Posted by Griff! on
URL: https://www.shado-forum.com/Henderson-vs-Straker-tp1493584p1493616.html

Hi All,

I think despite Henderson's original and seeming happiness that Straker gets the
job as Commander-in-Chief of SHADO, he nonetheless finds it hard to take after
all the effort that he (and Straker) had put into to getting full and
unequivocal international support for the need to start up SHADO.

Although Henderson was (booted upstairs) as General, and was put in charge of
the SHADO purse-strings in the guise of Chairman of the Astro-Space Commission,
I believe he really wanted the SHADO Commander's role. Henderson does in
"Confetti Check A-OK" admit that he was not physically up to the role at that
time; "What kind of shape am I in? What kind of shape will I be in ten years
time?" (just after the accident in which he - Henderson - was injured, and the
British Cabinet Minister was killed, Straker escapes unhurt), and does concede
that he would be too old once SHADO was truly up and running in another ten
years.

To be fair to Henderson, in all cases during the 26 UFO episodes, he is firm
(sometimes extremely), but fair with Straker. In "Conflict" at the end of the
episode he even concedes to Straker, and then Straker in turn shows non-grudging
respect in return.

The real nasty personality conflict appears in "Close Up", "Court Martial" and
"Mindbender", and in all three cases, Henderson is shown to be in error and
backs down to Straker. Maybe Straker's superior ability, and to be proved
"right" also drives Henderson's animosity.

Well, that's my input. I hope it helps.

Later,

Griff