Buck Rogers in the 25th Century - The Complete Epic Series
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BidiBidiBidi - Buck returns from the dead
Pros
Fun and funny space opera
Cons
Final 8 episodes are a total disaster
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
This high-camp space opera is a sexy but safe romp with fun and funny plots and good casting. Highly enjoyable for kids of all ages.
BidiBidiBidi - Buck returns from the dead
Buck Rogers is back, almost complete and larger than life, and you don't have to wait 500 years to see him...
* * *
[Ironic Note: Gordon is played by Buster Crabbe, the original Buck Rogers.]
Brigadier Gordon: I've been doing this since before you were born.
Buck Rogers: You think so?
Brigadier Gordon: Son, I KNOW so.
- - - - -
Buck Rogers: Nice costume, Tigerman. You going trick or treating?
Princess Ardala: Defiant. I always like that in a man. What did you think of my ingenious invitation?
Buck Rogers: I was swept away by emotion.
- - - - -
Kane: Shall I order the ambuquad disassembled?
Twiki: You ever have TWO broken arms, buster?
- - - - -
Princess Ardala: Captain Buck Rogers, meet Captain Buck Rogers.
[Buck witnesses the debut of the Zygot, a robot duplicate of himself]
Buck Rogers: Something you threw together in crafts class, Princess?
- - - - -
[Buck has picked up a large machine gun from the table, and points it at Corliss]
Commander Corliss: You fool, that's an ancient signaling device.
[Buck fires a quick burst at the floor]
Buck Rogers: Get the message?
* * *
Narrator: The year is 1987, and NASA launches the last of America's deep space probes. In a freak mishap, Ranger 3 and its pilot, Captain William "Buck" Rogers, are blown out of their trajectory into an orbit which freezes his life support systems, and returns Buck Rogers to Earth... 500 years later.
With these words back in 1979, began one of the most fun shows ever to grace a TV set.
Buck Rogers in the 25th Century was created by Glen A. Larson of Battlestar Galactica fame, who based it loosely on Star Trek in an attempt to ride the coattails of the mega-hit Star Wars. In an unusual move, the pilot episode of Buck Rogers was released as a feature movie, and only when it had success in the theaters was the rest of the series made. Later, an edited form of the theatrical release with minimal added footage was shown as the TV pilot. The series soon found an easy fun formula that viewers liked, and soon 24 episodes were in the can. However, due to an actors strike, filming of the second year was delayed. During the layoff, Larson, possibly under pressure from NBC, reworked the show to be more like Galactica. The result was disastrous, and fans switched off their sets in droves. The series died 8 episodes later. However, due to the magic of DVD, Buck lives again in the 21st century.
This DVD, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century - The Complete Series, is almost what it claims to be. It contains the original theatrical release of Buck Rogers, the 32 original episodes, and nothing else. It does not contain the televised version of the pilot, so it isn't really complete. This is no loss, since the theater version was much better. It does not contain any commentaries from the stars and/or writers, or anything else of special interest to the shows many fans. Like Rodney Dangerfield, Buck Rogers gets no respect. It is also worth noting that due to the improved technology over the last twenty-five years, the DVD looks better than the original airings ever could. Wilma Deering's spandex covered derriere never looked better.
As the narrator states, the premise of the show was that a 20th-century man, Buck Rogers, played by soap opera hunk Gil Gerard, was frozen in an accident, and returns to life in the 25th-century. During his long sleep, Earth has virtually destroyed itself in a nuclear war, and the survivors find themselves besieged by a powerful, warlike alien race called the Draconians.
The New-Chicago of the 25th-century is a minimalist wet dream; a white sterile place filled with spineless effete men, gorgeous aggressive women, tiny penile-headed robots called ambuquads and strange, immobile, artificial intelligences that look like tambourines with eyes. Here Buck, an aggressive all American boy, is a stud, quickly showing that he is the best fighter pilot, the bravest warrior, and the best fighter too, with his own hilarious form of Buck-fu.
