The story of the real-life, U.S. Air Force-sponsored investigations into UFO-related phenomena from 1947-’70.
A+E History presents “Project Blue Book,” a fictionalized examination of the UFO investigations that occurred in the 1950s and ’60s, based on top-secret investigations and related phenomena, conducted by the U.S. Air Force. The series’ key strength lies in the formidable acting talents of the cast, and the ability to maintain viewer curiosity despite limits on how much to disclose at any one time. Given that aliens from outer space have yet to make an appearance on prime time television, the challenge for the producers requires teasing the audience along with enough reveals to keep things interesting, yet still adhere to the obvious constraints.
Dr. J. Allen Hynek, played by Aidan Gillen, is a brilliant college professor persuaded by the Air Force to investigate unsolved cases of UFO sightings. Michael Malarkey, as Air Force Captain Michael Quinn endeavors to navigate between a thorough vetting of facts on the one hand, and the clear desire of General James Harding (Neal McDonough) to wrap each case up as quickly as possible. Michael Harney plays General Hugh Valentine, who works hand-in-glove with Harding to hide the truth about UFOs from the public, ostensibly in the name of national security. Dr. Hynek’s loyal wife and partner Mimi (Laura Mennell) struggles to balance domestic responsibilities with a sense of empowerment resulting from the influence of her new friend, Susie Miller (Ksenia Solo).
Since the series is inspired by the personal experiences of Dr. Hynek – as opposed to based on actual events – Robert Zemeckis and the other series producers take the opportunity to blend material from declassified case files with acknowledged historical events to tell the story with some poetic license. Documented occurrences include the Flatwoods Monster in West Virginia, the Gorman Dogfight of Fargo, North Dakota, the Lubbock Lights in Texas and the Chiles-Whitted incident of Montgomery Alabama. Each episode seeks to tiptoe the line between scientific skepticism, or alternatively, the acceptance of fantastic theories intended to test viewer credulity – all within the backdrop of overarching military agendas and possible espionage.
Similar to the way “The X-Files” tapped into public mistrust of government and the military, the clandestine operation “Project Blue Book” revels in the prospect of conspiracy theories at the highest levels. Exploring such themes as trust, instinct, real and fake news, and government cover-up, the series straddles the world of science and the exploration of the unknown. Aimed at viewers who can’t get enough content dealing with speculation surrounding unsolved UFO occurrences, “Project Blue Book” fills the bill most adequately.
Premieres on the HISTORY channel January 8th at 10 pm ET/PT
