Collision Course (Space: 1999)
Encyclopedia
"Collision Course" is the thirteenth episode of the first series of Space: 1999
. The screenplay was written by Anthony Terpiloff
; the director was Ray Austin. The final shooting script is dated 13 August 1974. Live-action filming took place Tuesday, 27 August 1974 through Tuesday, 10 September 1974.
hurtles through space on a collision course with the Moon
. With the point of impact in close proximity to Moonbase Alpha, the staff must formulate a plan to avert disaster. Twelve nuclear charges planted at strategic locations will guarantee the asteroid's destruction. The Eagle task force delivers eleven of the charges as planned. At minus two minutes to detonation, the twelfth, carried by Alan Carter
's Eagle One, has yet to be deployed. The ship has developed a malfunction in its main booster and is incapable of achieving full thrust. To give Carter time to complete his mission, John Koenig
orders the blast delayed. Victor Bergman
protests; the timeline must be preserved in order to avoid being caught in radiation and debris from the explosion.
Carter finally arrives at his designated site. When lowering the charge, he finds the release mechanism for the cargo grip jammed. Agonising over this latest setback, Koenig informs the astronaut that the charge must remain on site...at any cost. Desperate, Carter shorts the grip mechanism, then violently manoeuvres the Eagle up and down until the charge is dislodged. As Carter departs, Koenig delays the blast another ten seconds to give the astronaut a fighting chance. The staff readies Alpha for the effects of the blast wave
.
The charges are activated; first Carter's Eagle, then the Moon, are engulfed in a mammoth debris cloud billowing outwards from the now-volatised asteroid. Radiation blots out communications and scanners. The staff compiles damage reports and monitors the functioning of the protective radiation screens. Koenig repeatedly tries to contact Eagle One, irrationally refusing to believe Carter is most likely dead. When discovering that signals transmitted on the interstellar frequency are able penetrate the radiation field, he reckons that three-way contact could be established between Moonbase, a rescue Eagle equipped with a more powerful transmitter, and Carter.
Paul Morrow
voices the danger of the pilots' potential exposure to radiation. Koenig disagrees, feeling the Eagles' radiation screens are sufficient. Bergman stresses there is an unknown class of radiation present in the cloud against which they may have no defence. The Commander disregards his advice and lifts-off in Rescue Eagle Four, with Morrow volunteering to serve as co-pilot. They are literally flying blind through the plasma cloud, sending out hails and receiving no answer.
Carter is alive. Though unconscious and unable to hear Morrow's signal, he stirs at the whisper of a woman's voice. She instructs him to answer his friend, which he does—while still unconscious. Koenig and Morrow are elated by the response and try to determine Carter's position. The same disembodied voice whispers coordinates in Koenig's ear and, to Morrow's surprise, the Commander programmes a course without computer assistance. They soon find Eagle One, scorched but intact, drifting beyond the boundary of the cloud.
They move in and dock, Carter's mysterious benefactor urging him to perform all necessary actions on his end. She takes her leave, assuring him she is a friend. When Koenig boards the ship, he finds Carter insensate. He assumes the effort of the docking must have been too much for the astronaut—then is stunned by what he sees through the forward ports. Morrow joins him as the two men gape at the huge planet that has appeared out of nowhere...and is bearing down on the Moon.
Facing another collision, they make their way back to Alpha with Carter and his ship. To Helena Russell
's chagrin, Koenig opts to skip decontamination procedures. The doctor is concerned and a little suspicious of his attitude, but he is found to be clear of radiation. As Carter is conveyed to Medical, Koenig rushes to Main Mission with the data from his on-board computer. After a quick analysis, David Kano
reports the planet measures thirty-four times their size and will impact with the Moon in 105 hours.
Bergman proposes exploding a series of nuclear charges in space between the Moon and the planet to create a shock wave
powerful enough to force the two bodies apart. With no other options, Koenig orders him to start planning the operation. An in-depth analysis of the planetary data reveals it is marginally habitable and could be supporting life. Should Bergman's 'Operation Shockwave' fail, the Alphans could evacuate to relative safety on the far side of the planet—if it proves able to withstand the collision. As sensors are still scrambled by the radioactive cloud, Koenig opts for a reconnaissance flight.
In the Medical Centre, Carter awakens to see a mysterious figure—veiled, gloved, and cloaked in black—standing at the foot of his bed. Speaking with the same voice he heard earlier, the woman assures him he is safe and well. Wanting to see her face, he goes to lift the veil...only to find his hands raising Helena's hair. Koenig enters the care unit as Carter desperately searches for the elusive apparation. After struggling with the nurses, he is sedated and returned to bed.
Helena is certain the hallucinations and disorientation are symptomatic of radiation sickness
. After three hours drifting through the radiation cloud, it would be surprising if he was not affected. Koenig feels she is overreacting to what could have been a nightmare. They argue over her assumption that if the instruments were wrong about Carter showing no sign of radiation exposure, they must also be wrong about Koenig.
With no time to spare, Koenig dismisses her concerns and lifts-off in the reconnaissance Eagle. Not willing to risk another life in the radiation cloud (should Helena be right), he goes alone. The question of whether or not the planet supports life is answered by the appearance of a giant spaceship rising to intercept him. Evasive manoeuvres prove useless as Eagle Four is dragged toward it by some unseen force. The alien's bow then opens like a python
's mouth to swallow the helpless Eagle. As the Main Mission staff watches, communications and flight telemetry abruptly cease.
Though all Eagle systems are dead, Koenig tries to contact Alpha. He tenses when the ship's hatches spontaneously open. Stun-gun drawn, he moves through the dark ship and out into the alien craft. The Eagle hatch closes behind him, and he enters a vast, abstract chamber draped with dusty cobwebs. As he arrives at a dais
, the veiled mystery being is illuminated, seated on a throne. The veil is raised to reveal the wizened yet still beautiful face of an ancient woman. Her voice strong and regal, she addresses Koenig by name and introduces herself as Arra, Queen of Atheria—the planet whose course has terrified the Alphans.
She announces she has been anticipating this encounter for many millions of years. The pragmatic Koenig is confounded when informed the Moon being blasted out of orbit
was no random accident. Their two worlds are destined to meet in the body of time for the purpose of mutation. The collision will act as a catalyst, and her people will evolve into a noncorporeal form of existence. To achieve this, she asks the Alphans do...nothing. Despite himself, Koenig believes her, asking what will become of his people. The Moon will continue on, its odyssey knowing no end, to spread humanity to the deepest reaches of space.
Arra pauses, sensing the thoughts of Bergman and company as they finalise the plans for Operation Shockwave. Three cargo Eagles are dispatched with nuclear charges, which must be deployed in space at the exact position now occupied by the Atherian vessel. She tells Koenig this activity must cease immediately—nothing must be done to interfere with this sacred event. Though he has complete faith in the aged monarch, he knows it will take more than eloquence to convince his colleagues; Helena already believes he is suffering from radiation exposure. Arra must return with him.
She refuses. While his role is to do nothing, she has much to do to prepare for the coming transmutation. Koenig must rise to the challenge, as destined since the beginning of time. As she fades away, her last words reverberate: ‘I go to shape the future of eternity. And I need your help.’
Eagle Four is released from the alien ship. As it departs, Koenig contacts Alpha, dumbfounding the staff by ordering Operation Shockwave suspended. At a command conference, the Commander relates his encounter with Arra. As the Moon has emerged from the plasma cloud, readings confirm the collision with Atheria in seven hours′ time. As rational scientists, the senior executives are flabbergasted by his intention to do nothing. However, Helena and Bergman support Koenig, citing his case is not based on logic, but on faith. If Arra has convinced Koenig, they should place their faith in him. Koenig confirms Shockwave is cancelled.
After the meeting has adjourned, Helena and Bergman reveal they were merely humouring the Commander. His unwavering faith in this Arra 'fantasy' proves to them he is delusional. The doctor quietly confines Koenig to his quarters under sedation. Morrow is directed to assume command and proceed with Shockwave. Sensing their treachery, Arra reaches out to Koenig. Once roused from a drugged sleep, he overwhelms the sentries stationed outside his quarters and escapes. After arming himself, he meets up with Carter, also called into action by Arra.
Still in pyjamas, they make their way to Main Mission where, at minus three minutes to detonation, Morrow is arming the atomic triggers of the spaceborne nuclear charges. After storming the room, Koenig orders Computer to seal all entrances. The two men then herd everyone away from the detonation switch. Koenig tries to convince the hostages that the collision will not result in destruction, but in the evolution of the Atherians to a higher form of life. His desperation only reinforces everyone's belief he is mad. At the risk of being shot, Morrow makes a dash for the switch.
