# The Comeback of a Missing Episode: A Landmark for *Mystery Science Theater 3000*
*Mystery Science Theater 3000* (MST3K) has held a cherished place in television lore since its launch nearly four decades ago, showcasing 230 episodes across different networks, including KTMA, Comedy Central, Sci-Fi (now known as Syfy), and Netflix. Renowned for its distinctive format where robots humorously comment on feature-length B-movies, the show has built a devoted following. However, the legal intricacies surrounding long-term rights to the series’ material have led to certain episodes becoming “lost” over the years, with no home media availability or archival copies.
Recently, a YouTube account managed by “Arthur Putie” attracted attention by uploading an episode previously believed to be lost from MST3K. This specific episode marks the third installment of the series, showcasing Joel Hodgson and his robot friends as they comically critique the 1987 Japanese space opera *Star Force*. Originally broadcast locally on Minneapolis television, this episode has been shrouded in obscurity for 37 years, making its recent upload noteworthy for fans and aficionados of television lore.
Throughout its history, MST3K has consistently encouraged its viewers to record and share their own tapes, with reminders frequently shown during the end credits. While some memorable episodes have been released on VHS and DVD, the show’s atypical format complicates the acquisition of consistent licensing. Consequently, various episodes have circulated on platforms like YouTube, and the emergence of this lost episode contributes to the expanding digital repository of MST3K content.
The notion of “lost media” has garnered significant attention in recent times, with many television programs, both well-known and obscure, grappling with the fallout of the pre-home media era. Networks frequently disposed of original recordings, resulting in the vanishing of numerous broadcasts. This issue is not exclusive to MST3K; for instance, several episodes of *Monty Python’s Flying Circus* have not been seen since their original broadcasts, and critical episodes of *Doctor Who* have also been permanently lost, including those introducing the Cybermen.
In addition to the unearthing of lost content, 2023 has turned out to be an exhilarating year for MST3K enthusiasts overall. An effective Kickstarter campaign succeeded in raising $3 million in February to create four new episodes with original cast members. The upload of the *Star Force* episode, seemingly arriving without much fanfare or a video description, further enhances the legacy of the show and underscores the significance of maintaining rare media.
*Star Force* acts as a sequel to *Fugitive Alien*, which MST3K revisited later on. The film features a space scoundrel named Ken, whose escapades include a notorious scene involving an assassination attempt using a forklift.
In summary, the accessibility of this lost episode marks a pivotal moment for *Mystery Science Theater 3000* and its loyal audience. It highlights not only the show’s lasting charm but also the crucial part that fans have in safeguarding television history through shared memories and recordings.
