Having recently read Derrick Bell's "The Space Traders" and then viewed this adaptation of it, I am pleased to see that the TV version corrects or modifies many of problems I have with the original short story. Also, I feel much of the humor of the story is augmented by the inclusion of visuals, such as with the alien herald who resembles Ronald Reagan and the ridiculous alien space craft.
Also, the few additions made to the plot by the adaptation are both appropriate and very often hilarious. The brief scenes involving Stryker O'Rourke are side-splitting, and I still find that name to be the most appropriate moniker ever ascribed to a pretentious, story-seeking news caster. Robert Guillaume is also show-stopping as Gleason Golightly, especially as he addresses the black congregation.
I also appreciated the way the TV version treated the serious issues presented in the original with a bit more taste and discretion. For example, I was glad to see that the plot was modified so that the departing African Americans are permitted to board the alien vessels completely clothed, rather than, as in the story, reduced to their under garments, a painful and blatant reference to the slave trade. In all, I think the TV adaptation does a fine job of tightening and improving upon the story without losing any of its social relevance or impact.
Also, the few additions made to the plot by the adaptation are both appropriate and very often hilarious. The brief scenes involving Stryker O'Rourke are side-splitting, and I still find that name to be the most appropriate moniker ever ascribed to a pretentious, story-seeking news caster. Robert Guillaume is also show-stopping as Gleason Golightly, especially as he addresses the black congregation.
I also appreciated the way the TV version treated the serious issues presented in the original with a bit more taste and discretion. For example, I was glad to see that the plot was modified so that the departing African Americans are permitted to board the alien vessels completely clothed, rather than, as in the story, reduced to their under garments, a painful and blatant reference to the slave trade. In all, I think the TV adaptation does a fine job of tightening and improving upon the story without losing any of its social relevance or impact.