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Space: 1999 (@ Big Finish) #1
Space 1999 Volume 1
The Moon has been sucked through a wormhole in space and has arrived countless miles away from its proper place. The crew of Moonbase Alpha can only guess at the resultant devastation left behind on Earth. They must decide how best they can survive. Some Alphans find it difficult to let go of the notion of returning to Earth, others are facing the reality that they must find another home to ensure the survival of the human race. They can't survive on Alpha indefinitely.
Dead ahead of them is the planet they call Meta. The planet that apparently transmitted a signal which caused their predicament. But as their Moon drifts ever onward through space, there are other planets offering hope.
1.1 The Siren Call by Andrew Smith
The people of Moonbase Alpha are recovering from the shock of their base and their Moon having been blasted through a wormhole in space. But now they are far from home with little hope of a return to Earth.
Ahead of them is the planet Meta, whose signal somehow caused this catastrophe. Could this be their new home or does yet more danger lie ahead?
1.2 Death’s Other Dominion by Roland Moore (adapted from the original teleplay by Anthony Terpiloff and Elizabeth Barrows)
A voice calls to the Alphans from a mysterious, snowbound planet. Can it be possible that humans from Earth have really colonised this remote world?
When Commander Koenig and his team investigate, they discover the planet Nival holds many terrible secrets.
1.3 Goldilocks by Andrew Smith
Not too hot, not too cold. The perfect planet on which life can thrive. But not all forms of life that thrive in the Goldilocks zone are peaceful.
Investigating this lush paradise, the Alphans must battle an ancient terror for survival.
Based on the original tv series created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson.
Space 1999 © ITC Entertainment Group Limited 1975 and 2021. Licensed by ITV Ventures Limited. All rights reserved.
Dead ahead of them is the planet they call Meta. The planet that apparently transmitted a signal which caused their predicament. But as their Moon drifts ever onward through space, there are other planets offering hope.
1.1 The Siren Call by Andrew Smith
The people of Moonbase Alpha are recovering from the shock of their base and their Moon having been blasted through a wormhole in space. But now they are far from home with little hope of a return to Earth.
Ahead of them is the planet Meta, whose signal somehow caused this catastrophe. Could this be their new home or does yet more danger lie ahead?
1.2 Death’s Other Dominion by Roland Moore (adapted from the original teleplay by Anthony Terpiloff and Elizabeth Barrows)
A voice calls to the Alphans from a mysterious, snowbound planet. Can it be possible that humans from Earth have really colonised this remote world?
When Commander Koenig and his team investigate, they discover the planet Nival holds many terrible secrets.
1.3 Goldilocks by Andrew Smith
Not too hot, not too cold. The perfect planet on which life can thrive. But not all forms of life that thrive in the Goldilocks zone are peaceful.
Investigating this lush paradise, the Alphans must battle an ancient terror for survival.
Based on the original tv series created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson.
Space 1999 © ITC Entertainment Group Limited 1975 and 2021. Licensed by ITV Ventures Limited. All rights reserved.
Audiobook
Published February 1, 2021
About the author
Andrew Smith
58 books8 followersThere is more than one author with this name
Andrew Smith wrote the Doctor Who television story Full Circle and its novelisation. At the time of initial broadcast, he was the youngest writer to contribute to the TV series.
Smith submitted his work to more than one Doctor Who script editor. They replied with "positive criticism". Finally he sent The Planet that Slept, which became Full Circle.
Shortly afterwards, he became a police officer, spending a long time in that career.
Smith was approached by Big Finish and displayed interest in writing for them. Because he had started the trilogy with Full Circle, they asked him to write a Companion Chronicles story set in E-Space. The Invasion of E-Space was released in October 2010.
Andrew Smith wrote the Doctor Who television story Full Circle and its novelisation. At the time of initial broadcast, he was the youngest writer to contribute to the TV series.
Smith submitted his work to more than one Doctor Who script editor. They replied with "positive criticism". Finally he sent The Planet that Slept, which became Full Circle.
Shortly afterwards, he became a police officer, spending a long time in that career.
