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UFO (@ Big Finish Productions) #1
UFO: Destruct Positive!
The human race is under threat.
The public has no idea.
But alien ships are already attacking.
And aliens are already here.
1.1 Destruct: Positive! Ed Straker is a test pilot in the US Air Force. Then, one day, his aircraft is attacked by a UFO. His life will never be the same again.
1.2 Things We Lost in the Darkness SHADO training is underway. But an exercise turns into the real thing as the aliens bring terror to the quiet of the sleepy, English countryside.
1.3 Full Fathom Five Skydiver is SHADO’s new, formidable frontline defence against alien attack. Stepping aboard, Ed Straker is on a mission to find out if the right people are in charge. Because when things go badly wrong, they are the ones whose lives are on the line.
Based on the original tv series created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson.
UFO © ITC Entertainment Group Limited 1970. Licensed by ITV Ventures Limited. All rights reserved.
The public has no idea.
But alien ships are already attacking.
And aliens are already here.
1.1 Destruct: Positive! Ed Straker is a test pilot in the US Air Force. Then, one day, his aircraft is attacked by a UFO. His life will never be the same again.
1.2 Things We Lost in the Darkness SHADO training is underway. But an exercise turns into the real thing as the aliens bring terror to the quiet of the sleepy, English countryside.
1.3 Full Fathom Five Skydiver is SHADO’s new, formidable frontline defence against alien attack. Stepping aboard, Ed Straker is on a mission to find out if the right people are in charge. Because when things go badly wrong, they are the ones whose lives are on the line.
Based on the original tv series created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson.
UFO © ITC Entertainment Group Limited 1970. Licensed by ITV Ventures Limited. All rights reserved.
Audio CD
Published August 1, 2022
8 people want to read
About the author
Andy Lane
88 books338 followersSee also works published as Andrew Lane
During 2009, Macmillan Books announced that Lane would be writing a series of books focusing on the early life of Sherlock Holmes. The series was developed in conjunction with the estate of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Lane had already shown an extensive knowledge of the Holmes character and continuity in his Virgin Books novel All-Consuming Fire in which he created The Library of St. John the Beheaded as a meeting place for the worlds of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Who.
The first book in the 'Young Sherlock Holmes' series – Death Cloud – was published in the United Kingdom in June 2010 (February 2011 in the United States), with the second – Red Leech – published in the United Kingdom in November of that year (with a United States publication date under the title Rebel Fire of February 2012). The third book – Black Ice – was published in June 2011 in the UK while the fourth book – Fire Storm – was published originally in hardback in October 2011 with a paperback publication in March 2012. The fifth book, Snake Bite was published in hardback in October 2012 and the sixth book, Knife Edge was published in September 2013. Death Cloud was short-listed for both the 2010 North East Book Award. (coming second by three votes) and the 2011 Southampton's Favourite Book Award. Black Ice won the 2012 Centurion Book Award.
Early in 2012, Macmillan Children's Books announced that they would be publishing a new series by Lane, beginning in 2013. The Lost World books will follow disabled 15-year-old Calum Challenger, who is co-ordinating a search from his London bedroom to find creatures considered so rare that many do not believe they exist. Calum's intention is to use the creatures' DNA to help protect the species, but also to search for a cure for his own paralysis. His team comprises a computer hacker, a free runner, an ex-marine and a pathological liar.
During 2009, Macmillan Books announced that Lane would be writing a series of books focusing on the early life of Sherlock Holmes. The series was developed in conjunction with the estate of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Lane had already shown an extensive knowledge of the Holmes character and continuity in his Virgin Books novel All-Consuming Fire in which he created The Library of St. John the Beheaded as a meeting place for the worlds of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Who.
The first book in the 'Young Sherlock Holmes' series – Death Cloud – was published in the United Kingdom in June 2010 (February 2011 in the United States), with the second – Red Leech – published in the United Kingdom in November of that year (with a United States publication date under the title Rebel Fire of February 2012). The third book – Black Ice – was published in June 2011 in the UK while the fourth book – Fire Storm – was published originally in hardback in October 2011 with a paperback publication in March 2012. The fifth book, Snake Bite was published in hardback in October 2012 and the sixth book, Knife Edge was published in September 2013. Death Cloud was short-listed for both the 2010 North East Book Award. (coming second by three votes) and the 2011 Southampton's Favourite Book Award. Black Ice won the 2012 Centurion Book Award.