Buck quickly forms a friendship with a tiny ambuquad called Twiki (pronounced Tweaky) voiced for most of the series by Mel Blanc. (Bob Elyea did a few episodes at the start of the second season, but Blanc returned after viewers protested. Blanc also double-dipped, playing Duck Dogers in the animated parody.) Twiki could be annoying at times, but mostly made a good comedic companion for Buck. Often, Twiki carried a super intelligent AI called Dr. Theopolis (voiced by Eric Server) around his neck like a large ugly necklace to provide additional comic relief. At the end of every episode, Twiki will make some strange comment that somehow fits the show, something like, "BidBidiBidi - Buck kicks butt."
The leader of New-Chicago Dr. Huer played by Tim O'Connor also befriends Buck and takes him under his wing. However, the most significant of the Earthlings, is the "former" top fighter ace, Col. Wilma Deering played by stunning ex-model Erin Gray. Gray, the undisputed Queen of Spandex, was poured into her costume for each weeks show. Deering, who prior to Buck's arrival was the top warrior, feels threatened by him, but she is also immediately attracted to his good looks and easy charm.
The evil Draconians are lead by Princess Ardala, played by the delightfully sensuous and naughty Pamela Hensley. The delicious Ms. Hensley was aided in her wicked portrayal by a succession of innovative and revealing costumes, and by her trusty servant Kane, mostly played by Michael Ansara.
Princess Ardala too finds Buck's 20th-century machismo to be irresistible, and puts her Earth destroying plans on hold, while she vies with Deering for his attentions. Most of the best episodes follow a simple formula. Ardala comes up with a plan to seduce Buck and destroy New Chicago. Deering tries to stop her. Buck rushes in and saves the day. The scantily clad and alluring bad-girl Ardala, the skin-tight-spandex suited good-girl Deering, and the glassy-eyed and rightfully smiling Rogers form a love triangle of sorts. The handsome and good natured hero is clearly attracted to both women, and it is from this sexual tension that most of the shows energy derives.
Back when the show first aired in 1979, as a single 20-something male, I could never decide which of the two girls I liked best either, so Buck's indecision was quite understandable. (Mind you, the wickedly sexy Wilma Deering in the "Space Vampire" episode was hard to ignore.) This also explains why, though he had many opportunities to destroy Ardala, Buck could never quite bring himself to do so. Deering had no such compunction, and the verbal and sometimes physical catfights were always worth watching.
Now while the show was heavy on the eye-candy and light on the science fiction, it did have decent effects for its day. Many of the props were Battlestar Galactica leftovers or rejects. Buck's Starfighter was originally designed as a Galactica Viper, but never used. The plots were sexy and fun, with tons of in-jokes in the background. For example, whenever a scene was in a spaceport, some SF notable like Adam Strange or Captain Christopher Pike would be paged.
Perched solidly in the high-camp camp, the series was never good, but it was always enjoyable with episodes like "Planet of the Slave Girls", "Unchained Woman", "Space Vampire", "Flight of the War Witch", "The Return of the Fighting 69th", "Vegas in Space", "Space Rockers", "The Guardians", and "The Plot to kill a City". While never forgetting its central theme of Buck flirting with space vixens, the show sported an impressive array of guest stars including Buster Crabbe,(the original Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon) , Jamie Lee Curtis, Julie Newmar, Dorothy Stratten, Roddy McDowel, Peter Graves, Frank Gorshin, Ceasar Romero, Jack Palance and Ray Walston.
Then everything changed.
When the series was revamped, it tried to be more SF and became a Star Trek/Galactica clone. Buck joined a starship called The Searcher, which set off to find the lost tribes of Earth. The general idea was that by touring the galaxy, there would be more and better plot opportunities. A Spock like alien, Hawk played by Thom Christopher, joined the cast. He was descended from birds, a natural flier, and almost as good a pilot as Buck. Despite the derivative nature of the role and the cheesy costume, he was well received.