Smith was approached by Big Finish and displayed interest in writing for them. Because he had started the trilogy with Full Circle, they asked him to write a Companion Chronicles story set in E-Space. The Invasion of E-Space was released in October 2010.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 25, 2021
1.1 The Siren Call by Andrew Smith
Dopo il remake dell'episodio pilota, ascoltato il Space 1999: Breakaway, in questo primo episodio della serie audio, dedicata dalla Big Finish a Spazio 1999, chiudiamo un po' il cerchio con il segnale misterioso proveniente dal pianeta Meta, trama lasciata in sospeso nella serie televisiva.
Pianeta che, ovviamente, si rivelerà come il primo delle tante missioni fallite dell'operazione Esodo.
1.2 Death’s Other Dominion by Roland Moore
Adattato dalla sceneggiatura originale di Anthony Terpiloff e Elizabeth Barrows, trasmesso come quinto episodio della prima stagione.
Non ricordo abbastanza dell'episodio per riconoscere eventuali modifiche della trama o aggiunte particolari. Come già capitato con l'episodio pilota, anche qui mi rivedrò a breve la puntata, così da verificare somiglianze o differenze.
1.3 Goldilocks by Andrew Smith
Una delle tante esplorazioni di un pianeta apparentemente perfetto per la sopravvivenza della colonia lunare, ma già abitato e con dinamiche interne che metteranno in difficoltà la squadra sbarcata sulla superficie, squadra composta sempre dagli ufficiali più alti, come tipico in quegli anni.
Come è prevedibile, la Luna e il suo equipaggio continueranno il viaggio.
Con due storie originali e una riedizione di un episodio della prima stagione tv si conclude il primo boxset dedicato a Spazio 1999, in attesa del prossimo.
Dopo il remake dell'episodio pilota, ascoltato il Space 1999: Breakaway, in questo primo episodio della serie audio, dedicata dalla Big Finish a Spazio 1999, chiudiamo un po' il cerchio con il segnale misterioso proveniente dal pianeta Meta, trama lasciata in sospeso nella serie televisiva.
Pianeta che, ovviamente, si rivelerà come il primo delle tante missioni fallite dell'operazione Esodo.
1.2 Death’s Other Dominion by Roland Moore
Adattato dalla sceneggiatura originale di Anthony Terpiloff e Elizabeth Barrows, trasmesso come quinto episodio della prima stagione.
Non ricordo abbastanza dell'episodio per riconoscere eventuali modifiche della trama o aggiunte particolari. Come già capitato con l'episodio pilota, anche qui mi rivedrò a breve la puntata, così da verificare somiglianze o differenze.
1.3 Goldilocks by Andrew Smith
Una delle tante esplorazioni di un pianeta apparentemente perfetto per la sopravvivenza della colonia lunare, ma già abitato e con dinamiche interne che metteranno in difficoltà la squadra sbarcata sulla superficie, squadra composta sempre dagli ufficiali più alti, come tipico in quegli anni.
Come è prevedibile, la Luna e il suo equipaggio continueranno il viaggio.
Con due storie originali e una riedizione di un episodio della prima stagione tv si conclude il primo boxset dedicato a Spazio 1999, in attesa del prossimo.
June 1, 2023
This may not technically be the first in this series (that would be Space 1999: Breakaway which adapts the pilot episode from the original television series), but I do hope this will be the first in a long line of audio-dramas that can regenerate interest in this cult-favorite, sci-fi franchise.
(1.1) The Siren Call - This story is a direct sequel to the pilot episode, Breakaway, but it quickly establishes itself as an interesting and fast moving adventure. There are some thematic similarities to a couple of classic episodes (Force of Life & End of Eternity), but it is only superficial. What’s nice is that this first new episode effectively evokes much of the gothic tones and themes of the original series, which was exactly what I was hoping for. The cult-classic series is an old favorite of mine, and the weird amalgamation of gothic themes and science-fiction setting, generates such a unique and fascinating atmosphere. I was desperately hoping that this new audio-drama series would continue with that tradition. It does. And I couldn’t be happier (5/5).
(1.2) Death’s Other Dominion - This one is an adaptation of a classic episode (which guest-stared Brian Blessed, who sadly does not reprise his role in this version) that is arguably a particular fan-favorite. They’ve made some updates with this adaptation that certainly help make some of the weird (less scientific aspects) a bit more believable (is that even the right word when we’re talking about Space: 1999?). So, the whole plot and narrative works more smoothly and makes a bit more sense. Very enjoyable. If Big Finish continues to adapt some of the classic episodes and can do this kind of quality, I’m all for it (5/5).
