UFO S1 E2: Computer Affair

"ITV began colour transmissions in the UK in November 1969 and by the autumn of 1970 most of the regional transmitters were broadcasting colour signals. UFO was broadcast in colour right from the off, but you still had to have a colour… television in order to watch the programme in colour. In 1970/71, the majority of the British public were still watching … monochrome televisions. Unfortunately, colour televisions were very expensive to buy … and those that could afford them were in the minority until 1972/73 when they started to become more affordable. Today everyone remembers UFO as the show where the girls had purple hair, but back in the 1970s, the Moongirls' hair was sort of silvery grey to most of us."
-FAB #66-





It's FAB FRIDAY! And by gosh UFO looks amazing on Blu-Ray today!

UFO (1970) was an astounding looking series and yet it was so mishandled, shown out of order while technology was sorely lacking. Seeing UFO in its intended order on Blu-Ray some nearly fifty years after its broadcast may be the best, brightest most vibrant format of the series you'll ever see it in. The medium brings UFO to life. That vibrancy can be seen right here in UFO, Episode 2, Computer Affair.



Computer Affair ends on another mature conclusion and one left open-ended and to critical interpretation despite its target audience and being an early, less than stellar entry in the series run.

Critical decisions made by Lt. Gay Ellis in the show's climax are left in question. Were her motivations out of love? Were the decisions made out of friendship? Was it all just an executive decision?



In the end, this whole seemingly alien affair does end on a computer note. Earlier one set of computer data analysis indicates one outcome. By the episode's conclusion another set of computer variables and data readouts suggest Ellis may have made the right call. The question remains what was the overarching reason for her decision? Personal? Duty? And can we ultimately rely strictly on a set of ones and zeroes to determine human decision.

What Computer Affair does foreshadow or predict is Space:1999's (1975-1977) much greater question regarding humanity's reliance on technology. Trusting a computer, referenced often in that series simply as Computer, versus required human decision is often a theme in play. This is foreshadowed very early on here in Gerry and Sylvia Anderson's UFO.



Some fine performances by George Sewell as a real task master and Gabrielle Drake as Gay Ellis are the glue to the entry along with the always formidable Ed Bishop.

And yet, Computer Affair is but a slight entry in the series with its rigid flow and slow pacing. Whilst far from UFO at its best there is some effort in play to make science fiction for a mature audience masked by its impressively vivid colors for intended kids.



For UFO, Computer Affair asks a similar question. Can computers be entrusted for every critical decision? Conversely, the SHADO personnel are merely human and are ultimately doomed to make good and bad choices however skilled they may be. We are only human after all.



Computer Affair, while not one of UFO's stronger entries, is still mindful and thoughtful to suggest how critical decisions are made. "You people were selected because of your outstanding character as well as intellect." Humanity must make a calculated, balanced decision partly on technological man's reliance on computers combined with variables uniquely poised by a human being's training and free will. These are factors ultimately a computer cannot reach and can miss becoming ultimately a human affair. The combination of the two variables can make for unexpected results.

Writer: Tony Barwick. Director: David Lane.