Johnny Chase: The Lost Episodes (Part 3)
Exclusive: Four more rediscovered episodes from CBC's cult space opera!
Deeper Into the Johnny Chase Universe
Our journey through the rediscovered episodes of this Canadian space opera classic continues with four more complete adventures from Johnny Chase's intergalactic exploits. These episodes showcase the series' remarkable evolution during its second season, when the show took a dramatic turn toward serialized storytelling.
Episode Highlights
- Johnny trapped in an alien mind prison
- A haunting requiem for a dying species
- The return of the Astra File conspiracy
- Space pirates with a Shakespearean flair
Behind the Voices
- Neil Dainard as Johnny Chase
- Chris Wiggins as Dante
- Mary Piri as Mrs. Mulligan Jones
- Louis Negin as Percy
The second season's darker tone is evident in these episodes, particularly in "Requiem For A Mercinite," which features one of the series' most poignant moments as Johnny witnesses the extinction of an entire alien civilization.
Newly Rediscovered Episodes
6. "The Astra File Plot 2.2"
The conspiracy deepens as Johnny uncovers more about the mysterious Astra Files. This episode features one of Percy's most flamboyant monologues ("My dear boy, secrets are like onions - the more layers you peel, the more likely you are to cry!") and a shocking betrayal.
Features Louis Negin's tour-de-force performance as Percy
7. "Katilla's Mind Trap"
Johnny is captured by the telepathic Katilla and trapped in an alien mind prison where his worst fears come to life. Dante's attempts to help from outside create one of the series' funniest human-computer dynamics ("No, Johnny, I can't 'just reboot' your brain!").
Guest stars: Lally Cadeau as Katilla
8. "Requiem For A Mercinite"
In one of the series' most dramatic episodes, Johnny witnesses the final days of the Mercinite civilization. The haunting final speech by the last Mercinite ("Tell the stars we were here") remains one of radio drama's most powerful moments.
Notable for its innovative use of choral music
10. "The Pirate Vallesar"
The flamboyant space pirate Vallesar quotes Shakespeare while plundering Earth Empire ships. Johnny must outwit this cultured rogue in an episode that blends high adventure with literary references ("To be or not to be... boarded!").
Guest stars: Cedric Smith as Vallesar
🎙️ Creator's Insight:
"The Mercinite episode was our attempt at serious science fiction. We got letters from listeners who were genuinely moved - and others complaining 'where's the funny?' That tension between drama and comedy was always our challenge."
- Don Ferguson, co-creator
Why These Episodes Matter
Serialized Storytelling
The Astra File plot continues from previous episodes
Emotional Depth
From comedy to genuine pathos in Mercinite
Character Growth
Johnny shows new vulnerability in Mind Trap
More Forgotten Sci-Fi Coming Soon
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"The Pirate Vallesar episode was my introduction to Shakespeare - I memorized all his quotes!"
- Subscriber Mark T., Vancouver
"Chris Wiggins as Dante remains one of the great voice performances in Canadian radio history."
- Subscriber Eleanor R., Halifax
SpaceOperaFan
Incredible discoveries!
The Mercinite episode absolutely wrecked me as a teenager. That final speech ("Tell the stars we were here") stayed with me for decades - I'm thrilled to finally hear it again after all these years.
Behind-the-scenes: The Mercinite voice was achieved by recording actor Barry Morse normally, then slowing the tape by 30% and pitching it down slightly, creating that haunting, otherworldly quality.
What's remarkable is how the show could swing from the Shakespeare-quoting pirate to this profound meditation on mortality without missing a beat. That was Johnny Chase's magic.
Please keep these coming - I know there are more gems waiting to be rediscovered!