Fw: [SHADO] Various Questions

"A QUESTION OF PRIORITIES" - the reason I love this episode is because there is
SO MUCH going on!! I like episodes with sub-plots and this has one of the best.
This would probably be the one I'd take to a desert island with me.

Alex



----- Forwarded Message ----
From: An Delendir <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Sent: Mon, 31 January, 2011 16:30:34
Subject: [SHADO] Various Questions

 
Hi,

I am sure there will be many able to answer the more technical questions ;-)

> did straker's kid live?

No. John Straker died.

> was straker's child killed in that car accident?

Not exactly. He died due the fact that he had extensive injuries as well as a
major operation without the benefit of any antibiotics. The kid was allergic to
them all, except for a newly developed one. That's the one Straker attempted
flying in with that transport called back early from the USA. The same transport
which Alec deviated to Ireland before it could deliver the antibiotic to London.
When the drug arrived at long last the kid already had died from infection.

> who is in love with who in the show?

Gay Ellis and Mark Bradley were a couple.

Virginia Lake had a thing going with Craig Collins and when he went missing
engaged in an affair with Paul Foster. She also flirted heavily once with Alec
Freeman.

Paul Foster had a variety of girlfriends in the series.

Ed Straker was married to Mary Straker, then divorced a few years before the
beginning of the actual timeframe of the series.

Jo Frazer tried to cream Straker with her charms, without success.

Straker attached himself in a paternal way to Katherine Fraser and wanted to
take care of the girl. She died however.

Paul Roper had a wife for whom he betrayed SHADO.

Nina Barry was shown to have a thing going for Straker, just as Ayshea hankered
a bit after Alec Freeman. Neither ever got to see their puppy love through.

Various staff members were married or had girl friends without major impact on
the series.

Cheers,

An





     

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Alex,
I used to HATE Q of P, but I had to watch it several times really carefully in order to do a joint story about it (with An Delendir), and I did change my opinion of it (although the beginning part still grates with that silly music).

That episode really allowed  Ed Bishop to display his acting talent.. Boy, that haunted expression in his eyes when he is talking to Mary, and his despair later on. It will never be my favourite episode, but it is not as bad as I used to think it was. (I was viewing it at first, with the same preconceptions as when I watched the series  as a teenager!)  

Desert Island? No not this episode.. probably 'Kill Straker' instead for me.

LtCdr!

--- In [hidden email], Ed Top <etop89@...> wrote:

Q of P

Is this the episode where we learn the background of Straker's marriage break
up? I am saying this because only 99% sure. I have seen the episode once fully
through. Not my favourite episode because it is too personal and has little
sci-fi content but I like the bit when he gives the Leiutenant two days leave;
today he'd get six months!





________________________________
From: Lightcudder <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Sent: Mon, January 31, 2011 6:19:54 PM
Subject: Re: Fw: [SHADO] Various Questions

 


Hi Alex,
I used to HATE Q of P, but I had to watch it several times really carefully in
order to do a joint story about it (with An Delendir), and I did change my
opinion of it (although the beginning part still grates with that silly music).


That episode really allowed  Ed Bishop to display his acting talent.. Boy, that
haunted expression in his eyes when he is talking to Mary, and his despair later
on. It will never be my favourite episode, but it is not as bad as I used to
think it was. (I was viewing it at first, with the same preconceptions as when I
watched the series  as a teenager!)


Desert Island? No not this episode.. probably 'Kill Straker' instead for me.

LtCdr!

--- In [hidden email], Ed Top <etop89@...> wrote:

 


     

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

> Q of P
> Is this the episode where we learn the background of Straker's
> marriage break up? I am saying this because only 99% sure.

No, that would be CONFETTI CHECK A-O.K.  100% sure.  :-)

Marc

Hi,
 
don't you rewatch episodes? I'm intrigued, because so few among you seem to do that...
 
As to Question of Priorities - no, that's the episode in which his son dies and he is unable to get the antibiotic to London in time.
 
