My Parents are Aliens
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| My Parents are Aliens | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Format | Children's comedy |
| Run time | 30 minutes |
| Creator(s) | Andy Watts |
| Starring | Tony Gardner (Brian Johnson)-Series 1-8, Barbara Durkin Sophie Johnson-series 1-2, Carla Mendonça series 3-8, Danielle McCormack Mel Barker-series 1-6, 7, Alex Kew Josh Barker-series 1-7, Charlotte Francis Lucy Barker-series 1-7, Olisa Odele CJ-series 6-7, Stephanie Fearon Harry-series 7, Jessica Woods Jaq Bennett-series 8, Daniel Feltham Dan Bennett-series 8, Katie Pearson Becky Bennett-series 8, Jake Young Eddie Bennett-series 8 |
| Channel | CITV on ITV1, CITV Channel Nickelodeon (S1-S4 rpts) |
| Production company | ITV Productions |
| Air dates | 8 November 1999 – 21 December 2006 |
| No. of series | 8 |
| No. of episodes | 105 |
My Parents are Aliens is a British children's comedy on CITV about an eccentric family, which started in 1999. It follows the lives of three orphaned children, Melanie, Josh and Lucy Barker, and their foster parents Brian and Sophie Johnson. In series 6, they were joined by adopted CJ. In series 7, Mel leaves and is replaced with Harry.
The Johnsons are aliens from the planet Valux. They crash-landed on Earth when Brian tampered with their spaceship controls. As shown by the opening credits, their house is actually a morphed form of their spaceship. The Johnsons also have the power to morph themselves, which often comes in handy for causing mischief.
The show added a laugh track from the 4th series onwards. Many fans complained that they didn't like it, feeling that it spoilt the feel of the show [citation needed], but Granada stuck with it for the rest of the show's run.
Repeats of series 1-4 can currently be seen in the UK on Nickelodeon, and all 7 series can be seen on the CITV Channel.
The last episode of My Parents are Aliens is set to be aired on Thursday 21st December 2006
During the first episode of series 8, Brian and Sophie's memories were erased, resulting in them not remembering anything of the Barker's or any events that occurred during the shows entire run from series 1-7. Series 8 was dubbed 'Phase 2' by fans, as the styles of Brian and Sophie, the rest of the cast, the sets, the location and even the galactic guidebook all changed. With the final episode of Series 8 most likely to be the last ever episode of the series, many fans felt that the final episode of Series 7, 'Thanks for all the Earthworm Custard', should have been the final episode, as it was the last to feature the original regular cast, and wrapped things from the first seven series up very well.
[edit] Overview
The programme follows the lives of three orphaned siblings, Mel, Josh and Lucy Barker, who (as detailed in the opening credits) are fostered by Brian and Sophie Johnson, aliens from the planet Valux, who are stranded on Earth after Brain tampering with the ship's controls, causing them to crash-land. Brian and Sophie have a limited and muddled knowledge of life on Earth, and episodes often start with them learning something new, usually inaccurately, then proceeding to exhibiting their ignorance in amusing ways, to the exasperation of the children and the bemusement of other characters. The central antagonist of the programme is that no one outside the family must ever learn that they are aliens, or they will be taken away for scientific testing. The major plot device in the programme is their ability to take on the shapes of other people (known in the programme as "morphing"), and the confusion and misunderstandings that follow from their lack of knowledge of earth and the people on it. For instance, the food that Sophie often cooks can hardly be deemed as average cuisine. The humour in the programme is surreal and sometimes gently subversive. While the programme is a children's show it occasionally makes reference to rather mature matters. For this reason, it has also gained a considerable following of older viewers outside of it's intende age range.
[edit] Characters
[edit] Stars
- Brian Johnson (Tony Gardner), a Valuxian alien. He is extremely childlike - he follows crazes and fads and gets bored easily, and is easily sucked into Josh's scams. He has little or no concept of morality, often creating difficult situations for the characters and only rectifying them because he is told to. He can morph at will, but his allergy to ice cream makes him morph involutarily whenever he eats it. He often displays androgynous behaviour: he grows breasts in one episode, and falls pregnant in another. He also has unrequited love for Josh's friend Pete and, in the Series 2 episode "First Christmas Part 1", Mel's boyfriend Scott Taylor (he later jeopardises the relationship by morphing into Mel and kissing Scott). Brian morphs a lot in the show and his disguises include: Mel, Josh (mostly), Lucy, Trent, Wendy, Mrs Hardman, a previous and deceased Headmaster, a cool and hip teenaged girl called Spam (Melanie Orchard), a blonde nurse, a rat, a toad, a pregnant elderly woman (in order to get a seat on the bus), Tania Thomas and Harry.
