CINEFANTASTIQUE
V.29. No.11. March 1998, pp. 104-106

Living Witness, by Anna Kaplan

A discussion of STAR TREK: VOYAGERs fourth-season episode, Living Witness, in which the
android Doctor finds himself a relic in an alien museum some hundreds of years in the future.
The show questions the accuracy of revisionist history as told by one culture. In this instance,
the aliens, guilty of genocide, are trying to rewrite history by making Voyager appear the
culprit of their misdeeds.

CREATIVE SCREENWRITING
V.2. No.3. Fall 1995, pp. 12-19

STAR TREK: VOYAGER: Tastes like chicken, but with more flavor, by Eric Heisserer
A review essay focusing on the writing style used by scriptwriters Michael Piller and Jeri
Taylor in STAR TREK: VOYAGERs pilot episode Caretaker. The writers strategy to attract a
large audience is to develop the crews personal lives so as to give them a new dimension,
and expand on the techno-verbiage to give the new spin-off series a shinier feel, and puts it
closer to science fiction.

SPECIAL (AND) VISUAL EFFECTS

Images that we take for granted on our small screen, such as sparkling transporter beams,
glowing energy creatures, sophisticated space stations faster than the speed of light, and
spinning planets, in reality involve an extensive behind-the-scenes preparation by the effects
team and a host of collaborators from the art department, props department, computer
generated imagery (CGI) and video compositing studios to name but a few. Interestingly, a
good deal of journal articles have been written on a handful of key and lesser known
craftsmen, who have been coordinating these art of illusion projects, very often alternating
series episodes with another team, and whose names recur in part or all of the Star Trek
television series and movies credits. The following list of names also includes their most
known professional titles:
Richard James (production designer/art director); Michael Okuda (scenic art
supervisor/technical consultant); Rick Sternbach (senior illustrator/technical assistant); Matt
Jeffries (prod. designer); Herman Zimmerman (prod. designer) Dan Curry (v. (visual) effects
producer); David Stipes (v. effects supervisor); Ronald B. Moore (v. effects sup.); Gary Hutzel
(v. effects sup.); Glenn Neufeld (v. effects sup.); Mitch Suskin (v. effects sup.); Joe Bauer (v.
effects coordinator); Rob Legato (v. effects co.); Judy Elkins (v. effects co.); David Takemura
(v. effects co.); Tony Meininger (model-maker); Greg Jein (model-maker); Chris Schnitzer
(model-maker); Bill Taylor (matte painter); Syd Dutton (matte painter); & the unsung heroes.

COSTUME AND MAKE-UP

Very little has been written on Trek outfits and alien makeup since the inception of the cult TV
series in the mid-1960s. However, two major creative professionals, costume designer Robert
Blackman and makeup designer and supervisor Michael Westmore, who worked on STAR
TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION, STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE, and STAR TREK: VOYAGER,
have had some significant feature articles devoted to their outstanding art and craft as well as
the constraints they encountered in terms of time and budget.

48

WEBSITES
www.startrek.com
Paramounts official website for Star Trek, filled with up-to-date information/news, activities,
and events. Please note that some episode airdates may vary from those available in printed
format.
Startrekuk.co.uk
The official Star Trek site for videos and DVD.
www.cs.umanitoba.ca/~djc/startrek
Offers updated archives, credits and promo transcriptions, FA&Q on Star Trek technology,
and links to other sites such as the Klingon Language Institute.

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The Twilight Zone (1959-64; 1985-89; 2002-)compiled by Sean Delaney

Books
ZICREE, Marc Scott
The Twilight Zone companion.
New York: Bantam, 1989. 466p. illus. teleog. index.

This work offers a detailed introduction to THE TWILIGHT ZONE. Its creator, Rod Serling, was
already a famous and highly regarded television playwright but sought to escape from the
restrictions, and impending death, of live televised drama. He also chafed against the
constricting hold of programme sponsors, which sought non-offensive and often nonstimulating fare produced for the networks in the 1950s. THE TWILIGHT ZONE emerged from
the innovative Desilu Playhouse showcase, and although causing some bemusement (it was
felt by the networks that the pilot show required Desi Arnaz, co-owner of Desilu with
comedienne Lucille Ball, to explain it) it was a hit. It was a big show and was expensive (even
the pilot cost $120,000) to produce featuring A1 actors like Lee Marvin, Lee J. Cobb and
Charles Bronson. The plotlines usually revolved around some form of alienation and
consumed Serling, who rarely worked (outside the genre) again.

PRESNELL, Don and McGEE, Marty

A critical history of television's The Twilight zone, 1959-1964.
Jefferson, NC; London: McFarland, 1998. 282p. bibliog. appendices. indices.

Another typical labour of love from the McFarland stable. It is packed with a comprehensive
listing of facts, details, episode guides, credits etc. The authors explain that the book was
written to fill the gaps left by other works. Part I is a history of the show and how it evolved
and Rod Serlings role in its creation and development.

WOLFE, Peter
In the Zone: the twilight world of Rod Serling.
Bowling Green, OH: Bowling Green State University Popular Press, 1997. ix, 217p. bibliog. index.

Author explores the themes of THE TWILIGHT ZONE and how these reflected the presence of Rod
Serling. It also examines how developments in the American television industry influenced the
show. The author not surprisingly concentrates upon the importance of the writing as the key
to its success. (Hes an English professor). He believes that Serling was able to strike the
right note between a quasi-didacticism and the ability to engage viewers intelligence and
emotions through dialogue rather than shocking visual images.

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Journal Articles
CREATIVE SCREENWRITING
Vol.8 no.4. Jul/Aug 2001, pp.53-58

A word to the wise: a certain tribute to Rod Serling, by David Konow

Article on the life and troubled career of Rod Serling, creator and chief writer of THE TWILIGHT
ZONE.

SCREEN
Vol.25 no.4/5 Jul/Oct 1984 pp.98-108

Entering The Twilight Zone: William Boddy examines the transition to Hollywood
Television.
This splendid and readable article analyses the career of Rod Serling and his relationship to
THE TWILIGHT ZONE, as a means to explore the changes in American television during its
Golden Era. It examines the economic and historical context in which the programme
appeared. Filmed series featuring regularly appearing characters and/or Hollywood stars
were replacing the live anthology drama series, a development which was bemoaned by the
critics of the day. The industry was also under the glare of publicity from accusations of news
slanting and corruption culminating in the Quiz Show scandals. It also examines the role of
the writer in all these developments.

STARBURST
no.62. October 1983, pp.15-30

In depth section discussing the importance of THE TWILIGHT ZONE.

51