The television series "Space: Above and Beyond", created and produced by Glen Morgan and James Wong, chronicled the interplanetary adventures of a Marine squadron battling hostile aliens in the years 2063-2064. Part (anti-)war drama, part science fiction, it examined such themes as courage, loyalty and faith. Through the eyes of the Wild Cards, it explored what we, as humans, live for... and what we would be willing to die for.

"Space" aired on Fox-TV in 1995 and 1996, but -- despite critical praise, decent ratings, viewer support, and four Emmy Award nominations -- was primarily cancelled due to network politics and rivalries.

Lt. Nathan West [portrayed by Morgan Weisser]

Nathan was originally to be a colonist to Tellus, along with his fiance Kylen Celina. He was bounced from the mission when affirmative action for InVitros was implemented. Nathan joined the Marines in order to get into space and reunite with Kylen. But Kylen's group was massacred by the alien Chigs (which started the Galactic Conflict), and she's presumed to be a POW. (Her fate is learned in the last episode.)

  Morgan Weisser's IMDb entry

Kristen Cloke as Vansen, Morgan Weisser as West

Lt. (later Capt.) Shane Vansen [portrayed by Kristen Cloke]

When Shane was a child, her Marine Corps parents were killed by AIs (artificial intelligence, android types). She became a Marine because she was tired of looking after other people -- however, her leadership skills rapidly made her honcho of the 58th.

  Kristen Cloke's IMDb entry

Rodney Rowland as Hawkes

Lt. Cooper Hawkes [portrayed by Rodney (sometimes credited as Rod) Rowland]

Cooper has only been alive for 6 years -- he's an InVitro, a race of humans gestated artificially after Earth was decimated by war and plague. InVitros are often discriminated against and called "tanks". Coop escaped from an InVitro training facility, and was sentenced to the Corps by a judge after being arrested for fighting and damaging a police car.

  Rodney Rowland's IMDb entry

Joel de la Fuente as Wang

Lt. Paul Wang [portrayed by Joel de la Fuente]

Paul joined the Corps to be a "lifetaker and heartbreaker", as well as to escape the slums of Chicago. He's literate, sensitive and tends to overanalyze.

  Joel de la Fuente's IMDb entry

Lanei Chapman as Damphousse

Lt. Vanessa Damphousse [portrayed by Lanei (later changed to Lanai) Chapman]

The most highly educated, Vanessa joined the Marines to find a direction in life. She's the technical wiz.

  Her IMDb entry as "Lanai"
  Her IMDb entry as "Lanei"

James Morrison as McQueen

Lt. Col. Tyrus Cassius McQueen [portrayed by James Morrison]

A man of mystery, TC McQueen is an InVitro who worked his way up through the ranks. Most of his previous squadron, the 127th Angry Angels, were killed in the beginning of the war, and he was seriously injured. McQueen is now the C.O. of the Wild Cards, and learning more about his own humanity as he works with them.

  James Morrison's IMDb entry

Tucker Smallwood as Ross

Commodore Glen Van Ross [portrayed by Tucker Smallwood]

The skipper of the Saratoga, Ross is a Navy lifer. He understands McQueen better than most. Both men feel that war is a sometimes necessary evil but is never to be desired.

  Tucker Smallwood's IMDb entry