From: South Central (Tamazunchale@web44tv.net) Date: Tue, 22 Sep 1998 11:03:10 -0700 (PDT) Subj: Space1999: Episode by Episode
This week's episode for discussion is A MATTER OF BALANCE (an appropriate title this time). Discussion goes from Monday, September 21 (yesterday--sorry, I'm late) to Sunday, September 27.
Mateo
From: South Central (Tamazunchale@web44tv.net) Date: Tue, 22 Sep 1998 12:19:03 -0700 (PDT) Subj: Space1999: A Matter of Balance
OK. Somebody explain this to me. Is or is not the planet made of anti-matter (a la Terra Nova)? If so, why can they land on it?
If not. If the people ONLY became anti matter, then why are their paintings of evolutionary digression on the walls of the temple? Who painted them? The people couldn't have done so if they were anti-matter and the temple and planet were matter.
WHY would they paint such paintings BEFORE the cataclysm that changed them into anti-matter?
Why not have the Alphans put moon rocks in the cabinet instead of a human being?
Once again, I feel, we have a writer who does not have his/her central concept clearly in mind. Reminds me of that hokey ST:TNG episode where La Forge and Ro are out of phase with the Enterprise D. They can walk THROUGH WALLS and ON decks--a complete contradiction.
Also how many days since leaving Earth orbit? How old was Shermeen when they left orbit?
The one thing I liked was seeing Alphans envious of "landing parties". Planetfalls must be far and few between. It is only logical that Alphans would get upset seeing only the command staff get to do any exploration.
AND before anyone else does it, let me say--WHAT'S WITH THAT OUTFIT?
Mateo
From: LKJ1999@aol4tag.com Date: Tue, 22 Sep 1998 15:31:13 EDT Subj: Space1999: A big blooper, Matter of Balance
Can anyone tell what the big blopper is on Matter of Balance...
I know what it is!!! Do you...
Chas P. LKJ1999
From: Ryan Case (moonbasealpha@mind44spring.com) Date: Tue, 22 Sep 1998 16:20:18 -0500 Subj: Space1999: Matter Of Blooper
Hi gang,
I had to respond to this one!
The blooper in Matter Of Balance comes near the beginning of the episode. It's so fast that you can hardly see it, BUT! In one frame of film you can actually see the board they hold up in front of the camera, just before they begin to shoot.
I can't recall the name of it, but it's famous line haunts every film ever made..
"Matter Of Balance, take two" CHOP!
Vague answer, at best-
Ryan
From: LKJ1999@aol4tag.com Date: Tue, 22 Sep 1998 18:31:33 EDT Subj: Re: Space1999: Matter Of Blooper
That's it!!! You got it!!!
Chas P. LKJ1999
From: djlerda@juno.com Date: Tue, 22 Sep 1998 19:22:08 EDT Subj: Re: Space1999: A big blooper, Matter of Balance
The whole episode is a big blopper. A big, foul smelling load of blopper.
From: Ariana (ariana@ndirect4tag.co.uk) Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 09:58:57 +0100 Subj: Re: Space1999: A Matter of Balance
Mateo wrote:
If not. If the people ONLY became anti matter, then why are their paintings of evolutionary digression on the walls of the temple?
You know, I watched this episode just the other day (as a dutiful list member) and I asked myself exactly the same question. I assumed originally that they had done the paintings before becoming anti-matter. But that then begs the question of when they doodled a picture of the cataclysm (that reminds me of Monty Python's Holy Grail -- "He wouldn't *write* Aargh, he'd just *say* it"!)
Once again, I feel, we have a writer who does not have his/her central concept clearly in mind. Reminds me of that hokey ST:TNG episode where La Forge and Ro are out of phase with the Enterprise D. They can walk THROUGH WALLS and ON decks--a complete contradiction.
ROFL! An episode I have yet to see, but a *famous* blooper.
Also how many days since leaving Earth orbit? How old was Shermeen when they left orbit?