A brawl erupts as the two worlds rush toward each other, ending with the two 'madmen' being restrained. While Koenig begs her to trust him, Helena moves to detonate the charges. Realising the countdown expired during the fight, Bergman stops her—the collision is now inevitable. The Alphans instinctively back away from the visual of Atheria's approaching surface on the big screen. Koenig waits for Arra...who does not appear. Clinging to his faltering faith, he calls out for her as the floor begins heaving beneath his feet.
At the moment of contact, Atheria vanishes from existence...the Moon ploughing through the space it once occupied. Later, Koenig broods as he stares out a window into the empty space sky. He is joined by Helena, who begins apologising for her actions. He interrupts, insisting she did nothing wrong. His story was mad. How could anyone possibly know that two planets on a collision course would not collide, but merely touch...?
score (drawn primarily from 'Breakaway
' and 'Another Time, Another Place
'), music tracks composed by Gray for the previous Anderson productions Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons
, Joe 90
and the film Thunderbird 6
were also utilised.
Space: 1999
Space: 1999 is a British science-fiction television series that ran for two seasons and originally aired from 1975 to 1977. In the opening episode, nuclear waste from Earth stored on the Moon's far side explodes in a catastrophic accident on 13 September 1999, knocking the Moon out of orbit and...
. The screenplay was written by Anthony Terpiloff
Anthony Terpiloff
Anthony Terpiloff was an English television screenwriter active in the period 1961-1978. He is particularly known for The Poet Game and his contributions to Gerry Anderson's science fiction series Space: 1999...
; the director was Ray Austin. The final shooting script is dated 13 August 1974. Live-action filming took place Tuesday, 27 August 1974 through Tuesday, 10 September 1974.
Story
A large asteroidAsteroid
Asteroids are a class of small Solar System bodies in orbit around the Sun. They have also been called planetoids, especially the larger ones...
hurtles through space on a collision course with the Moon
Moon
The Moon is Earth's only known natural satellite,There are a number of near-Earth asteroids including 3753 Cruithne that are co-orbital with Earth: their orbits bring them close to Earth for periods of time but then alter in the long term . These are quasi-satellites and not true moons. For more...
. With the point of impact in close proximity to Moonbase Alpha, the staff must formulate a plan to avert disaster. Twelve nuclear charges planted at strategic locations will guarantee the asteroid's destruction. The Eagle task force delivers eleven of the charges as planned. At minus two minutes to detonation, the twelfth, carried by Alan Carter
Alan Carter (Space 1999)
Alan Carter is a fictional character from the television series Space: 1999. He was played by Nick Tate. He is of Australian origin and is in his early thirties.-Character biography:...
's Eagle One, has yet to be deployed. The ship has developed a malfunction in its main booster and is incapable of achieving full thrust. To give Carter time to complete his mission, John Koenig
John Koenig
John Koenig is a fictional character from the television series Space: 1999. He was played by Martin Landau. He is American, apparently in his early forties.-Character Biography:...
orders the blast delayed. Victor Bergman
Victor Bergman
Professor Victor Bergman is the name of a recurring character on the UK science fiction television series Space: 1999. The role was portrayed by actor Barry Morse.-Character Biography:...
protests; the timeline must be preserved in order to avoid being caught in radiation and debris from the explosion.
Carter finally arrives at his designated site. When lowering the charge, he finds the release mechanism for the cargo grip jammed. Agonising over this latest setback, Koenig informs the astronaut that the charge must remain on site...at any cost. Desperate, Carter shorts the grip mechanism, then violently manoeuvres the Eagle up and down until the charge is dislodged. As Carter departs, Koenig delays the blast another ten seconds to give the astronaut a fighting chance. The staff readies Alpha for the effects of the blast wave
Blast wave
A blast wave in fluid dynamics is the pressure and flow resulting from the deposition of a large amount of energy in a small very localised volume. The flow field can be approximated as a lead shock wave, followed by a 'self-similar' subsonic flow field. In simpler terms, a blast wave is an area of...
.
