I was at Dragoncon in 2007. Erin Grey, Gil Gerard, and Felix Silla were guests there. It was an 8am panel on a Sunday, and the room was packed. They were surprised and humbled that so many people would show up so early in the morning to listen to them talk. They stayed and talked with fans after the panel.
The first season was great! The second season sucked, except for Hawk, he was cool. It was like they were trying to BSG and ST at the same time while writing convoluting scripts that went nowhere.
A movie was made using the Buck Rogers concept, and they did it right. it was called Idiocracy. Over the 500 years that passed while he was away, the evolution of humans did not happen the way we hoped it will. @@chrisstetsko5020
@@chrisstetsko5020 Many things happened. Too many similar shows, production costs and I also read that Gil Gerard didn't want to continue playing the womanizer. That's why in the second season he has a very different role. And if I remember correctly, he also made Wilma become a more secondary character, practically more of an ornament.
My father always watched this and Knight Rider with me when they first aired. Now as an old man myself, seeing that scene where Erin backs down the ladder explains alot. Miss you, dad!
You should have mentioned that Buster Crabbe, two-time Olympic swimmer and 1932 Olympic gold medalist in the 400-meter freestyle, who played the original Buck Rogers in 1939 (as well as Flash Gordon, Tarzan, and Billy the Kid), appeared in Season 1, Episode 2 “Planet of the Slave Girls” as Brigadier General Gordon. Also, in that same episode, Roddy McDowall, who played Cornelius in “Planet of the Apes,” plays Governor Saroyan.
I was about to correct you that you must be thinking of Johnny Weismuller when you said Buster Crabbe was an Olympic swimmer. Nope you're right - both Buster and Johnny were Olympic champion swimmers.
There were quite a few famous, or semi-famous "faces" in that episode. To start off with, you had Jack Palance, doing what he does best, playing the villain of the story. Next was Macdonald Carey, who was a famous soap opera star, and then two Irwin Allen "alumni", Robert Dowdell, who played Chip Morton on "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea", and Don Marshall, who played Dan Ericson on "Land of the Giants" and Specialist Boma in the TOS episode "The Galileo Seven". Oh and Roddy McDowell played another chimpanzee, Galen, in the short-lived "Planet of the Apes" TV series.
Speaking of the cancellation, changing audience tastes had little to do with it. The studio and production team decided to change every aspect of the show that had made it popular to a cheaper knock-off version, even going so far as to replace Mel Blanc as the voice of Buck's wildly entertaining sidekick. Other changes made for budgetary reasons included the change of setting from Earth to the Searcher cruiser, a general lackluster approach to costume and set design, and the strict adherence to a bland and boring template that could tell a very limited number of stories while reusing as much footage, scenery, and other production material as possible. As a result, by the fifth or sixth episode of season two most of the audience had lost interest. Sadly, there were some particularly bright spots in the final few episodes but there wasn't anyone left to watch them. It also didn't help that Erin's wardrobe changed into something more akin to a conservative airline stewardess and her character basically became set dressing instead of the interesting counterpoint to Gerard's "fish out of water" Rogers. Instead of compelling and interesting Wilma stories, her script may as well have been "Coffe, tea, fluff your pillow sir?" I have often thought that the main reason for that was that Gerard felt that the sexual tension between his character and Erin's was getting stale, so that's why he pushed so hard to introduce a male replacement for her. Wilma was only important during the second season if the story needed a damsel to be saved, which was nothing like the character in season one. They would have been better off if they would have just used a recurring extra actress instead of reimagining Erin's strong and competent, established character. Anyway, otherwise, great video!
In a way, the fact that Glen Larson was involved, season 2's basic theme was "Battlestar Galactica" in reverse, with the Searcher trying to find lost colonies of Earth.
ERIN GRAY WAS HOT AS THE SUN .I was waiting for the Spandex Incident reveal , good title.Loved Wilma personality , but her character in Silver spoons had similar traits, think she was bringing a lot of herself .Just loved her.
A couple other items --The Bonaventure Hotel was seen in many shots due to its futuristic design --One guest star was the legendary Buster Crabbe who played Brigadier Gordon in the episode "Planet of the Slave Girls". Crabbe played both Buck Rodgers and Flash Gordon in the 1930s. This was his last TV appearance prior to his death
Erin Grey has been fantastic in helping careers of other stars, and making events happen. I've had the pleasure of chatting with her at some Firefly/Serenity get togethers and she's all there!
Ahhhhhh FireFly / Serenity .....Capt.Mel ! Oh snap→ Genia Torres & the chick Mel was hooked up with......both girls smoking! Even the mechanic chick hhe he one awesome show /movie !!! Sadly ended way way to soon. THat cast ViBeD together so well, had that screen magic & feel, whatever it worked. Can't say how many times I have watched that like 1 or 2 times a year ha ha. Peace Out
I'm still watching this series now,one of the most enjoyable space adventures ever. The girls are heavenly! I definitely remember Princess Ardala(what a body- Twiky) played by Pamela Hensley. Her costumes were out of this world,almost non existent in fact! Once seen,never forgotten!
Never understood why people take a successful show with a cast, writers, etc. that are clicking and decide they know better and make sudden significant changes. Season one to Season two wasn't a developing arc. They changed the entire premise of the show from one episode to the next. Most of the changes weren't for the better. It wasn't increased competition by other programs but a failing product that caused this not to be renewed for Season three.
Although Gil Gerard has often said the show could have gone on longer if they'd just listened to him - in some ways he kind of sunk his own show. In the second season he insisted that the show take itself more seriously and that his character be more of a brooding loner than the likable smart-ass from the first season.
Buck was a smart-ass and for the most part, the second season sucked. If they kept the format of the first season, but added Hawk, it could have lasted longer. Besides, how could Buck be a loner, if he had Hawk as a sidekick? That's like saying, that the Lone Ranger was fighting alone, yet he had Tonto.
