Forgotten TV: The Carpenters' Space Encounters (1978)

 In May 1978, television executives were still looking to cash in on "Star Wars", but no network was more active in this category than ABC.

Four months before Battlestar Galactica & Mork & Mindy hit the air, the alphabet network signed the Carpenters, Richard & Karen, to star in a primetime special, headlined by their cover of Klaatu's "Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft". Had they waited, say, another 4-6 months, they could've done a crossover with either of the two freshman series. Robin Williams interacting with the Carpenters would've been priceless.

Of course, I can think of a couple of cartoon heroes that would've filled the bill, too, but that would be too easy.

Anyway, the Carpenters are joined by guests Suzanne Somers (Three's Company), John Davidson, and Charlie Callas, fresh from Switch. Charlie plays the siblings' producer, but also gets to mug for the camera as only he can. Somers & Davidson are aliens who get schooled by the Carpenters.

Like I said, they could've waited a few months to meet Mork.

Anyway.......

I didn't see this the first time, didn't even know about it, really. No rating.