The charges are activated; first Carter's Eagle, then the Moon, are engulfed in a mammoth debris cloud billowing outwards from the now-volatised asteroid. Radiation blots out communications and scanners. The staff compiles damage reports and monitors the functioning of the protective radiation screens. Koenig repeatedly tries to contact Eagle One, irrationally refusing to believe Carter is most likely dead. When discovering that signals transmitted on the interstellar frequency are able penetrate the radiation field, he reckons that three-way contact could be established between Moonbase, a rescue Eagle equipped with a more powerful transmitter, and Carter.
Paul Morrow
Paul Morrow
Paul Morrow is a fictional character who first appeared in 'Breakaway', the premiere episode of the science fiction television show Space: 1999, and was portrayed by Prentis Hancock. He is a British national who appears to be in his early thirties....
voices the danger of the pilots' potential exposure to radiation. Koenig disagrees, feeling the Eagles' radiation screens are sufficient. Bergman stresses there is an unknown class of radiation present in the cloud against which they may have no defence. The Commander disregards his advice and lifts-off in Rescue Eagle Four, with Morrow volunteering to serve as co-pilot. They are literally flying blind through the plasma cloud, sending out hails and receiving no answer.
Carter is alive. Though unconscious and unable to hear Morrow's signal, he stirs at the whisper of a woman's voice. She instructs him to answer his friend, which he does—while still unconscious. Koenig and Morrow are elated by the response and try to determine Carter's position. The same disembodied voice whispers coordinates in Koenig's ear and, to Morrow's surprise, the Commander programmes a course without computer assistance. They soon find Eagle One, scorched but intact, drifting beyond the boundary of the cloud.
They move in and dock, Carter's mysterious benefactor urging him to perform all necessary actions on his end. She takes her leave, assuring him she is a friend. When Koenig boards the ship, he finds Carter insensate. He assumes the effort of the docking must have been too much for the astronaut—then is stunned by what he sees through the forward ports. Morrow joins him as the two men gape at the huge planet that has appeared out of nowhere...and is bearing down on the Moon.
Facing another collision, they make their way back to Alpha with Carter and his ship. To Helena Russell
Helena Russell
Helena Russell is a fictional character from the television series Space: 1999. She was played by Barbara Bain. She is American and apparently in her mid-thirties....
's chagrin, Koenig opts to skip decontamination procedures. The doctor is concerned and a little suspicious of his attitude, but he is found to be clear of radiation. As Carter is conveyed to Medical, Koenig rushes to Main Mission with the data from his on-board computer. After a quick analysis, David Kano
David Kano (Space 1999)
David Kano is a fictional character who regularly appeared during the first season of the science fiction television series Space: 1999. He is of Jamaican origin and in his mid-thirties. He was played by actor Clifton Jones.-Character biography:...
reports the planet measures thirty-four times their size and will impact with the Moon in 105 hours.
Bergman proposes exploding a series of nuclear charges in space between the Moon and the planet to create a shock wave
Shock wave
A shock wave is a type of propagating disturbance. Like an ordinary wave, it carries energy and can propagate through a medium or in some cases in the absence of a material medium, through a field such as the electromagnetic field...
powerful enough to force the two bodies apart. With no other options, Koenig orders him to start planning the operation. An in-depth analysis of the planetary data reveals it is marginally habitable and could be supporting life. Should Bergman's 'Operation Shockwave' fail, the Alphans could evacuate to relative safety on the far side of the planet—if it proves able to withstand the collision. As sensors are still scrambled by the radioactive cloud, Koenig opts for a reconnaissance flight.
In the Medical Centre, Carter awakens to see a mysterious figure—veiled, gloved, and cloaked in black—standing at the foot of his bed. Speaking with the same voice he heard earlier, the woman assures him he is safe and well. Wanting to see her face, he goes to lift the veil...only to find his hands raising Helena's hair. Koenig enters the care unit as Carter desperately searches for the elusive apparation. After struggling with the nurses, he is sedated and returned to bed.
Helena is certain the hallucinations and disorientation are symptomatic of radiation sickness
Radiation Sickness
Radiation Sickness is a VHS by the thrash metal band Nuclear Assault. The video is a recording of a concert at the Hammersmith Odeon, London in 1988. It was released in 1991...