- Sophie Johnson (Barbara Durkin) (1999-2000,2005) then (Carla Mendonça) (2001- ), Brian's wife. She has slightly more common sense than Brian but is still not very intelligent and just as easily led. She can morph, but only when eating ice cream (although this rule has been overlooked on a couple of occasions). She and Brian have crashlanded on Earth and adopt Mel, Josh and Lucy in order to fit in. Although initially they were stranded on Earth, the Series 3 episode "Aliens Go Home" sees a Valuxian ship picking up their distress signal. However, having become attached to their new life, they decide to stay on Earth. Sophie's morphs have included: Mel, Josh, Lucy, Frankie, Pete, Trent, a hamster, a mermaid (with her same head) and Mr Whiteside. Barbara Durkin returns as Aunt Sophie in the episode "Thanks for all the Earthworm Custard"
[edit] Series 1-7
[edit] Children
- Mel Barker (Danielle McCormack) (1999-2004, 2005), the archetypal rebellious teenager, aged 14. She spends most of the time expressing resentment towards her "alien freak" parents, but a few moments throughout the series have shown her to be more affectionate towards them than she seems. She also has a close and loving relationship with Lucy. Her numerous boyfriends never last longer than an episode, but her will-they-won't-they relationship with her best friend Trent is a long-running aspect of the programme. Mel tends to avoid mainstream fashion, but has occasionally been shown to care more about her appearance than she usually lets on. In Series 7, Mel goes on an exchange programme in Canada. Brian and Sophie replace her with a new girl from the foster home, named Harriet (aka. Harry) as the "new Mel". Mel returns to the show at the end of series 7 in the episode: "Thanks for all the Earthworm Custard".
- Josh Barker (Alex Kew) (1999-2005), he is constantly concocting elaborate schemes for monetary gain or popularity at school. These often involve Brian's morphing skills and his friends Pete and Frankie's loyalty. He has his own kind of guile and intelligence, though his grades are often awful compared to his sisters. He has a long-lasting crush on, as he puts it, "the gorgeous Tanya Thomas", and despite going on a few dates with her, the relationships are always short, mainly thanks to Brian or Sophie. He is enemies with his grumpy teacher Mr Graham Whiteside and the devious Poppy Manning, while his allies include pessimistic Pete Walker and the dopey Frankie Perkins. Josh is somewhat prudish. He is also the most selfish of the Barkers, and comes to the aid of the others much less frequently. He can play the guitar.
- Lucy Barker (Charlotte Francis) (1999-2005), the youngest, geekiest and perhaps most sensible member of the family. She performs well at school, especially in science, and wants to become an astronaut. She is the most emotionally honest character, often expressing the feelings that Mel and Josh share but would never express. Her only friend is Wendy, who shares similar interests and character traits. Her favourite possession is her chemistry set, of which she is very protective.
- CJ (Olisa Odele) (2004-2005), a small, quiet boy who was rescued from being run over by 'Superbrian', a.k.a. Brian Johnson wearing a cape. By strange coincidence he turns out also to be an orphan from the children's home and is adopted into the family. CJ generally takes on the role of Brian's 'sidekick', and is therefore involved in many of Brian's ridiculous schemes and mad ideas. CJ has also been known to imitate Brian. He is also sometimes the victim of jokes implying that (prehaps because of his age) he is less important or likable than the others, something he attempts to disprove such as when he offers himself as a slave for a day, and when he dates Poppy Manning.
- Harry (Stephanie Fearon) (2005), the newest addition to the family, introduced at the start of series 7. Harry's real name is actually Harriet, but she snaps angrily at anyone who calls her that. Brian and Sophie adopted her when looking for a replacement for Mel, who had at the time left for Canada on an exchange trip. She is very similar to Mel in terms of personality, as she is usually very moody and is a bit of a tomboy. She is also very protective of CJ because he is the youngest, although he finds her behaviour patronising. Like Josh, she plays the guitar.
[edit] Other
- Pete Walker (Patrick Niknejad) (1999-2005) and Frankie Perkins (Jordan Maxwell) (1999-2005), Josh's long-suffering friends. Pete has a pessimistic outlook on life and easily spots Josh's scams, but usually ends up getting drawn in anyway. Another of Josh's friends, Frankie's optimism is a foil for Pete's pessimism, but along with his dopeyness means he is often the target of Josh's scams. He has a long-held crush on Mel, and, in Series 7, he has a crush on Harry as well. Pete and Frankie have tried to desert Josh on several occasions, but always come back.
- Wendy Richardson (Isabella Melling) (1999-2005), Lucy's only friend. In her scientifically-minded and studious nature she is very similar to Lucy, but as has been seen throughout the episodes, is not as smart and is even less in touch with popular culture than Lucy. Very pompous, and somewhat arrogant, she will always lose to Lucy by 1%.
- Trent Clements (Keith Warwick) (2000-2005), Mel's long-time friend. He endures Mel's mood swings with resignation and good humour, and it is hinted that he is romantically interested in her. They finally get together in Series 6.
- Mr Graham Whiteside (1999-2005), Well known and very Grumpy Teacher. Particular dislike to Josh Barker.
