Another network television attempt to cash in on the sci-fi space adventures genre premiered on NBC in 1979 during the season immediately after ABC shot down Battlestar Galactica Classic Series. Also produced by Battlestar Galactica Classic Series creator Glen A. Larson, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century is more closely related to the whimsical, lighthearted and decidedly unserious shows like Lost in Space than it is to today’s Battlestar Galactica or any of the Star Trek productions. Anyone suprised that Buck Rogers in the 25th Century lasted only two seasons?

This updated version of the perennial space explorer’s adventures (starring Gil Gerard, pictured) opted to be big on bodies stuffed tightly into lusty costuming, but small on adult-oriented food for thought. This production preference is unbecoming the influential Buck Rogers franchise. The original Buck Rogers (the character) was introduced in “Armageddon-2419 A.D.” by Philip Francis Nowlan, published in the August 1928 issue of Amazing Stories.

The NBC-TV series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century is perhaps the most memorable for its equal glorification of both the male and female bodies as sex objects. The fundamentally titilating nature of this series is best represented by an episode whose title, “Planet of the Amazon Women,” ought to tell you something.

Our handsome, barrel-chested hero, Buck, finds himself stripped to the waist with his hands bound behind his back, and he is auctioned as breeder stock to a roomful of anxious, seductive females. Yet another revealing episode, “Planet of the Slave Girls,” flashes the series’ flesh orientation with an array of stunning-looking women who apparently typify the female population of the 25th Century. Providing equal time in this same episode are shirtless male fighter cadets who emphasize their muscled upper bodies. Strong guest stars Jack Palance and David Groh keep the testosterone levels significantly elevated.

The majority of the episodes are each sufficiently uncomplicated, so there is always plenty of time to gaze at shapely former model, Erin Gray as Colonel Wilma Deering. Her torso-hugging space suits minimize the need for much acting. Gil Gerard successfully plays Buck as a male icon an appealing sense of humor. He wears tight trousers. And what can be said about this costume choice? “These trousers are like a cheap hotel. No ballroom.”

Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, typical of many of the network series from the 1980s, works hard to reinforce values concerning physical attractiveness. Viewers should become aware of how such series can reinforce the stereotype that people must look good to be their best. This complex of values associated with materialistic and physical perfection may seem “harmless” especially when compared to something like televised violence that usually carries a built-in negative connotation. Yet, viewers may want to ask how honest is it to attempt to persuade people to accept beautiful bodies as standards to which we must all compare ourselves.