. After three hours drifting through the radiation cloud, it would be surprising if he was not affected. Koenig feels she is overreacting to what could have been a nightmare. They argue over her assumption that if the instruments were wrong about Carter showing no sign of radiation exposure, they must also be wrong about Koenig.
With no time to spare, Koenig dismisses her concerns and lifts-off in the reconnaissance Eagle. Not willing to risk another life in the radiation cloud (should Helena be right), he goes alone. The question of whether or not the planet supports life is answered by the appearance of a giant spaceship rising to intercept him. Evasive manoeuvres prove useless as Eagle Four is dragged toward it by some unseen force. The alien's bow then opens like a python
Python
The Pythonidae, commonly known simply as pythons, from the Greek word python-πυθων, are a family of non-venomous snakes found in Africa, Asia and Australia. Among its members are some of the largest snakes in the world...
's mouth to swallow the helpless Eagle. As the Main Mission staff watches, communications and flight telemetry abruptly cease.
Though all Eagle systems are dead, Koenig tries to contact Alpha. He tenses when the ship's hatches spontaneously open. Stun-gun drawn, he moves through the dark ship and out into the alien craft. The Eagle hatch closes behind him, and he enters a vast, abstract chamber draped with dusty cobwebs. As he arrives at a dais
Dais
Dais is any raised platform located either in or outside of a room or enclosure, often for dignified occupancy, as at the front of a lecture hall or sanctuary....
, the veiled mystery being is illuminated, seated on a throne. The veil is raised to reveal the wizened yet still beautiful face of an ancient woman. Her voice strong and regal, she addresses Koenig by name and introduces herself as Arra, Queen of Atheria—the planet whose course has terrified the Alphans.
She announces she has been anticipating this encounter for many millions of years. The pragmatic Koenig is confounded when informed the Moon being blasted out of orbit
Breakaway (Space: 1999)
"Breakaway" is the first episode of the first series of Space: 1999. The screenplay was written by George Bellak ; the director was Lee H. Katzin. Previous titles include 'Zero-G', 'The Void Ahead' and 'Turning Point'. The final shooting script is dated 22 November 1973...
was no random accident. Their two worlds are destined to meet in the body of time for the purpose of mutation. The collision will act as a catalyst, and her people will evolve into a noncorporeal form of existence. To achieve this, she asks the Alphans do...nothing. Despite himself, Koenig believes her, asking what will become of his people. The Moon will continue on, its odyssey knowing no end, to spread humanity to the deepest reaches of space.
Arra pauses, sensing the thoughts of Bergman and company as they finalise the plans for Operation Shockwave. Three cargo Eagles are dispatched with nuclear charges, which must be deployed in space at the exact position now occupied by the Atherian vessel. She tells Koenig this activity must cease immediately—nothing must be done to interfere with this sacred event. Though he has complete faith in the aged monarch, he knows it will take more than eloquence to convince his colleagues; Helena already believes he is suffering from radiation exposure. Arra must return with him.
She refuses. While his role is to do nothing, she has much to do to prepare for the coming transmutation. Koenig must rise to the challenge, as destined since the beginning of time. As she fades away, her last words reverberate: ‘I go to shape the future of eternity. And I need your help.’
Eagle Four is released from the alien ship. As it departs, Koenig contacts Alpha, dumbfounding the staff by ordering Operation Shockwave suspended. At a command conference, the Commander relates his encounter with Arra. As the Moon has emerged from the plasma cloud, readings confirm the collision with Atheria in seven hours′ time. As rational scientists, the senior executives are flabbergasted by his intention to do nothing. However, Helena and Bergman support Koenig, citing his case is not based on logic, but on faith. If Arra has convinced Koenig, they should place their faith in him. Koenig confirms Shockwave is cancelled.
After the meeting has adjourned, Helena and Bergman reveal they were merely humouring the Commander. His unwavering faith in this Arra 'fantasy' proves to them he is delusional. The doctor quietly confines Koenig to his quarters under sedation. Morrow is directed to assume command and proceed with Shockwave. Sensing their treachery, Arra reaches out to Koenig. Once roused from a drugged sleep, he overwhelms the sentries stationed outside his quarters and escapes. After arming himself, he meets up with Carter, also called into action by Arra.
