Serendipity One
An intergalactic carnival midway on the planetoid, Barnum-5, is the scene of a Friday night date for Capt. Buddy Griff and Starlab's librarian, Ingrid. Then, on the way home to Starlab, their ship is thrown off course and they land on the uncharted planet Zanzibar/Alpha, where they encounter giant crystalline madonnas. Through the courtesy of these translucent ladies, we are taken along with Buddy and Ingrid on a series of transcendental experiences.
Rad Bradbury's story, The Illustrated Man is referenced.
It is announced that listeners can send in for a collection of commemorative scenes from alien worlds. To get the booklet, you had to send two candy wrappers and 50 cents for the booklet. The address was announced twice during this episode. I did that at the time, and received a pamphlet that had illustrations for 9 of the episodes. Unfortunately, I left it on the floor and my dog chewed it up. I guess it smelled like candy...
Daphne brings a VHS tape of Otto's carnival to show to Buddy and his friends. VHS tapes were still fairly new at the time and the popularity was growing daily. It isn't surprising that it the writer assumed they would still be around in the 21st century.While the producers gave it a good try. It is hard to relate the excitement from people watching a tape of a "space circus" over the radio. Nevertheless, it is a fun and well written episode.
Maura says Steve Martin's line, "Well Excusssse me!" This phrase
was huge in popular culture of the late 70s.
Again Buddy references 20th century pop culture by mentioning the films "A
Night At The Opera" and "A Day At The Races". Again, it has been
setup that Buddy is verse in 20th century pop culture.
This is the first episode where the main actors are listed along with the
character that they play.
The story continues for Otto Starshine's Carnival of Thrilling Wonders. Buddy and Ingred are introduced to Otto's "Fourth Ring" by Madam Desha.
Again in this episode it is announced that listeners can get a souvenir booklet with 9 full color illustrations for two candy wrappers and 50 cents. This announcement was made twice by Roger Dressler during the broadcast. For me, it would be interesting to know how many booklets were produced and how many people sent in for the booklet. It also seems a bit strange that at this point in time, the show is popular enough to have a mail-in offer to get this booklet, yet, the show is cancelled after the next episode, "The Himalayan Parallel". It is strange and disappointing that the show did not last any longer than it did.
Every episode sent to radio stations came with two promo spots for the
show. One of those promo spots also provided the address for the
souvenir booklet.