Earthbound (Space: 1999)
Encyclopedia
"Earthbound" is the fifth episode of the first series of Space: 1999
. The screenplay was written by Anthony Terpiloff
; the director was Charles Crichton
. The final shooting script is undated. Live-action filming took place Friday, 15 March 1974 through Monday, 1 April 1974.
′s office, staring into space. Ignoring the proceedings of the weekly command conference he attends, the politician broods over his current situation—hurtling through space on the runaway Moon
, trapped when the atomic explosion
of 13 September 1999 rocketed them out of Earth orbit. Unwilling to accept life on Alpha, the Commissioner still behaves like a visiting dignitary, though bereft of any true authority.
As the meeting adjourns, an irate Simmonds turns from the window. Without warning, the Commissioner lambasts the senior executives, expressing his disgust at their complacent attitude. Rather than congratulating themselves on how well the community is coming to terms with life in space, Simmonds insists they should focus on locating Earth and returning there. Koenig refuses to encourage false hope for a task that is scientifically impossible. Simmonds rebutts that, in his experience as a politician, he has observed the ‘impossible’ takes just a little longer.
The debate is interrupted by a call from Main Mission; an unidentified powered object is approaching the Moon. Computer confirms the vehicle is manned—and on course to enter into an orbit which will carry it directly over Moonbase Alpha
. With no reply to their hailing signals, Koenig deploys Eagles One and Two to intercept the alien craft. As they approach, Alan Carter notes that the spacecraft's flight vector is unstable. Rather than achieving orbit, it tumbles toward the Moon surface. At the last moment, landing rockets fire and the vessel softly impacts a short distance from the Moonbase permimeter.
Rejecting Simmonds′ attempt to accompany them, Koenig and the crash unit fly to the alien ship. Rescue Eagle Seven touches down next to the silent vessel, docking at what appears to be an entry hatch. Due to the hull′s dense molecular structure, Victor Bergman
′s instruments can gather little information. The team manages to locate and trigger the hatch′s opening mechanism; with caution, they enter the dimly-lit interior. Surrounding a central column are six free-standing transparent caskets—each containing a motionless humanoid form.
The obvious assumption is that the aliens are in a state of suspended animation
. However, remote analysis registers not the slightest sign of life in the chosen test subject. With the possibility they were killed in the crash, Koenig authorises Helena Russell
to perform a direct examination. As soon as the doctor begins drilling into the casket, she is blinded by a sudden flare of energy from within. To her horror, the occupant is reduced to ashes. Responding to this destructive act, the central column pulses with light. The remaining five aliens revive, emerging from their hibernacula
. Standing seven feet tall, they silently surround Koenig and company.
The leader stoically examines the remains of his comrade, then turns to face the nervous Alphans. Koenig and Helena offer sincere apologies, stating they only violated the seal after the equipment indicated the absence of life. Still silent, the leader extends his hand to Helena, drawing her and the others into a ritualistic circle around their dead companion. During this, Simmonds has been impatiently observing from Main Mission. While he upbraids the staff over the slow pace of the operation, Koenig calls in. He orders a crash unit placed on stand-by while the aliens fly their ship over to Alpha.
Landing safely, Koenig escorts the alien contingent into Moonbase. After rudely pushing his way through a throng of curious onlookers, Simmonds is presented to Zantor, captain of the Kaldorian expedition. As the ranking Earth official, the Commissioner assures Zantor those responsible for the loss of his crewmember will be brought to account. The alien captain phlegmatically states that, as the accident was the result of ignorance rather than malice, judicial revenge is unnecessary.
After a rest, the Kaldorians meet with Koenig and his advisors. The aliens appear to be the product of an ancient, pacifistic culture. With their home world dying, the people of Kaldor dispatched survival ships to every known habitable planet. Bound for Earth, Zantor and his party have travelled for 350 years in stasis. Their ship was programmed to orbit the Moon, allowing the occupants to reanimate before the final descent to Earth. The complications caused by the Moon's extreme and unexpected change in position led to the crash. The Alphans are amazed the computer was able to locate them at all.