Still in pyjamas, they make their way to Main Mission where, at minus three minutes to detonation, Morrow is arming the atomic triggers of the spaceborne nuclear charges. After storming the room, Koenig orders Computer to seal all entrances. The two men then herd everyone away from the detonation switch. Koenig tries to convince the hostages that the collision will not result in destruction, but in the evolution of the Atherians to a higher form of life. His desperation only reinforces everyone's belief he is mad. At the risk of being shot, Morrow makes a dash for the switch.
A brawl erupts as the two worlds rush toward each other, ending with the two 'madmen' being restrained. While Koenig begs her to trust him, Helena moves to detonate the charges. Realising the countdown expired during the fight, Bergman stops her—the collision is now inevitable. The Alphans instinctively back away from the visual of Atheria's approaching surface on the big screen. Koenig waits for Arra...who does not appear. Clinging to his faltering faith, he calls out for her as the floor begins heaving beneath his feet.
At the moment of contact, Atheria vanishes from existence...the Moon ploughing through the space it once occupied. Later, Koenig broods as he stares out a window into the empty space sky. He is joined by Helena, who begins apologising for her actions. He interrupts, insisting she did nothing wrong. His story was mad. How could anyone possibly know that two planets on a collision course would not collide, but merely touch...?
Starring
- Martin LandauMartin LandauMartin Landau is an American film and television actor. Landau began his career in the 1950s. His early films include a supporting role in Alfred Hitchcock's North by Northwest . He played continuing roles in the television series Mission: Impossible and Space:1999...
— Commander John KoenigJohn KoenigJohn Koenig is a fictional character from the television series Space: 1999. He was played by Martin Landau. He is American, apparently in his early forties.-Character Biography:... - Barbara BainBarbara BainMillicent Fogel , known professionally as Barbara Bain, is an American actress.-Early life:Bain was born in Chicago. She graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor's degree in sociology. She moved to New York City, where she was a dancer and high fashion model. Bain studied with...
— Doctor Helena RussellHelena RussellHelena Russell is a fictional character from the television series Space: 1999. She was played by Barbara Bain. She is American and apparently in her mid-thirties....
Featuring
- Prentis HancockPrentis HancockPrentis Hancock is a British actor, best known for his television roles.He was a regular cast member of the first season of science fiction series Space: 1999 as Paul Morrow, and also appeared in a number of Doctor Who stories throughout the 1970s - Spearhead from Space and Planet of the Daleks...
— Controller Paul MorrowPaul MorrowPaul Morrow is a fictional character who first appeared in 'Breakaway', the premiere episode of the science fiction television show Space: 1999, and was portrayed by Prentis Hancock. He is a British national who appears to be in his early thirties.... - Clifton JonesClifton JonesClifton Jones is an actor, mostly known for his roles on British television.His most prominent role is probably that of David Kano during the first season of the science fiction series Space: 1999....
— David KanoDavid Kano (Space 1999)David Kano is a fictional character who regularly appeared during the first season of the science fiction television series Space: 1999. He is of Jamaican origin and in his mid-thirties. He was played by actor Clifton Jones.-Character biography:... - Zienia MertonZienia MertonZienia Merton is a British actress born in Burma. Her mother was Burmese, and her father half English, half French. She was raised in Singapore, Borneo, Portugal, and England....
— Sandra BenesSandra BenesSandra Benes is a recurring character in the British science-fiction television series Space: 1999. She is of Western European/Burmese origin and is in her late twenties. Her role was played by actress Zienia Merton.-Character Biography:... - Anton PhillipsAnton PhillipsAnton Phillips is an actor who found success appearing in British television. He remains best known for his role as Dr. Bob Mathias in the science fiction series Space 1999.-Early life and education:...
— Doctor Bob MathiasBob Mathias (Space: 1999)Bob Mathias is a fictional character from the British science-fiction television series Space: 1999. He is played by actor Anton Phillips.-Character Biography:... - Nick TateNick TateNicholas John "Nick" Tate is an Australian actor best known for his role as Eagle pilot Alan Carter in both seasons of the 1970s science fiction television series Space: 1999, as well as for playing the role of Gordon Hamilton's errant brother James in the 1980's soap opera "Sons and...
— Captain Alan CarterAlan Carter (Space 1999)Alan Carter is a fictional character from the television series Space: 1999. He was played by Nick Tate. He is of Australian origin and is in his early thirties.-Character biography:...
