# When I was a kid I used to like a show called Space 1999... **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [April 17, 2004, 9:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-i-was-a-kid-i-used-to-like-a-show-called-space-1999/240509 "2004-04-17T09:59:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Roland\_Deschain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/73ab20/32.png) [@Roland\_Deschain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roland_Deschain)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2004, 9:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-i-was-a-kid-i-used-to-like-a-show-called-space-1999/240509/1 "2004-04-17T09:59:07Z")
It was about a colony on the Moon which was somehow ejected into deep space when the Moon was stripped from the Earth’s orbit (can’t remember how I was only eight when it was on TV). In any case I’ve not been able to find this show in syndication. From my memory it seemed like the production values were really good for the time (certainly equal to Dr. Who and the original Star Trek). Where did the show go… And speaking of shows that have disappeared what ever happened to a show called American Gothic? That show featured a character Sheriff Buck, who was one of the BEST bad guys ever! ---
**Author:** ![spiralscratch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dfb087/32.png) [@spiralscratch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spiralscratch)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2004, 10:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-i-was-a-kid-i-used-to-like-a-show-called-space-1999/240509/2 "2004-04-17T10:28:13Z")
[DVD sets](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index%3Ddvd%26field-keywords%3Dspace%2525201999/104-9499196-9189527) ---
**Author:** ![kitarak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/898d66/32.png) [@kitarak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kitarak)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2004, 11:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-i-was-a-kid-i-used-to-like-a-show-called-space-1999/240509/3 "2004-04-17T11:02:07Z")
Heh heh. Good one. Wait. You’re serious? You liked Space 1999? Gosh. ---
**Author:** ![Master\_Wang-Ka](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/master_wang-ka/32/3325_2.png) [@Master\_Wang-Ka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Master_Wang-Ka)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2004, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-i-was-a-kid-i-used-to-like-a-show-called-space-1999/240509/4 "2004-04-17T13:40:03Z")
**Spiralscratch** is quite correct; the show’s entire two-season run is currently available on DVD. It has a cult following these days. I don’t see it in syndication on this side of the Big Ditch too often simply because it was produced by a British production company. I’d rent the discs first, though… I watched the show religiously when I was a puppy kid and thought it was great, whereas watching it as an adult is a WHOLE different experience… _American Gothic_ was, indeed, a fun show. Unfortunately, the network couldn’t decide where they wanted it, or in what time slot, and it seems like they were dead set against letting the narrative build, or letting it develop any kind of audience. My wife adored that show, and even she had trouble finding it from week to week as they hopscotched it all over the schedule. I have no idea if it’s available on DVD or not. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d26b3c/32.png) [@Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Blue_Sky)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2004, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-i-was-a-kid-i-used-to-like-a-show-called-space-1999/240509/5 "2004-04-17T13:48:34Z")
Two episodes of Space 1999 became an experiment (#K10) on Mystery Science Theater 3000 in their days on KTMA. ---
**Author:** ![Helena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/c68b51/32.png) [@Helena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helena)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2004, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-i-was-a-kid-i-used-to-like-a-show-called-space-1999/240509/6 "2004-04-17T15:48:37Z")
> [@Master Wang-Ka](#): > > I watched the show religiously when I was a puppy kid and thought it was great, whereas watching it as an adult is a WHOLE different experience… I’ll second that. ---
**Author:** ![gobear](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/8dc957/32.png) [@gobear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gobear)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2004, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-i-was-a-kid-i-used-to-like-a-show-called-space-1999/240509/7 "2004-04-17T15:51:31Z")
Yeah, I thought it was awesome when I was a kid (plus I had a crush on the Australians actor who played the pilot). Some episodes still work for me. But overall it doesn’t work for an adult sensibility. ---
**Author:** ![Moirai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/96bed5/32.png) [@Moirai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moirai)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2004, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-i-was-a-kid-i-used-to-like-a-show-called-space-1999/240509/8 "2004-04-17T17:18:47Z")
Ah, Martin Landau. God I love him. I would watch it again, except that the full set costs $179?!? Nope. ---
**Author:** ![Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bosda_di_chi_of_tricor/32/16845_2.png) [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2004, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-i-was-a-kid-i-used-to-like-a-show-called-space-1999/240509/9 "2004-04-17T17:25:02Z")
> [@EJsGirl](#): > > Ah, Martin Landau. God I love him. > > I would watch it again, except that the full set costs $179?!? Nope. Dduuuuuh! This is the World Wide Web! Just shop around for a better price, or buy it used. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Larry\_Mudd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f14d63/32.png) [@Larry\_Mudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Mudd)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2004, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-i-was-a-kid-i-used-to-like-a-show-called-space-1999/240509/10 "2004-04-17T17:49:07Z")
