Powers of Matthew Star didn't last but a season

Quadris, twelve light years across the galaxy from Earth. It was home for us until an intergalactic armada conquered it. I fought by the royal family's side, but in vain – even their remarkable powers weren't enough. The crown prince and I escaped to the nearest planet on which we could survive and further his powers in order to someday return to free his people. Here on Earth, the prince is known as Matthew Star. He's a typical American teenager. He has friends – people who love him – and me, his guardian. I'm the only one who knows how special he is. Life for us is a series of joys and dangers. Enemy assassins constantly come to destroy us. Alone, we must survive.

The Powers of Matthew Star aired on NBC from September 17, 1982 until April 15, 1983. Walt Shepherd's (Louis Gossett Jr.) would voice over the opening introduction them to the show. A brief synopsis of what happened to him and Matthew Star (Peter Barton) before we meet up with them at their newest hiding spot.

The first half of the season dealt with Matthew as a high school student at Crestridge High and Shep (Matthew's nickname for Walt) as the new Science teacher there. It hit on teenager stories such as being the new kid at school, trying to impress THE girl, making the football team, etc. All the while trying to keep their secret from Matthew's girlfriend Pam Elliot (Amy Steel),, his best friend Bob Alexander (Chip Frye) and the school's principal Mr. Heller (Michael Fairman).

U.S.A.F. General Tucker (John Crawford) had been following the pair across the country believing they were extraterrestrials based on strange occurrences happening wherever they were and their frequent name changes. In the pilot, Walt does meet with the General and admits they are in fact alien beings n exchange for the file of information the General has compiled on them. Some episodes would deal with the General asking for their assistance from time to time.

Midseason the story arc changed. Gone were the high school exploits of Matthew as were any mentions of Crestridge High and the folks there. In it's place, was Matthew and Shep now working with the government. Major Wymore (James Karen) would be their government handler. Meeting them in different locations while giving them their assignments. Not sure why a Major would replace a General but oh well....maybe retirement....

Powers! That's right. Matthew had powers. Only the Royal Family on Quadris had powers according to Walt. The main power exhibited is telekinesis. Matthew is able to communicate telepathically with Walt also. Later in the series he would learn how to astral plane. His intelligence would separate from his body simulating his current appearance. This power allowed him to walk through walls He could also trans mutate, or change the appearance of objects.

Production of the show saw many issues that would halt it. The biggest of which Peter Barton falling backwards onto a phosphorous flare during the filming of a scene. The scene had Barton pulling Gossett Jr. ( character was tied to a chair) walking backwards. Unfortunately, he stumbled and fell onto the flare setting his clothes on fire. Gossett Jr., who was on top of Barton, was able to rescue him. Barton suffered third degrees burn on his back and was hospitalized for a month. He then recovered at home for four months halting production. Louis Gossett Jr suffered burns on his hands and neck but did not require hospitalization.

The show would end up being 86th ranked show on the Neilsen Ratings. Not surprising. It's competition was The Dukes of Hazard over on CBS. Although the Duke boys fell from 6 the prior year, they still ended up 29th.(This was the season that did not have John Schneider or Tom Wopat).

All in all, I enjoyed the show. What kid wouldn't find telekinesis or telepathy cool. Plus being the new kid myself at school, it definitely spoke to me