From: South Central (Tamazunchale@web44tv.net)
Date: Tue, 4 Aug 1998 15:21:56 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Space1999: OBSESSION with EPISODE...
THIS POST IS WRITTEN AS A LIGHT-HEARTED HUMOROUS COMMENTARY ON FAVORITE
EPISODES (DESPITE THEIR RESPECTIVE FLAWS)!
Okay, okay, now we know Petter is, I'm sorry to say it--but I must,
OBSESSED with RING AROUND THE MOON (which the very mention of produces
in some a reaction matched only by the word NIT!).
Chas P. is obsessed with SPACE WARP. (Picture SPACE WARP doing a Sally
Field, "You LOVE me! You really LOVE me!"
1) Has anyone else on the list betrayed a not-so-secret
passion/obsession with one episode in particular?
If so, who and which one?
2) OUT WITH IT!! What is YOUR FAVORITE EPISODE/OBSESSION? One episode
only!!! NO TIES ALLOWED! Fess up!
3) Mine is....I'm deciding, I'M DECIDING!!
Mateo aka Mr. The Troubled Spirit
or Mr. The Infernal Machine
or Mr. Missing Link....I'm DECIDING!!
From: LKJ1999@aol4tag.com
Date: Tue, 4 Aug 1998 18:38:01 EDT
Subject: Re: Space1999: OBSESSION with EPISODE...
Well tell us! What episode do You like best???
Chas P. LKJ1999
From: "Rene'" (langly@home4tag.com)
Subject: Re: Space1999: OBSESSION with EPISODE...
Date: Tue, 4 Aug 1998 19:31:28 -0400
It IS hard to decide, but of one thing I am certain:
both Space Warp and Ring Around the Moon would be at the bottom of my
list, albeit not as close to the bottom as "Space Brain", "Devil's
Planet", and "Brian the Brain".
My fav season is Year 2, although I absolutely love "Force of Life",
"DOD", and "Collision Course" -- yo, Margaret, are you listening? But
for overall favourite I would choose "The Dorcons" for reasons that I
will get to when we get there! But "Force of Life" is a really close
2nd. However, I'm not really OBSESSED with any of these, they all
have their good and bad points, and I don't sit around watching
Space:1999 every day. Do you people sit there watching "Space Warp"
and "Ring Around the Moon" every day or something?
I'm trying not to wear out my copies which are quite old (15 years at
least) as it is. I am rather tempted to get fresh copies from
Columbia House. The Sci-Fi channel was showing it but apparently not
any more. I wish I was in England watching it on the BBC. I don't
feel that Space:1999's strength lies in any one or even several
episodes, but in the series concept and execution as a whole (if you
can get past the somewhat dubious premise of anyone surviving the
G-forces of the Moon's blow-out -- if even the Moon would survive it)
and the appealing life it seems to represent of an autonomous
population fighting for Mankind's survival in and exploration of the
Universe.
Rene'
From: LKJ1999@aol4tag.com
Date: Tue, 4 Aug 1998 19:39:13 EDT
Subject: Re: Space1999: OBSESSION with EPISODE...
Tell us, why You dislike SPACEWARP!
Chas P. LKJ1999
From: Mark Meskin (plastic.gravity@new44rock.com)
Subject: Re: Space1999: OBSESSION with EPISODE...
Date: Tue, 4 Aug 1998 19:03:11 -0500
Chas, buddy...why do you ask for both barrels?
:-)
Mark
From: LKJ1999@aol4tag.com
Date: Tue, 4 Aug 1998 20:53:20 EDT
Subject: Re: Space1999: OBSESSION with EPISODE...
Cause i can take it!!!
Chas P. LKJ1999
From: Atomic Possum (atomicpossum@toast4tag.net)
Subject: Re: Space1999: OBSESSION with EPISODE...
Date: Tue, 4 Aug 1998 19:03:50 -0500
Well, I think cybrarian-at-large Robert Ruiz has a mild obsession with
THE METAMORPH.
For me, however, it's gotta be---THE IMMUNITY SYNDROME! I love it when
they first contact that void of blackness, and then they all start feeling
sick from that area of space, and then the come across that massive space
amoeba! That's really COOL!
......Oh. Wait a minute. That's the STAR TREK 'Immunity Syndrome.'
Crud.
Never mind.
Jon "Mr. Wonderful" Stadter
ORIGINAL FREE COMIC STRIPS: http://www.toon-up.com
From: "Rene'" (langly@home4tag.com)
Subject: Re: Space1999: OBSESSION with EPISODE...
