Infinity Limited
| Company type | Television program |
|---|---|
| Industry | Educational television |
| Founded | 1982 |
| Defunct | 1984 |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
| Products | Educational science television program |
Infinity Limited was an Australian educational television program focused on science, produced by the ABC in Melbourne from 1982 through 1984. Although its duration was short, the series became well-liked among primary school students across Australia. The show comprised 37 episodes, each aired between 12 and 19 times during the period from 1982 to 1991, with the exception of episode 83/9 titled "The Big Heater," which was broadcast only three times.
The cast featured Kim Trengove and Stefan Dennis portraying Kris (Kristal) and Rick, partners running a small enterprise named Infinity Ltd. After Stefan Dennis left following the twentieth episode in late 1983, Mark Little joined as Rosco for the remaining seventeen episodes. Infinity Ltd. focused on addressing straightforward science-related challenges presented by clients. Their office was situated above Vortex Ventures, a competing firm that frequently attempted to lure away Infinity Ltd’s customers but rarely succeeded. Ross Williams played Valerian J. Vortex, the inept proprietor of Vortex Ventures, while Ian Scott portrayed Arthur Plankton, his long-suffering assistant who often demonstrated more intelligence than Vortex acknowledged. Plankton regularly undertook unpleasant duties such as spying on Infinity Ltd. The rivalry between the two companies was depicted as a minor business nuisance rather than a serious threat.
Kris
Kristal (Kim Trengove), commonly called Kris, represents one half of the Infinity Limited partnership. Although their collaboration is relatively equal, Kris frequently holds final decision-making authority and tends to assign physical tasks to Rick. She suspects Rick may take it easy during breaks but maintains a close friendship with him; while a romantic connection is hinted at, it is never explicitly shown due to the program’s young audience. Kris appears to be in her early twenties.
Rick
Rick (Stefan Dennis) exhibits a more doubtful nature and often needs convincing before accepting new concepts. He is diligent in his work but values downtime, leading Kris to believe he occasionally avoids responsibilities. Rick exits the series for reasons not explained and is succeeded by Rosco. His age also seems to be in the early twenties range.
Rosco
Rosco (Mark Little) takes over from Rick as Kris’s partner at Infinity Limited. Known for his practical skills and ability to construct things, he provides hands-on expertise while Kris concentrates on scientific theory. Rosco appears to be in his early twenties.
Vortex
Valerian J. Vortex is the owner of Vortex Ventures, the competitor to Infinity Limited. Characterized as greedy, lazy, and unscrupulous yet not entirely lacking intelligence, he grasps scientific ideas at a superficial level but lacks patience for deeper understanding. Vortex creates various inventions that initially succeed but ultimately fail due to significant defects. Claiming genius status, he frequently disregards his assistant Plankton’s usually sound advice. His plans typically involve get-rich-quick schemes marked by poor preparation despite imaginative designs. Vortex almost always wears a blue suit and tie, sports a moustache, and has a distinctive horn-shaped hairstyle reminiscent of the Pointy-haired Boss from Dilbert. He seems to be in his early to late thirties.
Plankton
Arthur Plankton serves as the beleaguered assistant to Vortex and is seldom called by his given name. Whereas Vortex exhibits intellectual indolence, Plankton is more prone to physical lethargy, likely reflecting his unwilling participation in Vortex’s experimental endeavors. In contrast to Vortex, Plankton generally strives to act ethically but frequently finds himself misdirected. He possesses slightly greater intelligence than Vortex and often detects flaws in Vortex’s schemes, though his insights are typically disregarded. His usual attire consists of blue denim trousers paired with a grey V-neck sweater adorned with yellow and maroon stripes. His age appears to be in the late twenties or early thirties.
Relationships
There are indications that Kris and Rick share a romantic relationship, with their office space seemingly doubling as their home. In the episode "The Generation Gap," Kris’s mother is anticipated for dinner, suggesting the office is located within their residence. Additionally, in "Melting Moments," Kris’s tender gesture toward Rick reinforces this notion. Miss Abernathy displays an interest in Vortex until his inventions fail repeatedly. Plankton shows attraction toward a librarian, but his advances are interrupted by Vortex.
