Space 1999, Set 7 (1975)

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. February 3, 2006

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! May 27, 2004

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. April 20, 2004

so enjoyable it hurts

The second season of Space 1999 was very different from season one. Monsters and humor abound in season two. Most of the episodes are ridiculous, but filled with guilty pleasures.
Every episode in set 7 is a real hoot!

"Seed of Destruction" is about an evil mirror image of Koenig who takes over Alpha. Evil Koenig is a mean S.O.B.! The only thing better than an evil Koenig is when Koenig freaks-out in "Bringers of Wonder". Classic!

"The Beta Cloud" involves a nasty cloud that sends a wild bug-eyed monster to steal the entire life support system of Alpha. The creature runs amok on the moon base for the entire episode
while the cloud tries to persuade the Alphans that it's a non-violent cloud and they should just give up the life support system and die, but the Alphan's just wont listen. They are a stubborn lot.

"A Matter of Balance" features the lovely Lynn Frederick! There's also a bald translucent anti-matter spirit, a bug-eyed samurai creature, and Maya turns into a monkey! Tony makes more bad beer in this one too, and he makes Lynn drink it and then makes her cry! Who in their right mind would make the lovely Lynn cry?! Damn that Tony! First he get's Maya and now this!

"Space Warp" is about Maya going bananas and transforming into various dangerous forms that attack the base, but the absolute best is that she turns into the bug-eyed monster from the "Beta Cloud"! It's back and running amok and attacking Alpha again, BUT this time it's wearing a wild wig that looks like dread-locks! Plus, Barabara Bain and Nick Tate chase it around the moon's surface in a moon buggy! Keep plenty of oxygen on hand for this one!

"Bringers of Wonder" is a two part episode with slimy aliens that only Koenig can see. There's nothing like a talented actor freaking-out with slimy aliens. This one includes the classic Koenig line: "I haven't had this much fun since I burned grand ma's wig"! Nobody freaks-out like Koenig!

Set 7 is filled with addictive gems such as these. Ed Wood would be proud of these episodes. This is one of the best DVD purchases I've ever made. February 3, 2004

fantastic fun

I just watched this set with some friends and had a blast! The monsters are cheesy, but oddly enough there's fine acting in the episodes and some really engaging moments along with all the cheese. The one consistent factor is that this is a very entertaining set of discs. January 13, 2004

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