Devon (The Starlost)

Devon
Biographical Information
Real Name	Devon
Hometown	Cypress Corners
Physical Information
Species	Human
Gender	Male
Chronological / Political Information
Affiliation(s)	Mu Lambda 165
Base of Operations	Earthship Ark
Occupation(s)	Farmer
Fictional Information
Created by	Harlan Ellison
Portrayed by	Keir Dullea
First Appearance	Voyage of Discovery
Final Appearance	Space Precinct

“	Why? Why must we not ask questions? If no one knows the answer, must we stop thinking?	”
–Devon

Devon was a human occupant of the Earthship Ark. Devon became an outcast within his community, Cypress Corners, for questioning things.

Biography

Early life

Years before his exploration of the Earthship Ark began, both of Devon's parents died. He became a Ward of the Elders, and never pursued a trade, or held land. (TV: Voyage of Discovery)

Banishment to the Hills

Not long before his exile from Cypress Corners, the Elders sent Devon into the hills, ostensibly to purify his thoughts. (TV: Voyage of Discovery)

Exile from Cypress Corners

Final Day

Banishment

“	In the name of our Creator; Devon is possessed of a wickedness; an abomination; a poison. Let it be gone from our land.	”
–Jeremiah

A throng of people listened to Jeremiah's speech, extolling the virtues of work and tradition. Jeremiah questioned Devon's loyalty and fealty to the Elders. Devon stated his desire that they would answer questions, generating outcry from others in the crowd. Jeremiah asked Devon if his time spent in the hills hadn't cleansed his thoughts. Devon said that the true reason he had been cast out was as a punishment for loving Rachel. Jeremiah reminded Devon of his status as a Ward of the Elders and criticised his manner, stating that Devon's genetic rating was unsuitable, and that as a result Rachel was promised to Garth. Devon asked why this was the case, earning calls for banishment from the crowd. He asked why the sun moved across the sky, where the water came from, and what death was, before finally asking why he could not marry Rachel if it was his wish to do so. He capped off his questions by stating that Rachel did not love Garth. Jeremiah responded that questioning was blasphemy; he pressed buttons on the device in front of him, that replied in the voice of the creator, stating Devon was unsuitable. Jeremiah asked Devon again whether he would join with the congregation in supporting the marriage of Rachel and Garth. Devon responded that he never would. Jeremiah formally banished Devon from the community as the crowd walked away in disgust. (TV: Voyage of Discovery)

Meeting with Garth

Devon met met with Garth in the latter's smithy. As Devon attempted to explain himself Garth answered angrily that Devon had made him look like a fool, that Devon was attempting to disgrace his family, and that the decrees of the Elders were the law. Garth told him to stay away from Rachel. (TV: Voyage of Discovery)

Discovering the Truth

Devon stepped onto a circular pad and was shocked to find himself being propelled through the tunnel at high speeds. (TV: Voyage of Discovery)

Notes

Behind the Scenes

• Devon was portrayed by American actor Keir Dullea.

Appearances

• The Starlost
  • Voyage of Discovery (first appearance)
  • Lazarus from the Mist
  • The Goddess Calabra
  • The Pisces
  • Children of Methuselah
  • And Only Man Is Vile
  • Circuit of Death
  • Gallery of Fear
  • Mr. Smith of Manchester
  • The Alien Oro
  • Astro-Medics
  • The Implant People
  • The Return of Oro
  • Farthing's Comet
  • The Beehive
  • Space Precinct (final appearance)