australian television information archive

Alien Presence

Episode 01
Seven: July 05, 2004
ABC: October 11, 2004
Written by Roger Simpson
Directed by Paul Moloney

The year is 2050 and the Star Runner is two years into its 90 year voyage; a voyage that will take them to the Silver Sun. Frozen in the hold is the precious cargo of 550 frozen New Settlers, waiting to colonise the new planet. After encountering a solar fog, the sensors on the Star Runner pick up a non human entity. Is it an alien? A major computer glitch threatens the entire mission.

Electronic Sheep

Episode 02
Seven: July 05, 2004
ABC: October 11, 2004
Written by Graeme Farmer
Directed by Paul Moloney

Pancha develops a strange telepathic connection to the ships computer. Although unexplainable, it proves invaluable when she detects an imminent system failure and sounds the alarm. Via the holophone, Leonella learns a lesson in change from Earth. Tycho and Cinnamon want more responsibility.

Meltdown

Episode 03
Seven: July 06, 2004
ABC: October 12, 2004
Written by Kirsty Fisher
Directed by Paul Moloney

After a computer crisis, the crew decide to reanimate one of the frozen New Settlers to check for damage. Cyriax ends the debate among the crew about which person will be chosen but Degenhardt has his own ideas on who that will be. Pancha's isolation fom the ship's computer system has unexpected consequences.

Chill Out

Episode 04
Seven: July 06, 2004
ABC: October 13, 2004
Written by Chris Roache
Directed by Paul Moloney

When reanimation takes place it is not Dr Flickadello as planned but instead the young Zandie Brokow. What has gone wrong? Cyriax questions Degenhardt to try and work out what happened. Pancha stays quiet about what she knows of Degenhardt's swapping of the pods. Leonella splices together the genes from lavender with a daffodil and creates a blue daffodil. But who wants a blue daffodil? Zandie decides to stick around for a bit after she bonds with Degenhardt.

Staying Alive

Episode 05
Seven: July 07, 2004
ABC: October 14, 2004
Written by Graeme Farmer
Directed by Mandy Smith

The crew are not happy with Zandie's presence but she is determined to stay on board. Not everyone is happy with this decision least of all Tane who sees Zandie's presence as a destabilising influence on the Star Runner. When the greenhouse plants dies, Tane is the first to accuse Zandie and demands that she be re-suspended.

Trade Off

Episode 06
Seven: July 07, 2004
ABC: October 15, 2004
Written by Kirsty Fisher
Directed by Mandy Smith

When it is discovered that Degenhardt selected Zandie for reanimation, Degenhardt is ordered to face a disciplinary tribunal and must choose his punishment. Unimpressed that Degenhardt interfered with her life, Zandie tries to settle into her new life by moving into the girls dorm.

Frozen Exile

Episode 07
Seven: July 08, 2004
ABC: October 18, 2004
Written by Chris Roache
Directed by Mandy Smith

Having decided his punishment is to be frozen from the remainder of the 90 year voyage, Degenhardt prepares to meet his fate as a spectacular comet passes by and the Star Runner is thrown into disarray.

No Probe-lemo

Episode 08
Seven: July 08, 2004
ABC: October 19, 2004
Written by Graeme Farmer
Directed by Mandy Smith

With the Star Runner on a collision course with an uncharted planet, it is Zandie who has the answer that saves the ship. The planet appears to be habitable and so the crew launch probes which are mysteriously lost. Annoyed that Cyriax appears to have not listened to the crews wishes, Zandie and Degenhardt decide to fight for what they believe in.

Hot Seat

Episode 09
Seven: July 09, 2004
ABC: October 20, 2004
Written by Chris Roache
Directed by Pino Amenta

Tane manages to fly the Star Runner to safety using the gravity of the newly discovered planet Earth Two.Frictions arise when Mara is selected to talk to Earth in a worldcast interview. Tane and Leonella share their first kiss.

With: Don Halbert et al

Splitski

Episode 10
Seven: July 09, 2004
ABC: October 21, 2004
Written by Chris Roache
Directed by Pino Amenta

Tensions build as Tane and Leonella try to hide their relationship. Zandie, Degenhardt and Leonella lock themselves in the dorm, demanding to be allowed more of an equal say in how things are run on Star Runner. When Tane fails a flight test, Cyriax gives him an ultimatum; shape up or stand down.

