This week guest host Don Ricardo returns to the show with a look at the 1970’s Gerry Anderson series, “UFO.” I never really watched this series on a regular basis so I’m happy to have Don cover it for the podcast. Here are some podcast notes from him on this cult classic TV show.
Hello, Treks In Sci-Fi fans!
It is my great honor and pleasure to take the conn once again, guest hosting episode #492, where we will cover Gerry and Sylvia Anderson’s iconic 1970 tv series “UFO”. I present the first episode of the show, “Identified”, as well as some behind-the-scenes clips featuring the actors and producers. Here is a synopsis of the series, from the great website ufoseries.com:
“In the year 1980, a secret military organization named SHADO (Supreme Headquarters Alien Defense Organisation) becomes operational. Its purpose is to defend the Earth from Aliens who’ve been coming to Earth and kidnapping humans. It is believed that these Aliens are a dying race, and are transplanting human body parts to extend their own lifespans.
SHADO’s main headquarters is hidden beneath a film studio near London England. SHADO also has a base on the moon (Moonbase) and a fleet of submarines (Skydiver). Incoming UFO’s are initially detected by an Earth orbiting satellite named SID (Space Intruder Detector). An initial interception attempt is made in space with three Interceptor craft launched from Moonbase. A second attempt is made in the Earth’s atmosphere with a fighter plane (Sky One) launched from Skydiver. Landed UFO’s are tracked down with ground Mobiles.
SHADO is run by the extremely dedicated Commander Ed Straker, and is overseen by General James Henderson. Straker’s seconds in command are Col. Alec Freeman, Col. Paul Foster, and Col. Virginia Lake. Moonbase is often commanded by Lt. Gay Ellis or Lt. Nina Barry. Skydiver is often commanded by Capt. Peter Carlin or Capt. Lew Waterman.
The episodes are typically about SHADO’s attempts to thwart the Alien invasions, and the various Alien strategies to disable SHADO or kill its commander. Recurring themes include maintaining SHADO security, keeping SHADO properly funded, and the effect that the secrecy has on the personal lives of SHADO’s operatives.”
So strap into your Interceptor or Skydiver and follow along as Moonbase and Space Intruder Detector (SID) track the alien menace for SHADO to seek and destroy!
I dedicate this podcast to my family, and good friend William Oehlmann. We’ve sought the stars together, keep looking up!
Ad Aspera Per Aspera. Peace and long life,
Don Ricardo JR
I want to thank Don for doing a guest spot this week. I will be back next weekend with Chris Clemente and we will be covering the past TV season for all the genre shows that we enjoyed this last year. Take care until then and enjoy your week ahead.
And here is episode one of the “UFO” series on Youtube:
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