Zantor announces his intention to continue on to Earth. If welcome, the Kaldorians will settle there; if not, they will take their own lives
. Helena offers to examine the aliens to determine if they are medically compatible with life on Earth. After they exit, Simmonds comments that the impossible may not take as long as expected. To Koenig's dismay, the politician suggests disposing of the peaceful Kaldorians and seizing their vessel for a return trip home.
Helena's staff conducts a thorough examination of the aliens. As they wait for Computer to process the data, Helena and Zantor discuss the Kaldorian suspension process. Cryogenic freezing, he says, is inadequate to suspend life; their system creates a cycle of accelerated energy which holds all the body′s cells in stasis. Taking her hand, he comments her beauty would be enhanced by the peace of suspended animation. Though respectful, his interest in the doctor is more than platonic
. The moment is interrupted by Computer's analysis: the Kaldorians are sufficiently human to exist on Earth.
Helena escorts her admirer to the Eagle
maintenance hangar, where the Kaldorian ship has been installed. Zantor informs Koenig they must complete repairs and depart within twenty hours, as it is impossible to reprogramme their computer from its prime directive. Should Koenig permit them to proceed, the captain offers the now-vacant berth on his vessel to one of the Alphans. Koenig orders Helena and Bergman to verify that the stasis procedure is safe for a human being. As the Commander returns to Main Mission, he is stalked by Simmonds, who repeats his reprehensible proposal. Refusing to betray the Kaldorians, Koenig will allow one person to accompany them. Computer will select the lucky individual.
Koenig later receives an emergency call from the spaceship. Returning, he is shocked to find a seemingly lifeless Helena lying in one of the caskets. When the first two attempts to reverse the stasis effect fail (and with the monitors showing no sign of life), the Alphans believe her dead. Zantor insists Helena is in suspended animation, but at too deep a level than is suitable for the human metabolism. Reanimation from this deep a sleep can result in brain damage
. His concern for her well-being obvious, the alien captain makes another attempt to revive her. While Koenig watches anxiously, her eyes open in a blank stare. To his relief, she then focuses on him and they exchange loving smiles.
Later, David Kano
presents Koenig with Computer's selection for the return to Earth—in a clear case of electronic ‘buck passing
’, the printout contains three names. Even though the journey will take seventy-five years, the staff is excited at the prospect of someone going home. In private, Simmonds critises Koenig for permitting a machine to make this decision. The Commissioner then selfishly proclaims himself to be the obvious choice; he has no place or useful function on Alpha. Though Koenig would love to be rid of the insufferable politician, he insists the choice will be objective.
The confrontation is interrupted by the arrival of Zantor. With repairs to his ship completed, the alien has come to make his farewells. Before answering who will be accompanying the Kaldorians to Earth, Koenig asks Helena and Bergman for a final verdict on the stasis procedure. Having grasped the basic principles, they declare it safe for human use. The key is the alien computer having a complete matrix of the individual; should someone other than Helena go, one specific for that person must be made. The launch countdown begins, and Koenig orders Kano to have Computer make the final selection.
Simmonds rashly decides his fate will not be decided by Koenig's lottery
. After secretly swapping commlocks with the Commander, he slips away unnoticed. Now with unlimited access, he procures a stun-gun and proceeds to the Main Power Unit in the Maintenance Section. Koenig discovers the theft and orders the command commlock cancelled, but not before the conniving politician has shot the sentries and entered the restricted area. Inside, Simmonds stuns all but one operative, then forces the man to remove a key component from the main converter assembly. Power instantly fails throughout the base.
When Koenig calls for the Commissioner′s surrender, Simmonds announces the converter is his hostage. Unless he is given the vacant berth, Moonbase will freeze over. Though outraged by this act of extortion
, Koenig has no choice but to concede to Simmonds′ demands. As the welfare of the entire community is at stake, Zantor agrees, regretful of the politician′s successful use of force. The noble captain agrees to become Simmonds′ new hostage in exchange for the converter.
After power is restored, Simmonds and his captive depart, the alien giving Helena a wistful farewell gaze before being led away at gunpoint. Aboard ship, Zantor directs Simmonds to his travel position. The suspicious politician, unaware that a personalised matrix of his body must still be compiled, insists the alien captain enter his chamber first. Eyeing the Commissioner's weapon, a silent Zantor does as he is told. With the six travellers in place, the ship blasts off for Earth.