Can Opener

Episode 11
Seven: July 12, 2004
ABC: October 22, 2004
Written by Graeme Farmer
Directed by Pino Amenta

A wormhole swallows the Star Runner leading to the break up of the mutiny. But the Star Runner is now lost in time and space.

Where's My Star?

Episode 12
Seven: July 12, 2004
ABC: October 25, 2004
Written by Meg Mappin
Directed by Pino Amenta

Sheng manages to find a way to get the Star Runner back through the wormhole but it takes some skilled flying from Tane to actually do it. Zandie plays havoc with Tane's feelings for Leonella by suggesting she was Cyriax's spy. Tycho sees something out of the ship window. Have they brought something back from the wormhole?

Jelly Belly

Episode 13
Seven: July 13, 2004
ABC: October 26, 2004
Written by Glen Dolman
Directed by Paul Moloney

The strange space creature that Tycho claims to have seen, fails to materialise but then Pancha and Sheng start to get odd sensor readouts from the outside sensor system. Did Tycho really see something? To allay the fears of the crew, Cyriax performs a spacewalk and finds that a loose solar panel was causing all of the problems. Once back on board, Cyriax notices something odd on his space suit and is bitten by an alien space slug!

Last One Standing

Episode 14
Seven: July 13, 2004
ABC: October 27, 2004
Written by Chris Roache
Directed by Paul Moloney

Infected by an alien, Cyriax hides his illness as he slowly slips into madness. Tensions between Leonella and Zandie come to a head. Pushed to the brink, Leonella challenges Zandie to a martial arts joust.

Two Faced

Episode 15
Seven: July 14, 2004
ABC: October 28, 2004
Written by Chris Roache
Directed by Paul Moloney

With Cyriax's mania building, Zandie consoles her loneliness with a bottle of wine. On the cubeball court, Cyriax plays dirty with Tane but Degenhardt is unable to convince the cadet to report the injuries. Pancha, uncomfortable with her own body image after Sheng tries to ask her out, creates the "perfect girl" on the computer.

Call Waiting

Episode 16
Seven: July 14, 2004
ABC: October 29, 2004
Written by Meg Mappin
Directed by Paul Moloney

Cyriax and his irrationality sees the Star Runner heading back to the Wormhole! Meanwhile, Mara relents and accepts some illicit holophone credits from Zandie and Pancha introduces Sheng to her digital amalgamation.

Hole In The Heart

Episode 17
Seven: July 15, 2004
ABC: November 01, 2004
Written by Graeme Farmer
Directed by Mandy Smith

The Commander's madness is a subject no one dares comment on even though his latest order has the Star Runner flying back towards the wormhole. Pancha and Sheng try to work out a way to combine their hectic schedules with time for love. Mara is stood down causing Lillian to confront Cyriax who collapses in a fit of alien convulsions.

Atmosfear

Episode 18
Seven: July 15, 2004
ABC: November 02, 2004
Written by Glen Dolman
Directed by Mandy Smith

Having collapsed, Cyriax's infection means that the ship will have to be completely disinfected. But will Tane and Degenhardt's egos lead to a double tragedy? Sheng and Pancha's relationship suffers when Pancha decides she can't mix work and romance.

Begin-Again

Episode 19
Seven: July 16, 2004
ABC: November 03, 2004
Written by Andrew Muir
Directed by Mandy Smith

The only way to save the deteriorating Cyriax is to send him back to Earth. But who will go with him? Volunteers are called for before Acting Commander Steve makes his decision; Tane and Mara. Leonella has other ideas though. If Tane is going, so is she!

One Way Ticket

Episode 20
Seven: July 16, 2004
ABC: November 04, 2004
Written by Peter Kinloch
Directed by Mandy Smith

As Degenhardt and Mara battle to solve a riddle that could mean Cyriax won't be sent back to Earth, Leonella campaigns to replace Mara on the voyage and Zandie is asked to help choose which of the settlers to reanimate to help crew the ship.

Spare Parts

Episode 21
Seven: September 20, 2004 (QNS, Vic)
Seven: September 27, 2004 (NSW, SA, ACT)
ABC: November 05, 2004
Written by Fiona Wood
Directed by Pino Amenta

While Cyriax's harvest clone is examined to see how it can save Cyriax, Zandie is alone in her belief that C2 should be awakened and given the chance to develop.

