Dr. Theopolis

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This is an entry for the Buck Rogers character. For the Portland, Oregon based rock band see Dr Theopolis (band)

Dr. Theopolis was a recurring character on the NBC science fiction television series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.

Theopolis, or Theo for short, was an intelligent computer who was part of Earth's Computer Council. He was assigned with the process of assimilating Captain Rogers when he first arrived on Earth after having been in suspended animation.

Theo's appearance was that of an illuminated face in a round container which was shaped like a large disk. He had no means of independent locomotion, and so was often seen carried by Twiki, his ambuquad assistant. Twiki would typically attach Theo to his chest.

Theo had an important role on Earth as a sort of liaison between the Earth Defense Directorate and its leader Dr. Huer, and the Computer Council, which is the planetary ruling body. Theo was considered one of Earth's leading scientists.

Theo and Twiki were conceived of as a sort of Laurel and Hardy pairing, with more than a passing resemblance to C-3PO and R2-D2 of Star Wars fame. Theo would often express exasperation at Twiki who over time developed more and more human mannerisms.

The character of Dr. Theopolis did not return in the second season of the series. Twiki did return however, and the role that Theo did play vis a vis the ambuquad was replaced, at least in part, with the introduction of a new robot character, Crichton.

Eric Server voiced the character for all of the first season, with one exception. In "Awakening", the very first episode of Buck Rogers, the character was voiced by Howard F. Flynn.

[edit] Trivia

Theo's face would illuminate when he spoke. This theme would return in another Glen A. Larson production, Knight Rider. As on Dr. Theopolis' face, a light on the dashboard of the character KITT, a sentient Pontiac Trans-Am, pulsed in sync with KITT's speech.