- Mrs Alican Hardman (1999-2005), One of Joshs' Teachers'. Recurring Character and dislike to Josh.
- Poppy Manning (1999-2005)
- Tanya Tohmas (1999-2005)
- Mikey (1999-2005)
- Dave Locket (1999-2005)
[edit] Series 8
[edit] Children
- Jaq Bennett (Jessica Woods) (2006), A fiery teenage girl, Jaq is the oldest of the new foster children. Jaq has difficulty making friends because of her attitude. She rarely shouts, usually letting her sharp wit do the talking.
- Dan Bennett (Daniel Feltham) (2006), Becky's twin. Although he is arguably the 'geekier' of the two (he collects comics and speaks Klingon), he is neither academic nor interested in science. In fact, he is quite stupid, something he is quite proud of. Dan is a television addict, but also enjoys computer games and the Internet.
- Becky Bennett (Katie Pearson) (2006), Dan's twin. Becky is very studious. She is fond of disecting animals, and her ambition is to study veterinary science at University.
- Eddie Bennett (Jake Young) (2006), the youngest member of the family. He manipulates and even emotionally blackmails the other characters to get what he wants. He does this easily because of his innocent appearance, as well as the naïevité of his foster parents.
[edit] Character similarities
There are many similarities between the new foster kids in series 8 and the children from series 1-7. Jaq is like Mel and Harry. She is a kid who hides her feelings and pretends to be cool. Becky is like Lucy as she loves science. Dan is a little bit like Josh, as he comes up with mad schemes and is a bit dim. Eddie is a bit like CJ. He is small, cute and wants the family to be together.
[edit] Episode guide
For an entire list of My Parents Are Aliens episodes, see My Parents are Aliens Episodes
[edit] Series 1
[edit] Nobody's Perfect (8 November 1999)
Brian has a mysterious reaction, which causes him to sneeze and morph at the same time. Mel skips school but won't reveal why, and gets in trouble at school.
[edit] The Home Team (15 November 1999)
Brian and Sophie want to bring the family closer together so they enroll the family in the school quiz. However, there can only be four to a team so Lucy enters with Wendy and her parents.
[edit] The Date (22 November 1999)
Mel arrives home late and expects to be punished, but isn't. She keeps trying to get into trouble until she comes home with a walkman she says she stole. Josh tries to get a date with Tania Turner (Emily Fleeshman), so he enlists Brian's help.
[edit] It's a Dog's Life (29 November 1999)
Lucy find a dog and cares for it, much to the anger of Mel. Josh spends money he raised for a charity event and thus must make the money again, so he runs errands for Mel.
[edit] The Box (6 December 1999)
When Lucy calls Brian and Sophie "Mum and Dad", Mel gets angry and shows Lucy and Josh some old possessions of their real parents she kept. However, a lipstick from the box is missing. Josh must resit his exams and enlists the help of Lucy.
[edit] The Makeover (13 December 1999)
Lucy and Wendy are the only two in the class not to be invited to a party, due to the fact they're too "geeky", prompting Lucy to change her image. Sophie is struck down with a case of the flu, only to get bored whilst recovering in bed.
[edit] Series 2
[edit] The Challenge (16 October 2000)
Lucy wins tickets for a Blink 182 concert, and Josh is eager to get them off her. She says she will give him the tickets if he performs no selfish deeds for a week. Sophie and Brian get homesick.
[edit] The Genius (23 October 2000)
Josh injures himself during sports, so Brian attempts to fix it with a home-made machine. However, the machine instead makes Josh intelligent, making Lucy feel threatened as she is outsmarted in chess.
[edit] The Holiday (30 October 2000)
Josh wants an all-night-game-a-thon, so he tries to make the rest of the family go on a holiday. However, they can not agree on where to go.
[edit] The Sleepover (6 November 2000)
Lucy and Wendy are on the verge of falling out, as Wendy is upset that Lucy never invites her to her house. They arrange a sleepover, and thus Sophie and Brian must act as normal as possible.
[edit] The Bribe (13 November 2000)
Lucy is selected to represent the school in a Science Tournament - which proves to be too difficult a task for her, so Sophie offers to help. Brian enters one of Mel's drawings in an art contest.
[edit] Skirting The Issue (20 November 2000)
Mel goes to school in trousers, as she feels the school rule that girls must wear skirts is sexist. Lucy looks after the school hamster which Josh promptly loses.
[edit] El Presidente (27 November 2000)
Lucy manages to get her way in the house, making chess nights and debates. Due to this, Josh gets the idea to run for school council. He claims if appointed, he would get all students entry to the prefect's room, much to the anger of Mel. Mel has a secret weapon - if he continues in his plan, she will use a karaoke tape of him singing Britney Spears.
[edit] The Family Way (4 December 2000)
Lucy's birthday is arriving, and she wants a party. Whilst she thinks no-one is interested, the family is planning a secret party. When Sophie becomes pregnant, Josh is elected to give Brian 'The Talk' on the facts of life, with help from a book from the school library. However, Brian later becomes pregnant.
