Whilst I wouldn't rate this as one of my favourite episodes from
Year Two, it does have some moments worthy of comment.
It is nice to see some of the action taking place in other areas of the Moonbase Alpha complex,
rather than just the new dinky Command Centre (or Command Center to our American friends). Particularly good is
the sequence with John Koenig and Maya on their space walk, examining the capsules, which I think is handled quite nicely.
Great camera work panning across the tunnels of the underground research area of Alpha,
and nice shots of the Eagle with the extended arm carrying the capsule.
Regarding the scenes where John, Koenig and Maya are trying to assess
possible dangers posed by the capsule. The two silver-suited Alphan's are well protected whilst they are scanning
the capsule, and yet, when the capsule has been pierced by laser John, Maya and the two silver-suited Alphan's wander happily
up to the capsule completely open to any form of unknown danger that may be emanating from the capsule. And then
the thing blows up ... I rest my case.
The scene in John Koenig's quarters where Tony and Helena discuss
Cantar and Zova, trying to persuade John to help them is an interesting one on many levels. John is over-cautious,
seeing only the worst case scenario, he doesn't know enough about Cantar and Zova's motives and his over-riding concern
is for the safety of Alpha and its personnel.
The discussion between Tony, Helena and John is one in which
Tony and Helena take the moral high ground, pleading with John to consider what sort of people they are to abandon Cantar
and Zova and their people.
I have seen differing views on the scene in which John Koenig shoots Cantar, some putting forward
the opinion that this sort of action was out of character. Whilst I believe that John Koenig isn't the sort of
man who goes around shooting people at will, I think this scene does actually fit.
Cantar and Zova are young, beautiful people who could easily fool people into trusting them,
and John Koenig is fundamentally a compassionate man. but in this case he is hesitating because if he trusts Cantar
and Zova then he is placing the future of Alpha in their hands. Is he willing to do this? No, I think he
genuinely believed that he had to err on the side of caution.
In the great scheme of things, his caution proved to be well founded because Cantar and
Zova go on to hold Alpha hostage. Just look at Helena's reaction when the security guard fires his laser at Cantar with
no effect. I think then she realises that John was right all along.
I personally enjoy the lighter, comedic moments in this episode. The scene with Maya
transforming into Helena and kissing John is rather telling of the deepening relationship between John and Helena, otherwise
how else would he be able to tell which Helena is Helena.
I have a question. When Zova returns to Alpha and demands that John Koenig recover all
the remaining capsules, why does Zova need to accompany John and Maya in the recovery Eagle, and what's more why does she
also have to go on a space walk with them. I know, it's a convenient way of getting rid of Zova but ...
I actually find the scene where Cantar is ageing quite disturbing. I want to know what
state Cantar's body is in when he disappears behind the centre table. Is he a decaying pool of bodily tissue and
fluids? Judging by Tony's reaction I think he is.
I like the scene where Helena and Tony reappear in the Alpha corridor, and John comes
running to meet them, then casually slows down when he see's Tony is also there. And the playful punch to Tony's midrift.
The final scene is a classic Space 1999 comedic moment, and I love it. Maya's 'me' when
she looks up the meaning of Court Martial, and Tony's expression when he gears himself up to be a man and kiss Maya then turns
to see the ugly woman in Maya's place is priceless.
Altogether, an enjoyable enough episode with some good model shots, alternative views of Alpha,
and comedic moments, wrapped up in moralistic overtones.
