My Parents Are Aliens
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| My Parents are Aliens | |
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| Genre | Children's comedy |
| Creator(s) | Andy Watts |
| Starring | Tony Gardner (Brian Johnson) -Series 1-8, Barbara Durkin Sophie Johnson-series 1-2, Carla Mendonça series 3-8, Danielle McCormack Mel Barker-series 1-6, 7, Alex Kew Josh Barker-series 1-7, Charlotte Francis Lucy Barker-series 1-7, Olisa Odele CJ-series 6-7, Stephanie Fearon Harry-series 7, Jessica Woods Jaq Bennett-series 8, Daniel Feltham Dan Bennett-series 8, Katie Pearson Becky Bennett-series 8, Jake Young Eddie Bennett-series 8 |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| No. of series | 8 |
| No. of episodes | 105 |
| Production | |
| Producer(s) | ITV Productions |
| Running time | 30 minutes |
| Broadcast | |
| Original channel | CITV on ITV1, CITV Channel Nickelodeon (S1-S4 rpts) |
| Original run | 8 November 1999 – 18 December 2006 |
My Parents are Aliens was a British children's comedy on CITV about an eccentric family, which started in 1999. It followed the lives of three orphaned children, Melanie, Josh and Lucy Barker, and their foster parents Brian and Sophie Johnson. In series 6, they were joined by adopted CJ. In series 7, Mel left and was replaced with Harry.
The Johnsons were aliens from the planet Valux. They crash-landed on Earth when Brian tampered with their spaceship controls. As shown by the opening credits, their house is actually a morphed form of their spaceship. The Johnsons also had the power to morph themselves, which often came in handy for causing mischief.
The show added a laugh track from the 4th series onwards. Some fans complained that they didn't like it, feeling that it spoilt the feel of the show [1], but Granada stuck with it for the rest of the show's run.
Repeats of series 1-4 can currently be seen in the UK on Nickelodeon, and all 7 series can be seen on the CITV Channel.
The last episode of My Parents are Aliens was aired on Monday 18th December 2006 The Official Website was permantly removed sometime in January or February after the forums were wiped and "revamped" for the new series.
During the first episode of series 8, Brian and Sophie's memories were erased, resulting in them not remembering anything of the Barker's or any events that occurred during the shows entire run from series 1-7. Series 8 was dubbed 'Phase 2' by fans, as the styles of Brian and Sophie, the rest of the cast, the sets, the location and even the galactic guidebook all changed. With the final episode of Series 8 most likely to be the last ever episode of the series, some fans felt that the final episode of Series 7, 'Thanks for all the Earthworm Custard', should have been the final episode, as it was the last to feature the original regular cast, and concluded ongoing plots from the first seven series.
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[edit] Overview
The programme follows the lives of three orphaned siblings, Mel, Josh and Lucy Barker, who (as detailed in the opening credits) are fostered by Brian and Sophie Johnson, aliens from the planet Valux, who are stranded on Earth after Brain tampering with the ship's controls, causing them to crash-land. Brian and Sophie have a limited and muddled knowledge of life on Earth, and episodes often start with them learning something new, usually inaccurately, then proceeding to exhibiting their ignorance in amusing ways, to the exasperation of the children and the bemusement of other characters. The central antagonist of the programme is that no one outside the family must ever learn that they are aliens, or they will be taken away for scientific testing. The major plot device in the programme is their ability to take on the shapes of other people (known in the programme as "morphing"), and the confusion and misunderstandings that follow from their lack of knowledge of earth and the people on it. For instance, the food that Sophie often cooks can hardly be deemed as average cuisine. The humour in the programme is surreal and sometimes gently subversive. While the programme is a children's show it occasionally makes reference to rather mature matters. For this reason, it has also gained a considerable following of older viewers outside of its intended age range.