(1.3) Goldilocks - On one hand this is classic Space: 1999, on the other hand it’s much larger than anything they tried to accomplish during the series. And that’s a good thing, this would have been an extremely expensive production for any TV series budget. At least, it would be expensive if they wanted to do the script justice. Massive sets. Volatile creatures. Native inhabitants. My one gripe with this one is that, while the planet is definitely dangerous, it’s not made entirely clear why the Alphans aren’t willing to risk staying. Clearly it would be a risk, but what about the unknown dangers of hurtling through space without being able to control where the moon is headed? Still, this is something that occasionally happened in the series, so I won’t hold this against this new production. Otherwise, another excellent adventure and this one moves fast and offers some unexpected character development (4/5).
This new series quickly establishes the Alphans plight and odyssey to find a new home. So I’m quite pleased with what I’m anticipating the direction into which this series is going to be heading. I love how Commissioner Simmons is being developed. I don’t know if the intention is to eventually remove him in a similar manner as in the original series (it would certainly be fun to have that particular episode, Earthbound, adapted) or if the producers have other plans for him. He does kind of fulfill a Dr. Smith (from Lost in Space) role here that has much potential. So I’m hoping he’ll be around for awhile. The music is superb and while the voices are not imitations, I’m rather glad they’re not, they do evoke the characteristics of the original actor’s interpretations while taking them in new 21st century directions. As with most Big Finish Productions there are also some bonus interviews with cast and crew that shed some insight into the production.
Now ... how long am I going to have to wait for Volume 2?
(1.1) The Siren Call - This story is a direct sequel to the pilot episode, Breakaway, but it quickly establishes itself as an interesting and fast moving adventure. There are some thematic similarities to a couple of classic episodes (Force of Life & End of Eternity), but it is only superficial. What’s nice is that this first new episode effectively evokes much of the gothic tones and themes of the original series, which was exactly what I was hoping for. The cult-classic series is an old favorite of mine, and the weird amalgamation of gothic themes and science-fiction setting, generates such a unique and fascinating atmosphere. I was desperately hoping that this new audio-drama series would continue with that tradition. It does. And I couldn’t be happier (5/5).
(1.2) Death’s Other Dominion - This one is an adaptation of a classic episode (which guest-stared Brian Blessed, who sadly does not reprise his role in this version) that is arguably a particular fan-favorite. They’ve made some updates with this adaptation that certainly help make some of the weird (less scientific aspects) a bit more believable (is that even the right word when we’re talking about Space: 1999?). So, the whole plot and narrative works more smoothly and makes a bit more sense. Very enjoyable. If Big Finish continues to adapt some of the classic episodes and can do this kind of quality, I’m all for it (5/5).
(1.3) Goldilocks - On one hand this is classic Space: 1999, on the other hand it’s much larger than anything they tried to accomplish during the series. And that’s a good thing, this would have been an extremely expensive production for any TV series budget. At least, it would be expensive if they wanted to do the script justice. Massive sets. Volatile creatures. Native inhabitants. My one gripe with this one is that, while the planet is definitely dangerous, it’s not made entirely clear why the Alphans aren’t willing to risk staying. Clearly it would be a risk, but what about the unknown dangers of hurtling through space without being able to control where the moon is headed? Still, this is something that occasionally happened in the series, so I won’t hold this against this new production. Otherwise, another excellent adventure and this one moves fast and offers some unexpected character development (4/5).
This new series quickly establishes the Alphans plight and odyssey to find a new home. So I’m quite pleased with what I’m anticipating the direction into which this series is going to be heading. I love how Commissioner Simmons is being developed. I don’t know if the intention is to eventually remove him in a similar manner as in the original series (it would certainly be fun to have that particular episode, Earthbound, adapted) or if the producers have other plans for him. He does kind of fulfill a Dr. Smith (from Lost in Space) role here that has much potential. So I’m hoping he’ll be around for awhile. The music is superb and while the voices are not imitations, I’m rather glad they’re not, they do evoke the characteristics of the original actor’s interpretations while taking them in new 21st century directions. As with most Big Finish Productions there are also some bonus interviews with cast and crew that shed some insight into the production.
