The Kidnappers

Aliens from the future (silver-skinned as usual) are snatching famous/infamous humans at the time of death in order to record their experiences. Interesting premise marred incredibly convenient plot-drivers (8ooo years in the future, the technologically-advanced aliens 'bug' rooms with microphones but not cameras, use 'punch cards' and go 'torpid' when their sun sets. This, combined with near supernatural deductive powers, allow Doug and Tony to resolve the problem of the temporal kidnappers in just 50 minutes. We see a bit more of Dr. Ann MacGregor (former Miss America Lee Meriwether) than usual but she does little more then look worried/frightened and fall into Doug's arms when the going gets rough. None of the 'alien-themed' Time Tunnel episodes are very good and this is not an exception.

I first saw this series on repeat in the mid 70's, I was about 10 years old. Back then I enjoyed the alien episodes much more than the historical ones. I remember this episode very fondly as it was one of my favorites. Lee Meriwether has here the opportunity to show off his character along with the protagonists, Michael Ansara has a bearing and an important stage presence. The atmosphere of the alien base with the aliens in an inert state is quite creepy and the guardian who is the only one who can roam has a menacing presence. An entertaining hour of science fiction from the 60s.

On all Time Tunnel series had few oppotunity with Tunnel's crew to lead role as Ann Macgregor has in this odd episode, it's fine for a change, by the way one most weird screenplay ever seen of the entire series, on first time in another Galaxy, the allegation no make sense at all, a advance civilization kidnapping the most notorious persons from Earth works in William Welch's brain only, as guest star Michael Ansara and Del Monroe quite often in all four classic show from Irwin Allen!!

Resume:

First watch: 1971 / How many: 3 / Source: TV-DVD / Rating: 7

Dr. Ann MacGregor is kidnapped by a time traveler from the future that came from the star Canopus. Dr. Raymond Swain finds the coordinates he had used and is authorized by General Kirk to send Doug and Tony to rescue Ann. The scientists are received by the Curator of Canopus that tells that they are in the year 8433 AD of Earth and he used Ann as bait to bring them to his planet. Further, he intends to drain the brains of Doug and Tony to learn their experience and increase his knowledge. When the time tunnel personnel tries to bring the trio of scientists back, the time traveler Ott returns to the complex and steals the space-time converter and the tunnel is useless. Doug and Tony seek the apparatus and try to send Ann back using the teleport chamber of the aliens.

"The Kidnappers" is a silly but funny episode with some of the most imbecile lines and situations I have ever seen in this series. For example, Ann advises Tony to not press the buttons without knowing what could happen like the scientist was a child; or Doug telling the Curator that they have not swelled the pills; or why the Curator did not follow the same procedure he did with Hitler with Doug and Tony waiting for the last moment of their lives to drain their brains. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "O Túnel do Tempo" ("The Time Tunnel")

The time travellers and Ann MacGregor are sent away to alien planet.

The last four episodes of the Time Tunnel series were all about magic, space aliens, travel to an alien planet and this is one of those four episodes.

This change in premise went over well with some viewers (like me) while others warmed to the more "realistic" history lessons of the first half of the season. I like all 30 episodes of The Time Tunnel. A big part of the show's appeal is that it had variety in settings/characters...so the series would never have been the same if it did not branch off into all sorts of areas.

The Kidnappers gives Ann MacGregor things to do on an alien planet and guest stars like Del Monroe (Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea) and Michael Ansara are outstanding.

And if you are not interested in all of the above, well you can spend the whole hour played spot the Lost In Space prop and even spot the un-credited LIS cast member: Bob May (Hitler)