or "That Darn George!"
"Alien Nation" began as a motion picuture released in 1988, starring James Caan as Hard-Boiled Detective Matt Sykes and Mandy Patinkin as his zany alien sidekick, George Francisco. In the film the city is terrorized by Terrance Stamp (General Zod in "Superman 2" and Chancellor Velorum in "Star Wars Ep. 1") and George and Matt are forced to work together in the fight to halt Terrance Stamp's drug trade, and avenge Matt's partner's death. In the end Terrance Stamp drinks a vial of Ooze and becomes Super Stamp (kind of like the ending to "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2") and wackiness ensues.
In 1989, Fox television debuted "Alien Nation: The Series". The series featured Eric Pierpoint (Richard Cole in "Liar Liar") and legendary screen star Gary Graham (of "Robot Jox" fame) in the coveted Matt Sykes role. The two brought depth to the characters and gave the show it's heart. Together the audience bonded along with this fih out of water and his alcoholic racist police officer friend.
"It's called Baseball, George!"
Rounding out the show was it's great supporting cast, including Sean Six as rebellious son Buck Francisco, Michelle Scarabelli as wife Susan Francisco, Lauren Woodland as Daughter Emily Francisco, Terri Treas as Matt's neighbor Cathy, and Ron Fassler as angry police Captain Brian Gazer.
