My 70's TV Childhood
A celebration of growing up in Britain in the 1970's and the huge part TV played in our lives. You can comment on episodes, suggest subjects for future podcasts and, of course, share your memories with us on our blog www.my70sTVchildhood.com
My 70's TV Childhood
UFO and Space 1999
This week, I journey back beyond Gerry Anderson's puppets to explore his ambitious live-action creations: UFO and Space: 1999, shows tapping into the 70s fascination with space.
First airing in 1970, UFO featured the secret SHADO organisation defending Earth from organ-harvesting aliens. I vividly remember Commander Straker (Ed Bishop), looking incredibly cool leading the defence from Earth and a secret Moonbase, hidden beneath a film studio. The eerie whine of the alien ships genuinely scared me as a child! I even had the Dinky toy SHADO interceptor. Despite its cool premise, UFO sadly didn't get a second series.
Then, in 1975, Anderson gave us Space: 1999, Britain's answer to Star Trek! I was captivated by Moonbase Alpha, suddenly blasted out of orbit and hurtling through space. Commander Koenig faced weekly crises, looking smart in those beige safari suits. I loved the tech like the 'commlocks' and iconic Eagle transporters – though I always wondered how they kept replacing the crashed ones! The plots could be bonkers, like the 'Bringers of Wonder' two-parter. Sadly, it also ended after two series but remains a landmark sci-fi show for me.
Did you watch UFO or Space: 1999? What are your standout memories?
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