As to Confetti Check A-OK, which is the episode which details the break-up of his marriage and how he got to get the job of becoming the commander of SHADO, I find it rather amusing that people dislike one of the episodes telling us most about Straker's psychology, character and background, and then are astonished when others disagree with calling Straker callous, harsh or as cold as ice (which any and all is shown as being rather not correct in that episode and over which Bishop even fought the director). ;-))))
 
Cheers,
 
An
 
 


--- Stevan Warburton <[hidden email]> schrieb am Do, 3.2.2011:


Von: Stevan Warburton <[hidden email]>
Betreff: Re: Fw: [SHADO] Various Questions
An: [hidden email]
CC: [hidden email]
Datum: Donnerstag, 3. Februar, 2011 11:44 Uhr


 



Q of P

Is this the episode where we learn the background of Straker's marriage break
up? I am saying this because only 99% sure. I have seen the episode once fully
through. Not my favourite episode because it is too personal and has little
sci-fi content but I like the bit when he gives the Leiutenant two days leave;
today he'd get six months!

________________________________
From: Lightcudder <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Sent: Mon, January 31, 2011 6:19:54 PM
Subject: Re: Fw: [SHADO] Various Questions

Hi Alex,
I used to HATE Q of P, but I had to watch it several times really carefully in
order to do a joint story about it (with An Delendir), and I did change my
opinion of it (although the beginning part still grates with that silly music).

That episode really allowed Ed Bishop to display his acting talent.. Boy, that
haunted expression in his eyes when he is talking to Mary, and his despair later
on. It will never be my favourite episode, but it is not as bad as I used to
think it was. (I was viewing it at first, with the same preconceptions as when I
watched the series as a teenager!)

Desert Island? No not this episode.. probably 'Kill Straker' instead for me.

LtCdr!

--- In [hidden email], Ed Top <etop89@...> wrote:
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]










[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I stand corrected, thank you. I know little of this episode as the content is
Straker's breakup of his marriage. I watched all the way through though last
year and as I had not seen it, I quite enjoyed it. I loved the pull of his
dedication to his work and the sacrifice he has to make of his marriage; none of
it his fault.





________________________________
From: Marc Martin <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Sent: Thu, February 3, 2011 2:51:04 PM
Subject: Re: Fw: [SHADO] Various Questions

 
> Q of P
> Is this the episode where we learn the background of Straker's
> marriage break up? I am saying this because only 99% sure.

No, that would be CONFETTI CHECK A-O.K.  100% sure.  :-)

Marc

 


     

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

--- In [hidden email], Stevan Warburton <stevanbcool@...> wrote:
>
> I loved the pull of his
> dedication to his work and the sacrifice he has to make of his marriage; none of
> it his fault.

Stevan,
This dichotomy between what Straker prefers to do and is forced to do is one of the hallmarks of the series.  To me, the best 'Straker' stories highlight this difficulty in their plotline.  As a writer myself, I must admit that I haven't managed to exhaust that dichotomy as a story starter yet! *grin*
Yours,
Denise

 Denise.
Too right. If you want a reflection of Straker's "softer" or more human side I
suggest the excellent The Long Sleep where he assumes an almost parental role.
He is the only link to her past and feels responsible for her condition. He is
broken at the end shot of him and Col Lake comforting him in the garden.
 I expressed this as one of my favourite scenes because of the pathos; I'd love
to work that scene into something like a film / series.

I have volumes 1-4 and will absorb them again, even though they do not contain
my all time top 5 episodes. I might wait to buy a MUCH larger TV set to fully
appreciate the episodes.

Thanks for your input / comment.

Stevan





________________________________
From: Neesierie <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Sent: Thu, February 3, 2011 4:43:27 PM
Subject: Re: Fw: [SHADO] Various Questions

 

--- In [hidden email], Stevan Warburton <stevanbcool@...> wrote:
>
> I loved the pull of his
> dedication to his work and the sacrifice he has to make of his marriage; none
>of
>
> it his fault.

Stevan,
This dichotomy between what Straker prefers to do and is forced to do is one of
the hallmarks of the series.  To me, the best 'Straker' stories highlight this
difficulty in their plotline.  As a writer myself, I must admit that I haven't
managed to exhaust that dichotomy as a story starter yet! *grin*
Yours,
Denise


 


     

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I've only recently purchased the megaset, so most of them are still fresh in my mind (although a BIT jumbled due to sensory overload!), but I fully intend to watch them in a more leisurely fashion soon.

As I stated in the 'Desert Island Episodes' thread, 'Confetti Check... A-OK' is one of two episodes from the series that I'd take with me.  The thing that appeals to me most about this episode is what seems to turn others off; the psychological glimpse at Ed Straker.  This episode, as with 'AQoP', shows Straker's determination to DEFEND THE HUMAN RACE, even at the inconvenience of himself or that of his family.  'The needs of the many...', so to speak.

Cmdr Straker has always been able to maintain a detachment from just about everyone else, and even those he's somewhat close to (Alec, Paul, Virginia), he's able to switch it on & off at will to make sure that he does his job.  His level of dedication, as well as his sense of obligation, has cost him dearly, personally; the loss of his wife via divorce, and the death of his only son.  One has to think that Cmdr Straker might well be the loneliest man on Earth in the big bad year of 1980.

While a lot of these episodes are horribly dated (visually, stylistically, referentially), the majority of the stories themselves still stand up very well, as do the performances and portrayals.  Ed Bishop was exemplary in this, and a class act the whole way.

-- Jamie


--- In [hidden email], An Delendir <andelendir@...> wrote:

I recall the episode and remember Ed trying to persuade Alec that he should tell
Mary of his true nature of work as it is putting strain on a already fractured
marriage; Alec talks him out of it. It shows Straker as a vulnerable soul
wanting everthing to work; his home life and his dedication to duty.





________________________________
From: J A <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Sent: Thu, February 3, 2011 9:53:41 PM
Subject: Re: [SHADO] 'Confetti Check... A-OK' (was 'Various Questions')

 


I've only recently purchased the megaset, so most of them are still fresh in my
mind (although a BIT jumbled due to sensory overload!), but I fully intend to
watch them in a more leisurely fashion soon.

As I stated in the 'Desert Island Episodes' thread, 'Confetti Check... A-OK' is
one of two episodes from the series that I'd take with me.  The thing that
appeals to me most about this episode is what seems to turn others off; the
psychological glimpse at Ed Straker.  This episode, as with 'AQoP', shows
Straker's determination to DEFEND THE HUMAN RACE, even at the inconvenience of
himself or that of his family.  'The needs of the many...', so to speak.

Cmdr Straker has always been able to maintain a detachment from just about
everyone else, and even those he's somewhat close to (Alec, Paul, Virginia),
he's able to switch it on & off at will to make sure that he does his job.  His
level of dedication, as well as his sense of obligation, has cost him dearly,
personally; the loss of his wife via divorce, and the death of his only son.  
One has to think that Cmdr Straker might well be the loneliest man on Earth in
the big bad year of 1980.

While a lot of these episodes are horribly dated (visually, stylistically,
referentially), the majority of the stories themselves still stand up very well,
as do the performances and portrayals.  Ed Bishop was exemplary in this, and a
class act the whole way.

-- Jamie

--- In [hidden email], An Delendir <andelendir@...> wrote:

 


     

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Its how Alex described what would happen next.  Even though Straker is in charge, security could still keep his wife quiet..... permanently.... if necessary.

Bruce
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: Stevan Warburton
  To: [hidden email]
  Cc: [hidden email]
  Sent: Thursday, February 03, 2011 6:15 PM
  Subject: Re: [SHADO] 'Confetti Check... A-OK' (was 'Various Questions')


   
  I recall the episode and remember Ed trying to persuade Alec that he should tell
  Mary of his true nature of work as it is putting strain on a already fractured
  marriage; Alec talks him out of it. It shows Straker as a vulnerable soul
  wanting everthing to work; his home life and his dedication to duty.

  ________________________________
  From: J A <[hidden email]>
  To: [hidden email]
  Sent: Thu, February 3, 2011 9:53:41 PM
  Subject: Re: [SHADO] 'Confetti Check... A-OK' (was 'Various Questions')

  I've only recently purchased the megaset, so most of them are still fresh in my
  mind (although a BIT jumbled due to sensory overload!), but I fully intend to
  watch them in a more leisurely fashion soon.