Uncredited Artists
- Suzanne RoquetteSuzanne RoquetteSuzanne Roquette is an actress, who remains best known for her role as Tanya Alexander in the science fiction television series Space 1999....
— TanyaTanya AlexanderTanya Alexander is the name of a semi-recurring character on the UK science fiction television series Space: 1999. The role was portrayed by German actress Suzanne Roquette.-Character Biography:... - Annie LambertAnnie LambertAnnie Lambert is a British actress, best known to fans of the science fiction television series Doctor Who for her role as Enlightenment in the 1982 serial Four to Doomsday....
— Main Mission Operative (Julie) - Alf JointAlf JointAlf Joint was a British movie and television stunt performer, stunt coordinator and arranger....
— Alphan Man (Balcony Jumping Man)
Music
In addition to the regular Barry GrayBarry Gray
Barry Gray was a British musician and composer who is best known for his work for Gerry Anderson.-Life:...
score (drawn primarily from 'Breakaway
Breakaway (Space: 1999)
"Breakaway" is the first episode of the first series of Space: 1999. The screenplay was written by George Bellak ; the director was Lee H. Katzin. Previous titles include 'Zero-G', 'The Void Ahead' and 'Turning Point'. The final shooting script is dated 22 November 1973...
' and 'Another Time, Another Place
Another Time, Another Place (Space: 1999)
"Another Time, Another Place" is the sixth episode of the first series of Space: 1999. The screenplay was written by Johnny Byrne; the director was David Tomblin. The final shooting script is dated 20 January 1974, with blue-page amendments dated 25 January and 1 April 1974. Live-action filming...
'), music tracks composed by Gray for the previous Anderson productions Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons
Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons
Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons, often referred to as Captain Scarlet, is a 1960s British science-fiction television series produced by the Century 21 Productions company of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson, John Read and Reg Hill...
, Joe 90
Joe 90
Joe 90 is a late-1960s British science-fiction television series documenting the exploits of a nine-year-old boy, Joe McClaine, who embarks on a double life as a schoolboy turned spy when his scientist father invents a pioneering machine capable of duplicating and transferring expert knowledge and...
and the film Thunderbird 6
Thunderbird 6
Thunderbird 6 is a 1968 British science-fiction and adventure film written by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson, directed by David Lane and produced by Century 21 Cinema...
were also utilised.
Production Notes
- Along with 'Black Sun' and 'War GamesWar Games (Space: 1999)"War Games" is the seventeenth episode of the first series of Space: 1999. The screenplay was written by Christopher Penfold; the director was Charles Crichton. The final shooting script is dated 15 October 1974...
', 'Collision Course' is considered to be one of the programme's most successful instalments by actors, crew and fans alike, exemplifying its metaphysical approach to science fictionScience fictionScience fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
. Penned by American-born British television writer Anthony TerpiloffAnthony TerpiloffAnthony Terpiloff was an English television screenwriter active in the period 1961-1978. He is particularly known for The Poet Game and his contributions to Gerry Anderson's science fiction series Space: 1999...
, this story would showcase the author's pet theme of the perseverance of faith and trust over logic and reason. This approach would be seen in his subsequent contributions to the series ('Death's Other Dominion' and 'Catacombs of the MoonCatacombs of the Moon"Catacombs of the Moon" is the eleventh episode of the second series of Space: 1999 . The screenplay was written by Anthony Terpiloff; the director was Robert Lynn. The original title was 'The Catacombs of the Moon'. The final shooting script is dated 18 May 1976, with amendments dated 26 May, 9...
').
- The casting of the regal Margaret Leighton as Arra was a coup for the series. The accomplished and prolific British actress had appeared in stage, film and television productions on both sides of the Atlantic, winning numerous awards. Suffering from multiple sclerosisMultiple sclerosisMultiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease in which the fatty myelin sheaths around the axons of the brain and spinal cord are damaged, leading to demyelination and scarring as well as a broad spectrum of signs and symptoms...
, the role of Arra was her penultimate performance (she died 13 January 1976 at the age of 53, four months after the episode was broadcast by ATVAssociated TeleVisionAssociated Television, often referred to as ATV, was a British television company, holder of various licences to broadcast on the ITV network from 24 September 1955 until 00:34 on 1 January 1982...
