more fun with Moon Base Alpha

Space 1999 was a diverse series that had it all and then some. It was fun like Doctor Who, as abstract as the Prisoner, as explorational as Star Trek, as light as Lost In Space, as philosophical as 2001, as dark and claustophobic as the most entertaining horror movies and disaster films, as funny as Plan 9, and it even featured pre-Star Wars space battles that were truly a blast. On it's own merit it was also quite a unique series. It was never locked down into just one pattern so it never got sterile. There are episodes for every mood and mindset. One can enjoy the serious episodes or the just plain fun escapism. The setting of 1999 only adds to the fun and the out of control moon idea was certainly original. Many episodes allow the viewer to come to one's own conclusions and there's little clear continuity after the first episode which also allows creativity on the part of the veiwer. It's a very expansive and wonderous universe that's explored in different ways. The diversity of styles and ideas are it's greatest strength. It's always a wild ride.

hugely underrated series, brilliant stuff!

Gerry Anderson's two seasons of Space:1999, and the prequel series UFO, seem to me to be three separate eras in one long story, rather like the eras of three different Dr.Whos, or perhaps different spin offs of Star Trek.
If that's the case, UFO is the equivalent of the Tom Baker era or the original Star Trek, it's the one that gets all the respect. Season 1 of 1999 is like the Davison era or perhaps Next Generation of Trek. Season Two of Space:1999 is like the Colin Baker era of Who, or Deep Space Nine in Trek. Yes, it is the one no one wants to admit they like, but if given closer examination with an open mind, it actually has much to offer and much to enjoy. This little lot contains some superb contributions by great writers. Terrance Feely (UFO, The Prisoner) delivers the goods in the excellent Bringers of Wonder, while Pip and Jane Baker (Dr.Who) write the low key but good A Matter of Balance. And then there's the superb Seed of Destruction, a compelling doppelganger story with an evil Koenig taking his place on Alpha. Space Warp, on the other hand, is written by Fred Freiberger and unlike the fun Beta Cloud, it sucks. Not to worry, though, the rest of the series is so much fun and so well produced that it is still totally entertaining and enjoyable. These characters are not as dark as the ones from the previous seasons, but they are fun and likeable enough to care about and enjoy their adventures. An underrated gem of a series!

very entertaining 70's tv

What a great show this was and is. Set 7 includes Bringers Of Wonder in which really gross and goopy aliens take over the base by appearing to be the loved ones of the people on the base, but Koenig can see them for the slimy creatures they really are. Landau gives a wonderful performance of reacting to their true disgusting forms. This is not serious science fiction, but Landau is excellent, and the other cast members give it their best too. The goopy monsters are amusing and also pretty darn disgusting and creepy. The glops of slime oozing down the eyes of the aliens is a great touch.