From: Petter Ogland (petter.ogland@dnmi4tag.no)
Date: Thu, 13 Aug 1998 10:26:06 +0000
Subject: Re: Space1999: Brian The Brain like

Simon Morris wrote:

> Jack Ronder wrote other tv series(such as for the Terry Nation-conceived BBC
> series "Survivors")and he certainly was not new to television writing. I have
> always liked the basic idea behind "Brian The Brain" [...]

I'm constantly being impressed by Simon's uncomparable knowledge of BBC
series; actors, writers, directors etc.  I wish I knew more about what the
"Survivors" was all about.  Perhaps this could give some more insight to
BRIAN THE BRAIN.

Petter



From: "Simon Morris" (simes01@global44net.co.uk)
Subject: Space1999: Re: Jack Ronder
Date: Fri, 14 Aug 1998 11:38:40 +0100

While its not really on-topic, in answer to Petter's enquiry about the BBC
series SURVIVORS which Jack Ronder wrote for,I can give the following
background:

It was a BBC series(2 or 3 seasons-can't exactly remember) which was screened
between 1975-77. The series was created by Terry Nation and Ronder was one of
the writers. Basically a killer plague wipes out 95% of the world
population(caused by a scientist carelessly mishandling a rogue virus in the
Far East) and the remaining 5% battle to stay alive. The series depicts man
falling back on fairly primitive survival skills. The series focusses on a
group of survivors in England(in the first series Carolyn Seymour - later seen
in the Space 1999 episode "Seance Spectre"- is one of the main characters).
Some of the group appear immune from the plague while others have managed to
recover from it. The series first episodes show how various disparate
individuals meet and band together to find food,shelter,and other survivors.
Following episodes concentrate on their attempts to re-establish society and to
harness the talents of people to assist in their goal(so we meet
teachers,doctors,etc). Unpleasant characters which threaten law and order(or
who try and impose their own brand of "martial" law etc are also featured.
There was considerable disharmony amongst the groups and living together was
not easy:suspicion,greed,power all strongly displayed.

Quite a powerful series(at least when it began) and certainly very bleak in
parts. I can't remember how it developed or ended as I didn't stay with the
series all the way through. Brian(Dowling,not Brian the Brain!) might know a
bit more. The series is currently being released on video in England.

One things for sure: Ronder's work for SURVIVORS has absolutely nothing in
common with his Space 1999 episode and don't even think of trying to establish
any kind of link or philosophy common to them,Petter!

Simon



Date: Fri, 14 Aug 1998 21:54:51 -0500
From: Chris Hlady (chlady@escape4tag.ca)
Subject: Re: Space1999: Re: Jack Ronder

Simon

I remember this series. It was damn cool. I remember vividly the episode
focussed on petro, and they had this big petro truck.

Damn, that was fine.

>Now, One things for sure: Ronder's work for SURVIVORS has absolutely nothing in
>common with his Space 1999 episode and don't even think of trying to establish
>any kind of link or philosophy common to them,Petter!

Maybe not Petter, but I will. They ran back to back Fridays after midnight
on CBC in Canada. It was a hell of a wallop. First S1999 Y1!!!!!, then the
Survivors.

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE WHOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Chris



Date: 15 Aug 1998 11:41:17 +0200
From: luca (redblue@free44mail.it)
Subject: Space1999: Jack Ronder

I agree!!

SPACE1999 (Y-1) and SURVIVORS are the most thought-provoking series
I've ever seen.

If you are interested in getting some informations
on the GREAT tv series SURVIVORS, go to:

http://www.geocities.com/TelevisionCity/Set/1766/index.html

http://freespace.virgin.net/christopher.barker/survivors.html

Jack Ronder wrote some of the best episodes such as CORN DOLLY
and LIGHTS OF LONDON.

Bye

Luca



From: Terry Lee (TerryL@asymetrix4tag.com)
Subject: RE: Space1999: Jack Ronder
Date: Mon, 17 Aug 1998 13:52:04 -0700

Speaking of The Survivors, in the pilot episode, the actor who played
Balor in End Of Eternity is playing Abby's Husband. He bytes the dust
like most of the population of the Earth at the end of the first show.
So much for immortality! This is the only other show I have ever seen
that actor in.

Also, the lead character Abby is played by Carolyn Seymour who guest
starred in Seance Spectre. She has also appeared in several Star Trek
The Next Generation. Most notable in the episode First Contact (one of
my favorites).

Off topic - I have all the first season episodes and they are great but
am looking for the other 2 seasons. If anyone can help me with that,
please contact me. Also looking for opinions on the changes from season
one to the other seasons.

Thanks

Terry



From: South Central (Tamazunchale@web44tv.net)
Date: Mon, 17 Aug 1998 14:16:10 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: RE: Space1999: Jack Ronder

The actor who played Balor (Peter Bowles?) also played along with
Penelope Keith in To the Manor Born, a long-running comedy.

Mateo



From: "Brian Dowling" (brian@hellion.prestel4tag.co.uk)
Date: Mon, 17 Aug 1998 23:16:07 +0100
Subject: Space1999: Stuff

Hi folks,

Must rush, I'm late here...

Jack Ronder - nothing further to add to Simon's excellent resume of
Survivors, other than by the third season, the same production team
which had diluted Doomwatch to nothing more than a quasi-scientific
action story, thus losing the power of the first two series, were doing the
same thing to Survivors.

His contributions to the series are as good as much of Terry Nation's
writing in that first season.  How did he create such a turkey in BtB?
THough I'm sure blame cannot be laid purely at his feet...

Terry Nation preceded J Michael Straczynski's herculean efforts on B5 by
several years, writing most of the first two seasons of Survivors and later
doing something similar for Blake's 7.  The trailer for Survivors on a BBC
video I have packs one hell of a punch - I had never heard of it before
and that trailer grabbed me by the collar.  It gets repeated on UKGold - I
think they're running it now, at 2-40 am or some stupid time like that.

Peter Bowles - starred in (amongst others) Callan, Only When I Laugh,
The Irish RM, Perfect Scoundrels, To The Manor Born, guested in The
Avengers (the series) and many other series through the 1970s, 80s and
90s.  A widely recognised actor who often plays the upper class Brit, he
also dies in the first episode of Survivors.

Survivors is currently being re released on VHS in the UK in its entirety
(or until the BBC decide it's not selling enough and drops it).  Check out
Lasers On The Web for latest details and pricing of this, Blake's 7 and
remaining 1999 stocks - http://www.bluchip.demon.co.uk

One often cited problem with Survivors was the lack of a constant lead
cast, especially toward the later episodes.  I'll take a look through my
magazines and see what Survivors stuff there is.  Anything interesting I
will transcribe and post.

Brian Dowling - Online Alphan #144 - Birmingham, England