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Based on an idea by Gene Roddenberry Andromeda wears its debt to Star Trek on its sleeve, recalling the best sci-fi of Roddenberry's heyday. Kevin (ex-Hercules) Sorbo, plays Captain Dylan Hunt, the sympathetically flawed idealist in command of the Andromeda Ascendant, a massive 1.4km long starship of the now-disbanded Systems Commonwealth. The fall of civilisation has meant that although she ought to be a relic she remains the zenith of technological advancement.

Episodes on this DVD:Angel Dark, Demon Bright; The Ties That Blind; Banks of the Lethe; A Rose in the Ashes; All Great Neptune's Ocean.

"Angel Dark, Demon Bright". Time travel is always a sci-fi series staple, but Andromeda needs it more than any of them. Any method (excuse!) to re-visit Dylan's own time is explored, and "Angel Dark, Demon Bright" is therefore an important episode for two reasons. We see just how badly the Commonwealth had it coming in an enormous space battle; and we also perceive how potentially dangerous Trance is. Pruning the branches of time as easily as her plants, she's clearly a conundrum waiting to explode.

"The Ties That Blind". A dual reference to aspects of faith, on the one hand there's Rev's devout following of The Way, which unwittingly obscures certain truths from him; on the other hand there's the belief that blood is thicker than water which severely confuses the relationship Beka has with her long-lost con-artist brother Rafe (Cameron Daddo). There's a lot of art imitating life in this episode, with The Restorian's tactics clearly mirroring contemporary religious conflicts.

"The Banks of the Lethe". Proving that all's fair in love and war this episode demonstrates the familial possibilities of syndicated TV. Firstly, Sorbo's real-life wife plays Dylan's fiancée Sara. Secondly, the story was originally touted to Star Trek: Voyager. It's another time travel quickie (told you they were important), in which a touching reunion for the Sorbos is made possible thanks to a botched experiment in Harper's lab. This instalment is also distinguished for featuring some of the most surreal humour in dealing with time travel since Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure.

"A Rose in the Ashes". Sometimes diplomacy just doesn't work. "A Rose in the Ashes" is sought on planet Arazia where Dylan is imploring their Government to join his Commonwealth. Deemed traitors for suggesting it, he and Rommie's "living doll" incarnation are sent to a harsh prison planet. This was the first show to utilise exterior locations, which makes for a welcome change. The same is also true about seeing Lexa Doig in a leather-studded bikini top and disco pants.

"All Neptune's Great Oceans". Paraphrasing Macbeth, this is another spotlight show for Tyr. The endlessly surly muscle man is accused of assassinating a visiting President. The crew sleuth out clues and red herrings, making this a watered-down whodunnit in the now well-established sci-fi tradition.--Paul Tonks