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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