Mere hours later, Main Mission receives a signal from the Kaldorian ship...transmitted by Simmonds. He is calling Earth, believing the seventy-five-year voyage is over. The staff is puzzled by the premature awakening—did Simmonds, ignorant of the need, not allow a matrix to be compiled...or is this Zantor's version of justice? On the ship, the viewer sees Simmonds sitting up in his chamber, irritated by the lack of response. He calls up the time on his commlock, horrified to see that only two hours forty-eight minutes have elapsed since take-off.
Panicked, he thrashes around in his casket, calling for help. With the Kaldorian ship well beyond Eagle range, Koenig can do nothing. Simmonds' desperate pleas to his fellow travellers—still in suspended animation—are also wasted. After throwing his body against the unyielding walls of the stasis chamber, the defeated politician finally comes to rest in what will be his coffin
. On Alpha, Koenig and Helena reflect on the tragic irony of the situation when the Commander reveals Computer's final choice for the voyage home: Simmonds.
and draws primarily from 'Breakaway
' and 'Black Sun'.
’: Raan's illusory Victor Bergman
was given the avaricious intention of seizing an alien ship to travel home.
In 2003, the story was novelised by Tubb and released in Space: 1999 - Earthbound. Minor additions to the story include: (1) As to not violate the novels' continuity, it is stated that Simmonds was left for dead in the confusion of the breakaway, but was resuscitated by Bob Mathias
. His broken neck and fractured skull were repaired and the weeks spent recovering in Medical explained his absence; (2) The Kaldorians were found to emit pheromones that make people like them, explaining the instant acceptance of the aliens by Koenig and his boarding party.
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 Charles Crichton
Charles Crichton
Charles Crichton was an English film director and film editor. He became best known for directing comedies produced at Ealing Studios...
. The final shooting script is undated. Live-action filming took place Friday, 15 March 1974 through Monday, 1 April 1974.
Story
Gerald Simmonds, former executive of the World Space Commission, stands at a window in John KoenigJohn 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:...
′s office, staring into space. Ignoring the proceedings of the weekly command conference he attends, the politician broods over his current situation—hurtling through space on the runaway 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...
, trapped when the atomic explosion
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...
of 13 September 1999 rocketed them out of Earth orbit. Unwilling to accept life on Alpha, the Commissioner still behaves like a visiting dignitary, though bereft of any true authority.
As the meeting adjourns, an irate Simmonds turns from the window. Without warning, the Commissioner lambasts the senior executives, expressing his disgust at their complacent attitude. Rather than congratulating themselves on how well the community is coming to terms with life in space, Simmonds insists they should focus on locating Earth and returning there. Koenig refuses to encourage false hope for a task that is scientifically impossible. Simmonds rebutts that, in his experience as a politician, he has observed the ‘impossible’ takes just a little longer.
The debate is interrupted by a call from Main Mission; an unidentified powered object is approaching the Moon. Computer confirms the vehicle is manned—and on course to enter into an orbit which will carry it directly over Moonbase Alpha
Moonbase Alpha
Moonbase Alpha is a fictional moon base and the main setting in the science fiction television series Space: 1999.-Moonbase Alpha:Located in the Moon crater Plato and constructed out of quarried rock and ores, Moonbase Alpha is four kilometres in diameter and extends up to one kilometre in areas...
. With no reply to their hailing signals, Koenig deploys Eagles One and Two to intercept the alien craft. As they approach, Alan Carter notes that the spacecraft's flight vector is unstable. Rather than achieving orbit, it tumbles toward the Moon surface. At the last moment, landing rockets fire and the vessel softly impacts a short distance from the Moonbase permimeter.
Rejecting Simmonds′ attempt to accompany them, Koenig and the crash unit fly to the alien ship. Rescue Eagle Seven touches down next to the silent vessel, docking at what appears to be an entry hatch. Due to the hull′s dense molecular structure, 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:...
