E A R T H S E A R C H / E A R T H S E A R C H I I
--------- ----------- --------- ----------- ---
1981 and 1982
First Show: 6 Jan, 1981 Last Show: 27 Jun, 1982
Number Shows: 20 (both series) Audition Show: none
Series Description:
EARTH SEARCH was a 10-part modern science fiction adventure produced
by the British Broadcasting Corporation. EARTH SEARCH was followed
by a sequel 10-part series, EARTH SEARCH II. All shows are 30
minutes and all are in stereo. They were written by James Follett
and directed by Glyn Dearman and aired on BBC Radio 4. The first
series aired Tuesday evenings from 10:30 to 11:00 PM. A special 1-
hour broadcast of episodes 1 and 2 aired Sunday, the 18th, from 12
to 1:00 PM. The second series was heard Sundays, from 12:00 to 12:30
PM with the exception of episode 6, which aired from 10:15 to 10:45
AM.
When it's discovered that the sun is dying, a number of missions to
discover habitable planets are sent out. The spaceships for the
mission are intended for long duration voyages and the crew is
expected to live out their lives on board. On one such mission, an
accident occurs, killing all but four infants. The ship's computer
systems raise the children.
The first series deals with the children coming of age and their
attempt at returning to Earth. The journey involves a struggle with
the computer intelligence that raised them. At the end of the first
series, they have not found Earth and decide to settle on an Earth-
type world instead.
Series II continues the adventure. Again, there is a struggle with
the ship's computers. The search for Earth is again undertaken,
this time with a view to rejoining society on Earth.
Both series are good science fiction, with well-developed plots.
They are well-acted and well-produced. Fans of both science fiction
and radio drama will find these series an enjoyable listen.
Chronological Log:
Date Day Num Title
------------ --- --- -----------------------
.... EARTH SEARCH ....
10:30 to 10:00 PM
06 Jan, 1981 Tue 1 "Planet Fall"
13 Jan, 1981 Tue 2 "First Footprint City"
18 Jan, 1981 Sun 1&2 .... episodes 1 & 2 ...
... aired 12 to 1 PM ..
20 Jan, 1981 Tue 3 "Sands Of Cairos"
27 Jan, 1981 Tue 4 "The Solaric Empire"
03 Feb, 1981 Tue 5 "The Pools Of Time"
10 Feb, 1981 Tue 6 "Across The Abyss"
17 Feb, 1981 Tue 7 "New Blood"
24 Feb, 1981 Tue 8 "Marooned"
03 Mar, 1981 Tue 9 "Star Cluster"
10 Mar, 1981 Tue 10 "Earthfall"
... EARTH SEARCH II ...
12:00 to 12:30 PM
25 Apr, 1982 Sun 1 "Return"
02 May, 1982 Sun 2 "Flood"
09 May, 1982 Sun 3 "Surrender"
16 May, 1982 Sun 4 "Solaria"
23 May, 1982 Sun 5 "Sun Death"
30 May, 1982 Sun 6 "Supermass"
(10:15 to 10:45 AM)
06 Jun, 1982 Sun 7 "Death Ship"
13 Jun, 1982 Sun 8 "Meglomania"
20 Jun, 1982 Sun 9 "Earth"
27 Jun, 1982 Sun 10 "Earth Voice"
References:
* "The Ultimate History of Network Radio Programming and Guide To All
Circulating Shows", by Jay Hickerson, Box 4321, Hamden, CT 06514
Reader Feedback:
* Bill Boucher provided dates for the series.
* Ian Beard provided date verification and broadcast times.
Last Update: May 20, 2004
This log is informational only and does not imply that I have these
shows for trade or sale. The shows are still protected under
copyright law and should be obtained only from authorized dealers.
The log may be freely reproduced and published on a no-profit basis.
Please send error corrections or additional information to Frank M.
Passage, 109 Elmwood Road, Verona, NJ 07044 (email: wb2ntp@arrl.net).