Future Fantastic Episode Guide

Episode Guide

• Season 1 Episode 9: Brainstorm

  Report on how pioneers of artificial experiences are making TV escapism look tame, including neuroscientists striving to create a brain scanner capable of recording emotions and a memory chip which can be inserted into the brain. Plus, how cyberspace enthusiasts may soon be able to navigate a virtual interface using the power of thought

• Season 1 Episode 8: Immortals

  Investigation into whether the lifespan of humans could ever be increased from decades to centuries. Genetic engineering has already extended the life expectancy of worms sixfold, and the search is now on to isolate the human ageing gene. Gillian Anderson reports

• Season 1 Episode 7: Under a Purple Sky

  Gillian Anderson assesses the future of space travel, asking whether human colonisation of other planets will ever be possible and examining an audacious plan to replicate the Earth's environment on Mars. She also discovers why the National Aerospace Laboratory in Japan believes holiday-makers will soon be able to blast off for a fortnight in orbit

• Season 1 Episode 6: Weird Science

  Gillian Anderson investigates whether such classic sci-fi concepts as invisibility, telepathy and limitless free energy may soon become reality. Her trail leads her to the door of the man who dreams of creating the world's first invisibility suit, and she also meets physicist Ed May, who firmly believes ESP has a place in international espionage

• Season 1 Episode 5: The Brave New Body

  Gillian Anderson investigates an American doctor's pioneering method of limb replacement to see if a robotic arm can be controlled by the power of thought. Plus, the development of a computer chip enabling blind people to see and surgery allowing beneficial modifications to the human body

• Season 1 Episode 4: The Incredible Shrinking Planet

  Gillian Anderson investigates what the future could hold for transport, asking whether sci-fi predictions that roads will soon be obsolete are coming true. She talks to Nasa scientists attempting to construct a flying car and meets a man who claims to have made a working teleportation machine

• Season 1 Episode 3: Starman

  Gillian Anderson explores the rapid development of space travel, listening to sci-fi writer Arthur C Clarke's speculations about the future. She also meets scientists striving to create an anti-matter engine they hope will be able to power a craft close to the speed of light : suggesting the possibility of time travel is just around the corner

• Season 1 Episode 2: I, Robot

  Gillian Anderson of X Files fame researches developments in the field of robotics, asking whether the technology will lead to their predominance over man

• Season 1 Episode 1: Alien

  X-Files star Gillian Anderson examines the truth behind reports of contact with extraterrestrials