War of the Worlds (1988–1990)

Humanity must resume its war against the Martians after they revive after decades of hibernation after their defeat in the 1950's.

Creator:

Greg Strangis

Stars:

Jared Martin, Lynda Mason Green, Philip Akin

1 nomination.

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
Jared Martin	...	Harrison Blackwood (43 episodes, 1988-1990)
Lynda Mason Green	...	Suzanne McCullough (43 episodes, 1988-1990)
Philip Akin	...	Norton Drake (24 episodes, 1988-1989)
Richard Chaves	...	Colonel Paul Ironhorse (24 episodes, 1988-1989)
Rachel Blanchard	...	Debi McCullough (22 episodes, 1988-1990)
Denis Forest	...	Malzor (21 episodes, 1989-1990)
Adrian Paul	...	John Kincaid (20 episodes, 1989-1990)
Catherine Disher	...	Mana (20 episodes, 1989-1990)

Storyline

At the end of the 1953 film "War of the World", earth is saved from alien invaders when they are apparently killed by common bacteria. However, what if the aliens weren't really dead? In "War of the Worlds" the aliens from the 1953 invasion are brought out of suspended animation when radiation kills the infecting bacteria. Now the aliens launch a genocidal war against an unsuspecting Earth, using their ability to take over human bodies to allow them to move freely. Dr. Harrison Blackwood teams up with microbiologist Suzanne McCullough, computer programmer Norton Drake, and army Lt. Colonel Paul Ironhorse to save the world from this alien menace. In the second season, Harrison and Suzanne are joined by mercenary John Kincaid, who help them fight in a post-apocalyptic urban wasteland against a second wave of invaders dedicated to the death of all life on earth.

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Plot Keywords:

bacteria | contamination suit | terrorism | mutilation | cyclops | 

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Genres:

Action | Drama | Horror | Sci-Fi | Thriller

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 October 1988 (USA)

Also Known As:

War of the Worlds: The Second Invasion

Filming Locations:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hometown Films, Paramount Television, Ten Four

Technical Specs

Runtime:

45 min 45 min (43 episodes )

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Jared Martin and Lynda Mason Green are the only actors to appear in all 43 episodes of the series.

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Goofs

In one episode, an actor dressed as an alien jumps down from an air duct onto a human. As he jumps, you can see his socks.

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Quotes

[Quinn is showing Harrison one of his art constructions]
Harrison: Oh, my God. It's a masterpiece.
Quinn: Is it? Do you not find it sterile, cold, and a bit lonely?
Harrison: Not at all, no. It is alive as you and I. What do you call this?
Quinn: "The Universal Truth."
Harrison: And the cost?
Quinn: What cost is truth?
Harrison: It sounds like I won't be able to afford this.

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Crazy Credits

Sylvia Van Buren is credited for writing the episode "Epiphany". Two other scripts ("The Walls of Jericho" and "The Good Samaritan") are pen-named under amalgams of her name and that of Clayton Forrester.

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Connections

Version of Mars Attacks! (1996)

User Reviews

The beginning of modern Sci-Fi TV

Before the X-Files, before Millenium, Space Above and Beyond, before Nowhere Man and all of the other strange and paranoid filled shows on television, there was War of the Worlds. Set in modern times, this series employed so many disturbing images and stories, it genuinely gave me creeps at night. While the show bombed on many levels with viewers, I only remember it for being something different, out of the ordinary. While young kids were watching cartoons, I tried watching this show as often as possible, considering my parents cared little for it. Then, when it went into syndication, I watched it as often as I could. If you could ever find tapes for this series, and you like odd and unusual programming, then you will like this series.