Space: Above and Beyond: A Retro Sci-Fi War Drama

Judging a television series solely on its first season can be challenging. Many successful shows evolve significantly from their initial year. Assessing a first season often involves gauging potential, a risky endeavor when evaluating a canceled show like Space: Above and Beyond.

Space: Above and Beyond had its share of weaker episodes, typical of any first season with over twenty episodes. Some episodes felt misaligned with the show’s premise and mood, perhaps written before the show aired or attempting themes outside its comfort zone. Others had intriguing ideas but didn’t capitalize on the show’s strengths.

However, such issues are expected in a first season, a learning curve for everyone involved. Even successful shows like The X-Files had their share of less impressive early episodes. First seasons establish rules, beats, and foundations, hopefully paying off in later seasons. Sadly, Space: Above and Beyond never received that chance, despite showing immense potential.

Space: Above and Beyond intriguingly blends past and future, a hybrid of nostalgia and innovation. It’s an ode to classic war films, employing familiar conventions and archetypes against a futuristic backdrop, while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of 1990s network television.

The show’s aesthetic is decidedly old-fashioned. Episodes often echoed classic war stories: separated lovers, soldiers struggling with their identity, the eccentricities of prolonged warfare.

The show heavily borrows from World War II imagery, from the Saratoga resembling an aircraft carrier in space to mirroring the US Pacific campaign strategy. Episodes even touch upon historical racial prejudices within the military. The show sometimes overtly references these parallels, further solidifying its connection to historical conflicts.

Even character names evoke nostalgia, featuring a commanding officer named McQueen and a rebellious pilot named Cooper Hawkes. While incorporating contemporary musical elements, the show’s soundtrack leaned towards older genres, further highlighting its nostalgic bent.

Despite its retro aesthetic, Space: Above and Beyond was structurally modern. It embraced ambiguity, utilized multi-episode arcs, and avoided rigid episodic structures. This forward-thinking approach significantly impacted television, particularly within the science fiction genre.

Space: Above and Beyond showcased the potential of serialized storytelling in prime-time drama. Recurring themes and plot elements wove through individual episodes, culminating in the season’s final arc focused on Operation: Roundhammer. This serialized approach heavily influenced later successful sci-fi shows like Battlestar Galactica.

While not entirely revolutionary, the show’s serialized format was ahead of its time. Certain storylines would have benefited from multi-episode arcs, highlighting the limitations of episodic storytelling. However, Space: Above and Beyond was groundbreaking for 1995, paving the way for complex narratives in genre television. Some of its episodes stand as testaments to the writing talents of Morgan and Wong, rivaling their best work on The X-Files.

Beyond its broader impact, Space: Above and Beyond allowed James Wong and Glen Morgan to hone their skills as writers and storytellers. This was their first time leading a show, forging lasting professional relationships and refining their narrative techniques. The show’s ambitious storytelling and character development foreshadowed their later successes.

The show’s demanding production, reliance on special effects, and large cast likely contributed to its cancellation. Its futuristic setting may have hindered wider recognition compared to The X-Files‘ more grounded premise.

Fox’s marketing and scheduling further complicated matters. The network seemed unsure how to promote the show, its advertising lacking a clear target audience. Poor scheduling decisions, including inconsistent air times and placement in the “family hour,” further hampered its chances.

Fox’s struggles with Space: Above and Beyond highlight the challenges of launching a unique and demanding sci-fi show on a young network seeking established hits. While the show’s cancellation was likely inevitable, Fox’s missteps undoubtedly contributed to its demise.

Despite its short run, Space: Above and Beyond remains a significant piece of television history. Its unique tone, ambitious storytelling, and influence on subsequent sci-fi shows solidify its legacy. The show ventured into uncharted territory, blazing trails for future science fiction television.