′s instruments can gather little information. The team manages to locate and trigger the hatch′s opening mechanism; with caution, they enter the dimly-lit interior. Surrounding a central column are six free-standing transparent caskets—each containing a motionless humanoid form.
The obvious assumption is that the aliens are in a state of suspended animation
Suspended animation
Suspended animation is the slowing of life processes by external means without termination. Breathing, heartbeat, and other involuntary functions may still occur, but they can only be detected by artificial means. Extreme cold can be used to precipitate the slowing of an individual's functions; use...
. However, remote analysis registers not the slightest sign of life in the chosen test subject. With the possibility they were killed in the crash, Koenig authorises 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....
to perform a direct examination. As soon as the doctor begins drilling into the casket, she is blinded by a sudden flare of energy from within. To her horror, the occupant is reduced to ashes. Responding to this destructive act, the central column pulses with light. The remaining five aliens revive, emerging from their hibernacula
Suspended animation
Suspended animation is the slowing of life processes by external means without termination. Breathing, heartbeat, and other involuntary functions may still occur, but they can only be detected by artificial means. Extreme cold can be used to precipitate the slowing of an individual's functions; use...
. Standing seven feet tall, they silently surround Koenig and company.
The leader stoically examines the remains of his comrade, then turns to face the nervous Alphans. Koenig and Helena offer sincere apologies, stating they only violated the seal after the equipment indicated the absence of life. Still silent, the leader extends his hand to Helena, drawing her and the others into a ritualistic circle around their dead companion. During this, Simmonds has been impatiently observing from Main Mission. While he upbraids the staff over the slow pace of the operation, Koenig calls in. He orders a crash unit placed on stand-by while the aliens fly their ship over to Alpha.
Landing safely, Koenig escorts the alien contingent into Moonbase. After rudely pushing his way through a throng of curious onlookers, Simmonds is presented to Zantor, captain of the Kaldorian expedition. As the ranking Earth official, the Commissioner assures Zantor those responsible for the loss of his crewmember will be brought to account. The alien captain phlegmatically states that, as the accident was the result of ignorance rather than malice, judicial revenge is unnecessary.
After a rest, the Kaldorians meet with Koenig and his advisors. The aliens appear to be the product of an ancient, pacifistic culture. With their home world dying, the people of Kaldor dispatched survival ships to every known habitable planet. Bound for Earth, Zantor and his party have travelled for 350 years in stasis. Their ship was programmed to orbit the Moon, allowing the occupants to reanimate before the final descent to Earth. The complications caused by the Moon's extreme and unexpected change in position led to the crash. The Alphans are amazed the computer was able to locate them at all.
Zantor announces his intention to continue on to Earth. If welcome, the Kaldorians will settle there; if not, they will take their own lives
Suicide
Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one's own death. Suicide is often committed out of despair or attributed to some underlying mental disorder, such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, alcoholism, or drug abuse...
. Helena offers to examine the aliens to determine if they are medically compatible with life on Earth. After they exit, Simmonds comments that the impossible may not take as long as expected. To Koenig's dismay, the politician suggests disposing of the peaceful Kaldorians and seizing their vessel for a return trip home.
Helena's staff conducts a thorough examination of the aliens. As they wait for Computer to process the data, Helena and Zantor discuss the Kaldorian suspension process. Cryogenic freezing, he says, is inadequate to suspend life; their system creates a cycle of accelerated energy which holds all the body′s cells in stasis. Taking her hand, he comments her beauty would be enhanced by the peace of suspended animation. Though respectful, his interest in the doctor is more than platonic
Platonic love
Platonic love is a chaste and strong type of love that is non-sexual.-Amor Platonicus:The term amor platonicus was coined as early as the 15th century by the Florentine scholar Marsilio Ficino. Platonic love in this original sense of the term is examined in Plato's dialogue the Symposium, which has...
. The moment is interrupted by Computer's analysis: the Kaldorians are sufficiently human to exist on Earth.
Helena escorts her admirer to the Eagle
Eagle (Space: 1999)
The Eagle Transporter is a fictional spacecraft and the iconic image of the 1970s television series Space: 1999. The Eagles serve as the primary spacecraft of Moonbase Alpha, which has a fleet of them. The Eagles are primarily used to explore alien planets, defend Moonbase Alpha from attack, and to...
maintenance hangar, where the Kaldorian ship has been installed. Zantor informs Koenig they must complete repairs and depart within twenty hours, as it is impossible to reprogramme their computer from its prime directive. Should Koenig permit them to proceed, the captain offers the now-vacant berth on his vessel to one of the Alphans. Koenig orders Helena and Bergman to verify that the stasis procedure is safe for a human being. As the Commander returns to Main Mission, he is stalked by Simmonds, who repeats his reprehensible proposal. Refusing to betray the Kaldorians, Koenig will allow one person to accompany them. Computer will select the lucky individual.
Koenig later receives an emergency call from the spaceship. Returning, he is shocked to find a seemingly lifeless Helena lying in one of the caskets. When the first two attempts to reverse the stasis effect fail (and with the monitors showing no sign of life), the Alphans believe her dead. Zantor insists Helena is in suspended animation, but at too deep a level than is suitable for the human metabolism. Reanimation from this deep a sleep can result in brain damage
Brain damage
"Brain damage" or "brain injury" is the destruction or degeneration of brain cells. Brain injuries occur due to a wide range of internal and external factors...
. His concern for her well-being obvious, the alien captain makes another attempt to revive her. While Koenig watches anxiously, her eyes open in a blank stare. To his relief, she then focuses on him and they exchange loving smiles.
Later, 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:...
presents Koenig with Computer's selection for the return to Earth—in a clear case of electronic ‘buck passing
Buck passing
Buck passing or passing the buck is the act of attributing another person or group with responsibility for one's own actions. It is also used as a strategy in power politics when the actions of one country/nation are blamed on another, providing an opportunity for war.The latter expression is said...
’, the printout contains three names. Even though the journey will take seventy-five years, the staff is excited at the prospect of someone going home. In private, Simmonds critises Koenig for permitting a machine to make this decision. The Commissioner then selfishly proclaims himself to be the obvious choice; he has no place or useful function on Alpha. Though Koenig would love to be rid of the insufferable politician, he insists the choice will be objective.
The confrontation is interrupted by the arrival of Zantor. With repairs to his ship completed, the alien has come to make his farewells. Before answering who will be accompanying the Kaldorians to Earth, Koenig asks Helena and Bergman for a final verdict on the stasis procedure. Having grasped the basic principles, they declare it safe for human use. The key is the alien computer having a complete matrix of the individual; should someone other than Helena go, one specific for that person must be made. The launch countdown begins, and Koenig orders Kano to have Computer make the final selection.
Simmonds rashly decides his fate will not be decided by Koenig's lottery
Lottery
A lottery is a form of gambling which involves the drawing of lots for a prize.Lottery is outlawed by some governments, while others endorse it to the extent of organizing a national or state lottery. It is common to find some degree of regulation of lottery by governments...
. After secretly swapping commlocks with the Commander, he slips away unnoticed. Now with unlimited access, he procures a stun-gun and proceeds to the Main Power Unit in the Maintenance Section. Koenig discovers the theft and orders the command commlock cancelled, but not before the conniving politician has shot the sentries and entered the restricted area. Inside, Simmonds stuns all but one operative, then forces the man to remove a key component from the main converter assembly. Power instantly fails throughout the base.
When Koenig calls for the Commissioner′s surrender, Simmonds announces the converter is his hostage. Unless he is given the vacant berth, Moonbase will freeze over. Though outraged by this act of extortion
Extortion
Extortion is a criminal offence which occurs when a person unlawfully obtains either money, property or services from a person, entity, or institution, through coercion. Refraining from doing harm is sometimes euphemistically called protection. Extortion is commonly practiced by organized crime...
, Koenig has no choice but to concede to Simmonds′ demands. As the welfare of the entire community is at stake, Zantor agrees, regretful of the politician′s successful use of force. The noble captain agrees to become Simmonds′ new hostage in exchange for the converter.
After power is restored, Simmonds and his captive depart, the alien giving Helena a wistful farewell gaze before being led away at gunpoint. Aboard ship, Zantor directs Simmonds to his travel position. The suspicious politician, unaware that a personalised matrix of his body must still be compiled, insists the alien captain enter his chamber first. Eyeing the Commissioner's weapon, a silent Zantor does as he is told. With the six travellers in place, the ship blasts off for Earth.
Mere hours later, Main Mission receives a signal from the Kaldorian ship...transmitted by Simmonds. He is calling Earth, believing the seventy-five-year voyage is over. The staff is puzzled by the premature awakening—did Simmonds, ignorant of the need, not allow a matrix to be compiled...or is this Zantor's version of justice? On the ship, the viewer sees Simmonds sitting up in his chamber, irritated by the lack of response. He calls up the time on his commlock, horrified to see that only two hours forty-eight minutes have elapsed since take-off.
Panicked, he thrashes around in his casket, calling for help. With the Kaldorian ship well beyond Eagle range, Koenig can do nothing. Simmonds' desperate pleas to his fellow travellers—still in suspended animation—are also wasted. After throwing his body against the unyielding walls of the stasis chamber, the defeated politician finally comes to rest in what will be his coffin
Coffin
A coffin is a funerary box used in the display and containment of dead people – either for burial or cremation.Contemporary North American English makes a distinction between "coffin", which is generally understood to denote a funerary box having six sides in plan view, and "casket", which...
. On Alpha, Koenig and Helena reflect on the tragic irony of the situation when the Commander reveals Computer's final choice for the voyage home: Simmonds.
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:... - Andrew Dempsey — Main Mission Operative
- Tony Allyn — Security Guard One (Tony)
- Quentin Pierre — Security Guard Two
- Barbara KellyBarbara KellyBarbara Kelly was a Canadian-born actress, possibly best-known for her television roles in the United Kingdom opposite her husband Bernard Braden in the 1950s and 1960s and for many appearances as a panelist on the British version of What's My Line?.-Early years:Barbara Kelly was born in...
— Computer Voice
Music
The score was re-edited from previous Space: 1999 incidental music tracks composed for the first series by Barry GrayBarry Gray
Barry Gray was a British musician and composer who is best known for his work for Gerry Anderson.-Life:...
and draws 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 'Black Sun'.
Production Notes
- Christopher LeeChristopher LeeSir Christopher Frank Carandini Lee, CBE, CStJ is an English actor and musician. Lee initially portrayed villains and became famous for his role as Count Dracula in a string of Hammer Horror films...
had recently completed his role as million-dollar assassin Francisco ScaramangaFrancisco ScaramangaFrancisco Scaramanga is a fictional character and the main antagonist in the James Bond film and novel The Man with the Golden Gun. The film was so named because it described Scaramanga's possession of a golden gun....
in the ninth James BondJames BondJames Bond, code name 007, is a fictional character created in 1953 by writer Ian Fleming, who featured him in twelve novels and two short story collections. There have been a six other authors who wrote authorised Bond novels or novelizations after Fleming's death in 1964: Kingsley Amis,...
film The Man With the Golden GunThe Man with the Golden Gun (film)The Man with the Golden Gun is the ninth spy film in the James Bond series and the second to star Roger Moore as the fictional MI6 agent James Bond...
when he came aboard as the noble alien Captain Zantor. Lee was famous on both sides of the Atlantic for his portrayal of the Frankenstein monster and Count DraculaCount DraculaCount Dracula is a fictional character, the titular antagonist of Bram Stoker's 1897 Gothic horror novel Dracula and archetypal vampire. Some aspects of his character have been inspired by the 15th century Romanian general and Wallachian Prince Vlad III the Impaler...
in his many Hammer Films appearances. In recent years, Lee has played the wizard SarumanSarumanSaruman the White is a fictional character and a major antagonist in J. R. R. Tolkien's fantasy novel The Lord of the Rings. He is leader of the Istari, wizards sent to Middle-earth in human form by the godlike Valar to challenge Sauron, the main antagonist of the tale, but later on aims at gaining...
in Peter JacksonPeter JacksonSir Peter Robert Jackson, KNZM is a New Zealand film director, producer, actor, and screenwriter, known for his The Lord of the Rings film trilogy , adapted from the novel by J. R. R...
