THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

(Or "For Better or For Worse")

by Dalton S. Spence

Created: Mon, 31 Jan 2000 01:38:46 -0500 (EST)
Last Updated: Monday, 30-Aug-2004 18:15:05 EDT

The original GQ series arrived in the wake of the first volley of post Star Wars science fiction on movies and television, when the appetite for new special effects linked with classic heroic plots was at its peak. Looking back with today's more jaded SF palette, some of these stories seem simplistic and even somewhat hokey. This is why a number of critics were openly sceptical when news of a new and improved Galaxy Quest series was recently released; how could the same cast reprise their roles of two decades ago without seeming like caricatures of themselves?

The answer to that question is "with grace, aplomb and some wry self deprecating humor." In spite of rumors of dissension and conflict among the original cast, the crew of the new improved "Protector 3" seems even more like a family than they ever did before. This improved relationship is only one of the many things that the two hour pilot shows has changed for the better. I was priviliged to attend a private screening of this pilot, after which I was allowed an exclusive interview with the cast of the new series.

While on the surface the plot seemed to be almost generic, let me assure you that both writing and execution of this story was far from ordinary. In a script co-written by Jason Nesmith and Gwen DeMarco and directed by Alexander Dane, the semi-retired Commander Taggert goes to the aid of an innocent race of scientists (who have studied his career in great detail) to protect them from an evil interstellar warlord. When the first contact proves less than totally successful, he calls upon his old comrades-in-arms to help him save this gentle race from total extinction. In the thrilling climax we finally learn the secret of the Omega 13, a mystery that has plagued Questarians since the final episode of the original series was aired in 1982.

Aside from a few moderately received science fiction police dramas written by Mr. Nesmith, this was the first attempt at screen writing by either of the authors. It may be unusual for the three main characters of a series to have such a large role in the production of the pilot, but the combination seems to have worked out very well. In what may be an Emmy nomination performance, the crew must first overcome some serious personal differences that caused them to split up so long ago before they can address saving the day.

When Mr. Nesmith (aka Cmdr. Taggert) was asked if some of the script was inspired by any real life problems, he just laughed and replied, "You'd be very surprised just how much was. That is one of the main reasons I insisted that Alex (Dane) direct this episode. He's the one person I know with both the talent and the will to do this story justice. He's a hard task master, but makes us give our very best."

Alexander Dane may be best known for his role as the enigmatic Dr. Lazarus on Galaxy Quest, but this Shakespearean trained actor has had many serious roles on both stage and screen to qualify him for the director's chair. "The important thing to remember is that the first episode sets the standard for the entire series," he said in response to his colleague's praise. "It been 18 years since the last time these people worked together, and for us to expect them to just pick up where they left off would be an insult to the intelligence of our audience. They have changed and grown in many ways, just as we have, so they have to learn how to work together all over again. Hopefully we can explore these changed relationships more in later episodes." He paused for a moment, then added with a smile, "I will admit that one reason I took the job was to be the Commander's commander for a while, but the main reason, as Jason said, was to be sure that it was done right. Our fans deserve no less."

Ms. DeMarco added, "We owe a lot to our fans. They helped us a great deal when we ran into some serious problems with technical details. Without their support, this series simply would not exist. They have managed to keep this dream alive for a very long time; it's up to us to make sure that the dream works from now on." As the beautiful Lt. Tawney Madison, Gwen DeMarco has been a long time favorite of the fans, so it's not too surprising that their high regard is returned.

"Audiences are definitely more sophisticated than they were in the old days," agreed Fred Kwan, who as Tech Sgt. Chen was responsible for keeping the ship in running order. "I have to spend at least half an hour each day checking my shooting script against the official GQ CD-ROM so I sound like I know what I'm talking about. Fortunately we have some great writers who make my job easier."

"That's right, Fred," joked Tommy Weber (aka Lt. Laredo), "suck up to the boss. Seriously though, preparation is the key to doing our jobs properly. Before I could perform credibly at the controls of the Protector again, I had to spend some time studying the tapes of my old missions ... err ... scenes."

Two new crew members were added to the permanent cast. The first is Security Chief Vic "the Roc" Ingersoll played by Guy Fleegman, a veteran actor who once had a five minute role as an expendable crewman in episode 81 of the original series. Since then, he has become a well known figure among fans of the series, primarily for organizing many Galaxy Quest fan conventions. "Speaking as a long time fan, I'm just jazzed about being on the show. These guys are just terrific, always ready to help out if I'm having trouble with lines or marks or something. For now I may just be the plucky comic relief who somehow manages to survive, but it's a lot better than being crewman number six who dies to show how serious the situation is. And who knows? Maybe someday I'll be the last one standing and will have to save the day all by myself."

The second new addition is the exotic alien beauty Laliari played by the equally mysterious newcomer Jane Doe. When asked if this was a stage name, Ms. Doe replied, "This is my name as an actor, yes," with an accent that prompts one to speculate that English may not be her first language. All other inquiries were referred to her fiance Fred Kwan, who plays her character's fiance Tech. Sgt. Chen on the show. Her character (one of the alien scientists saved in the pilot who chooses to leave her people to accompany her love) is a woman of very few words, but what her eyes can say could easily fill volumes, both on and off the set. Her role in the upcoming episodes is unclear, but will likely contain quite a few surprises.

In the final analysis, this looks like an excellent start for a very promising series. If they manage to keep the quality of the show up to the standard set by the pilot, Commander Taggert's motto, "Never give up, Never surrender" will be heard for some time to come.

RATED: *****