Ayesongs Blog

Our area recently switched to digital TV and I’ve been rediscovering old 60s and 70s programmes that I only dimly remembered. One of these was 70s show Space 1999 and, as I picked up a few episodes, I noticed some parallels that I hadn’t spotted before. Firstly, I’d forgotten the quirky combination of Thunderbirds and Outer Limits style plots, but then I noticed a format change introduced in the second season that reminded me of another series.

I’m not sure how well known Space 1999 was in the US, but maybe some future TV creators saw it and some ideas bedded in, deep in their subconscious. In order to refresh the series, a couple of new characters were introduced in the form of second-in-command Tony Verdecci and alien scientist Maya, between whom an on-off romantic relationship developed. These joined the regular stars Commander Koenig and his girlfriend, chief medical officer Helena Russell.

This foursome of leading characters rang a bell as I remembered the big space show of the 80s. Star Trek: the Next Generation featured a Captain and his Medical Officer who eventually found romantic involvement and a First Officer and alien crew member who were linked by a shared history. Maybe Captain Picard and his crew enjoyed less cheesey plots and a slicker production, but it looks like someone recognised a solid character format when they saw one.

It always fascinates me to observe the creative process in operation. No idea pops out of a vacuum. A creative person soaks up influences from all over the place and the really good ones execute the treatment of these ideas in a way that sparkles with its own spirit and something new is brought into the world.