Speaking Up

Episode 22
Seven: September 20, 2004 (QNS, Vic)
Seven: September 27, 2004 (NSW, SA, ACT)
ABC: November 08, 2004
Written by Rob George
Directed by Pino Amenta

With the Clone awake, Zandie champions for his rights and debate rages amongst the crew as preparations are made to re-suspend him. Romance blooms when Mara coaches Degenhardt on changing his appearance to project a more leaderly image.

Join The Club

Episode 23
Seven: September 21, 2004 (QNS, Vic)
Seven: September 28, 2004 (NSW, SA, ACT)
ABC: November 09, 2004
Written by Ray Boseley
Directed by Pino Amenta

Tycho, Sheng and Pancha try to see what the Clone's potential is as Karen teaches the crew to dance. Zandie spies Mara and Degenhardt kissing. The secret is finally out!

Brain Drain

Episode 24
Seven: September 21, 2004 (QNS, Vic)
Seven: September 28, 2004 (NSW, SA, ACT)
ABC: November 10, 2004
Written by Jo Martino
Directed by Pino Amenta

Wanting to demonstrate his capabilities, C2 sneaks onto the bridge and pilots the ship with disastrous results. The cadets have their formal and all are taken aback by the surprise appearance of Zandie who's natural dancing abilities make her the belle of the ball.

Will Power

Episode 25
Seven: September 22, 2004 (QNS, Vic)
Seven: September 29, 2004 (NSW, SA, ACT)
ABC: November 11, 2004
Written by Graeme Farmer
Directed by Paul Moloney

After colliding with the fuel barge, the Star Runner is stuck, stranded thanks to the Clone. As C2's condition deteriorates, a decision must be made about his future.

Crossing The Line

Episode 26
Seven: September 22, 2004 (QNS, Vic)
Seven: September 29, 2004 (NSW, SA, ACT)
ABC: November 12, 2004
Written by Mark Poole
Directed by Paul Moloney

To alleviate growing tensions on the ship, a celebration is held for crossing the Andromeda Line, the Star Runner's point of no return. Sheng and Tycho's experiments with the ship's food supplies has unintended side effects for the crew.

Dark Matters

Episode 27
Seven: September 23, 2004 (QNS, Vic)
Seven: September 30, 2004 (NSW, SA, ACT)
ABC: November 15, 2004
Written by Kirsty Fisher
Directed by Paul Moloney

Spooky stories told to each other are taken one step too far by Tycho who completely freaks his sister out. When she disappears, has the Dark Matter got her?

Between Floors

Episode 28
Seven: September 23, 2004 (QNS, Vic)
Seven: September 30, 2004 (NSW, SA, ACT)
ABC: November 16, 2004
Written by Chris Roache
Directed by Paul Moloney

Like ghosts, Cinnamon and Mara wait for Sheng to rescue them. Sheng makes some experiments and finally manages to work out where they are. Bringing them back is another matter.

Take A Walk

Episode 29
Seven: September 24, 2004 (QNS, Vic)
Seven: October 01, 2004 (NSW, SA, ACT)
ABC: November 17, 2004
Written by Meaghan Smith
Directed by Mandy Smith

Excitement builds as the Star Runner approaches a cloud of micrometeorites and preparations are made for spacewalks to collect samples. Upset at not being chosen for the spacewalk, Mara takes her concerns up the chain of command until she learns the difficult truth about why she wasn't selected. Tane gives Cinnamon and Tycho the chance to master the most important task on the ship... laundry.

Rock The Boat

Episode 30
Seven: September 24, 2004 (QNS, Vic)
Seven: October 01, 2004 (NSW, SA, ACT)
ABC: November 18, 2004
Written by Fiona Wood
Directed by Mandy Smith

A sample retrieved from the micrometeorite cloud causes problems for the Star Runner when is is discovered to not only be emitting a strange radio signal but to have markings on it's surface. Could this be a lost alien artifact?

Cold Shoulder

Episode 31
Seven: September 27, 2004 (QNS, Vic)
ABC: November 19, 2004
Written by Rob George
Directed by Mandy Smith

Heartbroken over Degenhardt's relationship with Mara, Zandie opts for re-suspension. But will she be allowed to go through with it? Sheng and Tane take on Cyriax's computer fishing game — and accidentally catch the big prize!