Hey, I was just gushing about _Space: 1999_ last night, (prompted by Martin Landau’s appearance on _Without a Trace_.) I still remember how excited I was at age six to calculate that life on the moon would be an option – even if I _would_ be a creaky old thirty-year-old before it was possible. I still feel ripped off. I used to have the 10’ action figures, until I buried them in a park as “treasure.” Whoops. Had “Eagle One,” too – no idea what became of that, though. I’d love to watch the show again – I’m sure it would be a scream. Just like _Battlestar Galactica_ is a hoot – for a whole new set of reasons. ---
**Author:** ![Krisfer\_the\_Cat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Krisfer\_the\_Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Krisfer_the_Cat)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2004, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-i-was-a-kid-i-used-to-like-a-show-called-space-1999/240509/11 "2004-04-17T18:57:20Z")
> [@EJsGirl](#): > > Ah, Martin Landau. God I love him. > > I would watch it again, except that the full set costs $179?!? Nope. You and my mom…she watched him on MIssion Impossible, Space 1999, Yeah MOM! ---
**Author:** ![Icerigger](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/icerigger/32/432_2.png) [@Icerigger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Icerigger)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2004, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-i-was-a-kid-i-used-to-like-a-show-called-space-1999/240509/12 "2004-04-17T22:52:18Z")
For serious fans only, a Space:1999 paradise. [http://www.space1999.net/~catacombs/main/cguide/uc.html](http://www.space1999.net/~catacombs/main/cguide/uc.html) ---
**Author:** ![Peter\_Morris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peter_morris/32/359_2.png) [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2004, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-i-was-a-kid-i-used-to-like-a-show-called-space-1999/240509/13 "2004-04-18T00:36:44Z")
Even when I was 8 I thought Space:1999 was the dumbest TV show I’d ever seen. Especially that womanwho changed into a bird. It did have one saving point, though. The shuttles (_eagles_ IIRC) were one of the coolest spaceships on TV. ---
**Author:** ![Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Otto)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2004, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-i-was-a-kid-i-used-to-like-a-show-called-space-1999/240509/14 "2004-04-18T00:51:56Z")
_American Gothic_ used to turn up on SciFi every so often. ---
**Author:** ![Moirai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/96bed5/32.png) [@Moirai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moirai)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2004, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-i-was-a-kid-i-used-to-like-a-show-called-space-1999/240509/15 "2004-04-18T03:51:26Z")
Jeez, I’m only 36… 😃 Besides, check him out in _Crimes and Misdemeanors_ and you’ll never go back! He is hugely talented. And **Bosda** , I did see it for sale used, but still not interested in BUYING it. Duh indeed. I might rent it or borrow it though. ---
**Author:** ![Oregon\_sunshine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/50afbb/32.png) [@Oregon\_sunshine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oregon_sunshine)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2004, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-i-was-a-kid-i-used-to-like-a-show-called-space-1999/240509/16 "2004-04-18T04:46:39Z")
**Roland** , I am, like, your biggest fan!! You are like, the greatest gunslinger evar!!! Saving existence and everything!!! You f\*in’ rock!!! Oh, oops… are you, like, the other guy with the same name? Sorry! ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2004, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-i-was-a-kid-i-used-to-like-a-show-called-space-1999/240509/17 "2004-04-18T05:18:53Z")
Well, my view of this “show” matches that of Spider Robinson in his review in the March 1976 _Galaxy_ > [@](#): > > The scriptwriter is George Bellak, whose only qualifications for writing sf seems to consist of having seen _2001_ with cotton in his ears. > > I can’t bear to describe the premise for the series - […] go find an sf fan, ask him, and wait until he stops laughing. Bring a lunch. And then there is a cartoon, called Space 1492, of three ships sailing over a moon with a burning fuse sticking out the nether end, with the following caption. “Hey Columbus! I think I smell electromagnetic radiation!” “Caramba! Then we must be sitting on the biggest bomb mankind ever made!” My sentiments exactly. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Rieux](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/aeb1de/32.png) [@Dr.Rieux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Rieux)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2004, 5:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-i-was-a-kid-i-used-to-like-a-show-called-space-1999/240509/18 "2004-04-18T05:21:46Z")
Is that the one where Spider wrote something like: “Landau and Bain might come in handy this winter, cut down to stove length”? ---
**Author:** ![LilyoftheValley](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/54ee81/32.png) [@LilyoftheValley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LilyoftheValley)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2004, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-i-was-a-kid-i-used-to-like-a-show-called-space-1999/240509/19 "2004-04-18T16:35:03Z")
> [@peter morris](#): > > Even when I was 8 I thought Space:1999 was the dumbest TV show I’d ever seen. Especially that womanwho changed into a bird. Maya! She is so weird. Maybe I’ll finally get the answer here to a question I’ve been wondering for a while – Did anyone ever find her sexy? I’ve gotta think she was added to the cast to provide some sex appeal, but I don’t find her sexy at all. Maybe it’s a 70’s thing? > [@](#): > > It did have one saving point, though. The shuttles (_eagles_ IIRC) were one of the coolest spaceships on TV. On the DVDs, you can see the wires lifting the Eagles really clearly. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![tracer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tracer/32/20578_2.png) [@tracer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tracer)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2004, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-i-was-a-kid-i-used-to-like-a-show-called-space-1999/240509/20 "2004-04-18T16:46:56Z")
> [@Roland Deschain](#): > > From my memory it seemed like the production values were really good for the time (certainly equal to Dr. Who and the original Star Trek). You have a very interesting definition of “really good for the time” there. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-i-was-a-kid-i-used-to-like-a-show-called-space-1999/240509.md?page=2)