Awakening

Awakening
Season 1, Episodes 1 & 2
Air date	September 20, 1979
Written by	Glen A. Larson Leslie Stevens
Directed by	Daniel Haller
Episode guide
Previous —	Next Planet of the Slave Girls

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

"Awakening" is the series premiere of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, aired as the first and second episodes of its first season. Following the success of the Buck Rogers in the 25th Century film, a television series was commissioned, and the theatrical release edited to act as the kick-off to the series.

Synopsis

In the year 1987, the United States launched the last of National Aeronautics and Space Administration's deep space probes prior to World War III later that year. 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, Draconia.

After being revived, Rogers 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 Rogers, 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 microtransmitter aboard Rogers's ship that sends back messages with the corridor's location.

Rogers finally realizes that he actually has traveled into the future after meeting Earth Defense Directorate's Col. Wilma Deering and Dr. Elias Huer, but the Computer Council considers him to be a traitor when the transmitter is found on board Ranger 3. In an attempt to clear himself of a death sentence and execution, Rogers returns to Draconia and pretends to join Ardala and her army, in the process learning of the plans to invade Earth. Rogers decides that he must stop the attack, no matter what the odds. As the man from the 20th century prepares to make his move, he is held at gunpoint by Twiki and Dr. Theopolis. Rogers must prove his innocence to the two mechanoids before the attack can be launched.

Plot

One of the king's star fortresses on its way to Earth on a peace mission.
On its way to Earth? You mean you guys aren't... from... You mean, we're not... we're not on Earth? I'm definitely gonna need that aspirin.

 — Princess Ardala to William "Buck" Rogers after the Draconians revive him, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century's "Awakening"

• 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. The Draconian squadron envelop the antiquity in a force field and bring it into range of their mothership, Draconia.
• Rogers is in a medical compartment, revived by Draconian scientists.
• Kane, Draconia's commander, reports to Princess Ardala on Rogers' miraculous recovery. Ardala demands an audience with the young man, stating that she'll make allowances for Rogers' lack of coherency from the revival process.
• Ardala and Kane question Rogers, who is in a state of disbelief that he is aboard a spaceship, with creatures that are not from Earth. Ardala informs him that they're on a peace mission to Earth aboard one of the king's star fortresses.
• Rogers attempts to move off his bed, finding that he is dizzy and in pain, seeing Tigerman, Ardala and Kane through blurred. He asks for an aspirin; Kane surmises that it is an anti-pain medication, which is administered in due course.
• Ardala admonishes Kane when Rogers becomes loopy, although Rogers himself doesn't mind as he feels the euphoric effects of the drug.
• After leaving Rogers in the medical bay, Ardala and Kane discuss Rogers statements as they walk Draconia's corridors. Ardala informs Kane that the United States of America was an empire on Earth centuries ago, with Kane replying that her tutors received their money's worth. Ardala replies that, as Kane is from Earth, he should know better than her. After the brief sparring, Ardala relates that she believes Rogers' story as the spacecraft, clothing and his mannerisms make sense in that context.
• Kane presents his thought that Rogers is a spy placed in their path by the Federal Directorate, in order to gain their confidence in some manner and allow him the opportunity to search their ship for weapons. Ardala disputes this theory, but Kane quickly reminds her that they couldn't allow Rogers free reign, and she concedes that he should dispose with Rogers as he deems fit.
• Tigerman accompanies Ardala back to her chambers, while Kane plans his next move.
• In the hangar bay, a drugged and discombobulated Rogers is transported back to his craft by a gurney; Kane has him disconnected from the anti-pain medication, and he informs the captain that he'll be back on his way to Earth very soon. Kane notifies him that Ranger 3 has been serviced and re-programmed to take him home, and Rogers admits that it seems like he hasn't "been there in weeks."
• Rogers believes he's had a great time aboard, and he has a great idea that they'd come along with him to Earth; Kane lets him know that they'll be along in a few days. He voices his belief that this is a dream, and boards Ranger 3.
• As he performs his pre-flight checklist, Rogers tells himself that the "boys in Houston" wouldn't believe this story, and waves good-bye to a stoic Kane.
• Ranger 3 is launched via the launch channel, and Rogers is impressed with the rapid light show.
• On the bridge, Kane informs Ardala that Rogers has presented them the perfect opportunity to test Earth's defense shield; he re-iterates his belief that Rogers is a spy, and they'll let him through. Of course, a microtransmitter planted aboard Ranger 3 will allow the Draconians to know the precise path through the shield used by the Earth's military, which will serve as a guide map for her father's fleet.
• Kane challenges Ardala, noting that she seems displeased at the potential fate of Rogers. She deflects, noting that she has the "strangest feeling" that she'll see Rogers again.
• On full burn back to Earth, Rogers begins singing Frank Sinatra's "My Kind of Town" over an open communications frequency, intercepted by a Delta Section Operative monitoring Earth's defenses. As Rogers begins asking for landing instructions from Houston Control, she reports the "signing" to a befuddled Supervisor 14, who has the communications routed to his station.
• As Supervisor 14 hears Rogers' rendition of "(Won't You Come Home) Bill Bailey," Rogers segues into another request for a re-entry vector. Believing that he is talking to Mission Control, he tells them to "get off your duffs and give me some info," which leads the Super to reflect that "it practically sounds like a foreign language."
• An alert cuts off any further train of thought, with Rogers' Ranger 3 showing up on the Directorate scopes. With the craft headed directly into the planetary defense shield, Super scrambles the Intercept squadron.
• In the lead fighter of the intercept squadron, Col. Wilma Deering requests coordinates for the inbound unidentified craft. She then directs the shield to be reduced to 100 miles, so that they may investigate.