I think there has been discussion of the "teenage crush" before -- my personal theory was that Maya meant the crush was "teenage", not Shermeen herself.
Some other things about Shermeen. First of all, what kind of a name is *that*? Secondly, the girl playing her was either dubbed or couldn't make up her mind whether she was supposed to be English or American. I thought she was very pretty, though, which I suppose was her only raison d'être in the episode anyway.
AND before anyone else does it, let me say--WHAT'S WITH THAT OUTFIT?
Hehe. I'm sure the last thing Shermeen was expecting to see in her room was a transparent Mr. Clean!
I carefully reviewed the episode for possible MiSTing, but found it even too pedestrian for that -- I'd have more fun with, say, All That Glisters or One Moment Of Humanity (both of which I watched yesterday). That "Red is death!" deserves to have fun poked at it. <g>
Emma
From: djlerda@juno.com Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 11:43:08 EDT Subj: Re: Space1999: A Matter of Balance
As a side note, Lynn Frederick (Shermeen) was married to Peter Sellers. I don't know if she was married to him at the time the episode was made. If I recall she died quite young (early 40's) from cancer.
David J Lerda
From: "Brian Dowling" (hellion@easy44net.co.uk) Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 22:17:44 +0100 Subj: Space1999: A Matter Of Balance
Hi folks,
Once again we seem to be headed for Bernard Matthews country here, with a story which isn't very well conceived and the implementation of which is quite laughable in places.
For those who have not heard of Pip and Jane Baker, they have also been responsible for many of the stories which are widely regarded by Doctor Who fans as the worst of the whole series. Much as I love Bonnie Langford and Sylv McCoy, the story "Time And The Rani" is truly awful and one of the few Who stories at which I cringe in horror and embarrassment.
Again we have a story where the guest stars were total unknowns to me when first I watched the ep about four years ago. Discovering the Goon Show around that time as well, I soon found that Lynne Frederick was Peter Sellers' wife but have heard nothing since of Stuart Wilson. Can you fill me in on him please, Simon?
The teenage crush thing with Tony shows a couple of things - Tony doesn't take advantage of the immature Shermeen even though she's a nice looking lass. Possible parallels with Maya here on the love thing? Saying that, Maya's comments to John at the end of the ep suggest that she does know something of love and romance related matters.
Bedtime calls, more later.
From: "Simon Morris" (simes01@global44net.co.uk) Date: Thu, 24 Sep 1998 01:17:49 +0100 Subj: Re: Space1999: A Matter Of Balance
but have heard nothing since of Stuart Wilson. Can you fill me in on him please, Simon?
Well actually Brian I don't think I can....*yawn* (sorry I've had a busy shift at work and ready to hit the sack...) He's been around since the 1970's. I saw him in a 1973 episode of the Thames TV/Euston Films series SPECIAL BRANCH (the episode "Double Exposure,I think). Also I believe he was in a BBC Scotland adaptation of the Desmond Bagley novel RUNNING BLIND a few years ago. I do know that he is still acting and I understand that he is quite busy. He popped up the other week on TV in a feature film but for the life of me I can't remember what it was,and a lot of his work is in films. Certainly I knew of him when I first saw this episode in 1976 anyway. He's also been in a few of these HBO American mini series that are shot in England. He's one of these actors who-when they are on screen-everyone recognises but can't put a name to. Except me of course. Sad eh?
Lynne Frederick I only knew of as a very young bride to Peter Sellers. She wasnt a very experienced actress but I suppose this contributed to her performance as a basically naive Alphan in the episode. I never really understood though why she was cast in the role....
I shall try and put some thoughts together on this episode nearer the weekend but I have to admit I quite like it. Yes its rather dumb,the dialogue stupid in places and Stuart Wilson's costume a disgrace to the fashion industry. But that's the episode's charm folks.
And so to bed. Goodnight!
