Hyperdrive (British TV series)

Hyperdrive is a British science fiction sitcom that aired on BBC Two in 2006 and 2007. The story takes place in 2151 and 2152, following the crew of the HMS Camden Lock as they clumsily attempt to carry out their heroic mission of protecting British interests in a changing galaxy. Kevin Cecil and Andy Riley wrote the series, John Henderson directed it, and Alex Walsh-Taylor produced it. The working title was *Full Power*. The first episode aired on BBC Two on 11 January 2007, and a second series began on 12 July 2006. In the United States, the series is available on CW Seed, iTunes, and Amazon Prime Video.

The cast includes Nick Frost as Space Commander Michael "Mike" "Lucky Jack" "Hendo" Henderson. According to the series' official website, Henderson's Space Force File notes that he "rose through the ranks in exactly the way we say people can in the recruitment ads, yet endeavour to prevent in practice" and that "Henderson shows initiative; always a dangerous sign." He was educated at Dagenham Secondary Modern and New Portsmouth Cadet Camp. The website describes him as an idealistic explorer eager to meet new races, who feels undervalued given his low-priority assignments. His favourite show is *Captain Helix*, and he is protective of his command chair, which he calls "Spinning Jenny."

Kevin Eldon plays First Officer Eduardo Pauline York, a brilliant scientist and tactician who is second in command. He is a borderline sociopath who takes immense joy in violence, needing only slight provocation to attack. He believes in a hardline doctrine and thinks Henderson is too lenient. He distrusts Technical Officer Jeffers, can hold his breath for seven and a half hours to avoid sedative gas, and shows affection for Sandstrom, even becoming jealous when Vine kisses her in his "pub-conscious." Like Henderson, he watches *Captain Helix* and can be poetic when describing violence.

Miranda Hart portrays Diplomatic Officer Chloe Alice Teal, who has a crush on Henderson that he does not reciprocate. Her diplomatic skills are questionable; in the episode "Hello, Queppu," a drunken outburst leads to the imprisonment of the three senior officers. She failed her final exam to become an officer and is only on the *Camden Lock* because her father is an ambassador. In series two, she is revealed to be a devout agnostic, a belief that has become a formal religion in the future.