Is it true that every person is a hero not yet realized? Or do they only exist in holograms? Cinematographer Ian "Mac" MacIntyre needs to revive a sinking career. His new job involves directing and recording a reality show,
The Adventures of Captain Charisma
. The episodes will portray his actor's exploits as he visits the farthest reaches of the galaxy. When the producer sends Captain Charisma to smash a dangerous alien bug aboard a space station and milk the ratings, Mac sweats over his own safety and his actor's peril. As a paunchy, balding guy approaching middle age, Mac isn't built for heroics. However, the producer insists on exciting footage. The show's rating success is thrown into question when Mac's ex-wife, Rose, appears as a director for a rival show. Despite power failing on the damaged station, Mac must put his actor (and himself) into the monster's path to create unforgettable scenes and to prove he is a better director than Rose. A wrong step and he might lose a ratings war and his reality show. Worse, he and his actor could end up as bug food.