Simon
From: David Acheson (dkach@hot44mail.com) Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 20:45:02 EDT Subj: Space1999: A MATTER OF SHERMEEN
I would definitely put A MATTER OR BALANCE (tied with ALL THAT GLISTERS) as the worst possible SPACE: 1999 episode. Never liked it as a kid during its original run and it just gets worst as time moves on. Today it looks like a bad teen drama with a lot of bad science.
I understand the script was from Pip and Jane Baker who I believe had written for DOCTOR WHO. It shows. No disrespect meant to the Bakers or to the Doctor (I actually like that show) but that program was specifically made as a cheesy romp. 1999 was meant to be a lot more serious and I just don't believe the Bakers managed to get quite the right feeling of the 1999 atmosphere. Surprisingly, this story makes Freiberger seem like Shakespeare and THE TAYBOR seem like high brow comedy. I have no idea if the Bakers written for other series but this entry just did not have anything going for it from the start.
One of both season's more illustrious directors, Charles Chrichton, directed this episode but nothing great from him either. A bit embarrasing considering the excellent Episodes he gave us (favourites include GUARDIAN OF PIRI, WAR GAMES and THE METAMORPH). Then again, I would suspect there was no inspiration from the material.
1999 has handled science badly on occassion but anti-matter was always the one area they just never did quite convincingly. However, the more serious attitude and the showcase for Barbara Bain makes MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH worthwhile. Like Terra Nova, wouldn't the arrival of the moon create havoc on the anti-matter Sunim? Why are anti-matter people transparent? In fact, how could Shermeen even see Mr. Clean (aka Vindrus). At least, Lee Russell or whatever he became was given some sort of temporary form of matter before he ended up as anti-matter and disintegrated. Why would an anti-matter race evolve backwards?
Unfortunately, this sad story was not saved by great characters. Koenig, Maya and Tony were reduced to supporting characters (Helena even more so - I can't even remember if Alan or Sandra were in it) and the episode became the SHERMEEN WILLIAMS SHOW. If she was a well written and interesting character it could have been the saving grace. However, Shermeen was a stereotypical young hysterical female more interested in dating than in being a serious scientist on a lunar station. Makes one wonder how Ms. Williams ever passed the testing to get a tour of duty on Alpha. As for acting? Did (the late) Lynne Frederick get the role just because she was Mrs. Petter Sellers?
A bit of trivia. The then unknown actor who played Eddie Collins was Nicholas Campbell. He is a fellow Canadian (I don't know why he was in England during the filming of this) and has gone on to be mainly a character actor for many Canadian and American made TV movies. You know, one of those faces you see all the time but never know the name. This fall, he is getting his own series on the CBC. Something about a coroner - much like QUINCY only set north of the US.
Thankfully, despite some more abysmal moments, 1999 never sunk lower than this. In fact, some better year two stuff was still to come thus the series was far from a total write off.
David Acheson
From: LIKECOPSSA@aol4tag.com Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 23:30:31 EDT Subj: Re: Space1999: A Matter Of Balance
As we sit here and discuss whether we liked or disliked "A Matter of Balance" could we say a prayer for Lynne Fredricks? The way I look at is she left herself a legacy, as the following of 1999 will go on for decades....
Gary
From: djlerda@juno4tag.com Date: Thu, 24 Sep 1998 01:29:10 EDT Subj: Re: Space1999: A MATTER OF SHERMEEN
Why would an anti-matter race evolve backwards?
This question reminds me of an episode from the animated Star Trek series (in many cases as good as the original) called "The Counter-Clock Incident." In that episode, the Enterprise is drawn into a black hole and is propelled into an alternate universe where people age backwards. That is, they are born as fully grown adults and die as children. Anybody else out there remember it?
David J Lerda
From: keith.marshall@fox44internet.net Date: Thu, 24 Sep 98 15:19:15 GMT Subj: Re: Space1999: A MATTER OF SHERMEEN
that was the same plot of the Orkan race in 'Mork & Mindy' as well remember Jonathen Winters?
