‘Space Precinct: The Complete Series (30th Anniversary)’ Blu-ray Review

Stars: Ted Shackelford, Rob Youngblood, Simone Bendix, Nancy Paul | Created by Gerry Anderson

It’s been quite some years since I first watched Space Precinct, Gerry Anderson’s 1994 sci-fi police series, and I have to say – revisiting it today – it’s a fascinating piece of television history. While Anderson is best known for his classic puppet-based series like Thunderbirds and Captain Scarlet, Space Precinct took a different approach, blending live-action with animatronics and prosthetics to create a futuristic police procedural. It may not have been a massive success at the time (though I remember the hype for the show both on TV and in magazines like the all-time classic TV Zone being HUGE!) but looking back, it’s a unique and enjoyable show that blends crime drama with sci-fi adventure in a way that few other series have attempted.

At its core, Space Precinct is a police procedural set in the year 2040, where human and alien officers work together to maintain order on the planet Altor. The protagonist, Lieutenant Patrick Brogan (played by Ted Shackelford), is a former NYPD cop who moves with his family to the alien metropolis of Demeter City. The show follows Brogan and his partner Jack Haldane as they investigate crimes, chase down criminals, and deal with the challenges of policing a city filled with both human and extraterrestrial citizens.

The setting is one of the most interesting aspects of the show. Demeter City feels alive with a mix of alien species, high-tech crime, and intergalactic politics. The design of the city, the space vehicles, and even the police station itself give off a strong 90s sci-fi aesthetic, with some elements looking like a cross between Blade Runner and Babylon 5, albeit with a more colourful, family-friendly approach. The blend of practical effects, models, and early CGI is impressive for the time, though some of it has aged in ways that make it look charmingly retro rather than cutting-edge.

One of the show’s biggest strengths is its ambition. Instead of playing it safe, Space Precinct fully embraces the bizarre, throwing its characters into cases involving alien mobsters, cybernetic criminals, mind control, and futuristic drugs. The show had a monster-of-the-week structure, which allowed for a lot of creativity in both storytelling and creature design. Some of the alien criminals and witnesses are genuinely memorable, with practical effects that look surprisingly good even today.

That being said, the show has its fair share of flaws. The writing is uneven, and the dialogue can sometimes feel stilted. There’s a strange mix of serious cop drama and campy humour that doesn’t always gel, making it difficult to pin down exactly who the target audience was supposed to be. At times, it feels like the show wants to appeal to both kids and adults but doesn’t fully commit to either. Some episodes lean more toward gritty crime stories, while others feel like something straight out of a children’s adventure series. This inconsistency may have contributed to the show’s struggles in finding a stable audience.

The performances are also hit-or-miss. Ted Shackelford does a decent job as Brogan, bringing a certain charm to the role of a no-nonsense cop trying to balance work and family life. His character is likeable enough, though not particularly deep. His partner, Haldane, played by Rob Youngblood, is meant to be the younger, more reckless cop, but his performance often feels forced. The supporting cast is a mix of humans and animatronic alien characters, and while some actors bring energy to their roles, others feel like they’re just going through the motions.

The special effects, while ambitious, are also a mixed bag. Some of the model work and animatronic aliens are excellent, showing off Anderson’s signature attention to detail. On the other hand, the CGI (which was still in its early stages in the ’90s) looks very rough by today’s standards. The alien prosthetics, especially for characters like Captain Podly and the Creon officers, are impressive in their design, though the stiffness of the animatronic faces can sometimes be distracting.

Despite these issues, there’s something undeniably fun about Space Precinct. The show has a charm that makes it enjoyable, even when it stumbles. The world-building is impressive, the alien designs are creative, and the mix of crime drama with sci-fi elements keeps things fresh. It’s clear that a lot of effort went into making the show stand out, even if it didn’t quite achieve mainstream success.

Ultimately, Space Precinct is a fascinating piece of 90s sci-fi television. It’s not a flawless show, but it’s an ambitious and entertaining experiment that deserves more recognition. If you’re a fan of classic sci-fi and don’t mind some campy elements, it’s well worth a watch. It may not have been the massive hit that Anderson hoped for, but it remains a unique and enjoyable show that blends two genres in a way that few others have attempted.

Special Features:

• A brand-new two-hour documentary by Gerry Anderson expert Chris Dale
• A short film following everyone’s favourite robotic deputy, Slomo, in a thrilling new adventure.
• Exclusive booklet written by Space Precinct cast member Richard James, offering behind-the-scenes insights to Demeter City.
• Space Cruiser Cutaway poster
• Demeter City Money replica props

Space Precinct is out now on a special edition Blu-ray from Anderson Entertainment.