Andromeda is a Canadian science fiction television series created by Gene Roddenberry and Robert Hewitt Wolfe and set thousands of years in the future, and revolves around the Systems Commonwealth, a constitutional monarchy based in a distant star system called Tarn-Vedra.
The series originally aired in Canada on Global from 2 October, 2000 to 13 May, 2005. There are 110 episodes in five seasons.
Andromeda originally premiered in South Africa on SABC1 on Sunday 4 August, 2002. Only the first season aired on SABC1.
The series later premiered on DStv's actionX (now M-Net Action) channel on Wednesday 4 January 2006, at 19h00. See "Seasons" below for seasonal broadcast dates and times.
Season 5 premiered on M-Net Action on Wednesday 1 October 2008, at 19h00. There are 22 episodes in the fifth and final season.
Season 5 Repeats
Thursdays: 10h00
Sundays: 16h00
Tuesdays: 18h00
Synopsis
Set in deep space, Andromeda revolves around the adventures of Dylan Hunt, Captain of the Andromeda Ascendant, his six crew members and their efforts to restore the System’s Commonwealth, a government that was responsible for a time of extended peace and prosperity.
Dylan and the star ship Andromeda Ascendant are believed lost during the turmoil that destroyed the System’s Commonwealth, which governed a civilization that spanned worlds in three different galaxies. Betrayed from within, the Commonwealth fell and plunged society into chaos.
The Andromeda Ascendant is discovered three centuries later on the event horizon of a black hole by a salvage ship called the Eureka Maru. Hoping to claim the advanced ship for themselves, the crew of the Eureka Maru rescues the Andromeda Ascendant.
Dylan awakens from stasis to find his entire world dramatically changed. Civilization is in ruins. Devastated, he is determined to restore the Commonwealth.
Recruiting the crew of the Eureka Maru to his cause, he sets out to weave together the many diverse cultures of the known worlds until they are once again united.
The crew of the Andromeda come from vastly diverse cultures. In their quest to restore the Commonwealth, they must effectively deal with their differences. Dylan sets out to accomplish this daunting mission with his eclectic crew of volunteers.
They are:
Beka Valentine
Beka is the commander of the salvage ship Eureka Maru and the eventual first officer of the Andromeda Ascendant. Her razor sharp wit and feisty character is just as captivating as her striking beauty.
Beka’s reasons for joining the Andromeda Ascendant are relatively selfish. She hopes that once Dylan realizes the futility of his quest, she will be able to redirect him to consider more lucrative pursuits.
Tyr Anasazi
Tyr is a descendant of the Neitzscheans, a subspecies of humanity that have genetically engineered themselves to be the ultimate survivors. Because of his modifications, Tyr is stronger and faster than a normal human.
He is a firm believer in the theory of social Darwinism and has been thoroughly indoctrinated into his people’s “kill or be killed” philosophy. The Neitzscheans were the primary conspirators in the uprising that destroyed the Commonwealth.
This is precisely why the Andromeda crew is interested in recruiting him, reasoning that not every rebel was Neitzschean and not every Neitzschean rebelled.
Surprisingly, Tyr accepts the invitation to join the crew, but for reasons of his own. He believes the Andromeda is his chance for redemption and revenge.
Rev Bem
Rev Bem is a member of the Magog alien race known for it's savageness and feared throughout the galaxy.
The flesh eating Magog carry a potent paralyzing venom in their fangs. They use their victim’s bodies as egg incubators for their offspring.
Ironically, Rev Bem is a peaceful soul - a scientist, sociologist, linguist and priest. He is a convert to a belief system called Wayism, which encompasses the beliefs of several religions.
He joins the Andromeda to embrace Dylan’s mission, seeing the resurrection of the Commonwealth and the spread of the Way as mutually complimentary goals.
Seamus Harper
Engineer and fix-it man Seamus is the only member of the Andromeda Ascendant born and raised on earth.
After a tumultuous upbringing, Seamus is deficient in social graces and communicates mostly through sarcasm and wisecracks. He is fascinated with the Andromeda Ascendant and spends the majority of his energy on the maintenance and upkeep of the ship.
Trance Gemini
Life support officer, botanist and xenobiologist are just a few of the duties the mysterious Trance serves as on board the Andromeda.
A young alien with an elfish appearance, Trance is tough and resourceful with a vulnerable side. Trance comes from a far more advanced civilization than the rest of the crew and views her fellow crew members as pets. She feels superior toward them, but also enjoys being around them and feels it is her responsibility to protect them.
Andromeda Ascendant
The final member of the crew is the actual ship herself. The Andromeda Ascendant (Lexa Doig) resembles a person in many ways and is able to interact with the crew using her voice and a “public appearance” body.
Although her brain is a computer, she is every bit as alive and “human” as the rest of the crew. She loves games and plays them constantly, both against herself and the crew. The Andromeda Ascendant’s real passion, however, is Dylan, who receives her unswerving support.
Seasons
(All seasons consist of 22 episodes)
Season 1
Channel: SABC1 | Premiere: 4 August 2002 | Finale: 29 December 2002 | Sundays, 18h30
Channel: actionX | Premiere: 4 January 2006 | Finale: 31 May 2006 | Wednesdays, 19h00
Season 2
Channel: actionX | Premiere: 20 September 2006 | Finale: 14 February 2007 | Wednesdays, 19h00
Season 3
Channel: actionX | Premiere: 30 May 2007 | Finale: 24 October 2007 | Wednesdays, 19h00
Season 4
Channel: actionX | Premiere: 31 October 2007 | Finale: 26 March 2008 | Wednesdays, 20h00
Season 5
Channel: M-Net Action | Premiere: 1 October 2008 | Finale: 25 Feb 2009 | Wednesdays, 19h00