1970s Sci-Fi Show 'Quark' Parodied Classic 'Star Trek' Episodes
📷 Image source: slashfilm.com
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Satirical Take on Sci-Fi Tropes
The 1970s sci-fi comedy series 'Quark' parodied several iconic 'Star Trek' episodes, blending satire with genre tropes. The show, created by Buck Henry, aired for one season in 1977-1978 and targeted the earnestness of space operas. Slashfilm.com highlighted its sharp mimicry of 'Star Trek's' dramatic style in a 2025-08-11 article.
Detail
Key Episodes and References
'Quark' directly spoofed 'Star Trek' plots, including a send-up of 'The Trouble with Tribbles' titled 'The Old and the Beautiful.' The episode replaced Tribbles with aging clones. Another parody, 'All the Emperor's Quasi-Norms,' mirrored 'Mirror, Mirror,' featuring an evil alternate universe.
Buck Henry, the show's creator, described it as 'a workplace comedy in space' during a 1978 interview. The series starred Richard Benjamin as Adam Quark, a reluctant space garbage collector.
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Short-Lived but Influential
'Quark' was canceled after eight episodes due to low ratings but gained cult status for its wit. Its humor predated later sci-fi parodies like 'Galaxy Quest' and 'The Orville.' The show's writers included 'Star Trek' fans who recognized its formulaic elements.
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Legacy and Rediscovery
The complete series is available on niche streaming platforms. Slashfilm.com noted renewed interest in 'Quark' following online discussions about vintage sci-fi satire. No official reboot plans have been announced.
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