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What happened to Captain Rogers?
In 1987, a space phenomenon sends NASA astronaut William "Buck" Rogers and his space shuttle off course and freezes his life support systems for 500 years. In 2491, he awakens aboard the flagship Draconia, under the command of Princess Ardala and her henchman Kane, a former native of Earth.
- (422)
- Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
- Daniel Haller
- 1979-09-20
- Overview
- Synopsis
- Notes
- Cast
- External links
"For 500 years, Captain William 'Buck' Rogers has been miraculously preserved, frozen by temperatures beyond imagination. Now, in Earth year 2491, he is rudely awakened by the sinister forces of the Draconian realm."
―Narrator
In the year 1987, the United States launched the last of National Aeronautics and Space Administration's deep space probes. On board Ranger 3 is a lone astronaut, Captain William "Buck" Rogers. However, the spaceship has moved from its planned orbit, and instead of being gone a few months, it returns to Earth 504 years later. Captain Rogers is placed in a deep hibernation by forces beyond his control, and remains frozen at the controls until the year 2491. The ancient lost ship is found perfectly preserved by fighter craft of the Draconian Empire, who fire on Ranger 3, then tow it to their alien flagship, The Draconia.
After being revived, Buck meets Princess Ardala and her ship's commander, Kane. Although Ardala is supposed to be on her way to Earth on a peace mission, in reality she is preparing to invade the planet, one that has long been the enemy of her race. They use Buck, who still thinks that his entire alien encounter is nothing but a dream, by sending him ahead to Earth to discover the location of a safe corridor through Earth's defenses. The ploy works because of a transmitter aboard Buck's ship that sends back messages with the corridor's location.
•The opening two-hour episode is basically the feature film Buck Rogers in the 25th Century re-edited, with new footage to lead into the TV series. (Joseph Wiseman's brief appearance as King Draco was completely edited out of the broadcast.)
•The broadcast version of "Awakening" was released on DVD in 2013 as an extra on the Season 2 re-release. However, it is not quite complete. The scene is missing in which Dr. Theopolis shows Buck footage of World War III in which civilization was destroyed, explains the causes of its destruction, and refers to "Anarchia" (the 25th-century name for the ruins of Chicago). This scene takes place during the 16 hours Buck spends in the room with Dr. Theopolis.
•Originally aired as a 120-minute episode, but has been formatted as two 60-minute episodes in most subsequent re-airings for scheduling reasons. While many guides list it as a two-parter, its initial airing and release on DVD as one double-length episode should make this the official recognition.
•Not to be confused with the Star Trek: Enterprise episode of the same title.
Episode Cast
•Gil Gerard as Capt. William "Buck" Rogers •Erin Gray as Col. Wilma Deering •Tim O'Connor as Dr. Elias Huer •Pamela Hensley as Princess Ardala •Henry Silva as Kane •Duke Butler as Tigerman •Felix Silla as Twiki •Caroline Smith as Young Woman •John Dewey Carter as Supervisor •Mel Blanc as Voice of Twiki •William Conrad as Voice of Narrator (uncredited) •Tony Epper as Drunk (uncredited) •Vic Perrin as Voice of Draconia P.A. Announcer (uncredited)
Episode Crew
•Directed by Daniel Haller •Written by Glen A. Larson and Leslie Stevens •Produced by Richard Caffey, Glen A. Larson, Andrew Mirisch, David G. Phinney and Leslie Stevens •Music by Stu Phillips •Cinematography by Frank Beascoechea •Film Editor - John J. Dumas, David Howe and William Martin •Casting - Robert D. Edmiston •Art Director - Paul Peters •Set Decorator - Richard Reams •Costume Designer - Jean-Pierre Dorléac
•Awakening at IMDb
•Awakening, Part I at NBC.com
•Awakening, Part II at NBC.com
Buck Rogers in the 25th Century - Season 1 I Planet of the Slave Girls I Vegas in Space I The Plot to Kill a City, Part I I The Plot to Kill a City, Part II I Return of the Fighting 69th I Unchained Woman I Planet of the Amazon Women I Cosmic Whiz Kid I Escape from Wedded Bliss I Cruise Ship to the Stars I Space Vampire I Happy Birthday, Buck I A Blast for Buck I Ardala Returns I Twiki is Missing I Olympiad I A Dream of Jennifer I Space Rockers I Buck's Duel to the Death I Flight of the War Witch
In 1987, astronaut Buck Rogers experiences a freak accident that puts him in suspended animation until the 25th century, when he awakens on an alien flagship commanded by Princess Ardala.
Apr 7, 2024 · A narrator recounts how William "Buck" Rogers survives into the 25th century, more specifically the Earth year 2491 CE. Rogers is "rudely awakened by forces of the Draconian realm," after a squadron of three Hatchet fighters intercepts his ancient shuttle craft, Ranger 3.