Keith Marshall
From: "Brian Dowling" (hellion@easy44net.co.uk) Date: Thu, 24 Sep 1998 21:41:06 +0100 Subj: Re: Space1999: A MATTER OF SHERMEEN
Three words:
Red Dwarf - Backwards
From: "Anthony D." (atd64@yahoo4tag.com) Date: Thu, 24 Sep 1998 17:36:50 -0700 (PDT) Subj: Re: Space1999: A MATTER OF SHERMEEN
That theme was used on an episode of Voyager too. Also, isn't that the theme of the new Star Trek movie? I'm not sure.
Anthony
From: "Ariana" (ariana@ndirect4tag.co.uk) Date: Thu, 24 Sep 1998 09:23:49 +0100 Subj: Re: Space1999: A Matter Of Balance
The teenage crush thing with Tony shows a couple of things - Tony doesn't take advantage of the immature Shermeen even though she's a nice looking lass. Possible parallels with Maya here on the love thing?
Well, this does take place after The Beta Cloud. Maybe Maya got over her fit of pique and has been taking private lessons. ;))
Could also explain why Tony's not really in a position to take advantage of anyone -- it's a small base and you can imagine the punishment for inappropriate behaviour would be some pretty severe gossiping...
Emma
From: "Brian Dowling" (hellion@easy44net.co.uk) Date: Thu, 24 Sep 1998 21:41:06 +0100 Subj: Re: Space1999: A Matter Of Balance
Well, this does take place after The Beta Cloud. Maybe Maya got over her fit of pique and has been taking private lessons. ;))
The mind boggles... :-)
Could also explain why Tony's not really in a position to take advantage of anyone -- it's a small base and you can imagine the punishment for inappropriate behaviour would be some pretty severe gossiping...
Yes, 280 people probably equates to a small village and I've heard how quickly gossip can spread through village communities. It would also put a severe dent in his ability to command respect. Sandra, on the other hand, reveals only cute smiles and keeps the rest well secret... :-)
From: djlerda@juno4tag.com Date: Thu, 24 Sep 1998 17:29:22 EDT Subj: Re: Space1999: A Matter Of Balance
Yes, Sandra is what we men would call "a great date." :-)
David J Lerda
[EDITOR'S NOTE: The following comes from another thread (which I do not have archived at this time), which joins this thread as of this note. Follow? :-] From: "Ariana" (ariana@ndirect4tag.co.uk) Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 12:48:22 +0100 Subj: Re: Space1999: Miscellaneous Topics
[Petter wrote:]
By the way, I look forward to your comments on MATTER OF BALANCE, especially hearing your expert comments on the Pip and Jane Baker team who wrote the episode. By the female protagonist and the general content and structure of the plot this feels very much like a Barbara Cartland sort of thing.
ROFL! You obviously haven't been reading much Barbara Cartland, Petter! I was forced to read *two* of her so-called novels onto cassette for the Blind, and I can tell you the only pleasure I got out of it was putting on a cretinous cutesy accent for the heroine. I think you're being a tad unfair to the unfortunate episode. :)
On reflection, however, there are quite a few "feminine" themes in this episode (oh here we go, male vs female... bear with me). To a certain extent, one could say this is a sharp contrast to the "male" themes, er, I mean *theme* of The Beta Cloud -- defeating monsters is a great outlet for testosterone. ;P
There is the female protagonist, a kind of "Mary Sue" (explanation follows) character we've never seen before and will never see again. Taken at face value, Petter is right, the gist of the story is classic Mills and Boon (or Harlequin) fare, or at least the sort of thing you might find in a teen flic:
The heroine, who even has a Barbara Cartland-type name, starts off by having a crush on someone who is totally inappropriate for her. Tony is too much older, not interested, and already involved with someone else. Meanwhile, she is ignoring the obvious candidate for her affections, Eddie Collins, who is the same age, works on the same department, and is obviously interested in her.
