The internet has done wonders for creators trying to get out their dream projects to an audience that might not get to see it otherwise. TV networks and even streaming services can only greenlit a certain amount of content at one time. For TV they only have so much room on their schedule, and like TV networks even Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, the premium YouTube service, and all the upcoming flood of “take your money” services only have so much money they can budget for original programming. So regular YouTube or Vimeo backed by Kickstarter or Patreon are the best way to go these creators have.
Tonight we have Space Command, a would-be TV/streaming series by TV writer Marc Scott Zicree. He’s written for everything from Star Trek to Superfriends, and runs a YouTube channel called Mr. Sci-Fi discussing science fiction and his work. However he has his own project he wanted to put out. The show’s website says it’s about three families of veteran space pilots, but from what I can tell the show is about one man, Captain Jack Kemmer, newly assigned to the Paladin following a major rescue. The version I’m showing you tonight features Zicree discussing the project before launching into the first half of the two-hour pilot, “Redemption”. It’s Kemmer’s first day on the job, and already he has to deal with sentient androids and…well, you’ll see in the video. Remember, it’s only the first hour, at this time a teaser for the series. There is another version that is the same, just without the opening commentary. If you prefer that here’s that link. Otherwise, enjoy.
The new version also features a list of Kickstarter backers and he has a Patreon set-up so I’m wondering if he’s decided to go all-in on just making the show himself rather than try to get it on TV? It does seem to be the best way to get something out. The show also boasts a lot of TV stars, many well-known from science fiction works like Babylon 5, various Star Trek shows, and movies like Blade Runner or kids shows like Mighty Med, while also pulling in non-sci-fi shows like Hawaii Five-O and Orange Is The New Black, and even the obligatory professional wrestler. I certainly have no problem with bringing in these big names but there is something to be said for unknowns. Even I had trouble not noticing that was Bruce Boxleitner or Billy Mummy. They’ve done numerous sci-fi productions (together on Babylon 5 and apart in Tron and Lost In Space respectively), and on a smaller project like this, intentionally or not it comes off as a novelty to win fans over. I don’t even think a lot of these people are in here past the story they show up in, but since this is supposed to have a seasonal arc with stand-along adventures who knows? At least he got really good actors.
I do like the design of the Paladin and it’s sister ships. While the bridge of Enterprise-D remains my favorite ship’s bridge (challenged only by the bridge of the Orville) the Paladin‘s bridge is still rather good and fits their mission of a galactic defense force. I would have though a rescue like Kemmer pulled off would have would have led to him working on some kind of space search-and-rescue service but I don’t think there’s ever been a show about that set in space. On Earth you’ve had numerous rescue shows, whether something more real world based like First Response or Emergency! to kids shows with more creative methods like Rescue Heroes or Thunderbirds. One commentor even noticed the resemblance between the Paladin and Thunderbird-1. If somebody wants to finally make a show about a search and rescue team in space, going to planets to aid in rescue or saving ships in deep space, I get a creative co-credit!
The show looks pretty good, combining action with a decent theme about humanity. The first one is going after the “synthetic life” one that is a staple while the other two follow a different sort of redemption and war. It should be interesting and I’m curious to see more. Oddly both versions are on his Mr. Sci-Fi page and not the official Space Command Studios website and YouTube channel, which seem to be more about behind-the-scenes work and keeping backers updated (as well as links to backer campaigns). As of this writing part two of “Redemption” is in progress with “Forgiveness” (the second storyline) right behind it. He also has a Patreon set-up for this and future projects. If you like what you saw, let him know. I hope to see more from this series in the future.
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