Meaning:
The quote, "It's more fun having him as everyman in the 25th Century. It is better to concentrate on what this planet will be like 500 years from now, and not be dealing with little aliens in space and all that related stuff," was made by Gil Gerard, an actor known for his role as Captain William "Buck" Rogers in the television series "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century." The quote reflects Gerard's perspective on the science fiction genre and his approach to portraying a relatable character in a futuristic setting.
In the context of the quote, Gerard is expressing his preference for focusing on the human experience and the potential evolution of society and civilization in the distant future, rather than centering the narrative on extraterrestrial encounters and space adventures. By emphasizing the "everyman" aspect of his character, he suggests that the relatability and humanity of the protagonist are essential for audiences to connect with the storyline, even in a futuristic and technologically advanced setting.
This perspective aligns with a specific approach to science fiction storytelling that prioritizes exploring the implications of future advancements and societal changes on human life and the planet. Instead of primarily featuring alien encounters and intergalactic conflicts, Gerard advocates for a narrative that delves into the potential trajectory of humanity and Earth's development over an extended timeframe, in this case, 500 years into the future.
By emphasizing the importance of concentrating on the state of the planet and human existence in the distant future, Gerard's quote reflects a desire to explore themes of progress, adaptation, and the impact of technological and cultural shifts on society. This approach to science fiction storytelling aligns with a tradition of speculative fiction that uses futuristic settings to comment on contemporary issues and envision potential outcomes based on current trends and developments.
Furthermore, Gerard's statement sheds light on the creative choices and thematic focus of "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century" as a television series. By advocating for a narrative that prioritizes the human experience and the future of Earth, the quote provides insight into the series' underlying themes and storytelling objectives. It suggests that the show aimed to use its futuristic premise to engage with questions of human nature, societal evolution, and the long-term consequences of present-day actions and decisions.
Overall, Gil Gerard's quote encapsulates a perspective on science fiction storytelling that emphasizes the importance of exploring the future of humanity and the planet, rather than solely focusing on extraterrestrial encounters and space adventures. It reflects a desire to use the genre as a vehicle for contemplating the potential trajectory of society and civilization, while grounding the narrative in relatable, human experiences. In doing so, the quote provides valuable insight into Gerard's approach to his iconic role in "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century" and the thematic aspirations of the series as a whole.