A Look Back at LOGAN'S RUN (1977-78)

In the fall of 1977, CBS debuted a science fiction series, based on the modest 1976 theatrical movie hit, LOGAN'S RUN. A movie that grossed nearly three times it's production budget, won one Academy Award  (visual effects) and six Saturn Awards, including Best Sci-fi Movie of the year. Unfortunately, the CBS series did not equal the success of the movie.

THE PLOT:
In the 23rd century, people did not live beyond 30 years of age. Once they reached this ripe old age, they were ceremoniously killed in a public exhibition. This ritual was to help prevent over population. Each person has a "life-clock" embeded in their hand and the day they reach 30, the color of the life-clock changes. Almost every one lives a life of pleasure and hedonism, until their end. But, some citizens attempt want more than this in their life. They want to live beyond 30.

The main character, Logan 5, is a Sandman. A law enforcement official whose duty is to track and capture Runners. Enter our female lead, Jessica 6. She is a runner which Logan chases. But instead of bringing her to justice to meet her predetermined fate, he joins Jessica and runs away. Chasing them is fellow Sandman, Francis, who was Logan's partner. Logan and Jessica are looking for "Sanctuary," a post-apocalyptic American city. Along the way, Logan and Jessica meet up with Rem, an android, who they meet early in their adventure and joins them in their search. REM is one character that was not in the theatrical movie.

Each week, We would follow Logan and Jessica to the different civilizations, cities and cultures, in their search for Sanctuary. Every week, Francis gets closer to catching them, only to have them elude him.

THE CAST:
There were just the four main characters, as mentioned above. Logan was played by Gregory Harrison, before he was cast as Dr. 'Gonzo' Gates, on TRAPPER JOHN M.D. (1979-85).

Jessica was played by Heather Menzies. She was previously Louisa Von Trapp, in the 1965 classic film SOUND OF MUSIC. She was married to classic TV actor, Robert Urich, from 1975 until his early death, in 2002.

Rem was played by veteran character actor, Donald Moffat. His works include POPEYE (1980), THE THING (1982), REGARDING HENRY (1991) and a guest starring role on THE WEST WING.

The Sandman, Francis, chasing the the trio, was played by Randy Powell. Is other reguular TV role was on DALLAS as Alan Beam.

THE RUN:
LOGAN'S RUN only made it until the mid-season, producing just 14 episodes, but just 11 episodes made it on air. It premiered on September 16, 1977 and ended on February 6, 1978. The ratings were solid, initially, but constant preemptions through the run, frustrated viewers. They gave up and the ratings went down hill.

I was just 10 years old when this hit the TV and, from what I can remember, it was very formulaic, as was the style in those days. It is not as good as the movie, which is VERY 70's like with it's production style. If you have to chose on or the other, pick the theatrical movie.

AUTOPILOT:
To learn more about this classic TV Series, one of my favorite podcast, AUTO PILOT, covered this series last fall.

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LOGAN'S RUN OPENING THEME: