Alien Worlds Season 1 Episode 1
The Sun Stealers
This is a two part episode.
Main Characters:
Maura Cassidy
Jon Graydon
Buddy Griff
Jerry Lyden
Commissioner White
Tim
Gargon (a Marcab alien)
Commander Konar (a Marcab alien)
Ships:
Delta One
Voltar
The Story, Part 1:
The first story in the series introduces the main character and a space
station named the Arthur C. Clarke Astronomical Observatory, also known as
“Starlab”. The space station is described as “a large wheeling disc”,
and is 1000 miles above the Earth. The International Space Authority,
(ISA) is introduced. This is the organization that is in charge of the
space station. Commissioner White runs the ISA and we are introduced
to Doctor Maura Cassidy, the head scientist on Starlab.
Unusual sunspot activity is noticed by Earth observatory and then
earthquakes begin. Analysis of the phenomena shows that the sun is
going to become a singularity and “go out”. Commissioner White informs
Maura that Captain Jon Graden and Buddy Griff are assigned to the
mission. Maura is unhappy that Buddy Griff is will be working with her
because he was responsible for her father’s death.
The assistant Tim believes that there is a “planet size mass” near the sun
that is somehow affecting the sun itself.
Editorial Comments for Part 1:
The Sun Stealers is a good introduction to the show. It does a great
job of introducing the characters as well as provide an interesting story.
The main characters, Maura, Jon Graden, and Buddy Griff, all show character
integrity as well as skill in their assigned position. Buddy Griff has
the extra role of comic relief by throwing in funny comments or trying to
keep a serious situation on the lighter side.
The Mycroft computer is introduced. This is the space station’s
primary computer. It does not talk, but they use it for the majority
of data analysis. This is not the first Sherlock Holmes reference in the
series. Two later episodes will pay homage to Sir Conan Doyle's
character.
The setup shows the story and characters are very much exposing a "Star
Trek" vibe. At the time, only the original Star Trek series existed
with three seasons of Kirk, Spock and Bones. Today the Star Trek
universe is expansive, back in the late 70s, there wasn't as much to follow
as a guide, but good story telling and characters that put others before
themselves, the the goal to do what is right over self gain. Years
later, the Alien Worlds space station setting would become even more like
Star Trek when Star Trek Deep Space Nine airs on TV in 1993.
The character of Tim is only in two stories.
The Story, Part 2:
It is confirmed that aliens do exist and they are responsible for draining
the energy from the sun. Buddy Griff saves Jon Graydon’s life by
attacking the aliens, allowing Jon to escape and return to earth. If
nothing is done, in 9 hours the sun’s energy will be drained to the point
where it will be the end of Earth.
Marya also learns that Buddy Griff was not responsible for her father’s
death. Her father caused the accident that killed him and Buddy took
responsibility to clear her father’s name.
Editorial Comments for Part 2:
Commander Konar talks about “the chord”, the idea that the Marcabs must
destroy.
This story has many similarities to “Star Wars”. The most obvious are
the alien ship that is a large planetoid sphere that captures the Delta
One. The gravity beam must be turned off so the ship can escape.
The plan is discussed with the ISA pilots, similar to the pre-strike
briefing from Star Wars. A space ship assault is performed by the ISA
to attack the alien sphere and destroy it. The ensuing battle, is also
echoes of Star Wars. It is clear that the show itself only came to
life due to the success of Star Wars. While this specific episode does
have similarities, following episodes do not have these striking
similarities and the stories are varied. With that said, this is still
an entertaining first story.
Episode 1 Part 1 Credits:
Written by Mike Hodel and Lee Hansen
Associate Producer: Jeff Alan
Music Director: Tom Rounds
Engineer: Stu Jacobs
Assistant to the Producer: Lori Tyler and Erin O’Neal
Technical Consultant: Peter Sky
Created, Produced and Directed by Lee Hansen
Distributed by: Watermark Inc.
Narrator: Roger Dressler
Episode 1 Part 2 Credits:
Written by Mike Hodel and Lee Hanson
Cast included: Linda Gary, Chuck Olsen, Bruce Miller, Cory Burton, Phil
Discken, Bob Taylor, Brent Seltzer, Pat Paris and Grayden Gould.
Associate Producer: Jeff Alan
Music Director: Tom Rounds
Engineer: Stu Jacobs
Assistant to the Producer: Lori Tyler and Erin O’Neal
Technical Consultant: Peter Sky
Created, Produced and Directed by Lee Hansen.
Distributed by: Watermark Inc.
Narrator: Roger Dressler
National Sponsors:
Show is sponsored by Peter-Paul.