Dr. Huer and most of the New-Chicago crowd disappeared in the rethink, which was no loss really, but the final two changes were disastrous. Wilma Deering's costume was changed into a 25th-century stewardess outfit, and she was given a much reduced role. Still, she fared better than Princess Ardala, who disappeared from the show entirely. This change clearly showed no respect for the adolescent male hormones of the show's fan base, and killed the chemistry which made the show successful. Imagine Star Trek without Spock and Bones. Without this triad, it became a second rate space opera with feeble plots and shoddy effects. The final eight episodes were a total waste. Its death was quick and merciful.
So, how do I rate this gem? In all fairness, I cannot give it more than 3 stars. It was never more than light SF with trite plots, corny sets and oodles of delicious eye candy. However, it was funny and fun and a lot more enjoyable than most things on TV. If you are looking for a gift for an adolescent male, this would be perfect. It is also worth noting, that most males remain adolescent until well into their eighties. I heartily recommend it.
BidiBidiBidi - over and out!
* * *
As an ex-TV show, this is viewable by kids of any age, but they may enjoy it more once their hormones cut in.
* * *
Buck Rogers in the 25th Century - The Complete Series
Created by Glen A. Larson
Cast:
Gil Gerard - Capt. William "Buck" Rogers (1979-1981)
Erin Gray - Col. Wilma Deering (1979-1981)
Pamela Hensley - Princess Ardala (1979-1980)
Tim O'Connor - Dr. Huer (1979-1980)
Felix Silla - Twiki (1979-1981)
Mel Blanc - Twiki #1 (1979-1981) (voice)
Bob Elyea - Twiki #2 (1981) (voice)
Eric Server - Dr. Theopolis (1979-1980) (voice)
Henry Silva - Kane #1 (1979)
Michael Ansara - Kane #2 (1979-1980)
Hawk - Thom Christopher (1980)
* * *
Please check out some of my other entertainment reviews:
Foyle's War *****
Dawn Of The Dead/Shaun Of The Dead ****
Dracula 2000/Tale of the Mummy **
Redwall - The Seige *****
At the Earth's Core *****
Godzilla ***
The Sword and The Dragon *
Man with the Screaming Brain ***
Nero Wolfe *****
My Man Godfrey *****
* * *
Buck Rogers is back, almost complete and larger than life, and you don't have to wait 500 years to see him...
* * *
[Ironic Note: Gordon is played by Buster Crabbe, the original Buck Rogers.]
Brigadier Gordon: I've been doing this since before you were born.
Buck Rogers: You think so?
Brigadier Gordon: Son, I KNOW so.
- - - - -
Buck Rogers: Nice costume, Tigerman. You going trick or treating?
Princess Ardala: Defiant. I always like that in a man. What did you think of my ingenious invitation?
Buck Rogers: I was swept away by emotion.
- - - - -
Kane: Shall I order the ambuquad disassembled?
Twiki: You ever have TWO broken arms, buster?
- - - - -
Princess Ardala: Captain Buck Rogers, meet Captain Buck Rogers.
[Buck witnesses the debut of the Zygot, a robot duplicate of himself]
Buck Rogers: Something you threw together in crafts class, Princess?
- - - - -
[Buck has picked up a large machine gun from the table, and points it at Corliss]
Commander Corliss: You fool, that's an ancient signaling device.
[Buck fires a quick burst at the floor]
Buck Rogers: Get the message?
* * *
Narrator: The year is 1987, and NASA launches the last of America's deep space probes. In a freak mishap, Ranger 3 and its pilot, Captain William "Buck" Rogers, are blown out of their trajectory into an orbit which freezes his life support systems, and returns Buck Rogers to Earth... 500 years later.
With these words back in 1979, began one of the most fun shows ever to grace a TV set.
