Doctor Clu's Space Shows

I remember watching that show, and being really impressed with the production values and effects (for Saturday morning fare). Filmation made Ark II, Space Academy and Jason of Star Command. I don't think they were actually related, apart from the re-use of props. But I think Space Academy was retooled into Jason of Star Command to cash-in on Star Wars.

That's what I remember; was that they had good Special FX for the time (and for their budgets!)

 

You'll probably laugh, but back then we watched a show like this for one or two space ship shots (as in camera shots), and always hoped for one or two weapons shots (as in Lasers or whatever their ships fired) and with any luck an explosion or two...I don't even think I paid attention to characters or plot or anything like that.

 

 

I get them mixed up, but I seem to recall Space Academy had one kind of ship and the sequel (?) Jason of Star Command had 2 kinds of ships...I always assumed those 2 were related. I think the ships were called the same names, but as far as Ark II, if I saw it I don't recall...I get the impression it is not really related except for being by the same company.

Space Academy's ship was called the Seeker. They repurposed the front-end of the Ark II vehicle for it. I don't recall what the ship was called in Jason of Star Command, but it was more fighter-like in appearance, and had an escape pod or something mounted to its nose. (Too lazy for Wikipedia this morning.)

All right..I've got it!

 

Jason of Star Command was a spin off of Space Academy (Jesus I almost for got the name again haha)...Anyway the ship (Shuttle?) called a Seeker was in both shows and Jason had a ship called a Starfire (Not to be confused with Buck Rogers' ships of the same name IIRC) in Jason of Star Command.

If I recall correctly, the Ark II was repurposed as the shuttle in Space Academy.

 

Fun facts, Jason, Craig Littler, was in a Gray Poupon commercial and is the current Gorton's fisherman.