A Town Called Eureka

When this series first came to SkyOne I was intrigued by it, and kinda hooked on its mixture of humour, sci-fi, family drama and even a bit of conspiracy theory thrown in, then Virgin and Sky had their bust up and I had to stop watching it. Luckily SciFi Channel picked it up, but I haven't had time catch up with all the antics, but now Season One is out on DVD from Universal Playback.

A Town Called Eureka is something of a cult hit that even got a Primetime Emmy nomination. If yo haven't managed to see it, it is about the rustic town of Eureka in the Pacific North West where the US government has relocated the world’s geniuses and their families so that they can build futuristic inventions for the country’s benefit. Innovation and chaos live hand in hand in a location steeped in secrecy.

The first season begins with U.S. Marshal Jack Carter (Colin Ferguson) stumbling upon this odd town after wrecking his car and becoming stranded. He soon realises all is not as it seems as he witnesses one of Eureka’s scientific creations go badly wrong and is compelled to restore order, only to be appointed as the town sheriff as a result. Even though he is dim-witted compared to the super-geniuses that make up the entire population of Eureka he frequently saves the town, indeed the world, from every would-be disaster.

The sardonic yet pragmatic hero who has a little too much baggage is played by Colin Ferguson, along with a cast of eccentric geniuses featuring Joe Morton, Salli Richardson-Whitfield and Matt (Max Headroom) Frewer with a dreadful and unconvincing Australian accent.

But it's not meant to be taken too seriously, so if you like a bit of fun with your sci-fi then definitely check this one out.

And for all you people with too much spare time there is now a Eureka Facebook app http://apps.facebook.com/eurekatown/.

A Town Called Eureka is out now on DVD from Universal Playback and is available from major retailers including Amazon and Play.