). Production designer Keith WilsonKeith Wilson (production designer)Keith George Wilson was an award-winning production designer who began work at AP Films, working as art assistant on Fireball XL5 and many other Gerry Anderson productions to follow. As a production designer he created all the futuristic sets for Space: 1999 and Star Maidens...
recalls while she had no difficulty with her craft, she required direction from Ray Austin to understand her abstract and complicated dialogue. Austin recalls her being transported to and from the set via wheelchairWheelchairA wheelchair is a chair with wheels, designed to be a replacement for walking. The device comes in variations where it is propelled by motors or by the seated occupant turning the rear wheels by hand. Often there are handles behind the seat for someone else to do the pushing...
. She would tell him ‘You'd better get this shot, because I'm not going to last long,’ and they ploughed through her fifteen pages of work in an unprecedented two days.
- The final shooting script contains unaired dialogue between Arra and Koenig. Cut for time, it had Arra explaining to the Alphan that if he were to consider the UniverseUniverseThe Universe is commonly defined as the totality of everything that exists, including all matter and energy, the planets, stars, galaxies, and the contents of intergalactic space. Definitions and usage vary and similar terms include the cosmos, the world and nature...
as a microscopic cell, his galaxyGalaxyA galaxy is a massive, gravitationally bound system that consists of stars and stellar remnants, an interstellar medium of gas and dust, and an important but poorly understood component tentatively dubbed dark matter. The word galaxy is derived from the Greek galaxias , literally "milky", a...
could be thought of as a single chromosomeChromosomeA chromosome is an organized structure of DNA and protein found in cells. It is a single piece of coiled DNA containing many genes, regulatory elements and other nucleotide sequences. Chromosomes also contain DNA-bound proteins, which serve to package the DNA and control its functions.Chromosomes...
, the solar system as one geneGeneA gene is a molecular unit of heredity of a living organism. It is a name given to some stretches of DNA and RNA that code for a type of protein or for an RNA chain that has a function in the organism. Living beings depend on genes, as they specify all proteins and functional RNA chains...
and himself as a miniscule fragment of that gene. This missing sequence made sense of Arra's later line that the gene of which she and her people were part of would mutate. Also lost was the end of the epilogue, where Koenig would leave Helena alone at the window. Gazing out into space, she was to suddenly assume an enraptured expression and utter ‘Arra...’
- Martin BowerMartin BowerMartin Bower is a model maker and designer of special effects miniatures for both film and television. His credits include the television series Space: 1999 and the films Alien , Flash Gordon and Outland...
would construct the Atherian spaceship and nuclear charge miniatures. Both would reappear in later spaceship graveyard sequences in 'Dragon's DomainDragon's Domain"Dragon's Domain" is the twenty-third episode of the first series of Space: 1999. The screenplay was written by Christopher Penfold; the director was Charles Crichton. The final shooting script dated 21 January 1975, with blue-page amendments dated 29 January 1975 and yellow-page amendments dated...
' and 'The MetamorphThe Metamorph"The Metamorph" is the first episode of the second series of Space: 1999 . The screenplay was written by Johnny Byrne; the director was Charles Crichton. Previous titles were 'The Biological Soul' and 'The Biological Computer'. The final shooting script is dated 19 January 1976...
'.
Novelisation
The episode was adapted in the fourth Year One Space: 1999 novel Collision Course by E.C. Tubb, published in 1975. While being true to the script, Tubb would attempt to address the scientific criticism that shock waves cannot propagate through the vacuum of space. Bergman would theorise that the atomic blast would divert the Moon and Atheria by the creation of a 'sub-etheric' shock wave; the creation of a 'sub-atomic vortex' would act on not actual particles of matter, but on the 'sub-spatial matrix' confining them. It would be like moving bricks by moving the mortar binding them.External links
- Space: 1999 - 'Collision Course' - The Catacombs episode guide
- Space: 1999 - 'Collision Course' - Moonbase Alpha's Space: 1999 Page
| Last produced: "Voyager's Return" |
List of Space: 1999 episodes | Next produced: "Death's Other Dominion" |
| Last transmitted: "Force of Life" |
Next transmitted: "War Games War Games (Space: 1999) "War Games" is the seventeenth episode of the first series of Space: 1999. The screenplay was written by Christopher Penfold; the director was Charles Crichton. The final shooting script is dated 15 October 1974... " |