Enter Vindrus, a transparent Mr Clean who after initially frightening her, somehow seduces Shermeen into helping him. She does, perhaps partly out of spite for all those "adults" -- Tony included -- who don't understand her, and partly because she is captivated by Vindrus. Ultimately, it turns out her trust was misplaced: her mother evidently didn't tell her it was dangerous to talk to men made of anti-matter -- or maybe Shermeen just wasn't paying attention. Reduced to anti-matter for being a silly girl, Shermeen has to wait patiently for Maya, Tony and Koenig to come and save her.
Having learned her lesson -- keep away from strange men -- Shermeen gives Tony the cold shoulder and this time chooses the right love interest, her friend Eddie who was waiting all along.
Now I've put it like this, I realise the episode is actually absolutely *awful*. I knew I didn't particularly like it, but now I know exactly why, it has plummeted even further in my opinion. I think Space Warp has just been promoted off last position in my esteem! (well, let's not exagerate ;).
Perhaps I should explain why I called Shermeen a "Mary Sue". That's a term used in Star Trek fan fiction circles to indicate a non-regular character created to realise some wish fulfilment on the (female) author's part. More specifically, a Mary Sue is young, female, beautiful, good at everything and everyone loves her -- in fact, the only thing that would have made Shermeen more of a Mary Sue is if Tony *had* been interested in her (but then, maybe the writers didn't want Maya to rip the poor fellow into spaghetti ;)
Anyone else care to comment?
Emma
From: djlerda@juno4tag.com Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 11:43:08 EDT Subj: Re: Space1999: Miscellaneous Topics
The episode was awful. If it had been a German officer, it would have been hung at Nuremberg.
From: "Petter Ogland" (petter.ogland@dnmi4tag.no) Date: Fri, 25 Sep 1998 09:45:24 +0000 Subj: Space1999: A Matter of Balance
On reflection, however, there are quite a few "feminine" themes in this episode (oh here we go, male vs female... bear with me). To a certain extent, one could say this is a sharp contrast to the "male" themes, er, I mean *theme* of The Beta Cloud -- defeating monsters is a great outlet for testosterone. ;P
Interesting point, A MATTER OF BALANCE as a feminin counterpart to BETA CLOUD. I like that. A MATTER OF BALANCE just as silly as THE BETA CLOUD, but seems to rely on a romance factor where THE BETA CLOUD goes for violence and suspence.
[Snip lots of quoting of Emma's note.]
Wonderful analysis, Emma. In fact, this is the most insightful post I've ever read about A MATTER OF BALANCE. I wonder, are the Pip and Jane Baker contributions to other series, such as DR WHO, similar "Barbara Cartland" stories?
Now I've put it like this, I realise the episode is actually absolutely *awful*. I knew I didn't particularly like it, but now I know exactly why, it has plummeted even further in my opinion. I think Space Warp has just been promoted off last position in my esteem! (well, let's not exagerate ;).
Heh heh. I can't wait to read Simon's comments on this episode. As far as I've noticed he is the only one who has said anything positive about this episode so far, even going to the point of admitting that he likes it. :-)
Quite frankly, I must admit I seem to enjoy it a bit too. Even if it is absolutely *awful* as you rightly put it, at least it deals with characters and emotions. It is not too unlike THE LAMBDA FACTOR in that respect, although much of the location shooting seem like amateur super-8 shots on somebodys back yard. Incredibly kitch!
I really look forward to Simon's comments.
Petter
From: Ariana (ariana@ndirect4tag.co.uk) Date: Fri, 25 Sep 1998 11:29:27 +0100 Subj: Re: Space1999: A Matter of Balance
Interesting point, A MATTER OF BALANCE as a feminin counterpart to BETA CLOUD. I like that. A MATTER OF BALANCE just as silly as THE BETA CLOUD, but seems to rely on a romance factor where THE BETA CLOUD goes for violence and suspence.
And in classical "male" action fashion, the romance in "The Beta Cloud" comes more or less as the hero's reward for battling the beast. hehe. I know I'm talking rubbish here, but it's fun to extrapolate.