Episode Structure
Episodes generally revolve around Infinity Limited being contracted by clients encountering novel challenges. The team investigates various potential solutions and performs experiments to determine the most effective approach. Approximately half of the episodes feature Vortex dispatching Plankton to spy on Infinity Limited through an air duct connecting their offices; Plankton then attempts sabotage and pitches alternative ideas. Other episodes depict Vortex engaging in unrelated schemes that inadvertently intersect with Infinity Limited’s problems. Consistently, Vortex’s plans collapse due to his own errors.
The lack of knowledge demonstrated by Vortex and Plankton functions as a narrative tool to explore and clarify scientific principles through their inquiries and discussions, thereby educating viewers. Similarly, characters from Infinity Limited elucidate concepts among themselves or consult specialists who provide explanations accessible to all characters. These educational moments are seamlessly woven into the storyline and visually demonstrated to maintain engagement.
The series highlights the importance of critical thinking by contrasting comprehensive investigation against premature conclusions while addressing environmental and scientific issues pertinent to innovation and problem resolution in business contexts.
Episodes
83/23|||Photography|||19'58"|||325349|||Unknown||- Denzil Howson
- Joan Letch
- Evdokia Katahanas
- Pam Jones
- John Cousins
- Andrew Gilmour
- Gloria Ajenstat
- Denzil Howson
- David Allshorn
- Bob Ruggiero
- Ed Turley
- Peter Moon
- Rob McLennan
| Ep. no. | Title | Science concept | Running time | Production number | Writer | Additional cast | Plot outline | Runs | First year | Last year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 83/1 | The Earth Speaks | Fossils | 19'36" | 325324 | Hardy Stow |
|
A laborer uncovers an unusual item at an excavation site, which Infinity Limited identifies as a fossilized tooth likely belonging to a Diprotodon. Further digging reveals a significant discovery. Meanwhile, rival firm Vortex Ventures wrongly suspects fossil theft and attempts to fabricate fossils but ultimately fails. | 16 | 1983 | 1991 | |
| 83/2 | Thick as a Brick | Brickmaking | 19'59" | 325329 | Hardy Stow |
|
Infinity Limited investigates why mudbricks develop cracks while Vortex constructs a machine for commercial mudbrick production. | 18 | 1983 | 1991 | |
| 83/3 | To Bee or Not to Bee | Bees and pollination | 19'26" | 325330 | Bronwen Nicholls |
|
Kris and Rick explore the cause behind bee deaths at a beekeeper’s farm; Vortex hypothesizes that noise from a nearby music festival is responsible. | 18 | 1983 | 1991 | |
| 83/4 | Don't Count Your Chickens | Egg incubation | 19'50" | 325328 | Bronwen Nicholls |
|
Kris and Rick examine why eggs fail to hatch in an incubator; simultaneously, Vortex attempts raising ostriches for egg sales. | 18 | 1983 | 1991 | Copyright 1982 |
| 83/5 | Veg's Revenge | Nutrition | 19'56" | 325312 | Jim Burnett |
|
Kris and Rick investigate health issues among miners focusing on nutrition; meanwhile, Vortex suspects an infectious disease outbreak. | 16 | 1983 | 1991 | Copyright 1982 |
| 83/6 | The Case of the Terminated Trout | Water pollution | 19'49" | 325331 | Ian McFadyen |
|
A farmer seeks evidence linking a tanker spill to fish deaths; Vortex mistakenly blames a nearby factory owner. | 17 | 1983 | 1991 | |
| 83/7 | Good Vibrations | Noise pollution | 19'56" | 325333 | Ian McFadyen |
|
Kris investigates noise complaints against a friend's band; concurrently, Vortex demonstrates an invention resembling a tin can telephone. | 16 | 1983 | 1991 | |
| 83/8 | These Fuelish Things | Alternative energy sources | 18'48" | 325334 | Unknown |
|
A farmer aims to cut energy expenses by converting cow dung into methane; Infinity Limited explores alternative energy options while Vortex builds a methane-producing machine. | 16 | 1983 | 1991 | |
| 83/9 | The Big Heater | 19'49" | 325313 | Ian McFadyen |
|
- | 3 | 1982 | 1983 | Only episode removed after initial runs. | |
| 83/10 | Thin Air | Wind energy/Wind resistance | 19'41" | 325314 | Ian McFadyen |
|