Just wait until the guys at the Cape hear this: Buck Rogers sets down in the middle of Red Square.

 — William "Buck" Rogers believing that he has been captured by a Russian patrol, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century's "Awakening"

• Col. Wilma Deering and a squadron of Thunderfighters launch to intercept the unidentified craft.
• Supervisor 14 informs Deering that the target is moving far too slowly and erratically for a conventional spacecraft.
• Deering has the craft visually sighted, and flies by Ranger 3, much to William "Buck" Rogers's confusion. Deering hails the spacecraft, and she and Rogers exchange words, she notes that he is in grave danger as he is heading toward Earth's defense shield.
• Per Deering, Rogers takes manual control of Ranger 3 and follows her intercept squadron through the corridor. He believes he has been intercepted by the Russians of the United Soviet Socialist Republics. As Deering notes that he's doing "just fine," he replies in Russian: "Do svidaniya" ("until next meeting"). Deering does not understand it, and rebukes Rogers when he notes that he was "just trying to be friendly."
• Rogers follows the "Russians," wondering to himself how the "guys at the Cape" will react to his landing in "the middle of Red Square." He sees barren wastes as he heads towards one of the "Inner Cities" Deering earlier spoke of, and they traverse Corridor 10A for the incoming vessels.
• After landing, Rogers disembarks from Ranger 3, and is met by a contingent of Defense Directorate security and Col. Deering herself. Deering resists Rogers' attempts at ingratiation, and orders the "barbarian" to be taken for interrogation.
• Twenty-four hours later a barefoot and robed Rogers makes his way around the walls of a sterile white room, attempting to discover a way out. This is interrupted by the arrival of Dr. Elias Huer, whom Rogers questions. Huer notes that Rogers is being studied via electronic means that are painless, and the results of said testing are producing phenomenal data.
• Rogers is informed that the planet is Earth, and that he was returned to nearly the precise landing area as originally programmed. Rogers notes that the city he has seen has no relation to Chicago, Illinois, and Huer notes that "there's nothing like Chicago left on Earth." To answer any further questions, Huer calls on Twiki (unseen in the corridor) to bring in Dr. Theopolis, Huer's administrator.
• Rogers is introduced to the two ambuquads, with Twiki being assigned to Rogers' as his drone, who shall act as Rogers aide during his debriefing and determination period. Huer also introduces Theopolis, a member of the Computer Council responsible for, among many things, the environmental control of the city. Theopolis notes that he did "his best," and that tonight's sunset has "a pale hint of mauve," that is "not so deep as an amethyst, but the more subtle burned texture of cinnamon." Following an incredulous comment that ruffles Theopolis, Huer takes Rogers aside and explains the brief history of ambuquads, how Humanity has turned over much of their administration to them, and that their emotional sensitivity makes them different from a mere machine.
• Huer notes that he will return in sixteen hours, after Rogers is done with his debriefing. Roger is even more incredulous, to which Theopolis takes offense and suggests that Rogers take a seat. Theopolis instructs Twiki to set him down on the desk so that he may take a good look at Rogers while Twiki retrieves liquid refreshment for Rogers, who is dehydrated from his ordeal (even though Rogers declines).
• After a discussion, Rogers is told that he is on the Earth of 2491 CE. On cue, Twiki returns to see a stunned Rogers, who replies that he'll "have that drink now."
• Twiki replies to this with his first human word, "L'chaim."
