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To Everything That Might Have Been: The Lost Universe Of Space: 1999
The cult classic science fiction series 1999 has legions of fans around the world and has been researched and documented in comprehensive books and documentaries, so fans can be forgiven for thinking there’s nothing new under the ‘Black Sun’ … But they’d be wrong.
Did you know …
- That actors on casting lists for Commander Koenig included Larry Hagman, Doug McClure, Robert Culp, and even William Shatner?
- The first title for the pilot episode was ‘The Last of the Earth Men’?
- The Chief Medical Officer was going to be male, and Professor Bergman could have been Professor Danilo Sabatini?
- That life on the Moon was intended to be a powder keg of fear and dissatisfaction, with Moon City constantly at war with alien races?
- That there were indeed discussions about a possible spin-off series?
This book takes you back to the beginning, to the genesis of the series, and to early themes, characters, and story outlines. It uncovers a treasure trove of previously unknown information, correspondence, casting lists, production information, and long-lost documents charting alternative realities of what might have been had the series taken any multitude of different forks in the road. And throughout, this book features extensive input from series story consultant and scriptwriter Christopher Penfold.
Any self-respecting Alphan who thinks they know it all needs to read this book and explore the lost universe of 1999 !
Did you know …
- That actors on casting lists for Commander Koenig included Larry Hagman, Doug McClure, Robert Culp, and even William Shatner?
- The first title for the pilot episode was ‘The Last of the Earth Men’?
- The Chief Medical Officer was going to be male, and Professor Bergman could have been Professor Danilo Sabatini?
- That life on the Moon was intended to be a powder keg of fear and dissatisfaction, with Moon City constantly at war with alien races?
- That there were indeed discussions about a possible spin-off series?
This book takes you back to the beginning, to the genesis of the series, and to early themes, characters, and story outlines. It uncovers a treasure trove of previously unknown information, correspondence, casting lists, production information, and long-lost documents charting alternative realities of what might have been had the series taken any multitude of different forks in the road. And throughout, this book features extensive input from series story consultant and scriptwriter Christopher Penfold.
Any self-respecting Alphan who thinks they know it all needs to read this book and explore the lost universe of 1999 !
455 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 18, 2022
22 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 22, 2023
The authors, David Hirsch, Robert E. Wood and Christopher Penfold have all been intimately involved with Space: 1999 and as such have brought forward some details about the program that had not previously been accessible. Much is owed to the estate of Martin Landau as some of his archived material proves very interesting. It should be noted however, this is most definitely a book for fans of the series. A thorough knowledge of the show is essential to understand what is going on while at the same time feeding the appetites of those hungry for that extra tidbit from this Science Fiction classic.
Readers are treated to documents showing the genesis and evolution of the series. From being an additional season of UFO, to a half hour action program, to the eventual one-hour format that graced our screens. This is illustrated by providing treatments, artwork, letters, and interviews which provide an interesting look at how a production gets off the ground while also attracting airtime on networks. For example, from the off it was the intent to have American actors in the lead to attract the profitable US market. More interesting perhaps were the names of some of those actors considered for the role. (Also, the near miss of one of the favorite contenders who, in my opinion, would have been a far cry from the Commander Koenig we know and love).
Time is spent on production design, casting, but most of all on the script development process. This last was particularly fascinating as just being an author does not mean you will be a good script writer. It is also interesting to see how a good idea can be salvaged into something workable for the television audience. It is also comforting to know that the devolution of quality from Season One to Season Two is noted and documented here as well. (In my opinion, Season One of Space: 1999 is some of the best Science Fiction ever to be broadcast). So this is not all sunshine and lollipops, but it is an authentic look behind the scenes.
While some readers may feel this volume is in some cases repetitive and focusing on minutia, it is a well researched accounting of how the series came to be and how it eventually bowed out. With lots of fascinating detail, if you are looking for that little bit extra of a classic show, here it is.
Readers are treated to documents showing the genesis and evolution of the series. From being an additional season of UFO, to a half hour action program, to the eventual one-hour format that graced our screens. This is illustrated by providing treatments, artwork, letters, and interviews which provide an interesting look at how a production gets off the ground while also attracting airtime on networks. For example, from the off it was the intent to have American actors in the lead to attract the profitable US market. More interesting perhaps were the names of some of those actors considered for the role. (Also, the near miss of one of the favorite contenders who, in my opinion, would have been a far cry from the Commander Koenig we know and love).
Time is spent on production design, casting, but most of all on the script development process. This last was particularly fascinating as just being an author does not mean you will be a good script writer. It is also interesting to see how a good idea can be salvaged into something workable for the television audience. It is also comforting to know that the devolution of quality from Season One to Season Two is noted and documented here as well. (In my opinion, Season One of Space: 1999 is some of the best Science Fiction ever to be broadcast). So this is not all sunshine and lollipops, but it is an authentic look behind the scenes.
While some readers may feel this volume is in some cases repetitive and focusing on minutia, it is a well researched accounting of how the series came to be and how it eventually bowed out. With lots of fascinating detail, if you are looking for that little bit extra of a classic show, here it is.
March 29, 2025
A very comprehensive look at Space 1999 from the beginnings as an intended sequel to UFO and the third series that never happened. Always did wonder why Barry Morse never reappeared in the second series. This goes into a lot of detail and will appeal to fans of this classic British sci-fi 70s TV, which had a far bigger budget than Dr Who did back then.
March 26, 2022
Fascinating back story book about Space: 1999 and a must-have for fans.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews