ITV 4 episode ‘CC A-OK’

Hi all,

`Confetti Check A-OK' – perhaps the most controversial UFO episode,
not a `trademark' purple wig, string vest, or even a UFO in
sight! ;-)

The first notable difference was the inclusion of the opening
titles. I believe these were not in the original cut to save the
episode running over time; they don't appear on the DVDs. I suppose
ITV 4 must have thought it necessary to reassure viewers that this
really *was* UFO, just in case! The inevitable downside meant even
more edits, these being:


All of the scene of the newly-weds checking into the hotel

All of the car journey on their way to view the empty property,
until they enter the living area

Mary waiting, looking through the curtains, Ed driving up outside

Mary preparing for that *special* announcement, until Ed arrives home

All of the scene in the hospital emergency room, until the Doctor
speaks to Ed about Mary's condition


There are some notable differences to original script. Rutland is a
guest at the wedding, implying he was a friend of the newlyweds, but
we don't see him there (shame!) A scene showing Nina Barry and
Keith Ford being recruited into SHADO was cut from the finished
episode.  

More intriguing dialogue edits involved the manner in which Straker
becomes SHADO CIC. During the UN meeting, he describes the future
CIC as - "a man of dedication, single mindedness. A man who knows
the enormous responsibility of the job and accepts it." This might
well be an accurate description of the `ideal' Commander, but he
obviously doesn't believe he meets his own specification because he
refuses, although Henderson forces him to accept. However in the
finished episode, it appears as if he has the option to refuse, but
doesn't. Quite a difference, when you think about it!  

Why does the relationship between Henderson and Straker become so
hostile? The fact that Henderson has control of the `purse strings'
*is* grounds for many of their disagreements, although insufficient
explanation, imho. There's a sense of unspoken resentment between
them, which might have been further justified had this scene been
played as scripted. Whilst Henderson probably feels aggrieved that
he wasn't chosen in the first place, Straker might very well have
become bitter towards Henderson over being forced to accept
command. As time passed, their resentments chip away at their
ability to show each other due respect, until it becomes the thinly
veiled animosity often witnessed in other episodes (?)

The need for absolute secrecy is an underlying theme throughout UFO
and the drama frequently evolves as a direct repercussion,
especially in this episode. Also deleted from the script was
the `fact' that the driver of the Rolls was murdered for `security
reasons' – something Straker is unaware of, but Freeman uses it to
impress upon him the utter foolhardiness of even considering
breaking the rules. The strain is no more evident than in this
scene, as he realises, but is *still* unwilling, to accept the
impasse he is faced with.

It occurred to me that the `Harlington-Straker' sign is as much the
result of thoughtless editing as the untimely appearance of the
SHADO car. It doesn't seem likely that the `official cover story'
is already in place, the government department occupying the office
block suggests the studio is some way into the future, although you
can clearly see the door of `Stage 7' through Miss Ealand's office
window, rather than an office block ;-)

So Straker apparently has no `official' explanation to offer Mary
for his perceived wilful neglect of their marriage. In any case, the
only answer he wants to give is the truth; he cannot bring himself
to even attempt to lie, all he can do is plead with her - "you know
I can't *tell* you!" His inability to repress that inner turmoil
was painfully exposed when finally confronted by Mary's leaving; the
initial fear that she knows about SHADO spirals out of control
until, astonishingly, he's telling her himself! :-O

There was absolutely no guarantee that if Mary knew she would have
changed her mind. In refusing to even listen to him, she unwittingly
saved them both from the horrific realisation that they would have
lived longer lives apart. Straker did become the `ideal' CIC for
SHADO, although his penance was extreme; to build emotional defences
as formidable and unforgiving, yet just as vulnerable, as those of
SHADO herself. Welcome to angst city, Commander.


CC A-OK was a dramatic episode, although probably for some, an
overly introspective `soap opera'. I personally approve of
this `flashback', for the additional insight it provides, into both
the inception of SHADO and Straker's character.


Thanks for reading :-)


Sarah

--- In [hidden email], "moonbasegirl" <shaded2cinders@...>
wrote:
>
As time passed, their resentments chip away at their
> ability to show each other due respect, until it becomes the thinly
> veiled animosity often witnessed in other episodes (?)
>
> Sarah

Animosity seen particularly in the "Conflict" episode.
It almost looks like Henderson is on the Alien's side
when he constantly refuses Straker's request for space
junk clearance funding, at one stage telling Straker
that he will soon be out of a job.
Just who does Henderson plan to replace Straker with,
himself? Who else _could_ have done the job?

Kevin.