Early in 2012, Macmillan Children's Books announced that they would be publishing a new series by Lane, beginning in 2013. The Lost World books will follow disabled 15-year-old Calum Challenger, who is co-ordinating a search from his London bedroom to find creatures considered so rare that many do not believe they exist. Calum's intention is to use the creatures' DNA to help protect the species, but also to search for a cure for his own paralysis. His team comprises a computer hacker, a free runner, an ex-marine and a pathological liar.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 14, 2022
1.1 Destruct Positive! - I first started listening to this as a free promotional except (runs about 25 minutes) that was made available from the Big Finish website (here’s a link: https://www.bigfinish.com/releases/v/...). To be honest, I wasn’t entirely convinced it was going to work. Now that I’ve listened to the entire first episode … I’m thrilled! While I’m not as much of an enamored fan with UFO as I was with Space: 1999, I would certainly still call myself a fan. This incarnation of the series, at least this first episode, feels a little bit like a cross between The Prisoner and UFO and that surprisingly worked very well. Kudos to the entire Big Finish team, you’ve got another hit on your hands (5/5).
1.2 Things We Lost In The Darkness - Think you’ve got it tough? Try fighting an enemy when you don’t know what they look like, or how they get around, while they’re killing people around you, abducting people, preforming body mutilations and you’re still desperately trying to get your base of operations up and running. Oh and you’re marriage is falling apart. Basically, things don’t look good for Straker and his team of operatives (5/5).
1.3 Full Fathom Five - This is definitely a new version of UFO, this is not the same version of events as the television series. And you know what? I’m fine with that. They’ve jettisoned the backwards sexism and all that late 1960s misogyny. Thankfully. So this particular episode is a nail-biting, time-running-out thriller. Excellent (5/5).
This release also includes the usual behind-the-scenes interviews with cast and crew. I ordered this set based on the work that Big Finish did on the releases relaunching the Space: 1999 series (including: Space 1999: Breakaway, Space 1999 Volume 1 & Space 1999 Volume 02 Earthbound) and on the strength of aforementioned downloadable giveaway. I was going to wait until the CDs arrived to listen to this, but the sample was so interesting that I had to listen to the download as soon as I could. And it did not disappoint. This is a brilliant update of the series and I dearly hope it is enormously successful so we’ll be able to enjoy many more new releases.
1.2 Things We Lost In The Darkness - Think you’ve got it tough? Try fighting an enemy when you don’t know what they look like, or how they get around, while they’re killing people around you, abducting people, preforming body mutilations and you’re still desperately trying to get your base of operations up and running. Oh and you’re marriage is falling apart. Basically, things don’t look good for Straker and his team of operatives (5/5).
1.3 Full Fathom Five - This is definitely a new version of UFO, this is not the same version of events as the television series. And you know what? I’m fine with that. They’ve jettisoned the backwards sexism and all that late 1960s misogyny. Thankfully. So this particular episode is a nail-biting, time-running-out thriller. Excellent (5/5).
This release also includes the usual behind-the-scenes interviews with cast and crew. I ordered this set based on the work that Big Finish did on the releases relaunching the Space: 1999 series (including: Space 1999: Breakaway, Space 1999 Volume 1 & Space 1999 Volume 02 Earthbound) and on the strength of aforementioned downloadable giveaway. I was going to wait until the CDs arrived to listen to this, but the sample was so interesting that I had to listen to the download as soon as I could. And it did not disappoint. This is a brilliant update of the series and I dearly hope it is enormously successful so we’ll be able to enjoy many more new releases.
September 25, 2022
In 1970 a television series created by Gerry & Sylvia Anderson and Reg Hill premiered. It was called UFO and was a live action foray with model special effects shots honed by the creator of Thunderbirds, Fireball XL 5 and so on. Only running for 26 episodes it has endured for over 50 years with pretty much no additional sanctioned content and is a testament to the quality of, well to be fair, most of the episodes. Watching in my younger years I was captivated, especially by the year 1980 flashing on the screen during the opening credits. Was this what 1980 had in store? Cool submarines, a base on the moon, and a secret organization dedicated to blowing up UFOs? Sadly, on that front disappointment loomed, but you cannot have everything. It was a happy surprise then for fans to find out that Big Finish productions was releasing a set of original full cast audio recordings of this classic. Written by Andy Lane and featuring music and sound effects this was a set I pre-ordered to see if it would recapture the lost magic.
The set is comprised of three episodes. Number one is titled, Destruct: Positive! It begins with the familiar UFO theme music, which to my ear was stylized and did not quite have the same punch. (Spoiler alert, I believe this was intentional) We are introduced to Major Ed Straker (He receives a promotion later), a test pilot who has an unfortunate encounter with an unidentified craft that he later believes was of Soviet or Chinese origin, that shoots him down. The actual details are kept under wraps and even though, ‘The canteen sees all, the canteen knows all. Respect the canteen,” the scuttlebutt does not reveal the truth. Kept in a hospital, Straker is exposed to Lt. Colonel Virginia Lake and becomes increasingly suspicious that he is being kept in the dark. After an abortive attempt to kill him, he is convinced there is something more at stake. This leads him on a journey to Meet General Henderson and become involved in the organization known as ADO, Alien Defense Organization, later to have the Supreme Headquarters prefix added, making SHADO, “Because, that is where this war is going to be fought. In the shadows.” And we get the end music, which is a step up, but not quite there yet. I am assuming because SHADO is not yet operational.
Episode two, Things We Lost in the Darkness, hits us with the full-blown UFO theme, complete with teletype in the background! (Nice touch that) SHADO is operational, although still literally coming together. When a young couple encounter what turns out to be aliens, and the young man, Carl, disappears, the mobile units, out on a test run, get recruited for the real deal. Colonel Alex Freeman is introduced and investigates the incident. However, it appears the aliens have more on their minds than just a simple abduction. We get a full-on confrontation with the extraterrestrials and for SHADO, some losses and more questions that remain unanswered. Straker realizes, “We have to pre-empt. We have to strike back. Otherwise, the battle is lost.”
The final episode, Full Fathom Five (No spoiler there!) takes place primarily on Skydiver One. Straker is on board for a shakedown cruise and to interview the captain, Petra Carlin, who had been appointed by Freeman prior to Straker taking command. During this routine deployment, there is a UFO encounter and Sky One is launched to intercept. Things do not go well and both Sky One and the alien craft crash into the ocean and the sub must attempt a rescue. This deteriorates into a mutiny, with Captain Carlin’s second in command, forcing a risky maneuver to rescue her.
Throughout the recordings we get some of the themes from the original series, which included a marital breakup and the death of a child, so the toll that defending the earth extracts is shown. We also learn that Straker is just as harsh and driven as we remember. “To fight, to survive, to win. We do whatever is necessary.” But at the same time, he is practical, “We defend earth from alien invasion for a living. I’m open to stupid.” With the supporting cast, including Lt. Ellis, we are reintroduced to an evolving organization dedicated to defending the planet. The performances are solid, especially Barnaby Kay who I found sometimes I could not tell apart from Ed Bishop who starred in the original series. The sound effects are nicely worked in to support the story without overpowering it, and throughout there are explanations for some of the technology and locations chosen, like in the Space 1999 audio recordings, to provide a bit more verisimilitude to the story. As General Henderson says, “Haven’t you heard that scientific development advances in time of war? Make no mistake about it, we are at war!” This all comes together in a package that I listened to twice and met my exceedingly high expectations while leaving me wanting more.
The set is comprised of three episodes. Number one is titled, Destruct: Positive! It begins with the familiar UFO theme music, which to my ear was stylized and did not quite have the same punch. (Spoiler alert, I believe this was intentional) We are introduced to Major Ed Straker (He receives a promotion later), a test pilot who has an unfortunate encounter with an unidentified craft that he later believes was of Soviet or Chinese origin, that shoots him down. The actual details are kept under wraps and even though, ‘The canteen sees all, the canteen knows all. Respect the canteen,” the scuttlebutt does not reveal the truth. Kept in a hospital, Straker is exposed to Lt. Colonel Virginia Lake and becomes increasingly suspicious that he is being kept in the dark. After an abortive attempt to kill him, he is convinced there is something more at stake. This leads him on a journey to Meet General Henderson and become involved in the organization known as ADO, Alien Defense Organization, later to have the Supreme Headquarters prefix added, making SHADO, “Because, that is where this war is going to be fought. In the shadows.” And we get the end music, which is a step up, but not quite there yet. I am assuming because SHADO is not yet operational.
Episode two, Things We Lost in the Darkness, hits us with the full-blown UFO theme, complete with teletype in the background! (Nice touch that) SHADO is operational, although still literally coming together. When a young couple encounter what turns out to be aliens, and the young man, Carl, disappears, the mobile units, out on a test run, get recruited for the real deal. Colonel Alex Freeman is introduced and investigates the incident. However, it appears the aliens have more on their minds than just a simple abduction. We get a full-on confrontation with the extraterrestrials and for SHADO, some losses and more questions that remain unanswered. Straker realizes, “We have to pre-empt. We have to strike back. Otherwise, the battle is lost.”
The final episode, Full Fathom Five (No spoiler there!) takes place primarily on Skydiver One. Straker is on board for a shakedown cruise and to interview the captain, Petra Carlin, who had been appointed by Freeman prior to Straker taking command. During this routine deployment, there is a UFO encounter and Sky One is launched to intercept. Things do not go well and both Sky One and the alien craft crash into the ocean and the sub must attempt a rescue. This deteriorates into a mutiny, with Captain Carlin’s second in command, forcing a risky maneuver to rescue her.
Throughout the recordings we get some of the themes from the original series, which included a marital breakup and the death of a child, so the toll that defending the earth extracts is shown. We also learn that Straker is just as harsh and driven as we remember. “To fight, to survive, to win. We do whatever is necessary.” But at the same time, he is practical, “We defend earth from alien invasion for a living. I’m open to stupid.” With the supporting cast, including Lt. Ellis, we are reintroduced to an evolving organization dedicated to defending the planet. The performances are solid, especially Barnaby Kay who I found sometimes I could not tell apart from Ed Bishop who starred in the original series. The sound effects are nicely worked in to support the story without overpowering it, and throughout there are explanations for some of the technology and locations chosen, like in the Space 1999 audio recordings, to provide a bit more verisimilitude to the story. As General Henderson says, “Haven’t you heard that scientific development advances in time of war? Make no mistake about it, we are at war!” This all comes together in a package that I listened to twice and met my exceedingly high expectations while leaving me wanting more.
January 26, 2025
With my much longer commute, I am now listening to Big Finish in my car again. This week it's been UFO (Box set 1 - Destruct Positive). I've listened to all of disc 1 & 2, and I'm partially through disc 3. The story(s) feels like an extended pilot, with a lot more info on Commander Ed Straker and the early beginnings of SHADO. But I've really liked what I've heard so far.
Update: 1/25/2025
I finished UFO Box set 1 (by Big Finish). It very much feels like an extended pilot. We see Straker as a Naval test pilot getting attacked by a UFO and recruited by ADO (Alien Defense Org), a process that's longer than the brief flashbacks in the TV series. There's a bit more development of not only the characters but the development of SHADO itself (Straker comes up with the new name).
Disc 3 "Full Fathom Five" is set on Skydiver. Straker's tour of the new machine and the shakedown cruise is, of course, interrupted by a UFO. But when Major Petra is shot down most of the rest of the story is an argument between Waterman who loves Petra and wants to save her and Straker's insistence that the experimental maneuver Waterman suggests is too dangerous. Sigh, much testosterone-laiden arguing ensues. In the end, Waterman forces Straker to try the move, it works, they get there 15 minutes too late BUT the aliens had pumped the canopy of Skydiver with oxygen.
Back at SHADO HQ, still under construction, Straker interviews Petra. He wonders if she's compromised then turns her over to Dr. Schroeder. Yikes.
Disc 3 - not my favorite but still an engaging story, and it fit with how UFO worked as a series.
Update: 1/25/2025
I finished UFO Box set 1 (by Big Finish). It very much feels like an extended pilot. We see Straker as a Naval test pilot getting attacked by a UFO and recruited by ADO (Alien Defense Org), a process that's longer than the brief flashbacks in the TV series. There's a bit more development of not only the characters but the development of SHADO itself (Straker comes up with the new name).
Disc 3 "Full Fathom Five" is set on Skydiver. Straker's tour of the new machine and the shakedown cruise is, of course, interrupted by a UFO. But when Major Petra is shot down most of the rest of the story is an argument between Waterman who loves Petra and wants to save her and Straker's insistence that the experimental maneuver Waterman suggests is too dangerous. Sigh, much testosterone-laiden arguing ensues. In the end, Waterman forces Straker to try the move, it works, they get there 15 minutes too late BUT the aliens had pumped the canopy of Skydiver with oxygen.
Back at SHADO HQ, still under construction, Straker interviews Petra. He wonders if she's compromised then turns her over to Dr. Schroeder. Yikes.
Disc 3 - not my favorite but still an engaging story, and it fit with how UFO worked as a series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2022
I love the original ”UFO” series in all its shambolic glory, though it’s much of its time. There were naff episodes, of course, but there were women in purple wigs, submarine crew in net shirts, great effects,and body horror.
So this seemed interesting…and it is, somewhat, despite the rather painful sequenced recreation of the theme music. It’s set up as a prequel as well as a reboot — we get the painful birth of S.H.A.D.O., which is constantly in the back foot. S.I.D. isn’t off the drawing board, there’s only two S.H.A.D.O.Mobiles, and Straker has little staff and no working base. It’s still set in 1980 (or maybe 1978 or 1979, being a prequel) though the tech is of course SF tech that’s often super advanced. The reboot has a heavy coat of khaki paint.
Amusing note: director Nicholas Briggs plays Dr. Schroeder in a dead-on pastiche of Vladek Sheybal (Kronsteen in FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE) — an actor who indeed appeared in “UFO.”
The rather bad: there’s a lot of Brits playing Americans in this. Some are really good. Others are rather bad. Barnaby Kay, playing Ed Straker, is *terrible*. His accent wobbles all over the place and his Straker rapidly starts sounding like an outright martinet. I know it’s been plague years and all, but surely they could have found either an actual American, a Canadian, or even an English actor who could do an American accent *and* act. They”Honest Trailers” guy would have been better by far.
So this seemed interesting…and it is, somewhat, despite the rather painful sequenced recreation of the theme music. It’s set up as a prequel as well as a reboot — we get the painful birth of S.H.A.D.O., which is constantly in the back foot. S.I.D. isn’t off the drawing board, there’s only two S.H.A.D.O.Mobiles, and Straker has little staff and no working base. It’s still set in 1980 (or maybe 1978 or 1979, being a prequel) though the tech is of course SF tech that’s often super advanced. The reboot has a heavy coat of khaki paint.
Amusing note: director Nicholas Briggs plays Dr. Schroeder in a dead-on pastiche of Vladek Sheybal (Kronsteen in FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE) — an actor who indeed appeared in “UFO.”
The rather bad: there’s a lot of Brits playing Americans in this. Some are really good. Others are rather bad. Barnaby Kay, playing Ed Straker, is *terrible*. His accent wobbles all over the place and his Straker rapidly starts sounding like an outright martinet. I know it’s been plague years and all, but surely they could have found either an actual American, a Canadian, or even an English actor who could do an American accent *and* act. They”Honest Trailers” guy would have been better by far.
October 27, 2022
Before diving into this audio reboot of UFO, I made myself watch the opening episode of the series, which is . . . a weird mix of go-go 70s cheesecake and . . . body horror.
And also amazingly good special effects for a 1970 tv show.
So how about this audio reboot which isn't going to have those visuals -- neither the special effects nor the long sequences of beautiful women walking around and changing clothes. (Oh, Gerry Anderson!)
First of all, where UFO starts with SHADO already well-established, this begins with Ed Straker's initial entry into the organization and becoming its leader. Barnaby Kay plays Ed Straker as kind of short-tempered and it's a little off-putting. At the same time, it seems to fit the vibe of the genre -- square military commander who sort of shouts everything. But you want your central viewpoint character to be a bit . . . warmer and more sympathetic, don't you? Granted, these are just the opening episodes, and there's still time for the character to grow.
In the end the series is . . . adequate. If the next set of episodes can start expanding the premise beyond establishing SHADO's nifty gadgets and start getting into the overarching plot -- and there are a few hints here of what the aliens are doing -- then this could turn out as cool as BF's Space: 1999 reboot. Here's hoping the next set is an improvement.
And also amazingly good special effects for a 1970 tv show.
So how about this audio reboot which isn't going to have those visuals -- neither the special effects nor the long sequences of beautiful women walking around and changing clothes. (Oh, Gerry Anderson!)
First of all, where UFO starts with SHADO already well-established, this begins with Ed Straker's initial entry into the organization and becoming its leader. Barnaby Kay plays Ed Straker as kind of short-tempered and it's a little off-putting. At the same time, it seems to fit the vibe of the genre -- square military commander who sort of shouts everything. But you want your central viewpoint character to be a bit . . . warmer and more sympathetic, don't you? Granted, these are just the opening episodes, and there's still time for the character to grow.
In the end the series is . . . adequate. If the next set of episodes can start expanding the premise beyond establishing SHADO's nifty gadgets and start getting into the overarching plot -- and there are a few hints here of what the aliens are doing -- then this could turn out as cool as BF's Space: 1999 reboot. Here's hoping the next set is an improvement.
August 11, 2022
I watched the original UFO series earlier this year (and have even participated in discussion about it for my friends' podcast Inevitable: A Classic Sci-Fi Podcast). So I was pretty excited when this reboot was announced on Gerry Anderson Day. Kinda surprised that this is still set during the Cold War. But it serves as a good origin story for Ed Straker's initial involvement with SHADO. The way he questions the cover stories feels realistic. We get Skydiver, as well as the classic music and sound effects. A nice mix of nostalgia and fresh takes.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews