UFO's were still a curiosity in pop culture in the early 80's. Independent producer Mark Carliner tried to address and exploit this in a 1981 ABC TV-movie, which led to the short-lived spring 1982 series, The Phoenix.
Bennu of the Golden Light (Judson Scott) is awakened from a sarcophagus in Peru by an American scientist (E. G. Marshall, ex-The Bold Ones, The Defenders). Bennu then begins a quest to locate a female companion from his homeworld, who apparently is also on Earth.
As noted, it took a year before The Phoenix became a weekly series, and that lead time proved costly. Posited on Mondays, the series lasted just 5 weeks (March-April 1982), before being cancelled.
Right now, let's take a look at the pilot movie from 1981, co-starring Daryl Anderson (Lou Grant).
So what killed the show? It aired opposite Little House on the Prairie. Ballgame over.
I remember my parents did try this show out. The subject matter being what it was tuned me out. Besides, the plot seemed to come from a recycling bin.
Rating: B-.
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