[edit] Characters
[edit] Parents
- Brian Johnson (Tony Gardner), a Valuxian alien. He is extremely childlike - he follows crazes and fads and gets bored easily, and is easily sucked into Josh's scams. He has little or no concept of morality, often creating difficult situations for the characters and only rectifying them because he is told to. He can morph at will, but his allergy to ice cream makes him grow moose's antlers involuntarily whenever he eats it. He often displays androgynous behaviour: he grows breasts in one episode, and seemingly falls pregnant in another. He also has unrequited love for Josh's friend Pete and, in the Series 2 episode "First Christmas Part 1", Mel's boyfriend Scott Taylor (he later jeopardises the relationship by morphing into Mel and kissing Scott). Brian morphs a lot in the show and his disguises include: Mel, Josh (mostly), Lucy, Trent, Wendy, Mrs Hardman, a previous and deceased Headmaster, a cool and hip teenaged girl called Spam (Melanie Orchard), a blonde nurse, a rat, a toad, a pregnant elderly woman (in order to get a seat on the bus), Tania Thomas,Pete and Harry. His favourite weekly issue is Knitting For Boys which is the main reason why he can't hang out with Josh and his friends.
- Sophie Johnson (Barbara Durkin) (1999-2000,2005) then (Carla Mendonça) (2001- ), Brian's wife. She has slightly more common sense than Brian but is still not very intelligent and just as easily led, after enough persuasion. She can morph, but only when eating ice cream (although this rule has been overlooked on a couple of occasions). She and Brian have crash-landed on Earth and adopt Mel, Josh and Lucy in order to fit in. Although initially they were stranded on Earth, the Series 3 episode "Aliens Go Home" sees a Valuxian ship picking up their distress signal. However, having become attached to their new life, they decide to stay on Earth. Sophie's morphs have included: Mel, Josh, Lucy, Frankie, Pete, Trent, a hamster, a mermaid (with her same head), a "modern woman" and Mr Whiteside. Barbara Durkin returns as Aunt Sophie in the episode "Thanks for all the Earthworm Custard". Sophie although more clumsy with morphing, is slightly better at controlling the magnokinetic fields that the aliens often create, she has once used her magnokinesis in the form of telekinesis
[edit] Series 1-7
[edit] Children
Melanie 'Mel' Barker (Danielle McCormack) (1999-2004,2005): Melanie Barker, nicknamed Mel,lol is a fourteen year old teenager who has a sarcastic and temperamental personality. Although, being the oldest of the Barker children, she has a protective and motherly nature towards her younger siblings, since the death of their parents. It is obvious that Mel's difficult attitude comes from the pain of losing her parents, as well as being moved to and from different foster homes. Despite her repuation as a tough person, she has displayed signs of weaknesses in episodes such as "The Box", particularly towards her sister, Lucy. Mel is consistently frustrated with her alien parents ignorance of life on Earth. She gets extremely embarrassed when her parents are seen in public (due to their unusual behaviour). She doesn't like to express her emotions (except anger) as she is worried it will make her seem vulnerable. Mel is seen to be slightly insecure (despite her confident act). She cares more about her appearance than she lets on. She is often annoyed by Lucy's closeness to Brian and Sophie, usually warning her not to get "too attached". Mel's best, and apparently only, friend is Trent Clements. The two have an obvious romantic interest in each other, but don't start going out till much later in the series. Mel frequently showed jealously (which she would never admit to) when Trent was around over girls, especially when Trent fell for Brian's morphed creation, Spam, (a disguise which Brian adopted in order to get concert tickets from Trent). Mel has radical and unusual sense of fashion and has always shown an interest in photography. Mel is an artistic kind of person who likes different kinds of art and music. She loved photography so much that she moved to Canada on an exchange programme at the end of Series 6. She later returned to the show for the Series 7 finale, "Thanks For All The Earthworm Custard".
Josh Barker (Alex Kew) (1999-2005): Josh Barker is the middle Barker sibling and was around eleven or twelve years old when he was fostered by Valuxians, Brian and Sophie Johnson. Josh is a devious and scheming preteen, who is constant inventing new and interesting scams to make money. Although, he frequently tricks and abuses his friends' loyalty, he never wishes any real harm upon them. His two best friends are Pete and Frankie. He doesn't spend much time interacting with his sisters, although when he does, it usually includes annoying or scamming them. It is shown that Josh likes positions of power and popularity, shown in El Presidente when he runs for a school election. Although clever and cunning, Josh is often outsmarted by his more quick-witted sisters, Mel and Lucy. Josh often uses Brian morphing abilities in his scams or to do what he wishes, such as Brian morphing into him so he can skip school. Despite Josh's immature manner, he becomes gradually more responsible through the years. He is, however, often quite prudish and easily embarrassed. Josh doesn't show much interest in school studies, hence his poor grades, although he has showed average signs of intelligence (shown in his ability to evade punishment by persuasion) but doesn't often apply himself. Josh's interests include rollerblading, skateboarding, making money and "the gorgeous Tania Thomas". He also plays the guitar very well. Josh doesn't seem to have many future goals. Although the most inconsiderate Barker, Josh occasionally comes to the aid of others. Josh's voice breaks in Series 5, and by Series 7 he is in his mid-teens.
Lucy Barker (Charlotte Francis) (1999-2005): Lucy Barker is the youngest and most intelligent Barker. At the start of the show she was around nine or ten years old. She is very talented in her school subjects, particularly in Maths and Science. Lucy's favourite subject is Chemistry. Lucy is very honest and moral. She easily sees through Mel and Josh's tough acts and voices their true feelings accurately. She is the most hard working sibling and their different personalities often clash. Lucy is well organised and studious, but sometimes lacks a sense of adventure. She can be quite uptight and slighty controlling. Despite these traits, she is the most kind and caring character. Lucy's above average intelligence means she often bonds with Brian (aliens have brilliant scientific knowledge but lack common sense). They usually play chess and conduct chemistry experiments. Lucy is often irritated by Brian's lack of sensitivity. She is very sensible and has a best friend named, Wendy Richardson. Wendy is equally intelligent and shares Lucy's goal to become an astronaut. Lucy and Wendy are not very popular, due to their scientific interests. Lucy's most prized possession is her chemistry set. Lucy also has a talent for judo and cooking.
C.J. (Olisa Odele) (2004-2005): a small, quiet boy who was rescued from being run over by 'Superbrian', a.k.a. Brian Johnson wearing a cape. By strange coincidence he turns out also to be an orphan from the children's home and is adopted into the family. CJ generally takes on the role of Brian's 'sidekick', and is therefore involved in many of Brian's ridiculous schemes and mad ideas. CJ has also been known to imitate Brian, although as the show progressed he became more independant. He is also sometimes the victim of jokes implying that (perhaps because of his age) he is less important or likable than the others, something he attempts to disprove such as when he offers himself as a slave for a day, and when he dates Poppy Manning.
Harriet 'Harry' (Stephanie Fearon) (2005): the newest addition to the family, introduced at the start of series 7. Harry's real name is actually Harriet, but she snaps angrily at anyone who calls her that. Brian and Sophie adopted her when looking for a replacement for Mel, who had at the time left for Canada on an exchange trip. She is very similar to Mel in terms of personality, as she is usually moody and is a bit of a tomboy. She is also very protective of CJ because he is the youngest, although he finds her behaviour patronising. Like Josh, she plays the guitar, and her practising sometimes irritates the others.
[edit] Other
- Pete Walker (Patrick Niknejad) (1999-2005) and Frankie Perkins (Jordan Maxwell) (1999-2005), Josh's long-suffering friends. Pete has a pessimistic outlook on life and easily spots Josh's scams, but usually ends up getting drawn in anyway. Another of Josh's friends, Frankie's optimism is a foil for Pete's pessimism, but along with his dopeyness means he is often the target of Josh's scams. He has a long-held crush on Mel, and, in Series 7, he has a crush on Harry as well. Pete and Frankie have tried to desert Josh on several occasions, but always come back.
- Wendy Richardson (Isabella Melling) (1999-2005), Lucy's only friend. In her scientifically-minded and studious nature she is very similar to Lucy, but as has been seen throughout the episodes, is not as smart and is even less in touch with popular culture than Lucy. Very pompous, and somewhat arrogant, she will always lose to Lucy by 1%. Despite originally having strong feelings for Josh, she gets together weith Frankie by the end of series seven.
- Trent Clements (Keith Warwick) (2000-2005), Mel's long-time friend. He endures Mel's mood swings with resignation and good humour, and it is hinted that he is romantically interested in her. They finally get together in Series 6.
