Gerry Anderson Primer: Space Precinct

[@GerryAndersonTV]

Did you watch Space Precinct on its original run? Is this new to you? Let us know! SPA!

[@tomuk2505]

Used to love space precinct! Had all the toys even did a show and tell at school on it back in the day. Didnt know chloe annett from red dwarf played castle in a promo video though

[@DissociatedWomenIncorporated]

I remember watching and enjoying it as a kid, but I can't remember it very well. Perhaps I'll have to give it another go if it ends up on a steaming service like Netflix.

[@leejohnstone3051]

OMG I have Space Precinct on DVD. I love it

[@MontytheHorse]

I remember it being on, IIRC, BBC2 when it was first broadcast. I thought it was not bad.

[@triggerfingerstudios]

I did watch this in its original run in the US. I believe it came on late Saturday nights and I would watch it on a small black a white TV in my garage. I loved the model work and the aliens. It's a bit better in color.

[@Larry]

I was in Pinewood Studios as an extra on another movie being filmed when this was being made, all the sets still had either Space Police or Space Cops written on them. Didn't even know it was this until years later.

[@drifter402]

God damn it Larry can you stop showing up everywhere on the internet?

[@jamesm9881]

What was the film Larry?

[@jeremywestern7067]

stop lying bundy

[@alecaquino4306]

@@drifter402 He craves attention. It's very annoying.

[@pferreira1983]

My favourite Gerry Anderson show. I would love to see this brought back as a sequel series.

[@EndlessLaymon]

This is my favourite live action Anderson show. I was hooked on this when it first aired. It is such an overlooked show. It is a shame it cancelled as it had a lot of potential.

[@Spitfirethedragon]

I loved the show when it was on. I was so upset that it was canceled after 1 season. Wish I knew more what happened to all the characters after the last episode.

[@magictricks6138]

I watched this on Australian TV as a kid and loved it! 👍

[@paulkinnear2727]

If you can get past the first two episodes (which are pretty bad), SPACE PRECINCT quickly becomes a very enjoyable show with plenty of (sadly unrealised) potential. There are some very interesting and unique science fiction ideas in many of the episodes.

[@excessmaterial]

I don't even think the first two are bad really. I liked it all.

[@Tony-1971]

Bought the newly released dvd box set. Absolutely love it. Most people probably prefer other Anderson tv shows, but for me Space Precinct is definitely my favourite Anderson tv show. Still got all 6 comic books published by manga entertainment too. Really nice painted artwork in them.

[@jimmyoshea465]

And I want a Gerry Anderson channel on Freeview?? Has enough Quality content to do so and would attract a big audience of all ages and sponsors and advertisers would be queueing up👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@benedictjlarkin9296]

They could do what the "Sharpe" TV series adaption did and upload on KZbin, or create a streaming platform. As you said, it is innovative and quality entertainment even now. It is just a shame he was never appreciated as much when he was alive. He was always 30 years ahead of the competition.

[@benedictjlarkin9296]

They could do what the "Sharpe" TV series adaption did and upload on KZbin, or create a streaming platform. As you said, it is innovative and quality entertainment even now. It is just a shame he was never appreciated as much when he was alive. He was always 30 years ahead of the competition.

[@85flintstone]

Jesus this is a blast from the past. I barely remember this as I’d only been 9/10 and don’t think I watched much. The design of the police cars is what really stands out to me in my memories.

[@iandeeley9033]

I would probably put the complete series DVD on my Xmas list when it's time!

[@Armadacon]

I enjoyed Space Precinct when it aired on BBC2. To my eyes. It looked like a live action comic book. I have the entire series on DVD and a few other bits and bobs.

[@remaincalm2]

I had the honour of being given a press tour of the Space Precinct sets, the model city, the jail, seeing the amazing animatronic heads working, and finally an interview with Gerry Anderson in his office. It was an incredible day and a privilege to have met Gerry. Despite writing a favourable preview feature on the series, after later watching it on TV I wish he'd done another series of Thunderbirds instead! :-) Buy hey, everyone had their favourite Anderson show.

[@cessnaace]

Here in the U.S. this show, along with many other Anderson shows, has been added to Amazon Prime Video. On a side note, I have received my copy of the prequel comic, Space Precinct Reloaded #1. It's highly enjoyable, and I hope that there will be additional comics. Oh, and after placing my second order from the Anderson Store I received a nice email from Jamie Anderson. Nice. I'm looking forward to the new "Terrahawks" series. :)

[@JohnnyT002]

I enjoyed this series when I would catch it on TV. The one bad thing was that it would come on at 1:00, 2:00, or 3:00 A.M. in the morning . I'm glad I was able to get the series on DVD since I missed some of the episodes. I also got the Soundtrack for this series. 👍👍👍👍.

[@aliens12341]

Another one of gerrys shows that deserves another chance. I thought it was brilliant. I have really enjoyed watching it again after it's recent release on dvd

[@paulware4701]

I liked Space Precinct even though there were times when I felt as if I was liking it's potential rather than its delivery. I think a big part of my enjoyment came from the fact that I could watch it with my brother who was 10 years younger than I was (and still is) so we were enjoying it for totally different reasons.

[@michaelmacdonell4834]

I had completely forgotten about this! Thank you for reminding me

[@timepoet77]

I'm so mad I missed out on this show. Now I need to find the DVD set.

[@afterace]

I loved this show as a kid!

[@Theottselmaster]

Damn why are all the awesome Gerry Anderson shows cancelled??

[@EndlessLaymon]

Gerry Anderson was ahead of his time. He had a unique imagination that it was hard for channels to know what to do with his shows amongst the cliche mediocrity.

[@MGSBigBoss77]

@@EndlessLaymon Exactly!

[@brotherkellymatthewbarnes8882]

Space 1999 ended because of harsh personal problems, to be kind.

[@doktor_ghul]

It seems to me that if you take the science fiction setting, some of the more adult episodes, and mix them with the adult attitude of BABYLON 5 and the real danger of being enforcement agents in a really alien world...this show could be brought back and given another chance, with some serious potential finally realized.

[@Ny-kelCameron]

I've only seen one or two episodes as a kid....I love this show!!

[@minicle426]

Before Dekaranger there was Space Precinct.

[@stephenlittle7534]

It was a Very Good Show I loved every bit of it. As you can SEE.

[@Bondek1996]

Loved it when I was a kid. Always wanted the toy of the cop-car, was terrified of the Snake and had a massive crush on Castle.

[@Halfdanr_H]

I was about 6 years old when this came out in the UK. I wouldn’t miss an episode and I’m pretty sure I still have the toys somewhere in my attic

[@derrenlodge6502]

It's a must purchase on DVD.👍👍 One on my list.

[@Vandar821]

I loved the show as a kid. I think I will rewatch it to see how it holds up.

[@onnohus5059]

i loved this show as a kid. whis they made more episodes or even do a new serie.

[@michaelmartin9022]

I loved this as a kid, I made my own comics about Teddy Bears in a futuristic society which took a fair bit of inspiration from it (especially the police cars - I so badly wanted the toy!). I see they also realised the limitations of the CGI of the time (especially the CGI they could afford!) and did everything with practical effects or green-screening actors against models... the effects hold up really well even today.

[@paulleckner8235]

I remember the series. I appreciated it.

[@davidcooksey3822]

This was good they should be a movie

[@LatitudeSky]

This show had a huge lasting legacy, which was how it showed and proved aliens looked much better the way they were done here versus the usual way of slapping some makeup on an actor and calling it done.

[@raymondgerlach3148]

Never saw it but looks interesting. Might have to look up a copy.

[@patriklauk8556]

I enjoyed this series but as stated it was on US TV at like 4am.

[@mikeloveskimbo]

Nice video Chris - Thanks

[@richardsilva-spokane3436]

Skimmed 3-4 dozens of comments. Didn’t anyone notice that this is the premise of ‘Men in Black’? Cheers from Spokane Washington USA 👍👍👍

[@GerryAndersonTV]

Errrr… it’s not.

[@sel3735]

I remember this was shown back in BBC2 during their 6 pm cult section. As a kid, I thought it was...okay. But now it reminds me of another similar sci-fi cop show, Alien Nation.

[@simonwillis1529]

I remember this

[@michaelclarke124]

I have the series on DVD and 2 novels.

[@leehollin8990]

Never heard of it! Looks interesting tho!, I might check it out! Space 1999 rules!

[@MrIngy22]

Used to luv watching this.. so glad when i found it on dvd seems lame compared to whats on now, but i still enjoyed it

[@johnglue1744]

Hahaha the Idris Elba dubbing was ridiculously funny.

[@TheSmart-CasualGamer]

I don't even think it's in synch with his movements!

[@RobToob]

There’s a kind of weird Gerry Anderson and Ted Shackelford early connection. Well sort of. In a 1978 episode of Wonder Woman (“Time Bomb”) Shackelford plays a time traveler from the future. Not only does his future Knot’s Landing costar Joan Van Ark also appear in this episode but stock footage from Space: 1999 is used to represent the future.

[@leejohnstone3051]

Have Space Precinct on DVD

[@lesmoor001]

i feel so old

[@aliens12341]

Another one of gerrys shows cf

[@darryllharden9141]

'Space Precinct' Gerry Anderson's Fourth and Final Live Action Television Series was launched in 1994. "Alright,People!,Settle down!".Set in the not too distant future, The show followed the cases of the officers of The Precinct 88 Station House, Set in Geo-Stationary Orbit over Demeter City on The Planet, Altor." You fellas are from New York , You don't know really bad neighbourhoods!".Two human Police Officers, Lieutenant Patrick Brogan and Officer Jack Haldane have recently transferred to The Force from The NYPD. And are now struggling to come to terms with life on an alien planet. "That's not so normal here!. "Well at least Zil's normal!". Among their new colleagues are Human Officer,Jane Castle and her Tarn Partner, Took." This is what I think you should do!". "Ohh,I'm not listening!". Sergeant Fredo bumbling Creon Officers Orrin,Romek and in earlier episodes Beazle. "Hey Slomo!, Come to Papa!".And robotic secretarial assistant, Slomo."Who said office work was dull?". While Captain Podly does his best to keep the team running smoothly."You fellas are gonna need a better story than that if I'm gonna save your butts this time!".Brogan and his colleagues must keep the streets of Demeter City safe from such threats as Alien extortionists, Murderous holograms, Extra dimensional alien spores and Unstoppable killer cyborgs. "Oh,Man!...I love this job!".The show's origins actually stretch back to 1986 and a pilot film starring Shane Rimmer and Catherine Chavelier titled 'Space Police'. "I Want to see a Lawyer ".This was a hybrid of Live Action, Puppetry,Model Work, Anamatronics and Stop Motion. And while the final film showed promise, No futher episodes would be made."How do you like them apples?...CHUCKLES!".However after a few more revisions,The pilot film was able to help attract investors to Anderson's New project, Now retitled...'Space Precinct'. "Okay!...Lets, Er,get on with it!". Filming began at Pinewood Studios in May 1994. But the series would only carry over a handful of elements from the 'Space Police' pilot. "Cute!". Among these were the characters of Liuetenant Brogan and Slomo albeit with both looking very different from their previous incarnations, As 'Knots Landing' star,Ted Shackleford took over the role of Brogan "Here I am!". And while 'Space Precinct' would occasionly employ the 'Terrahawks' style puppetry seen in 'Space Police' to mixed results, (LAUGHTER!.)The anamatronic alien head masks returned in a big way. "Credit to the all the actors and the technicians that you don't!". Demeter City would be populated by some of the strangest aliens ever seen on television with many of the masks incorporating extremely sophicated radio controlled anamatronics to give a full range of facial expressions to the shows primary alien races, The two-eyed Creons and the three-eyed telekenetic Tarns. "Show off!". Once again, A Gerry Anderson Production would claim the title of the most expensive British Television Series ever made.With each episode costing upwards of one million pounds to make. "We lost over three million credits on that programme and we still haven't recovered!". But a rushed production schedule meant that 'Space Precinct' would launch without a introductory episode to establish the setting or it's characters. Instead viewers would be thrown in at the deep end and left to work things out for themselves. "Well, As one would say...Lovely!". In order to keep things grounded and perhaps also as a response to critics of his earlier live action shows, Anderson made sure that Liuetenant Brogan's Family life would recieve just as much focus as his work. "Mom!...He's calling me names again!". However,The Brogan Family scenes and subplots would for many fans be one of the least enjoyable aspects of the show, With Brogan only solving the mystery in several early episodes, Thanks to a random comment from his Daughter. "A deceiver unmasked is still a deceiver!". "Deceiver unmasked...Is still a deciever!". Far more successful in the character department was the 'Will they, Won't they' flirting between Haldane and Castle. "Haldane, If you didn't exist,...I'd have dementia!".And the comedy antics of Officers,Orrin and Romek."Uugghh!"." Oh,Man!".Many of the writers who worked on 'Space Precinct' were American. And had previous experience of writing for Sci-Fi Television on such shows as 'Babylon 5' and the various 1990's 'Star Trek' spin-offs."That's good to know!". Steve Begg would return to oversee the model effects sequences .While Composer,Crispin Merrell would score the first of three Gerry Anderson series. The show also enjoyed a run of memorable guest stars. Including Steven Berkoff, Frances Barber, David Burke, Maryam D'abo. And yes!...A dubbed Ray Winstone as a nameless prison inmate. "Put your hands up!". And a even more dubbed Idris Elba making an early T.V. appearance as a Space Pizza Delivery Guy. "Hot delivery anywhere on Altor, Guaranteed!". "Get out of here!".For the second half of it's run 'Space Precinct' seem to become an increasingly confident series, Most notably in the script department. Rather than telling Police stories that just happen to take place in a Sci-Fi setting, The show seem to turn it's attention more to Sci- Fi stories in a Police setting. "You are losing me, Officer Haldane!". "Alright...Alright!...Stay with me!". This subtle but important change in direction dramatically broadened the show's storytelling potential and allowed the series to establish it's own identity."Oh, Great timing!".Which also coincided with the arrival of a new character Techincal, Medical, Engineer, Scientist and whatever else the plot needs him to be this week, Lionel Carson. "What has the world of science has to say about this,Officer Carson?". "Not a lot, Sir!". Despite the show's increasing focus on Science-Fiction ideas, It still found time to explore such issues as Racism, The Power of Cults and even a child buying a gun to protect his family. "He didn't buy that gun to break your precious house rules!...He bought it because there people out there who can come into our house, Into our lives and hurt us!... kill us!...And he's not about to let that happen, Not when you can do something about it!". With 'Space Precinct' Gerry Anderson had once again produced a series that schedulers found difficult to best position. The appealing aliens, cute robot and cool vehicles suggested a family audience, But some of the show's more horrific elements were clearly unsuitable for younger viewers and it often swung form one extreme to another quite dramaticly." I'm going to have to tell Famar that our Daughter is dead!...And she'll never forgive me!". "Do you think this would be a good time to ask him for a raise?". For it's U.K. Broadcast, Many scenes were heavily edited with several having to be reshot entirelty in order to eliminate violent images or dangerous behaviour. "You need to make those things less violent!". Although reasonably well recieved in the U.K.and Europe, 'Space Precinct' would ultimately run for just one season of 24 episodes with the show failing to make any impact in America due to being placed in late night and early morning graveyard slots. "Not good!". Despite this, An impressive array of merchanise accompanied the show. And in the Year 2000, 'Space Precinct' took the honour of being the very first Gerry Anderson series to be released on D.V.D. The show has been recently re-released once again, Along with a 4 Disc Soundtrack Set and a brand new prequel comic. "Well thank you, Sir!, That's very kind of you!"."Yes it is!". Much like 'Terrahawks' ,The earilest episodes of 'Space Precinct' are often a difficult watch that aren't inentirely representive of what the show eventually became. "I'm not quite sure how to respond to that!".But even it's weaker episodes still have the benefit of an engaging cast of characters and high production values. "I've never seen anything like this on Television, It's real incredible stuff!.Once the series found it's feet midway through the run It consitsidly offered exciting action and engaging stories. And the show is quiet rightly enjoyed by it's many fans. "Weird!". With newcomers to the series also delighting in it's offbeat style and outlandish characters."Gotcha!". 25 Years on from it's first Broadcast, 'Space Precinct' remains a unique and highly enjoyable addition to the Gerry Anderson Universe.

[@pferreira1983]

Dude this video has subtitles.

[@midpuma513]

Richard James is very cool. Based show

[@thomaswhalley807]

Can you upload Another Gerry Anderson Primer of Four Feather Falls Supercar Stingray The Protectors Dick Spanner and Lavender Castle

[@warmecanic]

1:54 where can i watch that? I watched the original pilot, but I did not know there was another version

[@GerryAndersonTV]

Amazon Prime in the UK, or DVD.

[@DarcMarc1066]

This was Judge Dredd Lite. Decent show for its time

[@bettyleeist]

I also have another question.Why is it that the Shado personnel have so much trouble figuring out what the alien”s are doing to Shado or Moonbase?from:Betsye lee

[@jeremywestern7067]

ask sid

[@justinplayfair4638]

Does anyone know who played Brogan and Haldane in the revised Space Police pilot, as seen at 1:52? I saw them in the extras on the Lost Worlds of Gerry Anderson DVD, but no credit is given...

[@dalethelander3781]

I don't know, but that director seemed like a perfectionist in a league with Lee H. Katzin (Space:1999 "Breakaway" and "Black Sun"). 30, 40 takes, over and over and over, ad infinitum, ad nauseum.

[@justinplayfair4638]

@@dalethelander3781 Was that director Tony Bell, who directed the original pilot, or someone ne, hired to do the reshoots/inserts for the revised, shortened "Proof of Concept" pilot?

[@dalethelander3781]

@@justinplayfair4638 Dude, I have NO idea.

[@johnvriends8564]

Love Police into Tall Boots!!

[@flankerchan]

Ok.. this is the earliest time i know Idris Elba... wow.. he sure have legacy in sci-fi.. the next time i watched him was in Pacific Rim, then Prometheus and of course the gunslinger in Dark Tower

[@transformersfan500okane3]

This is the Power Rangers: SPD Of the 1990s

[@beverlycrusher9713]

I saw this, it wasn't that bad, but it was just so, this looks a lot like farscape, I guess they got some of the ideas from here.***I guess they had more episodes than I thought***I t also reminds me of the animated series THE ADVENTURES OF THE GALAXY RANGERS.

[@SNP-1999]

I vaguely remember seeing an episode of this series in Germany on a predominantly SciFi oriented TV channel back in the early 2000's, but if it was one of the first two episodes (which even fans of the show say were very bad !), then I obviously never watched it again. I mean, how bad can an introduction to a series get than by showing the worst to begin with ? With £ 1 million production costs per episode (!) this series cannot possibly have been a financial success, regardless of how popular it might have been - which it obviously wasn't in the most important country, the USA, financially speaking. I am surprised that anybody was willing to take the risk producing this series without really thinking through how to sell it to the potential audience, or even for which age group the series was intended.

[@AirwolfArchive]

SNP1999 If it *had* been hugely popular, the supposed budget of £1 million pounds per episode would’ve been entirely justified and likely increased for a 2nd Season. But not all of the money made it onto the screen, dare I say and there were one too many financial complications. Mis-spent costs on poor set design/construction; weak scripts (at least initially); and some of the worst lighting and camera composition I’ve ever seen on a dramatic, one-hour television series. Greedy, disingenuous heads of department taking the money and running - without putting in the time & effort in return. A documentary based on the series revealed some of those underhanded issues, courtesy of the exec. producer and key crew working under them. It was those that ultimately crippled the show and got it off to a embarrassing start.

[@SNP-1999]

@@AirwolfArchive Thanks for the feedback. Under those circumstances, it is no wonder that the series was ill fortuned from the start - I will see if I can find a longer clip or even a full episode somewhere to take a look at the poor camera & lighting work that you mentioned. Those heads of the departments remind me of quite a few people I knew in my professional career, over- paid and underworked, irresponsible idiots. Gerry Anderson surely deserved better. I wonder if that documentary is available somewhere, I would love to watch it. 😋

[@MIKIEC71]

@@AirwolfArchive I saw this a bit back. It's a real shame! It seems that Gerry put his trust in some people he'd worked with before, whether through loyalty or experience - I don't know, but they allegedly fleeced the project for all they could get. It was meant to be visually stunning like Blade Runner, but the special effects guys had to dumb it down, because the fullscale sets were so terrible and they had to match. Someone made a killing on renting them 1970's American vans! :(

[@fluffibuni8663]

I remember being really excited when the show launched in the UK ... but it wasnt a great start. I liked the main cast/characters and setting, but some of the visuals just didnt work for me and the tone of the show seemed unfocused. Tons of potential that I never really saw hit it's stride as I stopped watching after 4 or 5 episodes. Ive often thought it might be worth taking another look at.

[@Darren79]

I have some vague nostalgia for this. It started poorly but there are some nice creepy episodes (that hairless freaky alien guy in the cloak - I can't recall the episode title but it was brilliantly directed by Sidney Hayers). Having watched the odd episode since it very quickly became apparent what I found really off-putting the first time - all the bad actor dubbing! And it felt too transatlantic at times which is never a good thing. Oh and Brogan's family... eeeek. But there were quite a few watchable episodes.

[@DanDud88]

Second

[@bettyleeist]

Why is it we never get to see Captain 👩‍✈️ Black get captured?In Captain Scarlet &the Mysteron”s?from;Betsye j.Lee/the United States

[@mac2309zzz]

Please tell me this is a joke! Story and dialog in the classic series (Thunderbirds, Capt Scarlet etc) are pretty much irrelevant and only serve to provide a framework for the puppets and models, which is what the audience are there to see... so what's the point of this? Bizarre!

[@cidv7447]

this looks terrible, will not waste my time.

[@victoriaharbach5968]

₤100m for uk tv show nowdays space precinct not be made now because of cost of living crisis