All I know is as a teen, I was totally in love with Erin Gray! She wasn't the only reason I watched, but episodes that centered on her character were definitely my favorites!
I remember waiting to see the next episode in the first season. I liked it because it was based on a man out of his time and all the differences between the two timelines. However, Buck could only be introduced to new things just so long. The second season was not as good and I could understand why it was cancelled. But i still remember the show fondly
@@Thurgosh_OG Many things happened. Too many similar shows, production costs and I also read that Gil Gerard didn't want to continue playing the womanizer. That's why in the second season he has a very different role. And if I remember correctly, he also made Wilma become a more secondary character, practically more of an ornament.
Another Guest star was Jerry Orbach, who would later go on to play Lennie Briscoe on the long running series Law and Order. On Law and Order, Orbach (as Briscoe) would make a remark about being buried in a 25th century space suit.
@@ansdguy1 They should have mentioned that as a young girl and teenager she was raised by her grandparents who happened to be nudist out in LA and in Hawaii and they are still several pictures of her as a young girl in various settings completely nude floating around the internet. 😮
I loved that show growing up! I still listen to the theme song when I drive along with, " Space 1991, MASH movie version, original Battlestar Galactica and Airwolf ". Once inawhile I still say, " Beedee beedee beep what's, up Buck ? ".
That her grandparents were nudists, and took her to those nudist camps. Many Photos of her at a young age were taken of her in the buff, and somehow made their way on to the internet.
Erin Grey was a stunner then and now which is a credit to herself by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and not caught up in partying Hollywood Style hats of to you Erin Grey love Anthony Fed ex lol
That's what Buck kept saying too, but the timeline only goes one way. May you not land up 500 years into the future. Image what people's spines will like after a century of smart phones all hunched over to stare into them 24/7.
I remember a episode when Buster Crab showed up as Flash Gordon. And older man but still it was him. My favorite line between Buster and Gil is when Buster said I've been flying ships longer since before you were born. Or something like that. Which is funny because Buster Crab played the first Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon back in the 1930's and buck agreed with him a nod to his begining.
There were three guest stars on the show that were from the 1966 Batmen tv show, Julie Newmar AKA cat-woman & Zarina the war witch, Cesar Romero the joker & Amos Armat and Frank Gorshin the Riddler & Seton Kellogg.
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@@FactsVerse If your going to have one might as well have all three. Now other famous guest stars, Ray Walston from My Favorite Martian, Gary Coleman from Diff'rent Strokes.
You forgot one of the coolest guest stars that they had on the show... The original Buck Rogers from the serial, Buster Crabbe as Brigadier Gordon in S1E2 "Planet of the Slave Girls." (Also was a nod to his portrayal of Flash Gordon.)
Love this show's theme song/graphics, and Gerard. Heard Erin had to be sewn into the onesies, but could just be rumor. Doubt they ripped the costumes open every time an actor had to use the restroom, then sewed them back up. Season 2 environment was completely different from Season 1, with no explanation offered as to why.
On Firefly, I guess Nathan Fililan had ripped his pants in the opening episode. Why the character of Kaylee in a later episode with a ballroom called Nathan's character Captain Tightpants.
Hawk wasn’t the issue… it was fundamentally changing the show from a James Bond type show to a Star Trek knockoff. The budget took a nosedive in season 2 as well. You know how you can tell Hawk wasn’t the problem? That one episode of season 2 where Buck is on trial for war crimes because there is BS evidence that he somehow caused the nuclear war? Testimony of a Traitor, I think was the name. It felt the most like season 1 BRit25C and Hawk’s involvement was not detrimental at all. Hawk was unfairly maligned as the reason S2 was not good, but the fact is that he was only a symptom, and a pretty benign one at that.
@@allthingsnerd.4484 Ok Mrs. Hawk. Sorry couldn't resist. At what point was the show ever a James Bond type show exactly? Seems it was a man-out-of-time show and what 500 years in the future would look like. Oh wait that's the name of the show! Sorry Hawk as a side kick was as dumb of a feature on the show as Paulie is to Rocky. Annoying and completely unnecessary.
@@scrappydog7741 well, if I was Mrs Hawk, my name would be Koori.😂🤣😆. The “James Bond” comparison was basically from the initial premise presented to Buck in the pilot episode and first few where it was a role offered to Buck by Huer that Buck could do jobs for Earth like undercover because he was literally unknown anywhere in the Galaxy. Obviously it kind of strayed from that, but it was still Buck doing work for the Earth Defense Directorate until season 2. And I know I am in the minority on not hating Hawk.😂🤣
No Director, Producer, or Writer would ever admit it but, Erin Gray brought in as Col. Wilma Deering was there to help attract the more adult male audience. Bottom line is this is done on many shows. It worked to I'm sure. It's the reason I watched it. LOL.
You missed out the most important guest star of them all, Buster Crabbe, who was the original 'Buck Rogers' in the serial you mentioned earlier, he also played Flash Gordon in the 30s. The first season of BRIT25C was great, sadly it went to pot in the second season along with Wilma Deering's new outfit. What a shame season 2 didn't follow the same formula as season 1 it would have been so much better and perhaps got a season 3.
Speaking of "set reuse", in the episode called "Flight of the War Witch", Princess Ardala's flagship is actually a model of Olympic Stadium in Montreal, home of the Montreal Expos, shot upside down. 🤣
I guess "Gil Gerald's influence" wasn't all that great since the drop in ratings seems suspiciously to coincide with his increasing involvement. Oh well. Wilma Deering was hot but I would have gone for Princess Ardala.
The changes in the second season didn’t have anything to do with audience feedback or “evolving sci-if aesthetics”. New producers, led by John Mantley, completely screwed up the show because they were from an older generation and couldn’t deal with such things as a strong female leading character. So the spandex was replaced by a stewardess uniform for Wilma, and her character went from a powerful and competent high-ranking officer to a bimbo there to prop up the male lead.
I also read that Gil Gerard didn't want to continue playing the womanizer. That's why in the second season he has a very different role. And if I remember correctly, he also made Wilma become a more secondary character, practically more of an ornament. Do you know if it is true?
Actually, they changed to a spaceship themed show in part from the success of Battlestar Galactica and because the new producers were clueless on what made the 1st season a hit....It was a mistake and the ratings dropped in response and then they dropped the show....What a shame...It was common in the 70s and 80s to ruin a show this way...
It's wonderful to see this on RUclips! Gil Gerard was from Arkansas and attended collage classes at the University of Arkansas, not far from where I live. I thought it was exciting to see an actor that was from here in Arkansas. Loved the show and was so disappointed when it was cancelled.
It should also be noted that the original actor to play Buck Rogers back in the 1930’s, Buster Crabbe, also made a guest appearance in the first season portraying retired General Gordon, named in honour of another famous sci-fi character played by Crabbe back in the ‘30s, Flash Gordon.
That moment on Buck Rodgers I remember well. He was there behind her, and you could feel the chemistry between them. That look on her face. Like she wanted him, right then, and right there. I was 18, in 1979. It made a big impression.
I saw the movie at the Garden City theatre in Winnipeg, it was a double feature with The Bermuda Triangle before it, kind of a movie/documentary. I had a crush on Erin Gray, watched the entire tv series too.
They made a mistake with Buck Rodgers. Instead of increasing the budget in the second season and continuing they changed the entire premise for the show. Killing it!
As a young teen, from the first episode with Wilma (Erin Gray) and Princess Ardela (Pamela Hensley) it immediately became an “Entertain Myself TV” show! I could always count on a hot guest star or 3 and if not, “Wilma” never let me down! Personal favorites were the space vampire turning Wilma into a whore, the Planet of Amazon Women episode with a bevy of beauties, Jamie Lee Curtis & Tara Buckman, Brianne Leary, Kimberly Beck, Stephanie Blackmore, Melody Rogers, Julie Newmar, Judy Landers & Nancy Frangeione and Playboy Playmate Dorothy Stratten as Miss Cosmos among others! But, when Markie Post appeared as “Joella”, I really overdid it! It took me a couple of days to recuperate!
Old Gill was mistaken about the direction of the show. Once that early esthetic was gone, so were us fans. Still, since most shows never go past their initial three to thirteen episodes, Buck Rogers, with two full seasons, was something of a success.
ironic that Buck Rodgers became more serious in second season, yet more eye-candy in costuming... but no surprises to anyone who saw it on the first run. everything was well publicized at the time.
The Bird People didn't help the ratings, either. A bit too silly for my tastes. And, the only reason I watched this show was because of Erin Gray. What else was there, besides Pamela Hensley? No, it was Erin Gray.
While you reference several guest stars, you forgot the most imprtant, Buster Crabbe, the first celluloid Buck. This was season one's second episode, "Planet of the Slave Girls." Jack Palance also guest starred in this episode in a much larger role as the villain of the piece.
Loved the show when I was a kid. Got in fist fights with my oldest sister over the TV because she wanted to watch "Little House on the prairie" which was on a different channel at the same time. lol
Fun fact: as a young teen, Erin often visited her grandparents in Cali, who frequented a nudist resort (Swallows, if I recall), and she won numerous beauty "pageants" while there. Sadly, she no longer participates in that lifestyle.
@@FactsVerse Wel I'm 61 y.o. now and I should have wrote "Loved" however (to me) is the first or the pilot reason being that I felt for Buck who lost everything (family) and felt so out of place. you feel the anguish of him plus I always would like go to the future to get away from all this madness in the world today. 🚀
Why did you use the Scribner's cover for Heinlein's " Have Space Suit, Will Travel" for Armageddon 2419AD by Nowlan ? You could have used the Amazing Stories cover from March 1929 illustrating the Buck Rodger's sequel The Air Lords of Han"
If memory serves me, I read that Erin Gray had negative (major) issues with a significant other having taken this role. They did not like all the fan mail about her looks, hated how she kept no physical secrets with the outfits she wore and even came to the studio and made a scene (no pun intended). She had no peace with how they behaved and it showed in later episodes with her acting. They tried to change this in the second season, but I do not remember if anything became better with her personal life or not.
@@apb38 She was under a studio contract like many of the 70' and early 80s' stars and did not make make very much money from the shows. Most were paid about as much as a unknown guest star. Those contracts would not fly today thanks to shows like friends. Oh and for those not wanting to waste time skip to about 8:10 and hear the 9 or so seconds of the not a big deal secret a google search would have revealed.
@gmansi No. Her boyfriend or spouse at the time. He was VERY jealous over her and didn't trust her. Perhaps even over jealous over her success. I read this decades ago and no longer remember the details. Only that the man in her life gave her no peace on and off the set, and eventually this led to the studio having his privileges removed from ever entering the sound stage. This made her situation even worse.
I saw the version of Buck Rogers in as a 25th century in this serial version that appeared in the PBS matinee at The bijou from the 1930s really enjoyed it.
Granted, but totally out of character!!! Any senior officer with the brains and combat record of a REAL Colonel Wilma Deering would NEVER put up with the habitual insubordination of a CAPTAIN Rogers, no matter how much time-in-grade Buck might have had!!! The Hollywood-style explanation that beautiful women will ALWAYS fall for BAD BOYS is totally lame. Never mind that Buck was a resourceful and effective warrior, and sorely needed by Earth's Defense Directorate, a REAL officer in that scenario would have HAD to lock him in the stockade until he learned to behave as part of the UNIT. And the producers totally bungled the opportunity of having the love between Wilma and Buck first sprout from the "philos" (Greek for war buddies) between them ... for example: Col. Deering: [furious] What am I supposed to do about that *%@#$!!! Rogers? He makes absolutely no sense! Dr. Huer: He loves you, you know! Col. Deering: Of course he does, he's my brother in arms! Dr. Huer: That's not all there is to it, Colonel. Col. Deering: What do you mean ... [anger dissipates, face flushes] oh 🙃!
Saw the original cinema film in the summer of 1979. I am convinced that, about one-third of the way through filming, the cast and crew went for a good meal and decided: "Screw it, let's play this for laughs - everyone on board?" The film improved immeasurably from that point onwards. I agree that Season Two did not match up to Season One. Hey-ho, happy memories from 45 years ago.
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Erin Gray was my first crush as a young boy in 1979. She'll always have a special place in my heart.
Yep in that skin tight jump suit 🥰
Don't forget Princess Ardala.
@@arthurl.9985 False. Col. Deering is Mary Anne. Princess Ardala is Ginger.
@@censorshipsucks9493
I'd go with Pr.Ardala being Maryann and Col. Deering ginger.
Just my taste,neither one of us is wrong.
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I was at Dragoncon in 2007. Erin Grey, Gil Gerard, and Felix Silla were guests there. It was an 8am panel on a Sunday, and the room was packed. They were surprised and humbled that so many people would show up so early in the morning to listen to them talk. They stayed and talked with fans after the panel.
Fantastic! I'm so glad you could be there!
Erin Grey was the only reason I watched this show.
Me to.. biddy.. biddy
Kory was fine too before she was killed.
The first season was great! The second season sucked, except for Hawk, he was cool.
It was like they were trying to BSG and ST at the same time while writing convoluting scripts that went nowhere.
A movie was made using the Buck Rogers concept, and they did it right. it was called Idiocracy. Over the 500 years that passed while he was away, the evolution of humans did not happen the way we hoped it will. @@chrisstetsko5020
@@chrisstetsko5020 Many things happened. Too many similar shows, production costs and I also read that Gil Gerard didn't want to continue playing the womanizer. That's why in the second season he has a very different role. And if I remember correctly, he also made Wilma become a more secondary character, practically more of an ornament.
My father always watched this and Knight Rider with me when they first aired. Now as an old man myself, seeing that scene where Erin backs down the ladder explains alot. Miss you, dad!
Me... I miss Col. Wilma.
Bestest Colonel evah!😁
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"seeing that scene where Erin backs down the ladder explains alot. Miss you, dad!"
Don't forget the Princess😉
@@frankgesuele6298 bidibidibidi
Erin Gray in spandex was the highlight of my week as a nine-year-old. Especially when she backed out of that fighter!
You betcha... Season one is where it's at!😍
You should have mentioned that Buster Crabbe, two-time Olympic swimmer and 1932 Olympic gold medalist in the 400-meter freestyle, who played the original Buck Rogers in 1939 (as well as Flash Gordon, Tarzan, and Billy the Kid), appeared in Season 1, Episode 2 “Planet of the Slave Girls” as Brigadier General Gordon.
Also, in that same episode, Roddy McDowall, who played Cornelius in “Planet of the Apes,” plays Governor Saroyan.
I was about to correct you that you must be thinking of Johnny Weismuller when you said Buster Crabbe was an Olympic swimmer. Nope you're right - both Buster and Johnny were Olympic champion swimmers.
I'm glad I wasn't the only one that thought that should have been mentioned in this.
There were quite a few famous, or semi-famous "faces" in that episode. To start off with, you had Jack Palance, doing what he does best, playing the villain of the story. Next was
Macdonald Carey, who was a famous soap opera star, and then two Irwin Allen "alumni", Robert Dowdell, who played Chip Morton on "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea", and Don Marshall, who played Dan Ericson on "Land of the Giants" and Specialist Boma in the TOS episode "The Galileo Seven". Oh and Roddy McDowell played another chimpanzee, Galen, in the short-lived "Planet of the Apes" TV series.
Where I grew up, everyone knew about Crabbe.
Didn't realise Gil had such an influence in the second season, yet he was it's biggest critic.
Speaking of the cancellation, changing audience tastes had little to do with it. The studio and production team decided to change every aspect of the show that had made it popular to a cheaper knock-off version, even going so far as to replace Mel Blanc as the voice of Buck's wildly entertaining sidekick. Other changes made for budgetary reasons included the change of setting from Earth to the Searcher cruiser, a general lackluster approach to costume and set design, and the strict adherence to a bland and boring template that could tell a very limited number of stories while reusing as much footage, scenery, and other production material as possible. As a result, by the fifth or sixth episode of season two most of the audience had lost interest. Sadly, there were some particularly bright spots in the final few episodes but there wasn't anyone left to watch them.
It also didn't help that Erin's wardrobe changed into something more akin to a conservative airline stewardess and her character basically became set dressing instead of the interesting counterpoint to Gerard's "fish out of water" Rogers. Instead of compelling and interesting Wilma stories, her script may as well have been "Coffe, tea, fluff your pillow sir?" I have often thought that the main reason for that was that Gerard felt that the sexual tension between his character and Erin's was getting stale, so that's why he pushed so hard to introduce a male replacement for her. Wilma was only important during the second season if the story needed a damsel to be saved, which was nothing like the character in season one. They would have been better off if they would have just used a recurring extra actress instead of reimagining Erin's strong and competent, established character.
Anyway, otherwise, great video!
Great insight
In a way, the fact that Glen Larson was involved, season 2's basic theme was "Battlestar Galactica" in reverse, with the Searcher trying to find lost colonies of Earth.
The second season was awful. It felt like Dollar Store Star Trek. There were some bright spots, yes. But overall, bleh.
@@RokkitGrrl My thoughts exactly. There were quite a few of sci-fi shows who seemed to want to be Star Trek.
