The Phoenix, an ancient astronaut, is revived by scientists and escapes from their facility to search for his partner, Mira. She is the only one who knows what their task is while they are on Earth. While searching for Mira, he must avoid being captured by government agents.

"The Phoenix" ran on ABC for about one month in the spring of 1982. The 90 minute pilot episode aired on March 19, 1982 and starred:

Judson Scott as ........................ Bennu

E.G. Marshall as .................... Dr. Ward Frazier

Fernando Allende as .............. Senor Diego DeVarga

Shelley Smith as ...................... Noel

The character of Noel died in the pilot episode (as love interests often do!). Senor DeVarga was never heard from again, but another regular cast member was added: the evil government agent who was instructed to capture Bennu as any cost.

Richard Lynch as ..................... Justin Preminger

Episode Guide:



The Phoenix (90 Minute Pilot) - When archealogists uncover an ancient Peruvian tomb, they discover a sarcophagus that contains The Phoenix. He is an ancient astronaut who arrived on earth between the 10th and 12th centuries to be awakened when humankind needs his assistance. The scientists unseal the coffin erasing Bennu's instructions. The Phoenix then escapes and contacts Dr. Frazier, a scientist at the facility where Bennu was being held, for help, but he is shot and nearly killed before any plans can be made. The Phoenix displays extraordinary mental abilities. He also channels sunlight through a medallion he wear around his neck to perform other amazing feats.

In Search of Mira - Bennu begins his search for Mira. He only knows that she is buried above the 30th parallel at one of about 2,000 Indian burial sites. In this episode, government agent Jason Preminger is assigned to capture The Phoenix, at any cost. Bennu happens upon a murder and escapes from the killers by catching a ride with a local farmer. The next day, the farmer's daughter takes Bennu to Indian Peak to search for Mira, unaware that the killers plan to frame Bennu for their crimes.

One of Them - Bennu escapes capture by confusing tracking dogs with his mental powers. He then meets a college professor, who tells him where an Indian symbol exists that might be a clue to Mira's whereabouts. His search is complicated by Preminger, who is one step behind him, and by the professor's jealous ex-boyfriend.

A Presence of Evil - Bennu finds work as a hired hand on a farm. His employee has unknowingly rented his property to terrorists who plan to take over the farm and transport stolen uranium to foreign countries. The terrorists plan to kill everyone on the farm, including the new hired hand, before completing the heist.

The Fire Within - While searching for Mira, Bennu saves the daughter of a wealthy contractor, who gives him a job at a construction site. He befriends another daughter of the businessman, who reveals to him that her father's partner may be swindling the company. Bennu convinces her to examine the accounting records unaware that the swindler has hired an arsonist to set fire to the building. Soon they are trapped in the burning structure.

Four more episodes were written in script form, but were never filmed nor aired. The synopses were obtained from Suncat.

Trial by Fire - Bennu, nearly disabled by solar flares and extreme pain, stows away on a small plane, hiding in the cargo bay. When the plane crash lands in the desert, he and the five passengers and crew must work together to stay alive. Bennu helps them all survive while at the same time helping heal the emotional breach between a father and son.

Deadly Cargo - Bennu covertly climbs on board a truck hauling toxic waste in Georgia. Thrown from the truck, he hits his head and wakes with amnesia. Taken prisoner as a hijacker, he ends up on a work farm where he comes to the aid of the Wardens's too-young wife - Willow. Freeing himself from the prison, he and Willow attempt to dispose of the toxic waste that is killing people...and causing Bennu's continuing amnesia and failing health.

Dark Hunter - While wandering near a Kansas City zoo, Bennu becomes involved with a young mother-to-be, Regan, and her special baby. When her drunken husband is murdered, Bennu must protect Reagan from the killer. Preminger sweeps upon Bennu and captures him. Bennu escapes from his trap, though, to again rescue Regan from her would-be murderer.

The Star Needle - Dr. Ward Frazier and Dr Rachel Helphin discover a strange device at the archeological site where Bennu was first found. This device turns out to be a portal to Bennu's homeworld. Activiating the portal, Bennu meets his father who warns him of Aiwaz and the danger this criminal presents to Bennu and his mission. Bennu returns, only to learn that Aiwaz has arrived on Earth. Bennu thwarts Aiwaz, but not before losing a close friend and his only link to his home.

For an image and sound gallery and a Win95 Theme, click here.

The images and sounds of The Phoenix made possible by Mark Safransky, who provided me with videotapes of the pilot and all episodes. Thanks Mark! Be sure and pay a visit to Mark's Buffy Site.

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