Now ... how long am I going to have to wait for Volume 2?
April 13, 2024
[edit]
Finally a good adaptation of a tv shown. It captures the feeling and the vibes from the old show.
There are three stories, one deals with the price of immortality, other with the subject of paradise -if it's possible and the last story (the first) was the weakest.
The sound is good, voices and stfy elements like the eagles, lasers etc. Not distracting and providing something good to the overall story.
If you enjoy the stories of 1999 then you will enjoy these.
October 25, 2021
THE SIREN CALL
Le persone della base lunare Alpha si stanno riprendendo dallo shock di aver avuto la loro base e la loro Luna catapultate attraverso un tunnel spaziale. Ma ora sono lontani da casa con poca speranza di un ritorno sulla Terra.
Davanti a loro c'è il pianeta Meta, il cui segnale in qualche modo ha causato questa catastrofe. Potrebbe essere questa la loro nuova casa o ci sarà ancora più pericolo?
Inizio a parlare del primo volume di Spazio 1999, che continua le avventure avviate nel pilot “Breakaway”. La serie contiene sia remake degli episodi della serie tv sia storie originali, ed è proprio con una di queste ultime che iniziamo.
Il pilot, in entrambe le versioni, terminava con la ricezione di un segnale proveniente dal pianeta Meta, ma nella serie originale quel cliffhanger non è mai stato sviluppato ed è finito nel dimenticatoio (capitava spesso che ci fossero buchi di continuità). Qui invece abbiamo modo di scoprire da chi fosse stato inviato e per quale motivo, andando anche a spiegare gli avvenimenti che hanno portato il distacco della Luna dall'orbita terrestre catapultandola a cinque anni luce di distanza.
I membri della stazione, che nell'incidente hanno subito perdite gravissime, si ritrovano di fronte al loro primo (forse) contatto alieno, trovandoli molto più simili agli umani di quanto si aspettassero. Seguendo le stesse tematiche tipiche della serie originale, in un primo momento si avviano pacifiche relazioni diplomatiche e si cerca di comprendere la cultura di questa specie sconosciuta. La narrazione parte quindi con un ritmo calmo, per poi aumentare in azione a mano a mano che le motivazioni dei nuovi arrivati si fanno più torbide.
Anche se i ruoli più di spicco sono naturalmente di Koenig, Helena e Victor, che hanno modo in sedi separate di dare ognuno il proprio contributo, molto spazio è dato anche a personaggi più secondari. Il Commissario Simmons, normalmente un semplice burocrate cocciuto, ha modo di dimostrare di valere qualcosa e di saper agire con astuzia, mentre una grossa parte è data a Dashka Kano (che nell'originale è un uomo, David Kano), con una tragica backstory che mi ha fatto commuovere.
Abbiamo inoltre Terry Molloy come guest star nel ruolo di Cesar, l'emissario di Meta.
Nel complesso, pur essendo una trama completamente nuova, tiene ancora viva l'atmosfera della serie del '75, questa voglia di avventura ma anche di conoscenza scientifica, in cui vengono affrontati temi sociali e morali, e con una forte componente umana esplicata nel sentimento di smarrimento dato dall'essere alla deriva e la volontà di trovare una nuova casa. A questo si aggiungono tematiche più contemporanee, come l'inclusività per i personaggi LGBT (d'accordo, c'è un certo “trope” che viene visto di malocchio in alcuni casi, ma è funzionale alla trama e sarebbe stata la stessa cosa con una coppia etero, quindi non mi ha infastidito).
Ribadisco che non è fondamentale essere fan della serie originale, dato che Breakaway è un reboot fatto e finito, quindi basta aver ascoltato quell'audio prima di passare a questo volume.
Le persone della base lunare Alpha si stanno riprendendo dallo shock di aver avuto la loro base e la loro Luna catapultate attraverso un tunnel spaziale. Ma ora sono lontani da casa con poca speranza di un ritorno sulla Terra.
Davanti a loro c'è il pianeta Meta, il cui segnale in qualche modo ha causato questa catastrofe. Potrebbe essere questa la loro nuova casa o ci sarà ancora più pericolo?