@@davedsilva I agree.
Erin Gray was the only reason I watched this show growing up :) ❤️❤️😁😍😍😍😍😍Wow still is beautiful Anyone see her work on Star Trek Continues 😁👍
Erin was perfection.
And Wilma, the character itself
ERIN GRAY WAS HOT AS THE SUN .I was waiting for the Spandex Incident reveal , good title.Loved Wilma personality , but her character in Silver spoons had similar traits, think she was bringing a lot of herself .Just loved her.
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@@FactsVerse Special episodes on actors of that era? Erin Gray,Pamela Hensley,Gil Gerard?The cast of Buck Rogers only is rich
"I was waiting for the Spandex Incident reveal"
Can you explain?
@@gmansi A vain hope and a fantasy about those tight Spandex failing under the pressure at some point.
Yes ,it was a joke .
🤣🤣🤣 Thanks for the answer @@russellmache3009
A couple other items
--The Bonaventure Hotel was seen in many shots due to its futuristic design
--One guest star was the legendary Buster Crabbe who played Brigadier Gordon in the episode "Planet of the Slave Girls". Crabbe played both Buck Rodgers and Flash Gordon in the 1930s. This was his last TV appearance prior to his death
You beat me to it. Buster Crabbe as Brigadier Gordon was an homage to the actor in both his roles .
@@censorshipsucks9493 and I'd bet every person on set on the days he was there were just in awe that he was there
Thanks for the addition! Much appreciated ❤❤
Dont forget Gary Coleman also guest started
@@terryscheid9224 I believe he was in 2 or 3 episodes
Erin Grey has been fantastic in helping careers of other stars, and making events happen. I've had the pleasure of chatting with her at some Firefly/Serenity get togethers and she's all there!
Ahhhhhh FireFly / Serenity .....Capt.Mel ! Oh snap→ Genia Torres & the chick Mel was hooked up with......both girls smoking! Even the mechanic chick hhe he one awesome show /movie !!! Sadly ended way way to soon. THat cast ViBeD together so well, had that screen magic & feel, whatever it worked. Can't say how many times I have watched that like 1 or 2 times a year ha ha.
Peace Out
Loved this show. I think every young boy in the 70s and 80s had a crush on Erin Gray.
True. She was definitely gorgeous in her time. I definitely had the Hots for Erin Gray when I was a kid watching the Show and on later things
I'm still watching this series now,one of the most enjoyable space adventures ever. The girls are heavenly! I definitely remember Princess Ardala(what a body- Twiky) played by Pamela Hensley. Her costumes were out of this world,almost non existent in fact! Once seen,never forgotten!
"Her costumes were out of this world,almost non existent in fact! Once seen,never forgotten!"
🤣🤣🤣
At the time my wife and I called her Princess Undulata !
@@dougball328 "Princess Undulata !" 🤣🤣 Great!
Never understood why people take a successful show with a cast, writers, etc. that are clicking and decide they know better and make sudden significant changes. Season one to Season two wasn't a developing arc. They changed the entire premise of the show from one episode to the next. Most of the changes weren't for the better. It wasn't increased competition by other programs but a failing product that caused this not to be renewed for Season three.
Pretty sure those tight spandex suit going away had nothing to do with it either 😆😆
Yep. Also they temporarily lost Mel Blanc as Twiki's voice and introduced a much less charismatic robot named Chrichton.
Although Gil Gerard has often said the show could have gone on longer if they'd just listened to him - in some ways he kind of sunk his own show. In the second season he insisted that the show take itself more seriously and that his character be more of a brooding loner than the likable smart-ass from the first season.
Buck was a smart-ass and for the most part, the second season sucked. If they kept the format of the first season, but added Hawk, it could have lasted longer.
Besides, how could Buck be a loner, if he had Hawk as a sidekick?
That's like saying, that the Lone Ranger was fighting alone, yet he had Tonto.
@@robertpolityka8464 Well he had Tonto - and was still known as the Lone Ranger. Just sayin'
A few years ago, Erin Gray appeared on Star Trek Continues, a fan-made series intended to be the 5th season of the original Star Trek series.
She also had a few eps of The Guild in the final 6th season.
Erin also played Jenny Hayden (originally played by Karen Allen in the movie) in the TV series sequel to Starman. She is a lovely actress.
All I know is as a teen, I was totally in love with Erin Gray! She wasn't the only reason I watched, but episodes that centered on her character were definitely my favorites!
everyone was. She was beautiful and super sexy who didn't have a huge crush on her.
I actually named my daughter Erin after her.
So what was the secret?
Yeah, my question as well. Did I just get clickbaited? ☹
@@PhilDonaldson I guess we all did.
Erin Gray in spandex!😍
This show was the absolute greatest use of spandex. Ever.
I remember waiting to see the next episode in the first season. I liked it because it was based on a man out of his time and all the differences between the two timelines. However, Buck could only be introduced to new things just so long. The second season was not as good and I could understand why it was cancelled. But i still remember the show fondly
The second season was a different show(sucked).
Sounds like Gil had too much influence and the 2nd season bombed because of his bad input.
@@Thurgosh_OG Many things happened. Too many similar shows, production costs and I also read that Gil Gerard didn't want to continue playing the womanizer. That's why in the second season he has a very different role. And if I remember correctly, he also made Wilma become a more secondary character, practically more of an ornament.
@@Thurgosh_OG I remember as a kid I was asking who the heck is Gil Gerard to get this role? First season was ok but too hokey with the little robot.
Another Guest star was Jerry Orbach, who would later go on to play Lennie Briscoe on the long running series Law and Order. On Law and Order, Orbach (as Briscoe) would make a remark about being buried in a 25th century space suit.
He also was the guy who tried to put Baby in a corner.😂
Another was guest star Richard Moll, "Bull" from Night Court several years before that show.