Date: Tue, 4 Aug 1998 20:08:10 -0400
Sorry, like Mark, I am saving up for it! Heh heh...
Wouldn't want to spoil the fun. Gotta watch it again first, anyway,
to get my facts straight.
Rene', aka "Dragon"
P.S. Because I also like "Dragon's Domain" (4th Year 1 fav), which,
BTW, is a better MONSTER episode than anything in Year 2 -- WAY COOL
special effects where the people are partly digested/acidized and then
discarded! Awesome... And the flashbacks to pre-blow-out were a nice
touch. The whole story was well-conceived and executed.
P.P.S. - Boy, you people post a lot! Very busy, opinionated list for
sure and it is very interesting to read each other's views, learn new
things, and look at the shows in different way. Too bad there's not
going to be a revival movie for 1999. What's wrong with Hollywood?
However, I would prefer they either use the same actors/actresses and
show what happens to them or assemble a new cast who would be their
descendants, assuming they ever decided to allow births on Alpha.
From: David Acheson (dkach@hot44mail.com)
Subject: Space1999: Obsessions
Date: Tue, 04 Aug 1998 20:22:45 EDT
True. Some listmembers are utterly obsessed by some episodes. I have my
favourites but I wouldn't say I was obsessed by those particular
episodes. I just prefer them over the others for certain reasons.
Now talk about alien races. My cousin and I were on a Dorcon craze
throughout the late 70s and into the 80s. To me they were the 1999
equivalent of the Klingons. I don't know how many times the Dorcons
appeared in some form or another during our playtime as kids. Somehow we
even managed to have them in the worlds of STAR TREK and STAR WARS. We
also had an idea for a Dorcon motion picture about a civil war breaking
out after the Archon's death. We even had the gall to come up with a
concept for a new pop album: WITH ANN FIRBANK LIVE - the actress singing
her hits all based on 1999 stuff. OK, we were strange kids.
But still, today I wouldn't say the Dorcons were the greatest thing
since sliced bread.
David Acheson
Site Administrator, Return to Moonbase Alpha
http://www.geocities.com/WestHollywood/Heights/4376/moonbase.html
From: CargoEagle@aol4tag.com
Date: Tue, 4 Aug 1998 21:49:16 EDT
Subject: Space1999: Space Warp
This by far, in my opinion, was the most action packed well written, put
together episode of season 2. All of the major characters were used to their
acting ability, and the special effects, along with the musical score exceeded
my expectations beyond belief.......
Gary
From: Mark Meskin (plastic.gravity@new44rock.com)
Subject: Re: Space1999: Space Warp
Date: Tue, 4 Aug 1998 22:34:02 -0500
No offense Gary, but if this episode exceeded all your expectations, then
you must be setting the bar kinda low.
> This by far, in my opinion, was the most action packed well written, put
> together episode of season 2.
Ok, I'll grant the action part, but its kinda mindless, and the action has
little purpose except to lead the rest of the moonbase on a chase through
the same corridor set.
> All of the major characters were used to their acting ability,
Yes, Ive never seen anyone chew the dialogue like that...One thing is nice
though, the dialogue and the episode itself seem to be free of continuity
errors and production gaffs...so score one for the technical aspects of
producing streamlined, yet shallow action-cheese hunt episodes.
> and the special effects,
If we ignore the ridiculous monster suits, then yes, I agree the FX were
very good. Nice work, Mr. J
> along with the musical score
The music was a meddley of music that Wadsworth had scored for some of the
earlier Series 2 episodes. You can find all of it on the S2 CD. If anyone
doesn't have this, GO BUY IT! Its very good.
> exceeded my expectations beyond belief.......
What were your expectations? WE are way ahead of schedule on the ExE, but
I'd give Space Warp 2 bug eyed BOW monsters out of a possible 4 bug eyed
BOW monsters(and I think I'm being generous)
-Mark
From: South Central (Tamazunchale@web44tv.net)
Date: Tue, 4 Aug 1998 20:36:36 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Space1999: MY OBSESSION
Well it comes down to two (I KNOW! I WILL CHOOSE ONLY ONE).
THE TROUBLED SPIRIT which is a ultra-serious, well-acted, the lighting
and camera work are outstanding, it is a wonderfully scored, scary and
beautiful story. This story affected my own writing more than anything
else I have ever read. STILL, there is a deleted scene where Victor
explained that the terminals that they will place around Dr. Mateo will
emit a high powered beam of energy EXACTLY THE OPPOSITE of that which
the creature/spirit is made. The two waves will cancel each other out
thereby destroying the creature.
This scene would make the episode make sense. We are left with Bergman
coming up with terminal that emit lethal beams that kill people and
spirits--and left wondering HOW THE HELL DID HE DO THAT??!
THE INFERNAL MACHINE is complete and wonderfully written. It's main
conflicts are profound and sad. A nearly omnipotent being brought down
by the nature of his creator--and therefore its own nature: a need for
companionship. Hubris, denial and delusion thrown in for good measure.
The episode is wonderfully acted and scored (that lovely sad theme for
Gwent's surrender to the inevitable...), THE SET!!!
This episode is only marred by Companion's death scene which is HORRIBLY
OVERACTED by Leo McKern (WHY? He is such a great actor!!)
SO I have two great episode to choose from and have to knock it down to
one. It would have to be...........
The Troubled Spirit
Mateo (whose mind is flip-flopping on this decision as he writes
this....back and forth, back and forth......madness takes hold......)
Date: Wed, 05 Aug 1998 00:43:08 -0500
From: Mike Lynch (Mike-Lynch@big44foot.com)
Subject: Space1999: OBSESSION (What... me obsessive?)
Honestly - I have two favorites: FORCE OF LIFE and DRAGON'S DOMAIN
...but if I had to choose I would say DRAGON'S DOMAIN (sorry Petter :-) )
I've even started to notice a trend in my own web site that I seem to tie a
lot of events and characters back to that episode.
Oooo... great epsiode... I think I may just have to go watch it.
Mike
From: LKJ1999@aol4tag.com
Date: Wed, 5 Aug 1998 06:40:42 EDT
Subject: Re: Space1999: Space Warp
> The music was a meddley of music that Wadsworth had scored for some of the
> earlier Series 2 episodes. You can find all of it on the S2 CD. If anyone
> doesn't have this, GO BUY IT! Its very good.
Well not all the music! I like the music when Maya is in bed, just before she turns into
the first monster! You also hear the same music when Maya first enters the Eagle,
SPACEWARP is the only episode we hear this music! It was not on the CD!!!
Chas P. LKJ1999
From: Costopoulos Andre (costopoa@ere.u44montreal.ca)
Subject: Re: Space1999: MY OBSESSION
Date: Wed, 5 Aug 1998 08:12:11 -0400 (EDT)
Alright, I admit it. Here's my catharsis.
My favourite episode is certainly Voyager's
Return, but I am absolutely OBSESSED with
Dragon's Domain. Ever since I was a
very small child. There. I've said
it.
Andre Costopoulos
From: djlerda@juno4tag.com
Subject: Re: Space1999: MY OBSESSION
Date: Wed, 05 Aug 1998 10:57:39 EDT
>STILL, there is a deleted scene where Victor
>explained that the terminals that they will place around Dr. Mateo will
>emit a high powered beam of energy EXACTLY THE OPPOSITE of that which
>the creature/spirit is made. The two waves will cancel each other out
>thereby destroying the creature.
I just watched "Troubled Spirit" recently and this scene is in there.
Are you referring to a telecast butchered by a syndicator?
David J Lerda
Date: Wed, 5 Aug 1998 13:22:44 -0500
From: Chris Hlady (chlady@escape4tag.ca)
Subject: Space1999: Obsession?
I seem to recall having one for Annie Lennex a while back.
Mine would also have to be "Another Time, Another Place." That Judy Geeson
was hot.
Chris
Chris Hlady
CYBERODYSSEY
http://www.escape.ca/~chlady/odyssey.html
From: LKJ1999@aol4tag.com
Date: Wed, 5 Aug 1998 14:48:36 EDT
Subject: Re: Space1999: Space Warp
In a message dated 8/5/98 2:45:15 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
Tamazunchale@webtv.net writes:
>I love that sad music as well!
>
>Mateo
So You know what i mean by that music!!!!! I just love it!!!
I really love it, when that music changes into that bold music when Maya is
first in the Eagle, and she pushes that first button...
Chas P. LKJ1999
From: Petter Ogland (petter.ogland@dnmi4tag.no)
Date: Thu, 6 Aug 1998 13:35:33 +0000
Subject: Re: Space1999: MY OBSESSION
Andre Costopoulos wrote:
> Alright, I admit it. Here's my catharsis.
> My favourite episode is certainly Voyager's
> Return, but I am absolutely OBSESSED with
> Dragon's Domain. Ever since I was a
> very small child. There. I've said
> it.
VOYAGER'S RETURN is a very interesting episode, I feel, not at least
from an anthropological point of view. The only episode that deals
directly with anthropology is MISSING LINK, however, at least in terms
of having an anthropologist in the centre of plot. Wonderful episode
this too, I feel, magnificent script by genius writer di Lorenzo and
stylish execution under the safe hands of favourite director Ray Austin.
Obsessed with DRAGON'S DOMAIN?
I remember one of the first discussions I participated in on the list
was concerned with this episode. Apparently there were quite a few who
felt obsessed with it in their childhood and I remeber somebody describing
it as "the car wash monster from hell". Nice touch.
DRAGON'S DOMAIN was one of the 14 episodes shown in Norway/Sweden in 1976
and this may be the reason I've never ruined a good nights sleep because of
this one. As an adult I don't find it all that obsessive, although I
admire Keith Wilson and Charles Crichton for creating efficient suspense with
very simple means.
The use of music in the Dragon sequences is very good, I think, making the
simple visuals much more psychologically disturbing than what one would
expect. I believe, though, that even less visual focus on the Dragon
would have made it even more efficient, and Cellini being occupied in
the cockpit could perhaps made more sense if he had stuck his foot or
for some other reason was unable to move to rescue.
Anyway, in many ways Crichton's work on DRAGON'S DOMAIN, especially the
scenes with Cellini and crew, are quite impressive although Alan Killick's
editing should not be underrated either.
I don't know why it was not among the episodes shown in Norway/Sweded, but
it may have to do with the TV executives feeling it could be too frightning
for young children at the time. Nevertheless, in order to keep the too young
away SPACE:1999 was shown on Friday nights from 21:30 to 22:20 every week.
In Denmark the series was cancelled after FORCE OF LIFE caused rage among
parents, and in France MISSING LINK was not shown because of the shocking
nightmare sequences.
Petter
From: JSchill824@aol4tag.com
Date: Thu, 6 Aug 1998 09:51:09 EDT
Subject: Re: Space1999: OBSESSION (What... me obsessive?)
Obsessions? I guess I'd have to say S9 in general since 1975!
However, I also really love "Missing Link"! What can I say... I love the
Alice in Wonderland theme. Plus Peter Cushing (the hat is great!) and Ray
Austin with any episode is visually wonderful! I know, not many like this
episode, and I hear a lot of -- Bad episodes: Ring Around the Moon and Missing
Link! I think this is why Petter and I get along so well. ;-)
Until Tomorrow list members,
Janet
From: Petter Ogland (petter.ogland@dnmi4tag.no)
Date: Thu, 6 Aug 1998 14:32:31 +0000
Subject: Re: Space1999: OBSESSION (What... me obsessive?)
> I also really love "Missing Link"! What can I say... I love the
> Alice in Wonderland theme. Plus Peter Cushing (the hat is great!) and Ray
> Austin with any episode is visually wonderful!
Yes, yes, yes!
> I know, not many like this episode,
> and I hear a lot of -- Bad episodes: Ring Around the Moon and Missing
> Link! I think this is why Petter and I get along so well. ;-)
Magnificent episodes, RING AROUND THE MOON and MISSING LINK, I think, both
episodes being written by Edward di Lorenzo and directed by Ray Austin is
perhaps some of the reason that they appear so similar as if they were a
two-part episode.
Although quite similar both in style and content, personally I fancy
RING AROUND THE MOON even more, feeling that RING has somewhat more pace
and content, but the brilliant conversations between Koenig and Raan and
partly Koenig and Vana are definitely high brow. Extremely fascinating.
The eagle crash and the rescue sequence in the beginnig of the episode
is also no less than excellent I think. I feel the study of life on Alpha
in absence of Koenig is, on the other hand, less somewhat satisfying than
in RING AROUND THE MOON which, in this aspect, is fascinating beyond belief,
but nevertheless fascinating.
MISSING LINK is definitely one of the better episodes, probably one of
the 10 best the way I see it.
Petter
From: djlerda@juno4tag.com
Subject: Re: Space1999: OBSESSION (What... me obsessive?)
Date: Thu, 06 Aug 1998 15:17:22 EDT
I also like "Missing Link." I wouldn't put it in the top ten, maybe
middle ten. Despite the Fred Freiberger-ish Star Trek Season 3 love
story sub-plot, and Barbara Bain's atrocious performance it rose above
this. There was the great "dream like" quality to the episode, the
nightmare sequence, and the performances by Landau, Morse, and Cushing.
And of course, the hat. :-).
David J Lerda