A delivery driver suspects fuel theft; meanwhile, Vortex constructs a wind-powered vehicle after Plankton is blown away by strong winds. | 17 | 1982 | 1991 | |
| 83/11 | Waste High | Waste disposal | 19'55" | 325332 | Unknown |
|
During a garbage workers’ strike, Infinity Limited searches for safe hazardous paint waste disposal methods; simultaneously, Vortex plans profit from selling waste materials. | 17 | 1982 | 1991 | |
| 83/12 | Vision from Above | Flight | 19'55" | 325335 | Ian McFadyen |
|
A model airplane enthusiast seeks reasons behind crash incidents; concurrently, Vortex constructs a giant kite for aerial photography with Plankton acting as photographer. | 18 | 1983 | 1991 | |
| 83/13 | An Air-Raising Experience | Balloons | 19'52" | 325323 | Michael Harvey |
|
Kris assists a government official preparing for a balloon race; at the same time, Vortex uses helium balloons to compete in the event as well. | 18 | 1983 | 1991 | |
| 83/14 | Things That Go Bump in the Night | The sky above | 19'21" | 325336 | Unknown |
|
A UFO enthusiast requests evidence of strange lights; simultaneously, Vortex and Plankton investigate unexplained ground disturbances mistaken for UFO activity. | 16 | 1983 | 1991 | |
| 83/15 | The Big Lift | Simple machines | 19'55" | 325337 | Unknown |
|
A strongman claims he can lift a baby elephant; meanwhile, Vortex attempts selling him an impractically lengthy lever device. Tommy Dysart is featured prominently, known from Australian advertisements.|18|1983|1991| | ||||
| 83/16 | Electricity generation | 19'57" | 325340 | Unknown |
|
15|1983|1991|Earthquakes are uncommon in Victoria. | |||||
| 83/17 | Insulation | 18'52" | 325339 | Unknown |
|
19|1983|1991| | |||||
| 83/18 | Friction | 19'42" | 325338 | Unknown | 19|1983|1991| | ||||||
| 83/19 | Computers | 19'58" | 325341 | Unknown |
|
19|1983|1991| | |||||
| 83/20 | Time | 19'15" | 325342 | Unknown |
|
19|1983|1991| | |||||
| 83/21 | The properties of water | 19'21" | 325348 | Unknown |
|
17|1984|1991| | |||||
| 83/22 | 19'55" | 325351 | Unknown |
|
Marks transition with Rick relocating overseas; Kristal continues solo efforts aided unexpectedly by newcomer Rosco during office renovations. Meanwhile, Vortex Ventures attempts its own solution but fails humorously.|13|1984|1991| | ||||||
| An army agent enlists Kris and Rosco to decode photographic slides; simultaneously, Vortex and Plankton develop surveillance camera devices for tracking purposes.|13|1984|1991| | |||||||||||
| Rosco discovers old film reels and tries restoring them using vintage projection techniques while Vortex misinterprets the film as containing secret codes leading to comedic misunderstandings about animation discovery.|13|1984|1991| | |||||||||||
| Rosco and Krystal search for live snakes needed for theater purposes, learning about snake behaviors while Vortex causes havoc on set through his involvement.|15|1984|1991| | |||||||||||
| Rosco and Krystal investigate an old coin tied to treasure legends involving sensory clues; meanwhile, Vortex believes in curses causing mishaps during storms.|14|1984|1991| | |||||||||||
| Rosco and Krystal identify an abandoned cat responsible for poultry losses on a farm; concurrently, Vortex designs an alarm system intended to deter intruders but fails comically.|12|1984|1991| | |||||||||||
| Lord Beavercroft faces sabotage targeting his electric railway system; Rosco and Krystal install alarms while Vortex attempts an impractical design that spectacularly fails.|16|1984|1991| | |||||||||||
| Rosco joins Krystal's fitness training preparing for a race competition also involving Vortex, highlighting fitness concepts throughout their preparation and event participation.|13|1984|1991| | |||||||||||
| A wealthy client questions why sugar gliders have vanished from his property; meanwhile, Vortex humorously attempts teaching possums how to fly during the investigation.|13|1984|1991| | |||||||||||
| 16 |1984 |1991 | Shares episode number with "That Which Never Rests". | |||||||||||
| 13 |1984 |1991 | Shares episode number with "The Guitar Case"; shares production number with "Great Balls Of Pumpkin". | |||||||||||
| 13 |1984 |1991 | Shares production number with "That Which Never Rests". Rosco absent. | |||||||||||
| 12 |1984 |1991 | | |||||||||||
| 12 |1984 |1991 | |