  As I stated in the 'Desert Island Episodes' thread, 'Confetti Check... A-OK' is
  one of two episodes from the series that I'd take with me. The thing that
  appeals to me most about this episode is what seems to turn others off; the
  psychological glimpse at Ed Straker. This episode, as with 'AQoP', shows
  Straker's determination to DEFEND THE HUMAN RACE, even at the inconvenience of
  himself or that of his family. 'The needs of the many...', so to speak.

  Cmdr Straker has always been able to maintain a detachment from just about
  everyone else, and even those he's somewhat close to (Alec, Paul, Virginia),
  he's able to switch it on & off at will to make sure that he does his job. His
  level of dedication, as well as his sense of obligation, has cost him dearly,
  personally; the loss of his wife via divorce, and the death of his only son.
  One has to think that Cmdr Straker might well be the loneliest man on Earth in
  the big bad year of 1980.

  While a lot of these episodes are horribly dated (visually, stylistically,
  referentially), the majority of the stories themselves still stand up very well,
  as do the performances and portrayals. Ed Bishop was exemplary in this, and a
  class act the whole way.

  -- Jamie

  --- In [hidden email], An Delendir <andelendir@...> wrote:
  >
  > Hi,
  >
  > don't you rewatch episodes? I'm intrigued, because so few among you seem to do
  >that...
  >
  > As to Question of Priorities - no, that's the episode in which his son dies and
  >he is unable to get the antibiotic to London in time.
  >
  > As to Confetti Check A-OK, which is the episode which details the break-up of
  >his marriage and how he got to get the job of becoming the commander of SHADO, I
  >find it rather amusing that people dislike one of the episodes telling us most
  >about Straker's psychology, character and background, and then are astonished
  >when others disagree with calling Straker callous, harsh or as cold as ice
  >(which any and all is shown as being rather not correct in that episode and over
  >which Bishop even fought the director). ;-))))
  >
  > Cheers,
  >
  > An

  [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



 


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

--- In [hidden email], "J A" <doctorwholittle@...> wrote:
>
>
>
>
> As I stated in the 'Desert Island Episodes' thread, 'Confetti Check... A-OK' is one of two episodes from the series that I'd take with me.  The thing that appeals to me most about this episode is what seems to turn others off; the psychological glimpse at Ed Straker.



And not just at Straker.  This is my favorite Alec Freeman episode simply on the basis of the opening scene.  Everyone's milling about and celebrating the arrival of the new baby, and Freeman's eyes and attention are on Straker.  He eventually moves in as he senses Straker's mood.

To me this emphasized Freeman's unofficial role at SHADO: that of watching Straker's back psychologically.  Certainly, out of all the people in the organization, Freeman understood the sort of pressures Straker was under, and accepted that part of his job was to try and handle potential problems before they got out of hand.


Michael

--- In [hidden email], "phydeaux44" <phydeaux44@...> wrote:

> This is my favorite Alec Freeman episode simply on the basis of the opening scene.  Everyone's milling about and celebrating the arrival of the new baby, and Freeman's eyes and attention are on Straker.  He eventually moves in as he senses Straker's mood.
>
> To me this emphasized Freeman's unofficial role at SHADO: that of watching Straker's back psychologically.  Certainly, out of all the people in the organization, Freeman understood the sort of pressures Straker was under, and accepted that part of his job was to try and handle potential problems before they got out of hand.

You are so right, Mike!  I loved that about Alec!  He puts the 'best' in best friend, doesn't he?
Denise

Hi Stevan,

> I recall the episode and remember Ed trying to persuade
> Alec that he should tell Mary of his true nature of work
> as it is putting strain on a already fractured marriage;
> Alec talks him out of it. It shows Straker as a vulnerable
> soul wanting everthing to work; his home life and his
> dedication to duty.

Very perceptive!

Indeed Bishop played the character with a constant, major subtext of this wish and Straker's inner dilemma, rejection and resentment of some of what he has to do and be as SHADO commander.

This comes out into the open again in The Long Sleep and is quite in contrast to Ordeal (where Straker is seen only through the eyes of Foster).