Boil Over

Episode 32
Seven: September 27, 2004 (QNS, Vic)
ABC: November 22, 2004
Written by Peter Kinloch
Directed by Mandy Smith

The Star Runner is threatened from the heat of a supernova that places the crews and the cryons in danger. Sheng develops a crush on Leonella.

Under Pressure

Episode 33
Seven: September 28, 2004 (QNS, Vic)
ABC: November 23, 2004
Written by Giula Sandler
Directed by Pino Amenta

Exam time sees Sheng play out his crush with Leonella, stealing the exam papers to try and win her love. Cinnamon and Tycho inadvertently launch themselves in an Escape Module into space. Pancha is strangely run down and lethargic.

Take Your Pulsar

Episode 34
Seven: September 28, 2004 (QNS, Vic)
ABC: November 24, 2004
Written by Graeme Farmer
Directed by Pino Amenta

The medical team go to work to try and save Pancha when it turns out her rapid energy loss is being caused by a pulsar. Using Zandie's gunnery skills, the Star Runner must use a neutrino cannon to destroy the pulsar or Pancha will die.

Musical Chairs

Episode 35
Seven: September 29, 2004 (QNS, Vic)
ABC: November 25, 2004
Written by Ray Boseley
Directed by Pino Amenta

Embracing her creativity, Pancha takes up her old oboe much to Sheng's dismay while Zande fills the role of Computer Operator. She manages to survive a rough time from Tane who gives her a hard time. But when she intercepts a strange radio transmission, could it be that the Star Runner is not alone?

Revelations

Episode 36
Seven: September 29, 2004 (QNS, Vic)
ABC: November 26, 2004
Written by Andrew Muir
Directed by Pino Amenta

Zandie is accused of sabotage when the Star Runner crew discovers a computer virus has put them on the wrong course. But is Zandie really the culprit? An Inquiry is set up to see if charges should be laid. Sheng and Tycho experiment with Matter Transference. Another distress beacon is heard coming from within the Sargasso. Is the Star Runner going to render assistance to the mysterious signal?

Ghost Ship

Episode 37
Seven: September 30, 2004 (QNS, Vic)
ABC: November 29, 2004
Written by Meaghan Smith
Directed by Paul Moloney

Cyriax orders a boarding party to go and explore the Infinity, a "ghost ship" identical to the Star Runner. In the empty ship, every noise and sight out of the ordinary becomes something from a bad dream. When Degehardt and Mara find an empty crew pod in the cryon hold, a search is initiated for the missing crew member.

With: Victoria Eagger as Commodore Sorenson, Adrian Mulraney as Commander Darius, Michael Harrison as Strega

Enemy Within

Episode 38
Seven: September 30, 2004 (QNS, Vic)
ABC: November 30, 2004
Written by Graeme Farmer
Directed by Paul Moloney

The Search Team find an unconscious crew member on the Infinity. Bringing him back to the Star Runner, the crew wait for him to regain consciousness. As they do, questions need to be answered, especially for Leonella regarding Tane. But sometimes the answers are best not known...

With: Michael Harrison as Strega, Anthony Mays as Strega Stunt Double

Dark Past

Episode 39
Seven: October 01, 2004 (QNS, Vic)
ABC: December 01, 2004
Written by Graeme Farmer
Directed by Paul Moloney

Confronting Tane on what she knows about his friendship with the mysterious Strega, Leonella tells Tane that he has to own up to his part in the mystery. But Tane isn't so sure. In the Lab, Sheng and Pancha work hard to try and decrypt Commander Darius' Log. Not feeling like he is getting any of the truth from Strega, Cyriax decides that he should reanimate Commander Darius.

With: Michael Harrison as Strega, Adrian Mulraney as Commander Darius

Journey Into Fear

Episode 40 (finale)
Seven: October 01, 2004 (QNS, Vic)
ABC: December 02, 2004
Written by Chris Roache
Directed by Paul Moloney

The fates have swung against Tane who is being questioned by Lillian and Cyriax for his part in Strega's plan. It doesn't looks good, and Cyriax's heart is broken to think that his most trusted cadet could betray him like this.

With: Michael Harrison as Strega