---

Cast:

Ed Bishop as Commander Ed Straker
Michael Billington as Colonel Paul Foster
George Sewell as Colonel Alec Freeman

About This Series:  This was the first live-action series developed by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson.  They had made a name for themselves with their numerous marionette puppet shows, the most popular being "Thunderbirds".  The series "UFO", in my opinion, blew all of that out of the water and still stands as their best creation.  It was a space saga comparable to "Star Trek", but the Andersons certainly upped the anty.  In production quality, of course, but also in plot devices like personal problems of the leading characters, interracial relationships, and so on.  There is an incredible depth to the characters, and their primary mission.

    Set in the oh-so futuristic year of 1980.  Apparently, they thought a lot would advance in 10 years.  The year is unimportant.  The show, itself, is something of a wonder.  It is actually very well-done, and should appeal to people who don't even like science-fiction as a general rule.

    Located on Earth, a top-secret military organization called SHADO (Supreme Headquarters Alien Defence Organization) protects the world from alien invaders who kidnap humans for body parts.  The leader of this outfit is the almost-white-haired Commander Ed Straker.  He has an odd look about him that just commands authority, and the actor, Ed Bishop, was a perfect choice in casting.

    SHADO is hidden beneath a film studio.  They also have a moon base and a satellite that warns of incoming attacks.  SHADO's defenses are wide and varied.  They have a fleet of submarines that launches aircraft.  In addition, they have giant roving tank-like vehicles called Mobiles, all over the world.  And SHADO seems to have an endless supply of spacecraft.

    This series was certainly an ensemble cast.  The acting was all top-notch.  That isn't so odd for a series this old.  What makes this show amazing, even today, is the pure visual treat of it all.  The special effects are awesome, even by today's standards.  A tip of the hat should be given to the people who made all the space vehicles, explosions, flight sequences, and other spectacles really well-done and convincing.  A special mention must go out to Sylvia Anderson, who was the chief fashion designer of the series.  The costumes and uniforms of all the characters are all very realized and look very sharp.

    Another highlight is the seemingly endless parade of beautiful girls in futuristic outfits.  Few space sagas are kitchy.  The girls compliment the series as well as the acting, sets, costumes, and special effects.

    The filming holds up as well as ever.  This series has a very "mod" feel to it.  So "mod", in fact, that it looks futuristic.

    It is a pity this series lasted only one season.  If Season 2 had been developed, creator Gerry Anderson was going to have aliens repeatedly attacking the moon base.  Since there was no Season 2, Anderson worked this into the plot of the series "Space: 1999" (1975-1977).

Episodes:

1. Identified (September 16, 1970)
2. Exposed (September 23, 1970)
3. The Cat With Ten Lives (September 30, 1970)
4. Conflict (October 7, 1970)
5. A Question of Priorities (October 14, 1970)
6. E.S.P. (October 21, 1970)
7. Kill Straker! (November 4, 1970)
8. Sub-Smash (November 11, 1970)
9. Destruction (December 2, 1970)
10. The Square Triangle (December 9, 1970)
11. Close-Up (December 16, 1970)
12. The Psychobombs (December 30, 1970)
13. Survival (January 6, 1971)
14. Mindbender (January 13, 1971)
15. Flight Path (January 20, 1971)
16. The Man Who Came Back (February 3, 1971)
17. The Dalotek Affair (February 10, 1971)
18. Timelash (February 17, 1971)
19. Ordeal (April 14, 1971)
20. Court Martial (May 1, 1971)
21. Computer Affair (May 15, 1971)
22. Confetti Check A-OK (July 10, 1971)
23. The Sound of Silence (July 17, 1971)
24. Reflections in the Water (July 24, 1971)
25. The Responsibility Seat (?)
26. The Long Sleep (?)

Photos: