I was at Dragoncon in 2007. Erin Grey, Gil Gerard, and Felix Silla were guests there. It was an 8am panel on a Sunday, and the room was packed. They were surprised and humbled that so many people would show up so early in the morning to listen to them talk. They stayed and talked with fans after the panel.
The first season was great! The second season sucked, except for Hawk, he was cool. It was like they were trying to BSG and ST at the same time while writing convoluting scripts that went nowhere.
A movie was made using the Buck Rogers concept, and they did it right. it was called Idiocracy. Over the 500 years that passed while he was away, the evolution of humans did not happen the way we hoped it will. @@chrisstetsko5020
@@chrisstetsko5020 Many things happened. Too many similar shows, production costs and I also read that Gil Gerard didn't want to continue playing the womanizer. That's why in the second season he has a very different role. And if I remember correctly, he also made Wilma become a more secondary character, practically more of an ornament.
My father always watched this and Knight Rider with me when they first aired. Now as an old man myself, seeing that scene where Erin backs down the ladder explains alot. Miss you, dad!
You should have mentioned that Buster Crabbe, two-time Olympic swimmer and 1932 Olympic gold medalist in the 400-meter freestyle, who played the original Buck Rogers in 1939 (as well as Flash Gordon, Tarzan, and Billy the Kid), appeared in Season 1, Episode 2 “Planet of the Slave Girls” as Brigadier General Gordon. Also, in that same episode, Roddy McDowall, who played Cornelius in “Planet of the Apes,” plays Governor Saroyan.
I was about to correct you that you must be thinking of Johnny Weismuller when you said Buster Crabbe was an Olympic swimmer. Nope you're right - both Buster and Johnny were Olympic champion swimmers.
There were quite a few famous, or semi-famous "faces" in that episode. To start off with, you had Jack Palance, doing what he does best, playing the villain of the story. Next was Macdonald Carey, who was a famous soap opera star, and then two Irwin Allen "alumni", Robert Dowdell, who played Chip Morton on "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea", and Don Marshall, who played Dan Ericson on "Land of the Giants" and Specialist Boma in the TOS episode "The Galileo Seven". Oh and Roddy McDowell played another chimpanzee, Galen, in the short-lived "Planet of the Apes" TV series.
Speaking of the cancellation, changing audience tastes had little to do with it. The studio and production team decided to change every aspect of the show that had made it popular to a cheaper knock-off version, even going so far as to replace Mel Blanc as the voice of Buck's wildly entertaining sidekick. Other changes made for budgetary reasons included the change of setting from Earth to the Searcher cruiser, a general lackluster approach to costume and set design, and the strict adherence to a bland and boring template that could tell a very limited number of stories while reusing as much footage, scenery, and other production material as possible. As a result, by the fifth or sixth episode of season two most of the audience had lost interest. Sadly, there were some particularly bright spots in the final few episodes but there wasn't anyone left to watch them. It also didn't help that Erin's wardrobe changed into something more akin to a conservative airline stewardess and her character basically became set dressing instead of the interesting counterpoint to Gerard's "fish out of water" Rogers. Instead of compelling and interesting Wilma stories, her script may as well have been "Coffe, tea, fluff your pillow sir?" I have often thought that the main reason for that was that Gerard felt that the sexual tension between his character and Erin's was getting stale, so that's why he pushed so hard to introduce a male replacement for her. Wilma was only important during the second season if the story needed a damsel to be saved, which was nothing like the character in season one. They would have been better off if they would have just used a recurring extra actress instead of reimagining Erin's strong and competent, established character. Anyway, otherwise, great video!
In a way, the fact that Glen Larson was involved, season 2's basic theme was "Battlestar Galactica" in reverse, with the Searcher trying to find lost colonies of Earth.
A couple other items --The Bonaventure Hotel was seen in many shots due to its futuristic design --One guest star was the legendary Buster Crabbe who played Brigadier Gordon in the episode "Planet of the Slave Girls". Crabbe played both Buck Rodgers and Flash Gordon in the 1930s. This was his last TV appearance prior to his death
@@ansdguy1 They should have mentioned that as a young girl and teenager she was raised by her grandparents who happened to be nudist out in LA and in Hawaii and they are still several pictures of her as a young girl in various settings completely nude floating around the internet. 😮
All I know is as a teen, I was totally in love with Erin Gray! She wasn't the only reason I watched, but episodes that centered on her character were definitely my favorites!
Erin Grey has been fantastic in helping careers of other stars, and making events happen. I've had the pleasure of chatting with her at some Firefly/Serenity get togethers and she's all there!
Ahhhhhh FireFly / Serenity .....Capt.Mel ! Oh snap→ Genia Torres & the chick Mel was hooked up with......both girls smoking! Even the mechanic chick hhe he one awesome show /movie !!! Sadly ended way way to soon. THat cast ViBeD together so well, had that screen magic & feel, whatever it worked. Can't say how many times I have watched that like 1 or 2 times a year ha ha. Peace Out
ERIN GRAY WAS HOT AS THE SUN .I was waiting for the Spandex Incident reveal , good title.Loved Wilma personality , but her character in Silver spoons had similar traits, think she was bringing a lot of herself .Just loved her.
Another Guest star was Jerry Orbach, who would later go on to play Lennie Briscoe on the long running series Law and Order. On Law and Order, Orbach (as Briscoe) would make a remark about being buried in a 25th century space suit.
Never understood why people take a successful show with a cast, writers, etc. that are clicking and decide they know better and make sudden significant changes. Season one to Season two wasn't a developing arc. They changed the entire premise of the show from one episode to the next. Most of the changes weren't for the better. It wasn't increased competition by other programs but a failing product that caused this not to be renewed for Season three.
Although Gil Gerard has often said the show could have gone on longer if they'd just listened to him - in some ways he kind of sunk his own show. In the second season he insisted that the show take itself more seriously and that his character be more of a brooding loner than the likable smart-ass from the first season.
Buck was a smart-ass and for the most part, the second season sucked. If they kept the format of the first season, but added Hawk, it could have lasted longer. Besides, how could Buck be a loner, if he had Hawk as a sidekick? That's like saying, that the Lone Ranger was fighting alone, yet he had Tonto.
I'm still watching this series now,one of the most enjoyable space adventures ever. The girls are heavenly! I definitely remember Princess Ardala(what a body- Twiky) played by Pamela Hensley. Her costumes were out of this world,almost non existent in fact! Once seen,never forgotten!
I remember waiting to see the next episode in the first season. I liked it because it was based on a man out of his time and all the differences between the two timelines. However, Buck could only be introduced to new things just so long. The second season was not as good and I could understand why it was cancelled. But i still remember the show fondly
@@Thurgosh_OG Many things happened. Too many similar shows, production costs and I also read that Gil Gerard didn't want to continue playing the womanizer. That's why in the second season he has a very different role. And if I remember correctly, he also made Wilma become a more secondary character, practically more of an ornament.
That's what Buck kept saying too, but the timeline only goes one way. May you not land up 500 years into the future. Image what people's spines will like after a century of smart phones all hunched over to stare into them 24/7.
I loved that show growing up! I still listen to the theme song when I drive along with, " Space 1991, MASH movie version, original Battlestar Galactica and Airwolf ". Once inawhile I still say, " Beedee beedee beep what's, up Buck ? ".
There were three guest stars on the show that were from the 1966 Batmen tv show, Julie Newmar AKA cat-woman & Zarina the war witch, Cesar Romero the joker & Amos Armat and Frank Gorshin the Riddler & Seton Kellogg.
Definitely! We feel the same way. Thank you for sharing your sentiments and for watching our content. What other types of video would you like to see on Facts Verse?
@@FactsVerse If your going to have one might as well have all three. Now other famous guest stars, Ray Walston from My Favorite Martian, Gary Coleman from Diff'rent Strokes.
I remember a episode when Buster Crab showed up as Flash Gordon. And older man but still it was him. My favorite line between Buster and Gil is when Buster said I've been flying ships longer since before you were born. Or something like that. Which is funny because Buster Crab played the first Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon back in the 1930's and buck agreed with him a nod to his begining.
That her grandparents were nudists, and took her to those nudist camps. Many Photos of her at a young age were taken of her in the buff, and somehow made their way on to the internet.
You forgot one of the coolest guest stars that they had on the show... The original Buck Rogers from the serial, Buster Crabbe as Brigadier Gordon in S1E2 "Planet of the Slave Girls." (Also was a nod to his portrayal of Flash Gordon.)
Erin Grey was a stunner then and now which is a credit to herself by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and not caught up in partying Hollywood Style hats of to you Erin Grey love Anthony Fed ex lol
I guess "Gil Gerald's influence" wasn't all that great since the drop in ratings seems suspiciously to coincide with his increasing involvement. Oh well. Wilma Deering was hot but I would have gone for Princess Ardala.
Speaking of "set reuse", in the episode called "Flight of the War Witch", Princess Ardala's flagship is actually a model of Olympic Stadium in Montreal, home of the Montreal Expos, shot upside down. 🤣
Hawk wasn’t the issue… it was fundamentally changing the show from a James Bond type show to a Star Trek knockoff. The budget took a nosedive in season 2 as well. You know how you can tell Hawk wasn’t the problem? That one episode of season 2 where Buck is on trial for war crimes because there is BS evidence that he somehow caused the nuclear war? Testimony of a Traitor, I think was the name. It felt the most like season 1 BRit25C and Hawk’s involvement was not detrimental at all. Hawk was unfairly maligned as the reason S2 was not good, but the fact is that he was only a symptom, and a pretty benign one at that.
@@allthingsnerd.4484 Ok Mrs. Hawk. Sorry couldn't resist. At what point was the show ever a James Bond type show exactly? Seems it was a man-out-of-time show and what 500 years in the future would look like. Oh wait that's the name of the show! Sorry Hawk as a side kick was as dumb of a feature on the show as Paulie is to Rocky. Annoying and completely unnecessary.
@@scrappydog7741 well, if I was Mrs Hawk, my name would be Koori.😂🤣😆. The “James Bond” comparison was basically from the initial premise presented to Buck in the pilot episode and first few where it was a role offered to Buck by Huer that Buck could do jobs for Earth like undercover because he was literally unknown anywhere in the Galaxy. Obviously it kind of strayed from that, but it was still Buck doing work for the Earth Defense Directorate until season 2. And I know I am in the minority on not hating Hawk.😂🤣
Love this show's theme song/graphics, and Gerard. Heard Erin had to be sewn into the onesies, but could just be rumor. Doubt they ripped the costumes open every time an actor had to use the restroom, then sewed them back up. Season 2 environment was completely different from Season 1, with no explanation offered as to why.
On Firefly, I guess Nathan Fililan had ripped his pants in the opening episode. Why the character of Kaylee in a later episode with a ballroom called Nathan's character Captain Tightpants.
You missed out the most important guest star of them all, Buster Crabbe, who was the original 'Buck Rogers' in the serial you mentioned earlier, he also played Flash Gordon in the 30s. The first season of BRIT25C was great, sadly it went to pot in the second season along with Wilma Deering's new outfit. What a shame season 2 didn't follow the same formula as season 1 it would have been so much better and perhaps got a season 3.
No Director, Producer, or Writer would ever admit it but, Erin Gray brought in as Col. Wilma Deering was there to help attract the more adult male audience. Bottom line is this is done on many shows. It worked to I'm sure. It's the reason I watched it. LOL.
That moment on Buck Rodgers I remember well. He was there behind her, and you could feel the chemistry between them. That look on her face. Like she wanted him, right then, and right there. I was 18, in 1979. It made a big impression.
It should also be noted that the original actor to play Buck Rogers back in the 1930’s, Buster Crabbe, also made a guest appearance in the first season portraying retired General Gordon, named in honour of another famous sci-fi character played by Crabbe back in the ‘30s, Flash Gordon.
They made a mistake with Buck Rodgers. Instead of increasing the budget in the second season and continuing they changed the entire premise for the show. Killing it!
It's wonderful to see this on RU-vid! Gil Gerard was from Arkansas and attended collage classes at the University of Arkansas, not far from where I live. I thought it was exciting to see an actor that was from here in Arkansas. Loved the show and was so disappointed when it was cancelled.
The changes in the second season didn’t have anything to do with audience feedback or “evolving sci-if aesthetics”. New producers, led by John Mantley, completely screwed up the show because they were from an older generation and couldn’t deal with such things as a strong female leading character. So the spandex was replaced by a stewardess uniform for Wilma, and her character went from a powerful and competent high-ranking officer to a bimbo there to prop up the male lead.
I also read that Gil Gerard didn't want to continue playing the womanizer. That's why in the second season he has a very different role. And if I remember correctly, he also made Wilma become a more secondary character, practically more of an ornament. Do you know if it is true?
Actually, they changed to a spaceship themed show in part from the success of Battlestar Galactica and because the new producers were clueless on what made the 1st season a hit....It was a mistake and the ratings dropped in response and then they dropped the show....What a shame...It was common in the 70s and 80s to ruin a show this way...
I saw the movie at the Garden City theatre in Winnipeg, it was a double feature with The Bermuda Triangle before it, kind of a movie/documentary. I had a crush on Erin Gray, watched the entire tv series too.
Old Gill was mistaken about the direction of the show. Once that early esthetic was gone, so were us fans. Still, since most shows never go past their initial three to thirteen episodes, Buck Rogers, with two full seasons, was something of a success.
While you reference several guest stars, you forgot the most imprtant, Buster Crabbe, the first celluloid Buck. This was season one's second episode, "Planet of the Slave Girls." Jack Palance also guest starred in this episode in a much larger role as the villain of the piece.
ironic that Buck Rodgers became more serious in second season, yet more eye-candy in costuming... but no surprises to anyone who saw it on the first run. everything was well publicized at the time.
Granted, but totally out of character!!! Any senior officer with the brains and combat record of a REAL Colonel Wilma Deering would NEVER put up with the habitual insubordination of a CAPTAIN Rogers, no matter how much time-in-grade Buck might have had!!! The Hollywood-style explanation that beautiful women will ALWAYS fall for BAD BOYS is totally lame. Never mind that Buck was a resourceful and effective warrior, and sorely needed by Earth's Defense Directorate, a REAL officer in that scenario would have HAD to lock him in the stockade until he learned to behave as part of the UNIT. And the producers totally bungled the opportunity of having the love between Wilma and Buck first sprout from the "philos" (Greek for war buddies) between them ... for example: Col. Deering: [furious] What am I supposed to do about that *%@#$!!! Rogers? He makes absolutely no sense! Dr. Huer: He loves you, you know! Col. Deering: Of course he does, he's my brother in arms! Dr. Huer: That's not all there is to it, Colonel. Col. Deering: What do you mean ... [anger dissipates, face flushes] oh 🙃!
@@FactsVerse Wel I'm 61 y.o. now and I should have wrote "Loved" however (to me) is the first or the pilot reason being that I felt for Buck who lost everything (family) and felt so out of place. you feel the anguish of him plus I always would like go to the future to get away from all this madness in the world today. 🚀
I saw the version of Buck Rogers in as a 25th century in this serial version that appeared in the PBS matinee at The bijou from the 1930s really enjoyed it.
Loved the show when I was a kid. Got in fist fights with my oldest sister over the TV because she wanted to watch "Little House on the prairie" which was on a different channel at the same time. lol
As a young teen, from the first episode with Wilma (Erin Gray) and Princess Ardela (Pamela Hensley) it immediately became an “Entertain Myself TV” show! I could always count on a hot guest star or 3 and if not, “Wilma” never let me down! Personal favorites were the space vampire turning Wilma into a whore, the Planet of Amazon Women episode with a bevy of beauties, Jamie Lee Curtis & Tara Buckman, Brianne Leary, Kimberly Beck, Stephanie Blackmore, Melody Rogers, Julie Newmar, Judy Landers & Nancy Frangeione and Playboy Playmate Dorothy Stratten as Miss Cosmos among others! But, when Markie Post appeared as “Joella”, I really overdid it! It took me a couple of days to recuperate!
I think the surprise was the direction that Gil Gerard wanted to take the show and I am left wondering where Buck Sesaon 3 would have gone with him at the stick.
Fun fact: as a young teen, Erin often visited her grandparents in Cali, who frequented a nudist resort (Swallows, if I recall), and she won numerous beauty "pageants" while there. Sadly, she no longer participates in that lifestyle.
The Bird People didn't help the ratings, either. A bit too silly for my tastes. And, the only reason I watched this show was because of Erin Gray. What else was there, besides Pamela Hensley? No, it was Erin Gray.
I think people forget there were only 3 networks back then. 4 if you count PBS. So most of us only had four channels to choose from. If your shows didn't completely suck it should pull a third of the viewers. But every now and then something like Cheers or Seinfeld or the Simpsons came along and 90% of everyone was watching that show. I think they moved it to some new time slot and it withered in that slot. I don't even remember watching the 2nd season when I was a kid. And I was right in that 9-12 year old age group that ate that show up. Maybe it wound up opposite of Magnum PI when Tom Sellack was popping off? I can't remember when that show was on back then. (I do remember Doctor Who was Friday night on PBS)