Cheers,

An

I think I need to clarify my stance on this.  I've received e-mails offlist enquiring as to why my take on Straker is what it is.

Understand, I'm NOT calling Straker soulless, friendless or uncaring.  In fact, the problem, if you wish to call it such, is that he cares almost TOO much; look at the task he's been charged to carry out.  That proves that he's a caring man.

It's apparent to me now that I didn't word my post correctly.  The comment I made about Straker being possibly the loneliest man on Earth is the crux of it.  He's a human being who has hopes and aspirations with the best of us, but he's chosen to safeguard us as a species, and in order to do that, he has to maintain a certain level of detachment from those under his command.  There's every real possibility that each time he scrambles an Interceptor, Sky 1 or a Mobile may well be the time he sends them to their deaths.  He has to go against the (human) nature of wanting to befriend the people he works with in order to do his job effectively.

Straker, especially as portrayed by Ed Bishop, conceals the anguish of his position in juxtaposition with his nature with extreme gravitas.  He can't afford to be seen as 'weak' in a moment of crisis, as he's got an entire complex under his command, yet his facial expressions betray him constantly (to us, the viewers) as to the agony and gravity of his role as the decision maker.

-- Jamie




--- In [hidden email], An Delendir <andelendir@...> wrote:

Hi. Just a quick note.
First, agreeing on everything that has been said about Straker's "loneliest man
on Earth" comments; enjoyed the character breakdown and analysis.

I will write later in more depth but  have just watched "Journey".. for the
first time possibly since 1993 on dvd. If you know the film (which incs a heavy
cast list of UFO regulars) then pay attention to the non UFO regular, EUROSEC's
Head, Jason Webb (Patrick Wymark). He is a precursor of Cmd Straker if ever I
saw one. He is quite stubbon, hardlined and sometimes callous when he needs to
get what he wants from people; he is a colder and more detached character than
any of the cast and makes Cmd Straker look human and approachable.

Stevan




________________________________
From: J A <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Sent: Fri, February 4, 2011 7:53:58 PM
Subject: [SHADO] Re: 'Confetti Check... A-OK' (was 'Various Questions')

 


I think I need to clarify my stance on this.  I've received e-mails offlist
enquiring as to why my take on Straker is what it is.

Understand, I'm NOT calling Straker soulless, friendless or uncaring.  In fact,
the problem, if you wish to call it such, is that he cares almost TOO much; look
at the task he's been charged to carry out.  That proves that he's a caring man.

It's apparent to me now that I didn't word my post correctly.  The comment I
made about Straker being possibly the loneliest man on Earth is the crux of it.  
He's a human being who has hopes and aspirations with the best of us, but he's
chosen to safeguard us as a species, and in order to do that, he has to maintain
a certain level of detachment from those under his command.  There's every real
possibility that each time he scrambles an Interceptor, Sky 1 or a Mobile may
well be the time he sends them to their deaths.  He has to go against the
(human) nature of wanting to befriend the people he works with in order to do
his job effectively.

Straker, especially as portrayed by Ed Bishop, conceals the anguish of his
position in juxtaposition with his nature with extreme gravitas.  He can't
afford to be seen as 'weak' in a moment of crisis, as he's got an entire complex
under his command, yet his facial expressions betray him constantly (to us, the
viewers) as to the agony and gravity of his role as the decision maker.

-- Jamie

--- In [hidden email], An Delendir <andelendir@...> wrote:

 


     

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Jamie,
I don't know who was harassing you, but it wasn't hard to understand your last post about Straker.  You didn't need to clarify for the rest of us. We got it.  In fact, I was thrilled with your image of him as the loneliest man on Earth.  It was so true, after all.  It's always lonely at the top.  

That aside, your further explanation is excellent.  Bishop's portrayal was absolutely incredible as our tortured hero.  I really doubt that there are many actors who could carry that off effectively.  (Which may be why the new movie has stalled.  Did they even get a Straker yet?)

Thanks for taking the time to explain yourself, even though it was unnecessary.  There will always be those who don't get Straker, or even why the rest of us like him so much.  It's useless to try to get through to them.  Their own life experiences limit their ability to grasp just who he is.  