• Later, Dr. Theopolis meets with Col. Deering an Dr. Huer. Theopolis attempts to convince Deering that Rogers is a "wonderful man," a claim she refuses to accept based on the fact that Earth's defense forces are few. Huer notes that he is a single man, and doubts that he could endanger the survivors of Earth.
• Theopolis disputes Deerings claim that Rogers would attempt to "discredit the treaty with Draconia," noting that he comes to them a bewildered man.
• On Deering's suggestion, Theopolis suggests that she spends time with Rogers, even though Deering is highly suspicious of Rogers' motives. She declares that she is determined to endure the captain's company until she can expose him, and leaves.
• Theopolis share an observation regarding Deering's uncharacteristic emotionality on anything to Huer, to which he replies: "Nor anyone."
• Draconia's crew is now alerted to "condition 90" as they enter Earth space, preparing to hover at an altitude of "1,000 Terran kilometers" from the planet, while Kane mirthlessly notes that the people of Earth have no idea what is coming to them.
• Dr. Theopolis and Twiki lead Rogers to new accommodations, which Theopolis assures an astonished Rogers of its being "strictly VIP." Upon being introduced to the Slumber Center, Rogers tries it out and then asks Theopolis if it can be fired up on a more "subtle phrase," before proceeding to introduce him to the Centrex audiovisual stimulation center. Also voiced activated, Rogers asks for music to be played, which occurs on command.
• Theopolis tells Rogers that the Centrex will allow him to learn about the world as it exists, including the latest fashions, entertainments, and information. Rogers then moves over to a red dining monolith, and summons a fold-down table and seat following his button-mashing, all the while disbelieving that a "full colonel" will be giving him a full tour of the city and the motives of the two quads.
• As Rogers sits at the table, Theopolis realizes during the course of conversation that there are personality conflicts between Rogers and Deering, and leaves to make arrangements for Rogers' tour.
• Later, Rogers and Deering meet up on a building's overlook, and Rogers apologizes for his behavior. He attempts to learn more about the holocaust, but Deering says she can't, and the discussion segues into the present. He finds out about Anarchia, as well as the reason for the negotiations with Princess Ardala and the Draconian Empire—pirates have choked off the Earth's supply lines, as they are reliant on external food and water sources. In return for landing privileges on Earth, the Draconians pledge to protect these vital supply lines.
• Rogers asks to see his ship, a request that Deering obliges. Rogers looks over the ship, asking about the damage he sustained, noting that the cordite has yet to oxidize—and surmises that he was somehow intercepted and returned to Earth for reasons he professes ignorance of. Deering bristles at Rogers' recommendations on searching Ardala's ship before it lands, while Rogers retorts that his "generation didn't know what they were doing either" when it came to taking care of their world.
• With his curiosity unassuaged, Rogers attempts to elicit information from the Centrex regarding Anarchia. Much to Rogers' chagrin, Theopolis appears (upon Twiki) and notes that information on Anarchia is classified. After discussing Rogers interest in learning about the remains of his old world first hand, Theopolis resigns himself to the logic that Rogers will find a way to get there. Theopolis suggests they venture out to Anarchia in the morning, as going out at night is dangerous—even Defense Directorate forces do not venture out at night—after they are rested. Rogers uses the Slumber Center for the first time, immediately falling asleep despite his anxieties, and the quads rest upon a bean-style chair in Rogers' living area.

Notes

"Awakening, Part II" title card on the syndicated version of the episode.

• 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, although Wiseman returned to the series as Carl Morphus in "Vegas in Space.")
• The broadcast version of "Awakening" was released on DVD in 2013 as an extra on the Season 2 re-release. Over the years, fans have claimed of a missing scene in which Dr. Theopolis shows Rogers 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 the old world, including Chicago, Illinois). This scene allegedly takes place during the 16 hours Rogers spends in the room with Dr. Theopolis, although no evidence of the scene — either in scripts, novelizations, or even as video materials released over the years — exists to corroborate this allegation.
• 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 is an official recognition of this episode being a singular offering.
• The titles and episodic credits differ from future installments, particularly with the use of white instead of a yellow color for the typeface.
• The end scene, featuring Dr. Huer's and Col. Deering's visit to Rogers in Rogers' apartment, was filmed when the show went to series (likely filmed during the production of "Planet of the Slave Girls") given the presence of the smiley face on the dining monolith and the presence of Deering's more "informal" green-teal jumpsuit.

Language

• Twiki's first Human word isn't English at all, but Hebrew: l'chaim. L'chaim is a toast "to life," and is said by Twiki after he gives Rogers refreshment during the interview with Dr. Theopolis.
• Human pilots do not understand clock faces, as exemplified by Lt. Rather's lack of understanding of a "bandit" (fighter) coming in from "12 o'clock high" (direction in relation to the ship) during the Pirate Attack on Draconia. This is a continuing theme throughout the series, particularly in the episodes "Planet of the Slave Girls" and "Return of the Fighting 69th."
• Rogers' use of football terminology, such as "red-dogging," would later come to a head in "Planet of the Slave Girls."

History

• Rogers' quip about "Greeks bearing gifts" is a nod to the Trojan Horse from the Trojan War. The offering of Draconia as a smorgasbord of the latest in technology for the humans reminds William "Buck" Rogers of this, although this lesson is lost to the sands of time as far as 25th century humanity was concerned.
• The United States of America is known to Kane and Ardala, and the Federal Directorate seems to have patterned itself much after American and Western culture by the use of names, locations, and other concepts.

Continuity

Tigerman

• Tigerman is clearly performed by two different people for reasons not explained on the screen. Up until Tigerman is removed from Ardala's chamber, Tigerman is played by Duke Butler. In the final scene between Tigerman and Rogers on Draconia's flight deck, H.B. Haggerty's Tigerman appears.
• While Tigerman is killed by Rogers—who tucks a live Draconian bomb in Tigerman's belt, which later explodes after Rogers kicks him away (off-camera)—Haggerty's Tigerman reappears in "Escape from Wedded Bliss" and "Ardala Returns."

Analysis

• Beyond Earth's reliance on extra-terrestrial sources for food and water, Terrans have likely had help rebuilding by extraterrestrial forces and so it is entirely possible that extra-terrestrial forces have guided humanity's rebuilding. Later installments, such as "Cosmic Whiz Kid" show that Earth has been visited after the events of World War III with the abduction of child prodigy Hieronymus Fox while inside his cryo tube.
• The events of the Holocaust are left deliberately vague, but are later visited with some considerable depth in "Testimony of a Traitor". There are nods to Russians by Rogers' himself during Wilma Deering's interception of Ranger 3, although the instigators are never stated in the series' run.

Questions

Regarding Earth

• Aren't the shield borders adaptable, given that the shield's distance from the Earth is demonstratively alterable itself?
• How far reaching is the influence of the Federal Directorate?
• What sort of "black market" exists in Anarchia?
• How do the mutants and inhabitants of Anarchia sustain their number, given all food and water are provided by off-world sources?
• With the prevalence of habitable worlds in the galaxy, why do the humans not leave Earth for those planets whose biospheres are demonstratively sustainable?

Regarding Draconian Interests

• Why do Draco, Ardala, and Kane believe Earth worthy of being conquered, considering that its survival is wholly reliant on extra-terrestrial support?
• Why do the Draconians look like humans?
• Why don't the Draconians simply conquer the other planets who are supplying the food and supplies Earth's citizenry requires?

Regarding Ardala

• If there are 29 other daughters who can service the "needs of the Realm," as Kane put it, what makes Ardala special?

Regarding Kane

• What prompted Kane to defect to the Draconian Empire? What was his role prior to his defection?

Quotes

William "Buck" Rogers and Col. Wilma Deering

I would suggest thoroughly searching her ship before you allow it inside your defense shield.
Rather an insulting way to begin an alliance based on good faith.
Good faith is for bureaucrats and what gets you a city with a lid on it. I'd go up there armed to the teeth, full squadrons. Otherwise, you'll be sitting ducks.
[bristling] For a man whose expertise is allegedly five centuries old, you seem quite opinionated.
You're right. It's none of my business how you blow up your world. My generation didn't know what they were doing either.

 — William "Buck" Rogers and Col. Wilma Deering on the impending arrival of Draconia, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century's "Awakening"

No, no. I... I don't like that plan. It worries me.
[annoyed] Why?
[facetious] Well, you see, I'm scheduled for termination. If I miss it, I might get into a lot of trouble.
Buck, you are impossible. I'm offering you your life, and you're giving me practical jokes?
Well, see, that's the point: are you offering me termination of my termination, or are you just postponing it?
If you can prove that your story is true...
Let's go.

 — William "Buck" Rogers and Col. Wilma Deering on visiting Draconia to verify Rogers' story, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century's "Awakening"

William "Buck" Rogers and Theopolis

Well now, what an attractive man you are, Captain Buck Rogers.
Now look, I've been waiting 24 hours to find out where I am, who I am, who you are. Could I have some answers?
Certainly Buck, that's why I'm here... to answer your questions.
Great. Let's have it.
Well, you're Captain Buck Rogers, and according to your ship's log, you left Earth in 1987.
That much I know. Tell me what I don't know.
Well, if preliminary data holds up, it appears you have returned to Earth 504 years later. [Rogers is stunned to silence] You are now in the 25th century. [Theopolis notices Rogers' condition as Twiki returns with a liquid refreshment for Rogers] Buck? Are you all right, Buck? Did you hear me? Buck?
[still stunned] I think I will have that drink now.
[Rogers takes the drink, and Twiki offers his first human-understandable statement] L'chaim.

 — Dr. Theopolis answers William "Buck" Rogers' questions during Rogers' initial orientation, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century's "Awakening"

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
• H.B. Haggerty as Tigerman (#2)
• Felix Silla as Twiki
• Caroline Smith as Young Woman
• John Dewey Carter as Supervisor
• Uncredited as Lt. Rather
• 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)

*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

*Jack Cunningham - Unit Production Manager

Edward D. Markley - Unit Production Manager

*Phil Bowles - First Assistant Director

Jerry Sobul - First Assistant Director

Robert Villar - Second Assistant Director

Judith Vogelsang - Second Assistant Director

*Jerry Allen - Model Builder

Ted Wilson - Carpenter (uncredited)

*Peter Berkos - Sound Effects Editor

John R. Carter - Sound

Andrew Gilmore - Sound

William H. Kauch - Dialogue Editor

Clyde Sorenson - Sound

*Chuck Arrigo - Special Effects Coordinator (uncredited)

*Peter Anderson - Visual Effects Supervisor: Universal Hartland

David M. Garber - Miniatures

Wayne Smith - Miniatures

Harry Walton - Miniature Department Head (uncredited)

*Gary Armstrong - Assistant Camera

Kenneth Hale - First Assistant Camera

*David Kahn - Music Editor

Stu Phillips - Conductor

Johnny Harris - Composer: Theme Music (uncredited)

Glen A. Larson - Composer: Theme Music (uncredited)

Stu Phillips - Composer: Theme Music (uncredited)

External links

• Awakening at IMDb
• Awakening, Part I at NBC.com
• Awakening, Part II at NBC.com