Amazon.co.uk Review
Based on an idea by Gene Roddenberry
Andromeda wears its debt to
Star Trek on its sleeve, recalling the best sci-fi of Roddenberry's heyday. Kevin (ex-
Hercules) Sorbo, plays Captain Dylan Hunt, the sympathetically flawed idealist in command of the Andromeda Ascendant, a massive 1.4km long starship of the now-disbanded Systems Commonwealth. The fall of civilisation has meant that although she ought to be a relic she remains the zenith of technological advancement.
Episodes on this tape:Angel Dark, Demon Bright, The Ties That Blind, Banks of the Lethe.
"Angel Dark, Demon Bright". Time travel is always a sci-fi series staple, but Andromeda needs it more than any of them. Any method (excuse!) to re-visit Dylan's own time is explored, and "Angel Dark, Demon Bright" is therefore an important episode for two reasons. We see just how badly the Commonwealth had it coming in an enormous space battle; and we also perceive how potentially dangerous Trance is. Pruning the branches of time as easily as her plants, she's clearly a conundrum waiting to explode.
"The Ties That Blind". A dual reference to aspects of faith, on the one hand there's Rev's devout following of The Way, which unwittingly obscures certain truths from him; on the other hand there's the belief that blood is thicker than water which severely confuses the relationship Beka has with the her long-lost con-artist brother Rafe (Cameron Daddo). There's a lot of art imitating life in this episode, with The Restorian's tactics clearly mirroring contemporary religious conflicts.
"The Banks of the Lethe". Proving that all's fair in love and war this episode demonstrates the familial possibilities of syndicated TV. Firstly, Sorbo's real-life wife plays Dylan's fiancée Sara. Secondly, the story was originally touted to Star Trek: Voyager. It's another time travel quickie (told you they were important), in which a touching reunion for the Sorbos is made possible thanks to a botched experiment in Harper's lab. This instalment is also distinguished for featuring some of the most surreal humour in dealing with time travel since Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure!--Paul Tonks
Synopsis
One man, Captain Dylan Hunt, in command of the Andromeda Ascendant warship must fight for the survival of the Systems Commonwealth. Episodes include: '1.06 - Angel Dark, Demon Bright', '1.07 - The Ties That Blind' and '1.08 - The Banks Of The Lethe'.