You write very well in defense of the Great Man.  Have you written any fanfic of the show?
Yours,
Denise

--- In [hidden email], "J A" <doctorwholittle@...> wrote:

i kinda wondered about that too, maybe those writing you have some other agenda other than a comment about straker,......i thought you were right about the characture, in fact i think that straker is a little hard for what has to be done, like with paul in ''kill straker'' slapping him in the face was a little unneccasary, but i know about the deep subliminal programing from the aliens needing to be brought out right then, because straker was the one who was insecure about that. the doctors cleared paul, but straker went and had to find out for himself. i guess it made a good story, and i can see it as it is, but i still thought that he was a little too hard.
jim
--- On Sun, 2/6/11, Neesierie <[hidden email]> wrote:


From: Neesierie <[hidden email]>
Subject: [SHADO] Re: 'Confetti Check... A-OK' (was 'Various Questions')
To: [hidden email]
Date: Sunday, February 6, 2011, 6:07 AM


 



Jamie,
I don't know who was harassing you, but it wasn't hard to understand your last post about Straker. You didn't need to clarify for the rest of us. We got it. In fact, I was thrilled with your image of him as the loneliest man on Earth. It was so true, after all. It's always lonely at the top.

That aside, your further explanation is excellent. Bishop's portrayal was absolutely incredible as our tortured hero. I really doubt that there are many actors who could carry that off effectively. (Which may be why the new movie has stalled. Did they even get a Straker yet?)

Thanks for taking the time to explain yourself, even though it was unnecessary. There will always be those who don't get Straker, or even why the rest of us like him so much. It's useless to try to get through to them. Their own life experiences limit their ability to grasp just who he is.

You write very well in defense of the Great Man. Have you written any fanfic of the show?
Yours,
Denise

--- In [hidden email], "J A" <doctorwholittle@...> wrote:







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Kill Straker is such a brilliantl and well written episode; I remember the
animosity between Paul and Ed when I was tiny; I could not understand why they
were on the same side yet were at each other's throats. Straker is almost a
socialpath and then switches to the Straker we know and love. Fine acting from
both men.  






________________________________
From: . <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Sent: Sun, February 6, 2011 4:03:11 PM
Subject: Re: [SHADO] Re: 'Confetti Check... A-OK' (was 'Various Questions')

 

i kinda wondered about that too, maybe those writing you have some other agenda
other than a comment about straker,......i thought you were right about the
characture, in fact i think that straker is a little hard for what has to be
done, like with paul in ''kill straker'' slapping him in the face was a little
unneccasary, but i know about the deep subliminal programing from the aliens
needing to be brought out right then, because straker was the one who was
insecure about that. the doctors cleared paul, but straker went and had to find
out for himself. i guess it made a good story, and i can see it as it is, but i
still thought that he was a little too hard.
jim
--- On Sun, 2/6/11, Neesierie <[hidden email]> wrote:

From: Neesierie <[hidden email]>
Subject: [SHADO] Re: 'Confetti Check... A-OK' (was 'Various Questions')
To: [hidden email]
Date: Sunday, February 6, 2011, 6:07 AM

 

Jamie,
I don't know who was harassing you, but it wasn't hard to understand your last
post about Straker. You didn't need to clarify for the rest of us. We got it. In
fact, I was thrilled with your image of him as the loneliest man on Earth. It
was so true, after all. It's always lonely at the top.


That aside, your further explanation is excellent. Bishop's portrayal was
absolutely incredible as our tortured hero. I really doubt that there are many
actors who could carry that off effectively. (Which may be why the new movie has
stalled. Did they even get a Straker yet?)

Thanks for taking the time to explain yourself, even though it was unnecessary.
There will always be those who don't get Straker, or even why the rest of us
like him so much. It's useless to try to get through to them. Their own life
experiences limit their ability to grasp just who he is.


You write very well in defense of the Great Man. Have you written any fanfic of
the show?
Yours,
Denise

--- In [hidden email], "J A" <doctorwholittle@...> wrote:
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]


 


     

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

does anyone have any drawings or ideas or pics of what the interior of a ufo from the series looks like, please?
i would like to make cut away model of one.
jim

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]