Introduction
Buck Rogers in the 25th Century is an American science fiction adventure television series produced by Universal Studios. The series ran for two seasons between September 1979 and April 1981, and the feature-length pilot episode for the series was released as a theatrical film before the series aired.
The film and series were developed by Glen A. Larson and Leslie Stevens, based on the character Buck Rogers created in 1928 by Philip Francis Nowlan that had previously been featured in comic strips, novellas, a serial film, and on television and radio.
Outline
After a pilot is killed testing a new Draconian “Hatchet Fighter” designed by Kane, Princess Ardala orders the programme cancelled, but changes her mind when she comes up with an idea for a replacement pilot. Later, Buck investigates a derelict space capsule that appears to be from the 20th-Century, but once aboard he learns that it is a trap to capture him. Buck is taken aboard Ardala’s flagship where she shows Buck a cloning lab where Kane has made an android copy of him called a Zygot. Kane then records Buck’s combat experience with a special suit that directly records Buck’s neural memory. He then implants the information into the android, and eventually the others he is making, that will ultimately pilot a wave of his new fighters against Earth. Buck tries to escape, but finds Ardala has sent one of his clones to Earth as an imposter, rigged with a bomb capable of destroying New Chicago.
Trivia
- Guest stars: Pamela Hensley (as Princess Ardala), H.B. Haggerty (as Tigerman), Michael Ansara (as Kane), and Betty A. Bridges (as Technician).
Buck Rodgers in the 25th Century Series
You can find a full index and overview of Buck Rodgers in the 25th Century here.
You can find a full index of the Buck Rodgers in the 25th Century TV Series here.
Production & Filming Details
- Release Date: 24 January 1980.
- Running Time: 60 minutes (per episode, with adverts).
- Rating: 15.
- Country: US.
- Language: English.
Video Link
