PLOT: Princess Ardala (Pamela Hensley) returns with an orbital weapon of mass destruction, threatening to obliterate whole cities on Earth unless she can wed Buck Rogers (!).
COMMENTARY: The notable elements are (1.) the initial return of Ardala from the pilot; (2.) Michael Ansara's first of three outings as Ardala's second-in-command, Kane (sci-fi fans might remember him from a decade earlier as Kang from Star Trek's "Day of the Dove"); and (3.) an entertaining "disco skating" sequence that lasts over 2 minutes highlighted by Elaine Nista and Nancy Morris. One of them is brunette and the other blond with the former being particularly jaw-dropping (the end of their routine offers all the evidence you need).
Another highlight is Tigerman's second of three appearances as Ardala's muscleman of limited intelligence (H.B. Haggerty; Tigerman's first appearance in the pilot was played by another guy). He has an interesting story bit revolving around his duel-to-the-death with Buck.
Unfortunately, the script is weak and so the story is generally dull, unless you're an uber-devotee of Ardala (Hensley). (I'm not, but she plays the part well and certainly has the requisite 'looks that kill'). Buck's solo dialogues with her are particularly tedious. Hensley would return to the series two more times as Ardala, all first season episodes.
COMMENTARY: The notable elements are (1.) the initial return of Ardala from the pilot; (2.) Michael Ansara's first of three outings as Ardala's second-in-command, Kane (sci-fi fans might remember him from a decade earlier as Kang from Star Trek's "Day of the Dove"); and (3.) an entertaining "disco skating" sequence that lasts over 2 minutes highlighted by Elaine Nista and Nancy Morris. One of them is brunette and the other blond with the former being particularly jaw-dropping (the end of their routine offers all the evidence you need).
Another highlight is Tigerman's second of three appearances as Ardala's muscleman of limited intelligence (H.B. Haggerty; Tigerman's first appearance in the pilot was played by another guy). He has an interesting story bit revolving around his duel-to-the-death with Buck.
Unfortunately, the script is weak and so the story is generally dull, unless you're an uber-devotee of Ardala (Hensley). (I'm not, but she plays the part well and certainly has the requisite 'looks that kill'). Buck's solo dialogues with her are particularly tedious. Hensley would return to the series two more times as Ardala, all first season episodes.