Playhouse: The Unborn (BBC Drama, Jack Shepherd)

In The Unborn, written by Philip “Gangsters” Martin for the Playhouse strand, the always excellent Jack Shepherd plays Colin, a scientist who works at a nuclear research establishment begins to have fearful dreams about the future when his wife Diana (played by Mary Larkin) becomes pregnant. Diana herself becomes very troubled when a fortune teller, Judy Parfitt, tells her that her unborn son has the potential to bring about a nuclear apocalypse.

Philip Martin, looking suspiciously like Reece Shearsmith, introduced the drama from the future.

The play began with an intro (from author Philip Martin) that was supposed to be in the future and also ended in the future with the implication that the couple’s now grown up son presses the button that does start a nuclear apocalypse.

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Reviewing the drama in The Stage (22 May 1980), Clive Hodgson noted that The Unborn was an odd mixture of Rosemary’s Baby, The China Syndrome and Doctor Who.

Judy Parfitt was the clairvoyant who was convinced very bad things would happen if the baby was born.
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Writer: Philip Martin / Production Design: Gavin Davies / Producer: Peter Ansorge / Director: Michael Custance

Cast: Jack Shepherd (Colin), Mary Larkin (Diana), Judy Parfitt (Roma), Granville Saxton (Vincent), Richard Leech (Father Carrow), Suzanne Smith (Faustina), Philip Martin (Narrator and introducer)

UK / BBC Two / 1×60 minute episode / Broadcast 16 May 1980

Alastair James is the editor-in-chief of Memorable TV, leading the charge in covering today's must-see television. A lifelong television enthusiast, his passion began with a deep dive into the world of classic sci-fi, culminating in his role as editor of "Beyond the Static," a publication devoted to celebrating iconic sci-fi series. While his love for classic television remains, Alastair's focus at Memorable TV is firmly on the present, analyzing the latest trends in the television landscape, from gripping crime dramas to the ever-evolving strategies of Survivor. His insights have been featured in numerous publications. At Memorable TV, Alastair's goal is to provide readers with sharp commentary, engaging reviews, and in-depth analysis of the shows dominating the current conversation.