Buck Rogers in the 25th Century was created by Glen A. Larson of Battlestar Galactica fame, who based it loosely on Star Trek in an attempt to ride the coattails of the mega-hit Star Wars. In an unusual move, the pilot episode of Buck Rogers was released as a feature movie, and only when it had success in the theaters was the rest of the series made. Later, an edited form of the theatrical release with minimal added footage was shown as the TV pilot. The series soon found an easy fun formula that viewers liked, and soon 24 episodes were in the can. However, due to an actors strike, filming of the second year was delayed. During the layoff, Larson, possibly under pressure from NBC, reworked the show to be more like Galactica. The result was disastrous, and fans switched off their sets in droves. The series died 8 episodes later. However, due to the magic of DVD, Buck lives again in the 21st century.
This DVD, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century - The Complete Series, is almost what it claims to be. It contains the original theatrical release of Buck Rogers, the 32 original episodes, and nothing else. It does not contain the televised version of the pilot, so it isn't really complete. This is no loss, since the theater version was much better. It does not contain any commentaries from the stars and/or writers, or anything else of special interest to the shows many fans. Like Rodney Dangerfield, Buck Rogers gets no respect. It is also worth noting that due to the improved technology over the last twenty-five years, the DVD looks better than the original airings ever could. Wilma Deering's spandex covered derriere never looked better.
As the narrator states, the premise of the show was that a 20th-century man, Buck Rogers, played by soap opera hunk Gil Gerard, was frozen in an accident, and returns to life in the 25th-century. During his long sleep, Earth has virtually destroyed itself in a nuclear war, and the survivors find themselves besieged by a powerful, warlike alien race called the Draconians.
The New-Chicago of the 25th-century is a minimalist wet dream; a white sterile place filled with spineless effete men, gorgeous aggressive women, tiny penile-headed robots called ambuquads and strange, immobile, artificial intelligences that look like tambourines with eyes. Here Buck, an aggressive all American boy, is a stud, quickly showing that he is the best fighter pilot, the bravest warrior, and the best fighter too, with his own hilarious form of Buck-fu.
Buck quickly forms a friendship with a tiny ambuquad called Twiki (pronounced Tweaky) voiced for most of the series by Mel Blanc. (Bob Elyea did a few episodes at the start of the second season, but Blanc returned after viewers protested. Blanc also double-dipped, playing Duck Dogers in the animated parody.) Twiki could be annoying at times, but mostly made a good comedic companion for Buck. Often, Twiki carried a super intelligent AI called Dr. Theopolis (voiced by Eric Server) around his neck like a large ugly necklace to provide additional comic relief. At the end of every episode, Twiki will make some strange comment that somehow fits the show, something like, "BidBidiBidi - Buck kicks butt."
The leader of New-Chicago Dr. Huer played by Tim O'Connor also befriends Buck and takes him under his wing. However, the most significant of the Earthlings, is the "former" top fighter ace, Col. Wilma Deering played by stunning ex-model Erin Gray. Gray, the undisputed Queen of Spandex, was poured into her costume for each weeks show. Deering, who prior to Buck's arrival was the top warrior, feels threatened by him, but she is also immediately attracted to his good looks and easy charm.
The evil Draconians are lead by Princess Ardala, played by the delightfully sensuous and naughty Pamela Hensley. The delicious Ms. Hensley was aided in her wicked portrayal by a succession of innovative and revealing costumes, and by her trusty servant Kane, mostly played by Michael Ansara.
Princess Ardala too finds Buck's 20th-century machismo to be irresistible, and puts her Earth destroying plans on hold, while she vies with Deering for his attentions. Most of the best episodes follow a simple formula. Ardala comes up with a plan to seduce Buck and destroy New Chicago. Deering tries to stop her. Buck rushes in and saves the day. The scantily clad and alluring bad-girl Ardala, the skin-tight-spandex suited good-girl Deering, and the glassy-eyed and rightfully smiling Rogers form a love triangle of sorts. The handsome and good natured hero is clearly attracted to both women, and it is from this sexual tension that most of the shows energy derives.