[edit] First Christmas (Part One) (11 December 2000)
Mel asks Scott Taylor to the school Christmas disco. Lucy is cast as Mary in the Nativity play, a part Wendy wants. Josh fills Brian and Sophie in about Christmas. Lucy gives Wendy the part of Mary in the play, however Wendy becomes extremely demanding. Mel gets cold feet and won't go to the disco, so Brian morphs into her and goes in her place. Mel finds out and rushes to the disco, only to find Brian-Mel kissing Scott. Continued in ...
[edit] First Christmas (Part Two) (18 December 2000)
Continued from previous episode. Mel attempts to repair the damage caused by Brian, only to find out some things about herself. The school Nativity play becames a strain on Lucy and Wendy's friendship. Josh has nightmares and is visited by ghosts.
Last episode on which Barbara Durkin appeared.
[edit] Series 3
[edit] Crazy for You (24 September 2001)
Mel gets a job offer as assistant to a fashion photographer. However, her audition takes place during school, so she goes to the audition whilst Sophie (who is not a very gifted morpher) morphs into Mel and goes to school. However, she goes around kissing everyone, including Mrs. Hardman, and is referred to a child psychologist. Sophie panics at the psychologists, and Mel arrives to take over. However, Sophie cannot morph back to her original human form, and decides to keep another look, thus introducing Carla Mendonça into the role of Sophie.
[edit] When Swaps Go Bad (25 September 2001)
Brian and Sophie become hooked on a card game, and will go to any length to obtain more cards. They end up stealing and selling the school laptop. They discover there is a rare card they need to find. They find the card, but realise they have wasted their time and money. They feel very silly
[edit] Enter the Duck (26 September 2001)
Lucy discovers her talent at judo. Sophie enlists Trent's help at cooking. However, she later brings a live duck into the house to cook.
[edit] The Wedding (27 September 2001)
Brian and Sophie are not technically married, so Lucy arranges a wedding.
[edit] Testing Times (28 September 2001)
Josh fails a test, and tells Brian and Sophie that it is the teacher's fault for not teaching him right. Brian home-tutors Josh, but turns out to be an extremely strict teacher.
[edit] The Valentine (1 October 2001)
It's Valentines Day, and Josh is trying to get a date with Tania Thomas. Mel is the affection of Andy the Freak and Frankie, and Sophie falls in love with the dishwasher. Goof: Sophie asks the Family what Valentines day was, but in an episode a few years ago when Barbara Durkin played Sophie she is trying to act calm to a teacher who has come to visit the house and she says "This happened to me once on Val.... Valentines day" She should have known what Valentines day was because she was told just approximately one year ago.
[edit] Magic Johnson (2 October 2001)
Lucy and Brian perform a magic show. Mel runs in the sponsored school run.
[edit] Aliens Go Home (3 October 2001)
An alarm sounds in the household - signalling that there is a Valux rescue ship nearby. Brian and Sophie are faced with a decision - go home, or stay with the children.
[edit] Halloween (4 October 2001)
At Halloween, Josh has a plan to run a tour of the school, with Frankie and Pete helping spook the students.
[edit] Howie (5 October 2001)
Brian and Sophie adopt a new child, Howie. Howie turns out to be a safety freak, much to the anger of Mel, Josh and Lucy. Due to all of this, Howie runs away. NOTE: The conclusion of this episode, in which Howie finds out that Brian is an alien (or possibly a moose-man of sorts), and runs away, is left open, and it is never revealed whether Howie told anyone, or where Howie is now.
[edit] Series 4
[edit] Textual Relations (9 September 2002)
To celebrate their "phone-a-versary" (a scam by Josh), Sophie gives Brian a mobile phone, however the phone wipes Brian's mind of all alien memory. Meanwhile, Josh believes his mathematics teacher has fallen for him. NOTE: Introduction of the laugh track.
[edit] Beauty and the Breast (Part One) (16 September 2002)
On Father's Day, Sophie gets upset that she has never received any Mother's Day gifts. Josh tries to gain a video game from new girl Poppy Manning (she only gives games to girls). Mel is upset when Brian thinks she is a boy. The episode concludes with Sophie attempting to be more masculine by working out and Brian becoming more feminine by growing breasts.
[edit] Beauty and the Breast (Part Two) (23 September 2002)
Continued from the previous episode. Brian and Sophie's attempt to embrace the opposite gender become more and more extreme. Josh still attempts to receive the video game from Poppy.
[edit] The Naked Truth (30 September 2002)
Poppy writes an article in the school magazine criticizing Josh. Mel accidentally kills the school budgie and Josh writes this in his own school magazine. To get revenge, Mel gets Brian to morph into Josh and take naked pictures of himself to give to Poppy to print in her magazine.