Inizio a parlare del primo volume di Spazio 1999, che continua le avventure avviate nel pilot “Breakaway”. La serie contiene sia remake degli episodi della serie tv sia storie originali, ed è proprio con una di queste ultime che iniziamo.
Il pilot, in entrambe le versioni, terminava con la ricezione di un segnale proveniente dal pianeta Meta, ma nella serie originale quel cliffhanger non è mai stato sviluppato ed è finito nel dimenticatoio (capitava spesso che ci fossero buchi di continuità). Qui invece abbiamo modo di scoprire da chi fosse stato inviato e per quale motivo, andando anche a spiegare gli avvenimenti che hanno portato il distacco della Luna dall'orbita terrestre catapultandola a cinque anni luce di distanza.
I membri della stazione, che nell'incidente hanno subito perdite gravissime, si ritrovano di fronte al loro primo (forse) contatto alieno, trovandoli molto più simili agli umani di quanto si aspettassero. Seguendo le stesse tematiche tipiche della serie originale, in un primo momento si avviano pacifiche relazioni diplomatiche e si cerca di comprendere la cultura di questa specie sconosciuta. La narrazione parte quindi con un ritmo calmo, per poi aumentare in azione a mano a mano che le motivazioni dei nuovi arrivati si fanno più torbide.
Anche se i ruoli più di spicco sono naturalmente di Koenig, Helena e Victor, che hanno modo in sedi separate di dare ognuno il proprio contributo, molto spazio è dato anche a personaggi più secondari. Il Commissario Simmons, normalmente un semplice burocrate cocciuto, ha modo di dimostrare di valere qualcosa e di saper agire con astuzia, mentre una grossa parte è data a Dashka Kano (che nell'originale è un uomo, David Kano), con una tragica backstory che mi ha fatto commuovere.
Abbiamo inoltre Terry Molloy come guest star nel ruolo di Cesar, l'emissario di Meta.
Nel complesso, pur essendo una trama completamente nuova, tiene ancora viva l'atmosfera della serie del '75, questa voglia di avventura ma anche di conoscenza scientifica, in cui vengono affrontati temi sociali e morali, e con una forte componente umana esplicata nel sentimento di smarrimento dato dall'essere alla deriva e la volontà di trovare una nuova casa. A questo si aggiungono tematiche più contemporanee, come l'inclusività per i personaggi LGBT (d'accordo, c'è un certo “trope” che viene visto di malocchio in alcuni casi, ma è funzionale alla trama e sarebbe stata la stessa cosa con una coppia etero, quindi non mi ha infastidito).
Ribadisco che non è fondamentale essere fan della serie originale, dato che Breakaway è un reboot fatto e finito, quindi basta aver ascoltato quell'audio prima di passare a questo volume.
January 19, 2025
Space: 1999 - The Siren Call disc 1, story 1 in 3 disc Box set vol. 1.
After being transported through space through a space signal, an explosion, and a wormhole - Moonbase Alpha finds itself near Meta - the planet that sent the signal. Receiving first a signal, then a space craft from the planet Commander Koenig, Dr. Helena Russell, and Commissioner Simmons disagree about what to do. However, they send an Eagle to the surface to investigate.
Not really a spoiler - it doesn't go well.
In a situation similar to the 9th Doctor's encounter with the Guelph it turns out the aliens natural form is gaseous or a Spirit but they possess various humanoid bodies in order to have physical senses.
Needless to say - the citizens of Alpha leave, losing a few of their number.
This was a good and atmospheric story. I could see myself listening to it again. 4 out of 5 stars.
Brief reviews of the other two discs are coming.
#BigFinish
Short review of Space: 1999 vol. 1 (box set) disc 2.
"Death's Other Dominion" - halfway through listening to this I realized it was familiar and the bonus feature track confirmed it. This is a reimagining of one of the aired episodes, though it is a good one.
Alpha receives a message from members of the Neptune probe that was lost. They are invited to the nearby planet. But under the main message is a code word - Midas, meaning danger all is not as is seems.
Alpha sends an Eagle with Commander Koenig, Dr. Helena Russell, and Victor (the scientist), plus a pilot. The landing area is farther from the settlement than planned - partially due to a blinding snow storm. Direct communication with Alpha is also knocked out.
Koenig and Victor are taken directly to the underground settlement. Helena gets separated. She is rescued by a strange guy named Jack who tries to warn her.
