Journey Into Space
Certainly not a contemporary choice, but this classic 1950s radio serial is a really great crew dynamic. Working with the limitations of a non-visual medium means that the whole conceit has to be sold via sound effects and vocal interactions of Discovery’s crew. The result is way ahead of its time. They are all carefully unique, with Jet Morgan almost certainly too hot-headed to be in charge, but mercifully kept in check by the calming presence of Doc Matthews. Humanity and humor are provided by Cockney radio operator, Lemmy, balancing out straight-talking and slightly insane engineer Mitch. Going to the moon, and latterly Mars, when such things were only a pipedream at the time requires a special kind of imagination and the eerie tone is nailed perfectly. The phrase, “Orders must be obeyed without question at all times” still gives me shivers. Would like to think I’m Doc, but I’m probably Lemmy.
