Space Command Television Show: William Shatner’s First Foray into Sci-Fi?

The 1950s were a misty period in William Shatner’s early career, filled with conflicting and vague information. One such mystery revolves around Space Command, a Canadian children’s television show that aired on the CBC in 1953 and 1954. While concrete details are scarce, Space Command holds a significant place in television history as potentially the network’s first dramatic series and, more importantly, possibly William Shatner’s television debut.

A Lost Relic of Early Television

Much of what is known about Space Command comes from fragmented online sources and a few dedicated researchers. Reportedly, the show ran for an astonishing 150 episodes, each a half-hour glimpse into life on the space station XSW1. However, with only one episode believed to survive, the true scope of the series remains elusive. Even basic facts, like the exact broadcast schedule and episode count, are shrouded in uncertainty. The discrepancy between the reported 150 episodes and the two-year run time raises questions about the frequency of broadcasts or the possibility of shorter segments.

Did Shatner Command Space?

The biggest question surrounding Space Command is William Shatner’s involvement. While unconfirmed, several sources suggest he appeared in multiple episodes. Intriguingly, this predates his documented debut on The Canadian Howdy Doody Show in late 1954. Analyzing Shatner’s known theatrical work in 1953 and 1954 suggests a spring 1954 appearance on Space Command is plausible, aligning with his transition from the Canadian Repertory Theatre to the Stratford Shakespearean Festival. While his autobiography, Up Till Now, omits Space Command, the timeline suggests it could have been his first television role.

A Star Trek Connection?

Adding to the intrigue, Space Command featured another notable actor: James Doohan, the future Scotty of Star Trek fame. If both Shatner and Doohan were involved, Space Command marks their first professional collaboration, a fascinating precursor to their iconic partnership aboard the Starship Enterprise. This connection elevates Space Command from a forgotten show to a significant footnote in Star Trek history.

Beyond Shatner and Doohan

Space Command also served as a launching pad for other talents. Actor Andrew Anthony, who appeared alongside Shatner in later productions like General Motors Theatre and On Camera, was also part of the Space Command cast. Behind the scenes, producer and director Murray Chercover later worked with Shatner on the Canadian medical drama Police Surgeon, and writer Alf Harris collaborated with Shatner on an episode of Playbill.

A Lasting Legacy

Despite its obscurity, Space Command remains a captivating piece of television history. Its potential connection to William Shatner, the mystery surrounding its lost episodes, and its role as a precursor to Star Trek make it a compelling subject for television enthusiasts and science fiction fans alike. Further research and the potential discovery of lost episodes could shed more light on this enigmatic show and solidify its place in television history.