- Mr Graham Whiteside (1999-2005), Well known and very grumpy teacher. Particularly dislikes Josh Barker.
- Mrs Alican Hardman (1999-2005), One of Josh's teachers. Recurring character who dislikes Josh.
- Poppy Manning (1999-2005), A girl who frequently appears as a rival to Josh, (and occasionally even the other Barkers), due to her similarly scheming, sneaky personality.
- Tania Thomas (Zoe Thorns)/(Emily Fleeshman)/(Sasha Tilley) (1999-2005), In the "Valentines Day" episode she has a secret affection for Josh Barker. Unfortunately, Josh mistakenly believes she has sent him hate mail and is determined to get back at her. Brian's well meaning attempts to ask her out while morphed as Josh apparently ruin any potential relationship. She gets together with her good friend, Pete Walker, in series seven..
- Mikey (Chris Cornwell) (1999)
Appearing in the first series, Mikey is good friends with Josh Barker, Pete Walker and Frankie perkins. He is perfectly happy being Josh's third-in-command, and is most commonly used as a look-out.
- Dave Locket (1999)
Cool, good-looking but very unintelligent, Dave is the most popular boy in school. Although originally Josh's idol, the two later sink into rivalry, most notably in The Quiz. He is particularly fond of his hair.
[edit] Series 8
[edit] Children
- Jaq Bennett (Jessica Woods) (2006), A fiery teenage girl, Jaq is the oldest of the new foster children. Jaq has difficulty making friends because of her attitude. She rarely shouts, usually letting her sharp wit do the talking.
- Dan Bennett (Daniel Feltham) (2006), Becky's twin. Although he is arguably the 'geekier' of the two (he collects comics and speaks Klingon), he is neither academic nor interested in science. In fact, he is quite stupid, something he is quite proud of. Dan is a television addict, but also enjoys computer games and the Internet.
- Becky Bennett (Katie Pearson) (2006), Dan's twin. Becky is very studious. She is fond of disecting animals, and her ambition is to study veterinary science at University.
- Eddie Bennett (Jake Young) (2006), the youngest member of the family. He manipulates and even emotionally blackmails the other characters to get what he wants. He does this easily because of his innocent appearance, as well as the naïevité of his foster parents.
[edit] Character similarities
There are many similarities between the new foster kids in series 8 and the children from series 1-7. Jaq is like Mel and Harry. She is a kid who hides her feelings and pretends to be cool. Becky is like Lucy as she loves science. Dan is a little bit like Josh, as he comes up with mad schemes and is a bit dim. Eddie is a bit like CJ. He is small, cute and wants the family to be together.
[edit] Episodes
[edit] Trivia and Continuity
- In the episode The Family Way, Lucy is playing music on the stereo. She pauses the music, and then starts it again. When she continues the music, it has moved from the first verse straight to the chorus.
- Tanya Thomas has an actress change several times throughout the shows run.
- In the episode 'Becky the freak' the galactic guidebook crashes and features the Blue Screen of Death a common computer featured error.
- In Series Two, Brian calls a snake bully bullyboy, but in series seven he doesn't know what bullying is.
- In series 8 episode 'Big Head', in the morning Guido says the tip of the day. Then in the evening there is a different tip of the Day
- Tony Gardner (who plays Brian) is the only cast member who has appeared in all 105 episodes.
- The Official Message Boards were wiped in late November (allegedly to make way for series 8 discussion). However, it is widely thought to be because of the growing dissatisfaction of the members and continual questioning of the competence of the Administrator.
- The Message Board was permanently closed on January 8th 2007 and officially dissactivated on February 11th 2007.
- Patrick Niknejad, (Pete Walker) also played the voice of Weasel in The Animals of Farthing Wood
[edit] Merchandise
My Parents Are Aliens has spawned very little merchandise. Only a mousemat, a VHS of Series One, a couple of posters available on eBay and a DVD of the best of Series 1-3 has been created. Also, pictures are available to print out on the My Parents are Aliens website. Other Merchandise may have been created but it would be very unlikely.
[edit] External links