Back when the show first aired in 1979, as a single 20-something male, I could never decide which of the two girls I liked best either, so Buck's indecision was quite understandable. (Mind you, the wickedly sexy Wilma Deering in the "Space Vampire" episode was hard to ignore.) This also explains why, though he had many opportunities to destroy Ardala, Buck could never quite bring himself to do so. Deering had no such compunction, and the verbal and sometimes physical catfights were always worth watching.
Now while the show was heavy on the eye-candy and light on the science fiction, it did have decent effects for its day. Many of the props were Battlestar Galactica leftovers or rejects. Buck's Starfighter was originally designed as a Galactica Viper, but never used. The plots were sexy and fun, with tons of in-jokes in the background. For example, whenever a scene was in a spaceport, some SF notable like Adam Strange or Captain Christopher Pike would be paged.
Perched solidly in the high-camp camp, the series was never good, but it was always enjoyable with episodes like "Planet of the Slave Girls", "Unchained Woman", "Space Vampire", "Flight of the War Witch", "The Return of the Fighting 69th", "Vegas in Space", "Space Rockers", "The Guardians", and "The Plot to kill a City". While never forgetting its central theme of Buck flirting with space vixens, the show sported an impressive array of guest stars including Buster Crabbe,(the original Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon) , Jamie Lee Curtis, Julie Newmar, Dorothy Stratten, Roddy McDowel, Peter Graves, Frank Gorshin, Ceasar Romero, Jack Palance and Ray Walston.
Then everything changed.
When the series was revamped, it tried to be more SF and became a Star Trek/Galactica clone. Buck joined a starship called The Searcher, which set off to find the lost tribes of Earth. The general idea was that by touring the galaxy, there would be more and better plot opportunities. A Spock like alien, Hawk played by Thom Christopher, joined the cast. He was descended from birds, a natural flier, and almost as good a pilot as Buck. Despite the derivative nature of the role and the cheesy costume, he was well received.
Dr. Huer and most of the New-Chicago crowd disappeared in the rethink, which was no loss really, but the final two changes were disastrous. Wilma Deering's costume was changed into a 25th-century stewardess outfit, and she was given a much reduced role. Still, she fared better than Princess Ardala, who disappeared from the show entirely. This change clearly showed no respect for the adolescent male hormones of the show's fan base, and killed the chemistry which made the show successful. Imagine Star Trek without Spock and Bones. Without this triad, it became a second rate space opera with feeble plots and shoddy effects. The final eight episodes were a total waste. Its death was quick and merciful.
So, how do I rate this gem? In all fairness, I cannot give it more than 3 stars. It was never more than light SF with trite plots, corny sets and oodles of delicious eye candy. However, it was funny and fun and a lot more enjoyable than most things on TV. If you are looking for a gift for an adolescent male, this would be perfect. It is also worth noting, that most males remain adolescent until well into their eighties. I heartily recommend it.
BidiBidiBidi - over and out!
* * *
As an ex-TV show, this is viewable by kids of any age, but they may enjoy it more once their hormones cut in.
* * *
Buck Rogers in the 25th Century - The Complete Series
Created by Glen A. Larson
Cast:
Gil Gerard - Capt. William "Buck" Rogers (1979-1981)
Erin Gray - Col. Wilma Deering (1979-1981)
Pamela Hensley - Princess Ardala (1979-1980)
Tim O'Connor - Dr. Huer (1979-1980)
Felix Silla - Twiki (1979-1981)
Mel Blanc - Twiki #1 (1979-1981) (voice)
Bob Elyea - Twiki #2 (1981) (voice)
Eric Server - Dr. Theopolis (1979-1980) (voice)
Henry Silva - Kane #1 (1979)
Michael Ansara - Kane #2 (1979-1980)
Hawk - Thom Christopher (1980)
* * *
Please check out some of my other entertainment reviews:
Foyle's War *****
Dawn Of The Dead/Shaun Of The Dead ****
Dracula 2000/Tale of the Mummy **
Redwall - The Seige *****
At the Earth's Core *****
Godzilla ***
The Sword and The Dragon *
Man with the Screaming Brain ***
Nero Wolfe *****
My Man Godfrey *****
* * *