[edit] Operation Date (7 October 2002)
Mel is fed up with Lucy's control freak behaviour and decides to move out of their bedroom and into the attic. Lucy is incensed, but when Sophie and Wendy abandon her too, she begins to wonder whether she might be in the wrong after all. Josh is desperate to scam Frankie's signed United football shirt from him, and Brian agrees to morph into Mel as part of a cunning plan. But Josh is about to get a taste of his own medicine for once.
[edit] Rat's Entertainment (14 October 2002)
This week Brian feels rejected when Sophie chooses to watch repeats of Geoff Jefferson, Criminal Prosecutor on cable TV, instead of taking part in his indoor Olympics festival. Josh also has grievances with Sophie's television hogging - the wrestling team have paid him in advance for tapes of special shows.
[edit] Fish Fingers (21 October 2002)
Brian has a new pet - Fluffy the goldfish - but when he's fed on a diet of fried egg, bacon and beans, the unfortunate Fluffy soon floats off to the fish tank in the sky, leaving Brian devastated.
[edit] Secrets and Lies (28 October 2002)
Josh is confident that his 'treat 'em mean, keep 'em keen' tactics will eventually win the heart of his school friend Tania. Sophie decides that humans tell lies all the time, making her highly suspicious of everything her family says. Mel persuades Trent to let her stand in for him as school magazine agony aunt, but can she really summon up the sensitivity to do it? In a desperate bid to prove to Josh that he can lie convincingly, Brian tells Pete that Tania fancies him. But when Pete and Tania arrange a date, Brian has some quick thinking to do before Josh's heart is broken.
[edit] Just My Luck (4 November 2002)
When Lucy insists that there's no such thing as luck, Brian is determined to prove her wrong. He purchases a pair of Josh's 'lucky' underpants and is delighted to immediately win a free pen and a pound.
[edit] The Opposites (11 November 2002)
Josh is woken by a trumpet-playing Brian and is offered tiddlywinks for breakfast. His sisters may be technically human but they still can't behave like normal people. Why can't his family just be different in every way? A bump on the head makes Josh's wish come true, throwing him into a world of complete opposites.
[edit] The Invosibibble Mam (18 November 2002)
Josh has laryngitis, but despite Sophie's best efforts to nurse him back to health, he quickly loses patience with her bedside manner. Brian is jealous that Trent has given Mel a music festival ticket and morphs into 'Spam' - a hip and trendy girl that will catch Trent's eye. His plan works, but Mel is devastated. Can Josh and Sophie persuade Brian to make amends before Mel's heart is broken and Sophie turns invisible from a lack of attention?
[edit] The Musical (25 November 2002)
Ever since Wendy had been away, Lucy is lonely and in science class, Mrs Hardman invites Lucy to auditions for OLIVER:The Musical, a school play. Brian then studies musicals by renting all the musicals on tape. He watches OLIVER and thinks that OLIVER is an orphan, as is Lucy, therefore Brian thinks that this has caused offence and speaks to Mrs Hardman, then pulls the lever to the trap door and Mrs Hardman breaking both her legs, and the musical is cancelled. Josh is looking up a disease called PNS (Parental Neglect Syndrome) and Sophie thinks that Josh has PNS. Sophie then watches the Sound Of Music and learns how to be a good mother. Lucy hears that the musical is back on and Brian has volunteered to direct the play, but instead of OLIVER, they perform BRIAN: The Musical and Poppy Mannning is casted as Luciella, and later being sacked and replaced by Lucy, who refuses to be in the musical, causing Brian to sack her and recasts Poppy, before immediately sacking the whole cast. Later, Lucy reasons with Brian in front Of the class. Sophie annoys Josh at school by singing Sunshine, My Only Sunshine and is locked in the janitors closet. Mel has a bet with Trent that she couldn't last four days without insulting anybody.
[edit] Brian of the Brownies (2 December 2002)
Brian is desperate to join Lucy at the Brownies, but she refuses for obvious reasons. Undeterred, Brian forms his own association - The Brianies - with its own code of conduct.
[edit] Series 5
[edit] Age Concerns (22 October 2003)
Brian and Sophie learn about age concerns and invite a couple of old people from a old folks home and Josh's voice breaks.
[edit] Big Mother (27 October 2003)
Burglars Can't Be Choosers (29 October 2003) Brian accidentally leaves the front door open and they get robbed and Brian tries his hand at thieving.
[edit] King Brian (3 November 2003)
Brian decides to give the attic (which is now a really awesome bedroom) to whoever loves him more, but Lucy, walks away from the contest, so that means Josh and Mel are the only competitors.
[edit] Warts and All (5 November 2003)
Lucy develops a wart and tries to hide it at school.
[edit] Educating Sophie (10 November 2003)
[edit] April Fools (12 November 2003)
[edit] Wheels of Misfortune Part One (17 November 2003)
Brian is out buying a bicycle, but ends up in a wheelchair. Not that he had been beaten up, but he loved the wheelchair and rejected the bicycle and Lucy overhears Wendy's Mum saying to Mrs.Hardman that Wendy only has four weeks to live. Also Brian protests at the diner For Disabled Access. TO BE CONTINUED.........