Koenig and Victor find out that the survivors of the Neptune probe crashed on this planet, but the wormhole they passed through and the storm also sent them 900 years in the past. This gave the time to construct a underground city. They use geothermal heat from lava flows for heating, raise plants with artificial light, and get meat and dairy from the space cows on the surface of the planet. And they eat a local herb that makes them happy.
But this Paradise hides a shocking secret.
Which isn't so shocking if you've seen the episode. But I'm not going to spoil it if you haven't since it's a pretty good twist.
BTW - lots of "bad snow/cold acting" in this. I sometimes think actors have never actually been outside in 20 degree F weather. (California productions are worse.)
#BigFinish
Big Finish Productions
Space: 1999 vol. 1 (Big Finish box set audio plays). Disc 3 Goldilocks.
Alpha discovers a planet in the Goldilocks zone - not too hot or too cold with a breathable atmosphere and checks it out for settlement but someone else got there first.
Definitely, need to listen to this again because I found it very confusing. The people on the planet are late Medieval stage I guess, living in castles, and fighting creatures that are basically dragons?
I couldn't quite follow it or why Alpha left.
#BigFinish Big Finish Productions
After being transported through space through a space signal, an explosion, and a wormhole - Moonbase Alpha finds itself near Meta - the planet that sent the signal. Receiving first a signal, then a space craft from the planet Commander Koenig, Dr. Helena Russell, and Commissioner Simmons disagree about what to do. However, they send an Eagle to the surface to investigate.
Not really a spoiler - it doesn't go well.
In a situation similar to the 9th Doctor's encounter with the Guelph it turns out the aliens natural form is gaseous or a Spirit but they possess various humanoid bodies in order to have physical senses.
Needless to say - the citizens of Alpha leave, losing a few of their number.
This was a good and atmospheric story. I could see myself listening to it again. 4 out of 5 stars.
Brief reviews of the other two discs are coming.
#BigFinish
Short review of Space: 1999 vol. 1 (box set) disc 2.
"Death's Other Dominion" - halfway through listening to this I realized it was familiar and the bonus feature track confirmed it. This is a reimagining of one of the aired episodes, though it is a good one.
Alpha receives a message from members of the Neptune probe that was lost. They are invited to the nearby planet. But under the main message is a code word - Midas, meaning danger all is not as is seems.
Alpha sends an Eagle with Commander Koenig, Dr. Helena Russell, and Victor (the scientist), plus a pilot. The landing area is farther from the settlement than planned - partially due to a blinding snow storm. Direct communication with Alpha is also knocked out.
Koenig and Victor are taken directly to the underground settlement. Helena gets separated. She is rescued by a strange guy named Jack who tries to warn her.
Koenig and Victor find out that the survivors of the Neptune probe crashed on this planet, but the wormhole they passed through and the storm also sent them 900 years in the past. This gave the time to construct a underground city. They use geothermal heat from lava flows for heating, raise plants with artificial light, and get meat and dairy from the space cows on the surface of the planet. And they eat a local herb that makes them happy.
But this Paradise hides a shocking secret.
Which isn't so shocking if you've seen the episode. But I'm not going to spoil it if you haven't since it's a pretty good twist.
BTW - lots of "bad snow/cold acting" in this. I sometimes think actors have never actually been outside in 20 degree F weather. (California productions are worse.)
#BigFinish
Big Finish Productions
Space: 1999 vol. 1 (Big Finish box set audio plays). Disc 3 Goldilocks.
Alpha discovers a planet in the Goldilocks zone - not too hot or too cold with a breathable atmosphere and checks it out for settlement but someone else got there first.
Definitely, need to listen to this again because I found it very confusing. The people on the planet are late Medieval stage I guess, living in castles, and fighting creatures that are basically dragons?
I couldn't quite follow it or why Alpha left.
#BigFinish Big Finish Productions
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2024
Well I really enjoyed these. There were 3 stories and you might call the collection something like 'false hope' because they're all about potential settlements for the lost Alphans and it's no spoiler to say that they don't exactly work out to be ideal.
The stories seem to run in order of occurrence but we skip over the intermediate travel time between and whatever relationships and obstacles the journey itself might entail.
