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Spoof films and television have enjoyed great popularity over the years, with the genre occasionally achieving remarkable success. Among the most parodied franchises is “Star Trek,” which has inspired a number of affectionate send-ups, including the beloved “Galaxy Quest.” This film, hailed as one of the finest spoofs ever made, demonstrates that even light-hearted tributes can establish a unique presence. Yet, one “Star Trek” parody often flies under the radar, despite its excellence: the short-lived 1977 sitcom “Quark,” created by Buck Henry.
While “Quark” was not the first to parody “Star Trek”—even “Saturday Night Live,” where Buck Henry contributed as a writer and frequent host, had done so—this series approaches its subject with a respectful humor. Rather than mocking the famed voyages of the Enterprise, it offers a whimsical, loving take, akin to modern shows like “The Orville.” Set aboard a 23rd-century interstellar garbage vessel, “Quark” features a humor geared more towards adults. The quirky ensemble is led by Adam Quark, played by Richard Benjamin, and includes a mix of human and alien characters such as the dual-gendered Gene/Jean, portrayed by Tim Thomerson, the cloned beauties Betty I and Betty II, played by Cyb and Patricia Barnstable, and the logically-driven humanoid plant, Ficus Pandorata, enacted by Richard Kelton.
Despite its brief run of only one season, “Quark” stands out as a comedic gem in the realm of spoof television. Its lack of contemporary acclaim is puzzling, but its episodes, now available on YouTube, are definitely worth exploring for those seeking a good laugh.
While “Quark” serves as a direct parody of “Star Trek”—with several episodes mirroring classic “Trek” storylines—it also extends its satire to other iconic sci-fi phenomena. Released mere days after “Star Wars” took theaters by storm, “Quark” later incorporated nods to this legendary saga. During its short eight-episode stint, the show also humorously referenced other sci-fi classics, including “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “Buck Rogers.”
For instance, a blob-like alien character named Ergo draws inspiration from Dan O’Bannon’s earlier film “Dark Star,” which featured a similar creature. The uptight robot character Andy might seem reminiscent of C-3PO from “Star Wars,” yet his design evokes comparisons to Robby the Robot from “Forbidden Planet” or B9 from “Lost in Space.” Additionally, the episode “All the Emperor’s Quasi-Norms” includes characters reminiscent of “Flash Gordon” villains, though the “Star Trek” influences remain the most pronounced.
Quark parodied more than Star Trek
NBC
While “Quark” can be seen as a direct parody of “Star Trek” — thanks in part to the fact that multiple episodes are written as direct copies of classic “Trek” installments — the series parodies more than the final frontier. In fact, with its release just days after “Star Wars” blew the doors off the box office, it pays tribute to that series as well in later stories. But during its brief eight-episode run, the series also takes aim at other major sci-fi favorites, including “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “Buck Rogers.”
A blob-like alien character named Ergo, for example, is clearly inspired by “Alien” scribe Dan O’Bannon’s earlier film “Dark Star,” which featured a similar blob-like creature. Uptight robot character Andy seems like he could be influenced by C3PO, but his physical appearance draws instant comparisons to Robby the Robot from “Forbidden Planet” or B9 from “Lost in Space.” The episode “All the Emperor’s Quasi-Norms,” meanwhile, features characters that pay tribute to the villains of “Flash Gordon,” too, but the “Star Trek” influences are simply the most obvious.
But the best “Trek” connection? The series marks the screen debut of actress Kirstie Alley, who has an uncredited role in the episode “The Old and the Beautiful.” A few years later, Alley would play the Vulcan Saavik in the 1982 classic, “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.”