[edit] Wheels of Misfortune Part Two (19 November 2003)
PREVIOUSLY ON MY PARENTS ARE ALIENS Brian protests For disabled access at the diner, but he gets out of the wheelchair, everyone thinks he's lazy and he gets back in the wheelchair and rolls out of the diner and Josh warns him to watch out for the steps and Brian falls off and Brakes his legs.
[edit] Mel Barker - Superstar (24 November 2003)
[edit] Pygmalien (26 November 2003)
Josh introduces him to 'Weekend Slobbing' and Mel teaches Brian about manners and Josh bets with Mel that he can turn Brian into a gentleman and he Does it, but Brian turns into an old grump, Also he invites Trent(Who Brian calls 'Trentington'.
[edit] Smotherley Love (1 December 2003)
[edit] Nappy Rash (3 December 2003)
[edit] Series 6
[edit] Super Brian (9 October 2004)
Brian dons a cape (and nothing else beside his normal clothes) and becomes "SuperBrian". He saves orphan CJ who they adopt.
[edit] Le Freak C'est Chic (16 October 2004)
Mel meets a hunky boy at school, but is in for a surprise when she finds out who it really is. Does Andy The Freak ring a bell?
[edit] Sticky Situations(23 October 2004)
[edit] Joshferatu (30 October 2004)
It's nearly Halloween and Josh decides to be a vampire. Brian is petrified that Josh will bite him. He then falls asleep and dreams that Lucy gives him a lovely giant bun and then Josh bites him. He then redecorates the house as his lair. He needs to chose a victim. Who can possibly be better than Mr Whiteside?
[edit] Robojosh (6 November 2004)
Dissatisfied with the level of affection his foster son is prepared to show him, Brian creates a robot double of Josh.
[edit] Melerella (13 November 2004)
Sophie discovers fairytales and decides to become an evil step mother, convinced that Mel will end up marrying a prince, but what will happen when Frankie and Pete see the state of the house?
[edit] Brian's Ark (22 November 2004)
Brian feels guilty about killing a spider so decides, at Mel's suggestion, to perform a good deed to counteract the bad one. But Mel didn't mean start an animal sanctuary in the house.
[edit] My Fair Mel (23 November 2004)
Brian decides to make Mel pretty by dying her hair blonde in the middle of the night, but when Mel wants more... more... more... how will she react when the procedure goes horribly wrong?
[edit] The Crying Game (24 November 2004)
[edit] Dirty Dancing (29 November 2004)
[edit] The Alienist (30 November 2004)
[edit] Fangs for the Mammaries (1 December 2004)
[edit] Wrongs of Praise (6 December 2004)
[edit] Brian's 11 Minus 8 (7 December 2004)
[edit] Anoraknophobia (8 December 2004)
Sophie decides to become a rapper and Brian starts spoon collecting...
[edit] Help (13 December 2004)
Brian offers to get Josh a date with one of the school’s fittest athletes... but Josh finds himself being kissed by Wendy instead!
[edit] Oh Brian (14 December 2004)
Brian decides that he will only be happy if he is surrounded by laughter, so he turns his life into a comedy show. meanwhile Lucy and Sophie become artists and Brian foils their chances of winning a competition by swapping their picture with Mr Whiteside naked on a half, which results in Sophie saying to Mr Whieside, "That would look marvelous over anybody's fireplace".
[edit] Full Metal Sophie (15 December 2004)
[edit] The Naughty List (Part One) (20 December 2004)
When Brian learns that he might not get everything he wants for Christmas because he's almost certainly on the naughty list, he pays a visit to a very familiar Santa at the school fair. Meanwhile Josh wrestles with his conscience as he tries to resist opening Pete's present to Frankie, and Sophie employs every dirty trick she can think of to discover what Lucy's bought her for Christmas.
[edit] The Naughty List (Part Two) (27 December 2004)
Sophie decides to make this the best Christmas ever, but soon finds she could do with a few more pairs of hands to cook a traditional Christmas dinner. When Pete's present to Frankie is broken, (twice), and the shops have sold out, even Scam Master Josh can't see a way out. Brian decides that he could do a better job than Santa with the help of his Chief Elf, C.J., but when Christmas Eve arrives and nothing's going to plan for any of the family, a good dose of Christmas magic is in order . . . !
- Note: The first 6 episodes of Series 6 were broadcast as part of Ministry of Mayhem and repeated on CITV from 8 November 2004. Both parts of The Naughty List were shown together on Ministry of Mayhem on 25 December 2004. The Naughty List has not yet been shown on the weekday CITV slot.
We welcome Olisa Odele as CJ in Series Six.
[edit] Series 7
[edit] The Trouble With Harry (18 October 2005)
Mel has left for Canada and Brian is suffering in her absence, so takes matters into his own hands by getting a 'new Mel' from the children's home, while Lucy is enjoying having a room to herself, which soon changes.