What was Erin grey's secret did I miss it or what
It wasn’t much of a secret. She didn’t get all excited about rushing to a scree test. Big woop.
@@ansdguy1
They should have mentioned that as a young girl and teenager she was raised by her grandparents who happened to be nudist out in LA and in Hawaii and they are still several pictures of her as a young girl in various settings completely nude floating around the internet. 😮
I don't think they ever said... .I'm still waiting to hear
I loved that show growing up! I still listen to the theme song when I drive along with, " Space 1991, MASH movie version, original Battlestar Galactica and Airwolf ". Once inawhile I still say, " Beedee beedee beep what's, up Buck ? ".
And UFO
Oh…my god. I was in love with Col Wilma Deering for a looooong time
So what’s Erin Gray’s secret? All I got, although interesting, was a lot of history about the series.
That her grandparents were nudists, and took her to those nudist camps. Many Photos of her at a young age were taken of her in the buff, and somehow made their way on to the internet.
Erin Grey was a stunner then and now which is a credit to herself by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and not caught up in partying Hollywood Style hats of to you Erin Grey love Anthony Fed ex lol
That's great that Mel Blanc played the voice of Twiki the robot
And Felix Silla was in the suit
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Erin Gray... takes me back to my boyhood.
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I had such a crush on Erin Gray during that time!
I loved this show as a kid,and still do. Wish I could go back in time. 😢
That's what Buck kept saying too, but the timeline only goes one way. May you not land up 500 years into the future. Image what people's spines will like after a century of smart phones all hunched over to stare into them 24/7.
I remember a episode when Buster Crab showed up as Flash Gordon. And older man but still it was him.
My favorite line between Buster and Gil is when Buster said I've been flying ships longer since before you were born. Or something like that. Which is funny because Buster Crab played the first Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon back in the 1930's and buck agreed with him a nod to his begining.
There were three guest stars on the show that were from the 1966 Batmen tv show, Julie Newmar AKA cat-woman & Zarina the war witch, Cesar Romero the joker & Amos Armat and Frank Gorshin the Riddler & Seton Kellogg.
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@@FactsVerse If your going to have one might as well have all three. Now other famous guest stars, Ray Walston from My Favorite Martian, Gary Coleman from Diff'rent Strokes.
Roddy McDowell also had a guest star role on Buck Rogers and was The Bookworm on Batman
oh yeah I remember Markie Post made a guest appearance on one of the episodes. Loved that outfit hehe
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You forgot one of the coolest guest stars that they had on the show... The original Buck Rogers from the serial, Buster Crabbe as Brigadier Gordon in S1E2 "Planet of the Slave Girls." (Also was a nod to his portrayal of Flash Gordon.)
I remember that episode!! Wow , lived the theme song, have it on my Spotify even now! This made me happy, thank you❤
I love Buck Rogers and wished they made at least one more season as I think it would have found its footing and become a hit. It was a lot of fun
The best show for my memories
Love this show's theme song/graphics, and Gerard. Heard Erin had to be sewn into the onesies, but could just be rumor. Doubt they ripped the costumes open every time an actor had to use the restroom, then sewed them back up. Season 2 environment was completely different from Season 1, with no explanation offered as to why.
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On Firefly, I guess Nathan Fililan had ripped his pants in the opening episode. Why the character of Kaylee in a later episode with a ballroom called Nathan's character Captain Tightpants.
I think I read that during filming breaks, Erin Gray covered herself with a towel to avoid feeling constantly watched.
New producer went in a different direction. not a great idea.
The introduction of Hawk ruined the show. Just completely absurd at that point.
Hawk wasn’t the issue… it was fundamentally changing the show from a James Bond type show to a Star Trek knockoff. The budget took a nosedive in season 2 as well. You know how you can tell Hawk wasn’t the problem? That one episode of season 2 where Buck is on trial for war crimes because there is BS evidence that he somehow caused the nuclear war? Testimony of a Traitor, I think was the name. It felt the most like season 1 BRit25C and Hawk’s involvement was not detrimental at all. Hawk was unfairly maligned as the reason S2 was not good, but the fact is that he was only a symptom, and a pretty benign one at that.
@@allthingsnerd.4484 Ok Mrs. Hawk. Sorry couldn't resist. At what point was the show ever a James Bond type show exactly? Seems it was a man-out-of-time show and what 500 years in the future would look like. Oh wait that's the name of the show! Sorry Hawk as a side kick was as dumb of a feature on the show as Paulie is to Rocky. Annoying and completely unnecessary.
@@scrappydog7741 well, if I was Mrs Hawk, my name would be Koori.😂🤣😆. The “James Bond” comparison was basically from the initial premise presented to Buck in the pilot episode and first few where it was a role offered to Buck by Huer that Buck could do jobs for Earth like undercover because he was literally unknown anywhere in the Galaxy. Obviously it kind of strayed from that, but it was still Buck doing work for the Earth Defense Directorate until season 2. And I know I am in the minority on not hating Hawk.😂🤣
No Director, Producer, or Writer would ever admit it but, Erin Gray brought in as Col. Wilma Deering was there to help attract the more adult male audience. Bottom line is this is done on many shows. It worked to I'm sure. It's the reason I watched it. LOL.
You missed out the most important guest star of them all, Buster Crabbe, who was the original 'Buck Rogers' in the serial you mentioned earlier, he also played Flash Gordon in the 30s. The first season of BRIT25C was great, sadly it went to pot in the second season along with Wilma Deering's new outfit. What a shame season 2 didn't follow the same formula as season 1 it would have been so much better and perhaps got a season 3.
Erin Gray in tight spandex. 😍💘😍💘😍💘😍💘😍💘
Enough said.
Speaking of "set reuse", in the episode called "Flight of the War Witch", Princess Ardala's flagship is actually a model of Olympic Stadium in Montreal, home of the Montreal Expos, shot upside down. 🤣
You forgot to mention in the first season. Buster Crabbe, (the original Buck Roger's from the 1930s) had a cameo in one episode.
What? No Duck Dodger's in the twenty-fourth and a half century???
Best them song by Tom Jones.
YOU MAKE ME VERY ANGRY HUMAN? GREAT CHARACTER MARVIN THE MARTIAN.
Erin Gray has a lovely derriere !!!!
I guess "Gil Gerald's influence" wasn't all that great since the drop in ratings seems suspiciously to coincide with his increasing involvement. Oh well. Wilma Deering was hot but I would have gone for Princess Ardala.
Yeah but you'd have to deal with a choker collar and fight Tigerman every night to get in the sack with her.
The changes in the second season didn’t have anything to do with audience feedback or “evolving sci-if aesthetics”. New producers, led by John Mantley, completely screwed up the show because they were from an older generation and couldn’t deal with such things as a strong female leading character. So the spandex was replaced by a stewardess uniform for Wilma, and her character went from a powerful and competent high-ranking officer to a bimbo there to prop up the male lead.
I also read that Gil Gerard didn't want to continue playing the womanizer. That's why in the second season he has a very different role. And if I remember correctly, he also made Wilma become a more secondary character, practically more of an ornament.
Do you know if it is true?
Actually, they changed to a spaceship themed show in part from the success of Battlestar Galactica and because the new producers were clueless on what made the 1st season a hit....It was a mistake and the ratings dropped in response and then they dropped the show....What a shame...It was common in the 70s and 80s to ruin a show this way...
@@Swonder1972 "It was common in the 70s and 80s to ruin a show this way..." 😵😵💫 So sad...
I remember seeing the pilot movie in the theatre back then at Harding Mall in Nashville, TN!
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Erin Gray's second season really did look like a Dairy Queen outfit, Yukk!
It's wonderful to see this on RUclips! Gil Gerard was from Arkansas and attended collage classes at the University of Arkansas, not far from where I live. I thought it was exciting to see an actor that was from here in Arkansas. Loved the show and was so disappointed when it was cancelled.
When I was a young lad back then, Erin was my girlfriend. She didn't know it, but she was.
Interesting, our friend also told us the same thing!
I was in love with Erin Rogers as a kid
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I never really watched the show but I enjoyed the upload. Thank you!!😊
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It should also be noted that the original actor to play Buck Rogers back in the 1930’s, Buster Crabbe, also made a guest appearance in the first season portraying retired General Gordon, named in honour of another famous sci-fi character played by Crabbe back in the ‘30s, Flash Gordon.
Was the thumbnail from a cut scene? If erin gray had worn a strapless dress I would have remembered that.
So what was 'the secret'? The story of how Erin got the role has been around for decades.
That moment on Buck Rodgers I remember well. He was there behind her, and you could feel the chemistry between them. That look on her face. Like she wanted him, right then, and right there. I was 18, in 1979. It made a big impression.
The second season main costume for Erin Grey looked like a space stewardess to me
The uniform was silly, but it did show off her great legs.
How could you not mention Markie Post as one of the guest stars? Markie is in the red jumpsuit with the open weave sides up the legs.
I saw the movie at the Garden City theatre in Winnipeg, it was a double feature with The Bermuda Triangle before it, kind of a movie/documentary. I had a crush on Erin Gray, watched the entire tv series too.
One of my favorite shows
I LOVED this show back in the day, Erin Gray was my favorite actress for years and years. I thought she was soooo beautiful.
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I had a huge crush on Erin Grey, she was typically the sexiest goddess of Buck Roger's!
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Still waiting on erins secret...😮
The secret is so secret it must remain secret...so keep waiting.😁
"Duck Dodgers in the 24½th Century!" 🤣
They made a mistake with Buck Rodgers. Instead of increasing the budget in the second season and continuing they changed the entire premise for the show. Killing it!
As a young teen, from the first episode with Wilma (Erin Gray) and Princess Ardela (Pamela Hensley) it immediately became an “Entertain Myself TV” show! I could always count on a hot guest star or 3 and if not, “Wilma” never let me down! Personal favorites were the space vampire turning Wilma into a whore, the Planet of Amazon Women episode with a bevy of beauties, Jamie Lee Curtis & Tara Buckman, Brianne Leary, Kimberly Beck, Stephanie Blackmore, Melody Rogers, Julie Newmar, Judy Landers & Nancy Frangeione and Playboy Playmate Dorothy Stratten as Miss Cosmos among others! But, when Markie Post appeared as “Joella”, I really overdid it! It took me a couple of days to recuperate!
Old Gill was mistaken about the direction of the show. Once that early esthetic was gone, so were us fans. Still, since most shows never go past their initial three to thirteen episodes, Buck Rogers, with two full seasons, was something of a success.
When she got possessed by that space vampire something weird awoke in me lolz
ironic that Buck Rodgers became more serious in second season, yet more eye-candy in costuming... but no surprises to anyone who saw it on the first run. everything was well publicized at the time.
The Bird People didn't help the ratings, either. A bit too silly for my tastes. And, the only reason I watched this show was because of Erin Gray. What else was there, besides Pamela Hensley? No, it was Erin Gray.
While you reference several guest stars, you forgot the most imprtant, Buster Crabbe, the first celluloid Buck. This was season one's second episode, "Planet of the Slave Girls." Jack Palance also guest starred in this episode in a much larger role as the villain of the piece.
Loved the show when I was a kid. Got in fist fights with my oldest sister over the TV because she wanted to watch "Little House on the prairie" which was on a different channel at the same time. lol
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@@FactsVerse the vampire one that was hot
@@FactsVerse I still hate Laura Ingles to this day for making me miss Buck Rodgers
Fun fact: as a young teen, Erin often visited her grandparents in Cali, who frequented a nudist resort (Swallows, if I recall), and she won numerous beauty "pageants" while there. Sadly, she no longer participates in that lifestyle.
If I recall correctly, the legs on the famous poster for "The Graduate" are hers.
Nope, Anne Bancroft. Erin would have been 17 when The Graduate was released, Bancroft was 36
Thousand apologies! Neither Bancroft or Erin Gray's legs used in poster. Rather, Linda Gray aka Sue Ellen Ewing from TV's Dallas...😮😂
I love watching Buck Rogers in the 25th Century scifi tv series without fail every week.
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@@FactsVerse Wel I'm 61 y.o. now and I should have wrote "Loved" however (to me) is the first or the pilot reason being that I felt for Buck who lost everything (family) and felt so out of place. you feel the anguish of him plus I always would like go to the future to get away from all this madness in the world today. 🚀
Why did you use the Scribner's cover for Heinlein's " Have Space Suit, Will Travel" for Armageddon 2419AD by Nowlan ? You could have used the Amazing Stories cover from March 1929 illustrating the Buck Rodger's sequel The Air Lords of Han"
If memory serves me, I read that Erin Gray had negative (major) issues with a significant other having taken this role. They did not like all the fan mail about her looks, hated how she kept no physical secrets with the outfits she wore and even came to the studio and made a scene (no pun intended). She had no peace with how they behaved and it showed in later episodes with her acting. They tried to change this in the second season, but I do not remember if anything became better with her personal life or not.
She's lucky she was used as a sex symbol or she wouldn't be remembered at all and I'm sure her pay would have been a lot less.
@@apb38 She was under a studio contract like many of the 70' and early 80s' stars and did not make make very much money from the shows. Most were paid about as much as a unknown guest star. Those contracts would not fly today thanks to shows like friends.
Oh and for those not wanting to waste time skip to about 8:10 and hear the 9 or so seconds of the not a big deal secret a google search would have revealed.
"She had no peace with how they behaved and it showed in later episodes with her acting."
Do you mean the fans right? Or even on the set?
@@gotafarmyet4691 Good info!
@gmansi No. Her boyfriend or spouse at the time. He was VERY jealous over her and didn't trust her. Perhaps even over jealous over her success. I read this decades ago and no longer remember the details. Only that the man in her life gave her no peace on and off the set, and eventually this led to the studio having his privileges removed from ever entering the sound stage. This made her situation even worse.
Erin Gray was the only reason I watched the show.
Maybe I've missed it, but was was the secret Erin Gray kept during the filming of the show?
I saw the version of Buck Rogers in as a 25th century in this serial version that appeared in the PBS matinee at The bijou from the 1930s really enjoyed it.
You failed to mention Buster Crabbe who was Buck Rogers in the 1930's serial and a guest in the Gil Gerard version
I remember larry buster crabbe also appeared in an episode as he was in the original buck Rogers shorts from the 30s
Great show while it lasted and a reminder of a different world that is now gone. Colonel Deering was da bomb!
Granted, but totally out of character!!! Any senior officer with the brains and combat record of a REAL Colonel Wilma Deering would NEVER put up with the habitual insubordination of a CAPTAIN Rogers, no matter how much time-in-grade Buck might have had!!! The Hollywood-style explanation that beautiful women will ALWAYS fall for BAD BOYS is totally lame. Never mind that Buck was a resourceful and effective warrior, and sorely needed by Earth's Defense Directorate, a REAL officer in that scenario would have HAD to lock him in the stockade until he learned to behave as part of the UNIT. And the producers totally bungled the opportunity of having the love between Wilma and Buck first sprout from the "philos" (Greek for war buddies) between them ... for example:
Col. Deering: [furious] What am I supposed to do about that *%@#$!!! Rogers? He makes absolutely no sense!
Dr. Huer: He loves you, you know!
Col. Deering: Of course he does, he's my brother in arms!
Dr. Huer: That's not all there is to it, Colonel.
Col. Deering: What do you mean ... [anger dissipates, face flushes] oh 🙃!
03:12 ok explain that "shot" Guy gets stunned. The chick behind him for no reason falls down then rolls over him. Shes not even touching him.
8:13 You're Welcome! Erin Gray's Secret: "She was fairly flippant about auditioning for the role." (In Buck Rogers)
Being a teenage boy in that year I had such a crush on Erin...
Just think, if Erin could have been cast as Seven of Nine!! More skintight yum yum.
The actor Buster Grabbe who played Buck Rogers in the 1930's weekly movie cliffhangers, guest starred in the first season of this
I know someone whose mom dated Frank Gorshin. ;) And we also have to remember that Julie Newmar (Catwoman) appeared in the Buck Rogers series as well.
The original Buck Rodgers of the first ever Movie adaption was also a Guest actor, named Buster Crabbe as Brigadier Gordon
Saw the original cinema film in the summer of 1979. I am convinced that, about one-third of the way through filming, the cast and crew went for a good meal and decided: "Screw it, let's play this for laughs - everyone on board?" The film improved immeasurably from that point onwards. I agree that Season Two did not match up to Season One. Hey-ho, happy memories from 45 years ago.
I will always love Wilma Deering. Erin was so lovely!
Biddy, biddy,biddy. Wilma's sure looking foxy tonight!!!!
I never watched that show but thanks for the story.
🤔 You really should check this series out. Because it's actually very well made and entertaining !......
I have never seen it either. All this info is new and interesting to me.
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Erin is gorgeous . I first saw her in Silver Spoons and watched the show just because of her
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Loved Erin Gray in Buck Rogers and in Silver Spoons!
She guested starred on Magnum PI and they considered making her a regular. Too bad it didn't happen.
I still dont get the hype for the secrete... to much history and really no secrete
Erin Gray played the roll great she warmth and talent
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So now we know why the show wasn't renewed after the 2nd season. Letting the inmates run the asylum is almost never a good thing.