Suburban Commando

Suburban Commando

Year: 1991

Runtime: 88 mins

Language: English

Director: Burt Kennedy

Science FictionComedyActionFamilyMonsters aliens sci-fi and the apocalypse

After a battle in space leaves his ship damaged, intergalactic hero Shep Ramsey crash‑lands in the Wilcoxes’ backyard, bringing his advanced security system to their troubled neighborhood. Stripped of his power suit, he still confronts reckless drivers, obnoxious paperboys, muggers and other local troublemakers, determined to right every wrong while waiting for his ship to recharge.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Suburban Commando (1991)

Trace every key event in Suburban Commando (1991) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Mission begins in space against General Suitor

Interstellar warrior Shep Ramsey is assigned to capture General Suitor, who has abducted planetary ruler President Hashina. He boards Suitor's flagship to confront the despot and rescue Hashina. The mission ends in disaster as Hashina is killed by Suitor, and the villain mutates into a berserk reptilian form.

Space Suitor's flagship, space
2

Hashina is killed; Suitor mutates; ship destroyed

Shep launches a desperate rescue attempt, but Hashina is killed by Suitor during the encounter. Suitor transforms into a monstrous reptilian creature, increasing the danger. Shep barely escapes by detonating parts of the flagship, destroying the ship as he escapes.

Space Suitor's flagship, space
3

Crash-landing on Earth

After the mission's failure, Shep's superior orders a vacation, but his frustration leads to an accident. He smashes his control systems and crash-lands on Earth, forcing him to stay until repairs can be completed. He experiences a jarring culture shock, making the adjustment a struggle.

After crash Earth
4

Earthbound misfit and meeting a mime

On Earth, Shep struggles with local customs and his temper, which creates friction with the people he meets. He encounters a mime artist, whose presence underscores his awkward attempts to help others. The encounters set the tone for his awkward adaptation to terrestrial life.

Shortly after crash Earth
5

Charlie Wilcox rents out his shed to Shep

Charlie Wilcox, a timid architect, rents out his hobby shed as a vacation cabin and ends up hosting Shep. The unlikely lodger unsettles Charlie and attracts the attention of Beltz's company. Shep's presence and gear begin to reveal themselves.

Shortly after crash Charlie's property
6

Charlie spies Shep's tech and traces power sources

Charlie grows suspicious and starts spying on his mysterious guest. He discovers Shep's advanced equipment and realizes the power sources are traceable. This discovery sets up pursuit by Suitor's men.

Soon after Charlie's home and workspace
7

Bounty hunters Knuckles and Hutch are sent

Suitor's men mobilize and dispatch two intergalactic bounty hunters, Knuckles and Hutch, to track Shep. They close in as Shep and Charlie scramble to patch the ship and stay ahead. The threat intensifies as they draw nearer.

After discovery Earth
8

Infiltration for crystal samples from Beltz's office

The ship needs rare crystals to repair, with samples hidden in Beltz's office. Charlie helps Shep infiltrate Beltz's facility during a company party to obtain them. They defeat the pursuing bounty hunters and return home to repair the ship.

During the company party Beltz's office during a company party
9

Suitor returns; hostages

Suitor returns to Earth and takes Charlie's family hostage, coercing Charlie into guiding him to Shep. The hostage situation raises the stakes for both men as they confront the threat together. Shep steels himself for a dangerous showdown.

After infiltration Earth
10

Lose-to-win tactic and ship self-destruct

To protect Charlie's family, Shep uses a lose-to-win tactic, setting his ship to self-destruct and surrendering to Suitor in exchange for the hostages' release. He endures torture from Suitor before planning to kill him, testing the warrior's resolve. Charlie's actions soon pivot the balance.

During the capture Earth / Suitor's ship
11

Final confrontation and Suitor's downfall

Charlie returns to help Shep and wounds Suitor, who then mutates into his monstrous form. Shep stuns the monster with improvised electrical wires, allowing them to escape as the ship explodes. Suitor is destroyed, ending the threat for good.

Finale Suitor's ship
12

Escape from Earth and new life

Shep escapes Earth aboard the bounty hunters' ship and takes Beltz's secretary Margie with him for a quiet family life. The pair depart into space, seeking a peaceful future away from intergalactic conflict.

After rescue Earth to space
13

Charlie's new boldness; quits Beltz

Back on Earth, Charlie returns to Beltz's office the next morning and confronts him, quitting his thankless job in front of witnesses. The experience leaves him more confident and ready to stand up for himself. The act marks a personal transformation sparked by Shep's presence.

Following morning Beltz's office
14

Final slice of everyday heroism: traffic lights

Charlie solves his final problem by using one of Shep's weapons to destroy a set of malfunctioning traffic lights that never change at the right time. His bold move earns cheers from motorists and signals his growth as a new kind of hero. The closing moment hints at a hopeful future for both Charlie and Shep.

Later City streets

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:44

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Suburban Commando Summary

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Suburban Commando Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Suburban Commando

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Suburban Commando

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