Actor Gil Gerard, best known for his role as Buck Rogers, spoke openly about major changes coming to Buck Rogers in the 25th Century during a 1981 interview with KCRA.
In the interview, Gerard revealed that the sci-fi series was undergoing a creative overhaul, including the introduction of new characters, shifting storylines, and a renewed focus on character-driven storytelling.
“We’re changing a lot of things,” Gerard said, explaining that the revamped show would feature a new, arrogant robot named Crichton, the return of fan-favorite Tweaky, and a new version of Dr. Goodfellow, played by Wilford Hyde White.
Gerard noted that the writers were steering the series away from purely episodic adventures and toward deeper character development. He also addressed the long-discussed romantic tension between Buck Rogers and Wilma Deering, explaining why portraying a serious romance on the show was complicated.
“If you show any kind of real love interest between the two of them,” Gerard said, “then you either have to marry them or kill them.”
The full 1981 interview can be viewed in the video linked above.
Gil Gerard passed away Tuesday at the age of 82, leaving behind a lasting legacy in science fiction television.
Claire