These aren't particularly unique scifi ideas, but good fun adventures nonetheless. The writing is a little inconsistent as to which characters display specific motivations and traits. There's also a bit of drama created too readily by daft choices.
Anyway, I really liked this revival of the classic series and will probably check out the next two volumes.
The stories seem to run in order of occurrence but we skip over the intermediate travel time between and whatever relationships and obstacles the journey itself might entail.
These aren't particularly unique scifi ideas, but good fun adventures nonetheless. The writing is a little inconsistent as to which characters display specific motivations and traits. There's also a bit of drama created too readily by daft choices.
Anyway, I really liked this revival of the classic series and will probably check out the next two volumes.
July 19, 2021
If there's any flaw in this first set of episodes, it's that all three episodes have very similar plots:
1. Alphans encounter a habitable planet
2. They consider departing the Moonbase and taking up permanent residence there
3. They discover some dark secret about the planet
4. They decide to remain on Moonbase Alpha
That said, these are very well done episodes and aside from the plot similarities, all three feel like they could have been episodes of the series (heck, one of them actually was -- though I haven't seen the TV episode to make a comparison yet). Though I wish there had been a little more variety in the plots.
One big reveal about a minor character feels like it could have been a bigger reveal if that character had figured into "Breakaway." Alas for what could have been. But I want to see more from this series than just "planet of the week" and I hope that happens.
1. Alphans encounter a habitable planet
2. They consider departing the Moonbase and taking up permanent residence there
3. They discover some dark secret about the planet
4. They decide to remain on Moonbase Alpha
That said, these are very well done episodes and aside from the plot similarities, all three feel like they could have been episodes of the series (heck, one of them actually was -- though I haven't seen the TV episode to make a comparison yet). Though I wish there had been a little more variety in the plots.
One big reveal about a minor character feels like it could have been a bigger reveal if that character had figured into "Breakaway." Alas for what could have been. But I want to see more from this series than just "planet of the week" and I hope that happens.
March 23, 2022
Awesome:). Hugely enjoyable.
February 23, 2023
never watched the show, loved this.
February 14, 2025
Had the vibes of the show at least. Hearing the theme song again after forgetting how it sounded was a trip.
May 22, 2021
Just to be clear, I love Space 1999. I can remember watching the first episode when it originally came out and thrilled to both seasons. I have all the novelizations. I also have the couple of graphic novels. So it was with great joy that I purchased this volume from Big Finish. Like Breakaway, and, well, everything else Big Finish puts out, you can feel the love. This is produced by people who care about the show enough to ensure the finished product pushes all the right buttons for adoring fans like myself. The casting, the stories, the production values, all are top of the line.
This set contains some original material as well as some reworking of existing stories. I liked that. Keeping in mind that in the 1970s there was only so much you could put up on the screen. There are no such constraints in an audio drama, so you want a towering monster? You got a towering monster! (Spoiler alert!) I have to admit, one of the episodes, Death's Other Dominion, was so well done I could see Brian Blessed in my mind's eye while listening. Again, like Breakaway, this is not a re-telling of the same story. It is a reimagining. Something else Briggs did, was bring us Meta! We all wondered what happened between the pilot and the first episode, now we know! Thank you Nichola Briggs!
I can state with certainty that if you were a fan of the show, this will scratch that itch. More importantly, if you have no idea about Space 1999, you would not go wrong in picking this up. It will introduce you to high concept science fiction, updated for a modern audience, that will have you, like me, impatiently waiting for more.
This set contains some original material as well as some reworking of existing stories. I liked that. Keeping in mind that in the 1970s there was only so much you could put up on the screen. There are no such constraints in an audio drama, so you want a towering monster? You got a towering monster! (Spoiler alert!) I have to admit, one of the episodes, Death's Other Dominion, was so well done I could see Brian Blessed in my mind's eye while listening. Again, like Breakaway, this is not a re-telling of the same story. It is a reimagining. Something else Briggs did, was bring us Meta! We all wondered what happened between the pilot and the first episode, now we know! Thank you Nichola Briggs!
I can state with certainty that if you were a fan of the show, this will scratch that itch. More importantly, if you have no idea about Space 1999, you would not go wrong in picking this up. It will introduce you to high concept science fiction, updated for a modern audience, that will have you, like me, impatiently waiting for more.
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