THE BASEMENT’S TIMELESS TELEVISION: The Lost Saucer: A Timeless Sci-Fi Adventure for Children of all Ages
The Lost Saucer was a science fiction children’s television show that premiered in 1975. The show was produced by Sid and Marty Krofft, who were well-known for their unique and imaginative productions. The Lost Saucer was no exception, featuring two robots named Fi and Fum who travel through time and space in a flying saucer, picking up various passengers along the way.
The premise of the show was that Fi and Fum were from the year 2369 and were on a mission to explore different times and places in order to learn more about the universe. They good-naturedly invite a young boy named Jerry (Jarrod Johnson) and his babysitter Alice (Alice Playten) to check out the interior of their craft.
As onlookers begin to gather though, the two androids become nervous about attracting attention and abruptly take off with Jerry and Alice. The flying saucer has the ability to travel through time, but the controls which allow the androids to specify an exact date were damaged, thus preventing the androids from returning Jerry and Alice to their rightful time and place.
The show’s colorful and imaginative sets and costumes were a major part of its appeal. The characters often found themselves in exotic locations, from ancient Egypt to the Wild West, and each episode had a unique theme and setting. The show’s creators also made use of special effects, which were quite advanced for the time. The Lost Saucer was one of the first television shows to use chroma key technology, which allowed the producers to superimpose the actors onto various backdrops and special effects.
Ruth Buzzi played the role of Fi, while Jim Nabors played the role of Fum. The two robots had very different personalities, with Fi being more logical and serious, and Fum being more emotional and humorous. The chemistry between the two characters was one of the highlights of the show, and their interactions provided a lot of the humor and heart.
Despite its popularity with children, The Lost Saucer only lasted one season, with a total of 16 episodes. The show faced some criticism for its perceived lack of educational content, but its creators defended it as being primarily for entertainment purposes. The show’s short run did not stop it from gaining a cult following among science fiction fans, and it remains a nostalgic favorite for many who grew up watching it.
Overall, The Lost Saucer was a unique and imaginative children’s show that captured the spirit of adventure and exploration. Its colorful sets, memorable characters, and advanced special effects made it stand out from other shows of its time. While it may not have been the most commercially successful of Sid and Marty Krofft’s productions, it remains an important part of science fiction television history and a beloved classic for many viewers.
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