PIONEERS OF TELEVISION - Science Fiction - Tuesday, January 18, 2011
It's no wonder that Gene Rodenberry, creator of "Star Trek," turned to science fiction when he wanted to delve into dicey subjects on television such as race relations and the value of war. It's easier to unearth tough subjects when creatures from another planet or another time deliver the truisms. Humans have always gazed up at the stars or stared deep into the black, rolling ocean with equal parts fascination and fear. The unexplored frontiers at the edges of our existence beckon and repel in equal measure. In the early to mid 1960s, a number of innovative television writers, producers and actors began playing with these ideas on the small screen — sometimes preying on our universal fears, and sometimes dreaming up a very different future. Whatever their initial aim, these television innovators left behind a legacy of science fiction television that entertained us and challenged our preconceived notions.
"Lost in Space"
A kitschy, comic science fiction show based loosely on the classic novel, The Swiss Family Robinson, "Lost in Space" debuted in 1965 and was created by Irwin Allen, the most successful science fiction producer of the decade. While the show centered on the misadventures of the Robinson family in outer space, a scene-stealing, villainous anti-hero emerges in the form of Dr. Zachary Smith (Johnathan Harris). Harris and a robot, B9, developed an unexpected comedic relationship in which B9, voiced by Bob May, plays the "straight man," allowing Harris to deliver some of his most memorable zingers.
"Star Trek"
Gene Roddenberry had the kernal of an idea for "Star Trek" as early as 1961. Originally the series was set in the American West and modeled after the classic tome, Gulliver's Travels. Rodenberry planned for each episode of the series to deliver a cathartic two-punch in the form of entertaining adventure and moral message. But Roddenberry met resistance from NBC. The network insisted that the "Star Trek" pilot presented fascinating ideas but lacked excitement. Roddenberry re-worked the script, placing the series in outer space and bringing actor William Shatner to the key role of Captain James T. Kirk. NBC executives were satisfied with the changes, and the series "Star Trek," hit small screens in 1966. Unlike anything that had come before it, "Star Trek" addressed issues of race, gender, war, nuclear proliferation and drug abuse in a context that was palatable to the public. And the on-screen chemistry between Captain Kirk and logical Dr. Spock, played by Leonard Nimoy, was unmistakable. The series became a cult classic, spawning an impressive franchise of movies, animated series, merchandise and fan groups.
"The Twilight Zone"
Created by Rod Serling, "The Twilight Zone" appeared on the small screen from 1959 to 1964, and the anthology series relied on reams of taut writing from sci-fi literary greats such as Ray Bradbury, Charles Beaumont and Richard Matheson.
"The beauty of the science fiction genre is that so much of it had been untouched," said Serling. "It had been reproduced in printed form over and over again, but it had never been done on camera, so we had almost a goldmine of unused material we could operate from."
Unlike other science fiction television shows that planted their scripts firmly in the future, this hair-raising series dealt with the paranormal in the immediate to near-future. And instead of relying on a predictable cast of characters, the series produced unique vignettes with different actors for all 152 episodes. The result was a thought-provoking, squirm-inducing roller coaster ride of a series known for its excellent writing.
Watch Science Fiction Tuesday, January 18 at 8/7c on PBS
Source: PBS You Tube
PIONEERS OF TELEVISION | Leonard Nimoy: Before Spock | PBS
In a clip from PIONEERS OF TELEVISION season two (premiering January 18, 8/7c on PBS), Leonard Nimoy reveals that "Star Trek" wasn't his first acting gig in the science fiction genre. See what outfit he donned before his famous ears.
Source: PBS You Tube channel
PIONEERS OF TELEVISION Season Two (Coming to PBS January 2011) | Preview | PBS
Where would we be without the pioneering stars of "Star Trek," "Columbo," "Romper Room" and "Gunsmoke"? PIONEERS OF TELEVISION returns for second season for a revealing look at the inception of four of the most popular genres in television: science fiction, westerns, crime dramas and local kids' TV. Watch PIONEERS OF TELEVISION Tuesdays, January 18-February 8, 2011 on PBS.
Source: PBS
Nichelle Nichols on Working with Leonard Nimoy
Actress Nichelle Nichols (Uhura) describes trying to make serious co-star Leonard Nimoy (Spock) laugh during a pivotal scene in “Star Trek.”
Watch the full episode. See more Pioneers of Television.
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