[edit] Pret-a-Brian (19 October 2005)
Josh is using Sophie in his latest scam by getting her to morph into pets for his classmates for money. Brian is bored without Sophie so decides to become a fashion designer. However, his ideas are not quite to everyone's taste.
[edit] Hotel Sophie (25 October 2005)
Harry gets angry with Sophie for not providing for her properly, even though she is doing the best she can. This gives Sophie the idea of opening a hotel, so that she can at least get paid for running around after people. Brian makes the weather inside the house sunny so that he can be happy, but all doesn't quite go to plan.
[edit] Halloween Tales (26 October 2005)
It's Halloween. Brian tells a spooky story in an attempt to scare the rest of the family but, when the others remain unshaken, Josh decides to tell a Halloween tale of his own.
[edit] Worst Aid (1 November 2005)
After nearly choking on a gobstopper, Brian decides to learn some first aid in order to keep the family safe. Josh is plagued by a maniac girlfriend while Lucy wants to get a nose ring so that she will be accepted by the cool kids. However, is her status more valuable than Wendy's friendship?
[edit] Sophie Ltd (2 November 2005)
After worrying that he will not be remembered when he dies, Brian goes on a quest to find the Holy Grail with CJ. Josh participates in work experience at the diner. Wendy and Lucy start a company producing potato powered clocks, and Sophie helps make them, however, she is told off by Lucy for giving them all away free. Sophie then founds Sophiecom International which sells useless coconut toys, yet these are a hit. Her business is about to go international until Lucy discovers her secret.
[edit] Million Dollar Harry (8 November 2005)
When Harry signs up for a school wrestling tornement, Brian gets bullied by a boy who claims to be related to the police chief, and when Sophie learns that to be connected (in family relation) to a famous person means you get a higher status.
[edit] What The Romans Did For Brian (9 November 2005)
Brian is introduced,by cj, to the ancient Roman concept of democracy and quickly imposes his own absolute rule on the household to get his way. Meanwhile, Josh tries to impress Tanya in music class by pretending to be a great player but loser her in the end because she finds someone else
[edit] The Love Bug (15 November 2005)
When Harry cooks Brian and Sophie a romantic meal to help them patch up their differences after an argument, the aliens quickly go to the other extreme and become totally wrapped up in their passion for one another, (much to the children's embarrassment). However, when Josh tries to cool their ardour, Brian becomes convinced that he's trying to steal Sophie's heart. Meanwhile Lucy is up for a prize at school.
[edit] Snappy Families (16 November 2005)
[edit] Goodbye Mr Flips (22 November 2005)
Sophie decides to become a Mary Poppins like nanny so that she could spend more time the children. Brian morphs in to a long-dead headmaster scaring Mr Whiteside out of the school.
[edit] Wrestlemaniac (23 November 2005)
Brian discovers that all arguments are solved through wrestling.
[edit] A Choco-Lips Now (29 November 2005)
Josh wins a lifetime supply of chocolate and Brian gets addicted to it. When Josh takes a shower and finds that Brian has filled the bathroom pipes full of chocolate, Josh, Lucy, Harry and CJ ban Brian from ever eating chocolate. Angered by this, Brian declares that if he cannot have chocolate, then no-one can, and bans it in the family. Meanwhile Sophie tries to get Lucy stressed.
[edit] The Tail of the Knitted Map (30 November 2005)
Sophie becomes a mermaid and Briuan wants to be the champion of hide and seek.
[edit] Neighbours From Hell (6 December 2005)
[edit] Fools of a Feather (7 December 2005)
Brian buys a racing pigeon for Harry. When the pigeon goes missing, Brian is blamed, so he tries to make things better by morphing into a pigeon himself. Meanwhile, Sophie morphs into Josh and sets up a stall selling stolen medical supplies.
[edit] Meet and Two Veg (13 December 2005)
Brian And Sophie meet Trent's parents. Harry learns a "shocking" secret about Trent, Sophie gets into growing vegetables and Brian gets into football.
[edit] Hot Gossip (14 December 2005)
Sophie learns about gossip and thinks that Mrs Hardman and Mr Whiteside have fallen in love with each other. Brian finds a toe in his can of cola and finds out the drink was faulty and complains before he tests CJ’s eyes and discovers that he too is ‘faulty’.
[edit] House Swarming Party (20 December 2005)
Sophie gets a bunch of flowers but then she finds out that they are for the family over the road. Lucy asks Sophie to take the flowers over the road but before she can finish her sentence Sophie sneezes. Lucy then explains to Sophie that she has hayfever. Meanwhile Josh is going on a date with Tania Thomas but he gets detention. Josh then asks Brian to morph in to Josh so that the real Josh can go on the date with Tania and the real Brian (morphed as Josh) can do the detention.