The heroine, who even has a Barbara Cartland-type name,
BTW, thanks Robert for letting me know Shermeen is a common name in Canada. Maybe it only *looks* made up. :)
Wonderful analysis, Emma. In fact, this is the most insightful post I've ever read about A MATTER OF BALANCE.
It's probably the only insightful post you'll ever read on the episode. As I said, I found it so unremarquable it didn't even make me feel like MiSTing it!
I wonder, are the Pip and Jane Baker contributions to other series, such as DR WHO, similar "Barbara Cartland" stories?
You'd have to ask our resident Dr Who expert, Brian. ;)
characters and emotions. It is not too unlike THE LAMBDA FACTOR in that respect, although much of the location shooting seem like amateur super-8 shots on somebodys back yard. Incredibly kitch!
Ah, now, The Lambda Factor is something else I'm looking forward to discussing. It's another of those episodes I never forgot. I watched it again last night for the first time in years, and all I can say is -- Oh wow, it's thanks to episodes like that that I'm on this list today. (some nice potential for MiSTing nonetheless <g>)
Emma
From: "Simon Morris" (simes01@global44net.co.uk) Date: Sat, 26 Sep 1998 00:54:39 +0100 Subj: Space1999: A Matter of Balance
Tsk Tsk....I really don't know what so many have you have against this episode. Personally I enjoy it on every viewing(I'm not sure why,mind you..),and I certainly prefer it to THE DORCONS and AB CHRYSALIS,neither of which I have ever really cared for. I probably enjoy it for all the wrong reasons of course but hey-nobodys perfect.
I think Lynne Frederick was good casting. Clearly a young lady with little acting experience ( I remember years ago someone commented on her marrying Peter Sellers-considerably older than her-by saying that her best acting must have been in faking orgasms...<grin>) I still think she projected a certain naivity and innocence into the role. The problem is that I can't see anyone else on Alpha being quite as dumb as she was in allowing herself to be led astray by the 'man-with-the-bulging-briefs',Vindrus. I also have to say that she nearly qualifies as one of my 'Alpha Babes',being a rather attractive young lady and all that. Unfortunately she fails to qualify for this honour in the end as she actually has quite a few lines in the episode,whereas the average Alpha Babe is there to look pretty but keep her mouth shut (and the performers wage bill down).
This brings me to Shermeen's voice,and I have to agree here that she speaks with at least 2 and possibly 3 different accents in the episode. Having heard her speak in real life I think it is a mixture of Lynne Frederick's natural accent/her natural accent plus some ill-conceived attempts at an american or mid atlantic "twang"/somebody dubbing her(and very poorly too). I have no idea why this was necessary and why she couldn't have used her natural voice throughout. The other problem with Shermeen is that-apart from being too young and presumably inexperienced to be on Alpha in the first place-she does display an immaturity that is quite frankly annoying. Maybe that was intended,but it doesn't endear her to members of the OnLine Alpha Mailing List!! Well,*I* like her-she had a lovely smile in the episode after all. What a pity that Lynne Frederick died so young.
I quite liked the bit at the beginning where Tony is introducing his latest beer,but IMO this humourous bit was overplayed so early in the episode. I think it was in the wrong part of the script being in the hook and of course there are yet more jokes about his beer in the epilogue. Also something that amused me was that-for once-Helena Russell turns down the opportunity to go down to a planet on the flimsiest of excuses("sequential lab tests"). This from a woman who has been everywhere else even when there was little logical need for her to go. But lets not forget this is to get her out of the remainder of the show so that Bain can shoot some other episode....This sort of weak and lazy plotting annoys me. Personally I never felt Helena added much to Planet Missions,but all of a sudden,for the sake of production necessity,she doesn't WANT to go!!!?
Another continuity/logic problem are the statements that Shermeen has been on "the first team" (whatever that is) a long time,and that she has been collecting samples from every place they've been to. Oh no she hasn't! Neither on Y1 or Y2 (in fact,a botanist rarely if ever was seen at all...yet maybe they were among the most important staff for consideration for planet trips?). Convenience again. You can blame Pip and Jane Baker for this sort of thing and even Fred Freiberger for allowing it at the editorial stage,but where was Gerry Anderson when this lack of continuity was displayed?
I always enjoy the Koenig/Maya Lecture on "Antimatter" (seats available at £4:00 each). Off hand I don't know(or care that much)how accurate it is but I'm always amused at how thick Verdeschi is portrayed. He gets a PHd at the University of Rome,yet this little issue confuses him. I mean,its hardly comparable to the Theory of Relativity in complexity,is it? Quite an amusing little sequence for me...and I don't imagine its even supposed to be funny....
And another thing I like is Stuart Wilson's performance. I think he is generally slick and sly and even menacing as an antimatter person(he also oozes slime,as my girlfriend said),but for some reason goes into hammy overdrive when he crosses into the Matter world. He's all hooded eyelids and lopsided grins when he deals with Koenig and Verdeschi. Like he's a different person...... I won't comment on his costume which is dreadful. He looks like a cutdown version of the Boy Wonder! But overall I enjoyed Wilson's over-the-top performance-probably the only way to play it in a costume like that.
Interesting moral dilemma. Vindrus actually admits that his acts are propelled by self-survival and says the Alphans would do the same if they were in his position. The Alphans always seem to claim the moral high-ground,yet if they *were* in the same position,I wouldn't like to bet that Koenig wouldn't act any differently. This isn't a rose tinted version of Alphan philosophy,but it is the cynical and probably more accurate human philosophy,i.e.: Look After Number One. So I've some sympathy for Vindrus....
Once again Maya gets the Alphans out of the mire by transforming into Shermeen and convincing Vindrus that she never went over fully into the antimatter world. Fair enough,but the usual easy way out. Lastly, I think that the epilogue was silly rather than humourous. To rely on Tony's beer making skills for a laugh is ok once in an episode,but not twice. The idea that he would even consider mixing antimatter ingredients into the brew is ludicrous and yes,he looked serious enough about it to me! For all the faults,I like this one. Doesn't pretend to be anything special,amusingly hammy performances and so forth. I don't know that much about the writers (not being a Dr Who fan) and I am probably glad they never wrote any other SPACE 1999. But its an undemanding hour which I do not find as tedious as some episodes that I could mention.
[EDITOR'S NOTE: First part of above paragraph triggers a thread on whether the Bakers wrote 'Dorzak']
Anyway..time to go and unwind after a lousy shift at work. OUR MAN FLINT is the film on the BBC tonight and I'm off to watch it. I always loved that film-and of course James Coburns cigarette lighter with 82 weapons incorporated in it. They could have done with one of those on Alpha.
Simon
From: jcg@vh4tag.net Date: Sun, 27 Sep 1998 18:20:35 -0400 Subj: Space1999: A Matter Of Balance
Is Eddie suddenly wearing a jacket in the teaser when he his sitting down, when earlier in the scene he is not?
Again a lot of dubbing in this episode (I'm not counting the location scenes.) Problem is Lynne Frederick's voice has been looped by someone else where dubbing was done.
Well here's the problem: For the sake of one episode, we suddenly have all this supposed back story where Shermeen has always been on "the first team?"
There's not enough reason for Shermeen to be doing everything Vindrus says. If they had demonstrated she was under his spell, like after smelling one of the plants...but they didn't. And why is there no dealing with her by the others after the crisis is over?
When they return from the planet the first time, why is Koenig still wearing his pink parka?
Does Vindrus tell Tony his name? I think not.
One little blooper: a door opens before Shermeen's finger reaches the button.
Why is Tony, who has not been on the planet before, leading the run to the temple?
I like Tony's getting lost in the possibilities of antimatter beer at the end.
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