The Starlost, a Canadian science fiction television series that aired in 1973, had all the makings of a groundbreaking show. Created by renowned science fiction writer Harlan Ellison, the series was set aboard a massive generation ship called the Earthship Ark, which had gone off course after an unknown accident. The show followed the adventures of three young inhabitants from one of the ship’s isolated biospheres as they ventured out to explore the vast vessel and uncover the truth about their situation.
The Premise
The Starlost’s premise was intriguing and full of potential. The Earthship Ark, a colossal spacecraft designed to carry the remnants of humanity to a new world, was composed of numerous self-contained biospheres, each housing a unique culture. Centuries after the ship’s launch, the descendants of the original crew and passengers lived in ignorance, unaware that they were aboard a spaceship hurtling through the cosmos.
The series centered around three protagonists from the agrarian community of Cypress Corners: Devon, a rebellious young man; Rachel, his love interest; and Garth, Rachel’s betrothed. When Devon discovered the truth about their world, he was branded a heretic and sentenced to death. With the help of his companions, Devon escaped Cypress Corners and set out to explore the ship, searching for a way to save the Ark from its impending destruction.
Production Troubles
Despite its promising concept, The Starlost was plagued by numerous production issues that ultimately undermined its potential. Harlan Ellison, who had written the original pilot script and provided outlines for several episodes, became increasingly disenchanted with the direction the show was taking. He felt that the producers were dumbing down his ideas and making changes that compromised the integrity of the story. Eventually, Ellison chose to remove his name from the project, using the pseudonym “Cordwainer Bird” in the credits.
Budget constraints also had a significant impact on the show’s quality. Originally intended as an eight-episode miniseries for the BBC, The Starlost was ultimately sold into syndication, resulting in a drastic reduction in funding. The low budget was evident in the show’s production values, with cheap-looking sets, poor special effects, and subpar video quality.
Acting and Characterization
The Starlost featured a mix of experienced and relatively unknown actors. Keir Dullea, best known for his role in Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, starred as Devon. While Dullea brought a certain level of credibility to the show, his performance was often hampered by the weak scripts and limited character development.
Gay Rowan and Robin Ward portrayed Rachel and Garth, respectively. Although both actors made efforts to bring depth to their characters, they were often overshadowed by the show’s other shortcomings. Guest stars, such as Sterling Hayden and Walter Koenig, added some star power to the series, but their appearances were brief and did little to elevate the overall quality of the show.
Episode Quality and Reception
The Starlost’s 16-episode run was met with mixed to negative reviews from both critics and audiences. While some episodes showed glimmers of the show’s potential, others were bogged down by weak writing, poor pacing, and uneven performances.
Standout episodes included “The Goddess Calabra,” which explored a biosphere where women were revered as deities, and “Circuit of Death,” which featured a suspenseful plot involving a doomsday device. However, these moments of quality were few and far between, with many episodes failing to capitalize on the show’s intriguing premise.
Legacy and Impact
Despite its shortcomings, The Starlost has maintained a small but dedicated fanbase over the years. Some viewers appreciate the show’s ambitious concept and the occasional moments of brilliance that shone through the production’s limitations. Others find enjoyment in the show’s campy, low-budget charm, viewing it as a quintessential example of 1970s science fiction television.
The Starlost also serves as a cautionary tale for the television industry, highlighting the importance of proper funding, creative control, and a clear vision when bringing a complex science fiction story to the small screen. The show’s troubled production and ultimate failure demonstrate the challenges of adapting ambitious ideas into a successful television series.
Summary
The Starlost, while brimming with potential, ultimately failed to live up to its promise. Hampered by budget constraints, creative differences, and uneven production values, the series struggled to fully realize its intriguing premise. Despite its flaws, however, The Starlost remains a fascinating piece of science fiction television history, offering a glimpse into the challenges and pitfalls of bringing a grand vision to life on the small screen.