[edit] Thanks For All The Earthworm Custard (21 December 2005)
Mel finds out that the children have -- or had -- an aunt and uncle in Canada who look suspiciously like Brian and Sophie. They confront Brian and Sophie, who admit that, seven years ago, they met Josh, Mel and Lucy's aunt and uncle at the children's home -- and then, after the aunt and uncle realised that they were aliens, kidnapped them and kept them in suspended animation in the attic for seven years. The children insist that they let them free, and everyone realises that it is time to move on. Josh, Mel, Lucy, Harry and CJ all move to Canada with the real Brian and Sophie Johnson, and the aliens go back home to Valux -- or do they? It's a shame Brian can't resist a large red button.
Special guests: Barbara Durkin returning as Aunt Sophie and Danielle McComarck as Mel
Before the new series is broadcast, a weekend special of My Parents are Aliens is planned to air on CITV Channel from 23rd October, including all episodes of the show so far.
[edit] Series 8
[edit] Meteor Parents (16 October 2006)
Brian and Sophie crash land by the sea, and then get their memories wiped by Guido (the voice on the Galactic Guidebook). They need to foster four new kids to keep their alien identity a secret. But what will happen when the new kids find out the truth? Written by Joe Williams
Brian is being operated on by Becky and the family. Becky needs to get some of Brian's insides in order to stop the mutated flu virus melting him.
[edit] Ship of Friends (17 October 2006)
It’s the kids’ first day at their new school – and they’re causing chaos. Brian and Sophie want to make a friend and decide it should be one of the kids’ new teachers!
[edit] Series 8, Episode 3: Spies and Dolls (23 October)
Brian plants a bug in Jaq’s mobile phone to keep track of her every move and Sophie decides that Eddie would be the perfect little dolly for her to play with...
[edit] Series 8, Episode 4: The Babysitter (24 October)
Brian and Sophie employ Jaq’s arch-enemy Selena to babysit the kids but when they come home they can’t get her out of the house. This calls for desperate measures – and giant tarantulas!
[edit] Series 8, Episode 5: Home Is Where the Dart Is (30 October)
Sophie develops an interest in darts and is delighted when Eddie manages to score a bull's-eye. However, the youngster soon finds himself under so much pressure to perform in a competition that he struggles to throw straight.
[edit] Series 8, Episode 6: Abandon Chip! (31 October)
Sophie's involvement with an international crime ring puts the family under threat, while Brian believes a visiting exchange student is a fellow extra-terrestrial. Comedy, starring Tony Gardner and Carla Mendonca
[edit] Series 8, Episode 7: Rain Stops Play (6 November)
Sophie wants the kids to have a good time and turns the living room into a beach resort. Brian wants all the fun for himself and buries Eddie in the sand...
[edit] Series 8, Episode 8: Becky the Freak (7 November)
[edit] Series 8, Episode 9: The Great cake Robbery (13 November)
Sophie bakes the biggest cake in the world for Dan. Brian wants it – and tries to persuade Eddie to help him steal the big creamy pile by murdering Sophie.
[edit] Series 8, Episode 10: Lord of the Bling (14 November)
Brian finds something rather valuable on the beach, takes Dan and Eddie out shopping and gets all 'blinged up'. A real treat for the eye when you see it and a big hand is due to costume and make-up!
Sophie helps Becky with a school project and takes matters in hand when Miss Heather doesn't give her the mark she thinks she deserves.
[edit] Series 8, Episode 11: Dan the Man (20 November)
Brian attempts to make Dan a hero by setting fire to the school loos and Sophie fills the house with mountains of rubbish when she sets up a Museum of Stuff.
[edit] Series 8, Episode 12: The Plague (21 November)
Brian thinks having a cold will be fun and gets Becky to infect him – but his first sneeze blows over the furniture and then he turns into a puddle of snot...
[edit] Series 8, Episode 13: Big Head (27 November)
Sophie rescues Jaq from a surfing accident and loves the praise she receives so much that she puts Jaq’s life in increasing danger so she can feel that warm glow!
[edit] Series 8, Episode 14: Winter Blunderland (21 December 2006)
This is the final episode of My Parents are aliens to be aired on Thursday 21st December 2006. Brian and Sophie want the children to have the best Christmas ever, but they somehow cause a nuclear meltdown that leaves the children making a countdown to the end of the world. By (A.G.V)
[edit] Trivia
- In the episode The Family Way, Lucy is playing music on the stereo. She pauses the music, and then starts it again. When she continues the music, it has moved from the first verse straight to the chorus.
- Tanya Thomas has an actress change several times throughout the shows run.
- In the episode 'Becky the freak' the galactic guidebook crashes and features the Blue Screen of Death a common computer featured error.
- In Series One or Two Brian calls a snake bully bullyboy, but in series seven he doesn't know what bullying is.
- In series 8 episode 'Big Head', in the morning guido says the tip of the day. Then in the evening there is a different tip of the Day
[edit] Merchandise
My Parents Are Aliens has spawned very little merchandise. Only a mousemat, a VHS of Series One and a DVD of the best of Series 1-3 has been created.Also, pictures are available to print out on the My Parents are Aliens website.