's The Lord of the RingsThe Lord of the Rings film trilogyThe Lord of the Rings is an epic film trilogy consisting of three fantasy adventure films based on the three-volume book of the same name by English author J. R. R. Tolkien. The films are The Fellowship of the Ring , The Two Towers and The Return of the King .The films were directed by Peter...
film trilogy and the villainous Count DookuCount DookuCount Dooku is a fictional character from the Star Wars universe. Dooku is one of the main antagonists of both Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones and the events of the Clone Wars and is a supporting villain in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. Count Dooku plays a substantial role...
in George LucasGeorge LucasGeorge Walton Lucas, Jr. is an American film producer, screenwriter, and director, and entrepreneur. He is the founder, chairman and chief executive of Lucasfilm. He is best known as the creator of the space opera franchise Star Wars and the archaeologist-adventurer character Indiana Jones...
′ Star WarsStar WarsStar Wars is an American epic space opera film series created by George Lucas. The first film in the series was originally released on May 25, 1977, under the title Star Wars, by 20th Century Fox, and became a worldwide pop culture phenomenon, followed by two sequels, released at three-year...
prequels Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith.
- 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...
was responsible for the hair, makeup and costume design for most of the aliens portrayed throughout the first series. When creating the Kaldorians, Wilson envisioned the bridges of their noses being built up with appliances to render a flat plane from nose to forehead. Christopher Lee objected to the uncomfortable makeup—especially when its removal also removed a layer of skin from the involved area. This was also the first time Lee, standing six feet four inches tall, was asked to stand on an ‘apple boxApple boxApple Boxes are wooden boxes of varying sizes with holes on each end used chiefly in film production. These boxes are specialized pieces of equipment belonging to the grip department, and should not be confused with simple crates or other boxes.-Uses:...
’ to increase his height: the aliens were envisioned as being at least six-foot-six.
- Responding to complaints from directors and cameramen regarding the difficulty they experienced shooting on the Main Mission set, Wilson made a major modification prior to this episode. Originally, the set was designed with a platform running along three sides, giving the operations area a ‘sunken’ effect. The platform and steps were removed from one side, opposite the computer-bank wall. The four windows there were placed on the studio floor and, being ‘wild’ (i.e. movable), allowed for greater camera access. Wilson also broke up the tight formation of desks, improving the traffic flow through the room.
Novelisation
The character of Commissioner Simmonds was killed off by E.C. Tubb in the first Space: 1999 novel Breakaway. As author Brian Ball was unable to rework the story without the scheming politician, ‘Earthbound’ was withdrawn from its intended place in the third Year One Space: 1999 novel The Space Guardians. Ball incorporated certain elements into his adaptation of ‘Missing LinkMissing Link (Space: 1999)
"Missing Link" is the seventh episode of the first series of Space: 1999. The screenplay was written by Edward di Lorenzo; the director was Ray Austin. The final shooting script is dated 5 April 1974...
’: Raan's illusory 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:...
was given the avaricious intention of seizing an alien ship to travel home.
In 2003, the story was novelised by Tubb and released in Space: 1999 - Earthbound. Minor additions to the story include: (1) As to not violate the novels' continuity, it is stated that Simmonds was left for dead in the confusion of the breakaway, but was resuscitated by Bob Mathias
Bob 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:...
. His broken neck and fractured skull were repaired and the weeks spent recovering in Medical explained his absence; (2) The Kaldorians were found to emit pheromones that make people like them, explaining the instant acceptance of the aliens by Koenig and his boarding party.
External links
- Space: 1999 - 'Earthbound' - The Catacombs episode guide
- Space: 1999 - 'Earthbound' - Moonbase Alpha's Space: 1999 page
| Last produced: "Ring Around the Moon" |
List of Space: 1999 episodes | Next produced: "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... " |
| Last transmitted: "Matter of Life and Death Matter of Life and Death (Space: 1999) "Matter of Life and Death" is the second episode of the first series of Space: 1999. The screenplay was written by Art Wallace and Johnny Byrne; the director was Charles Crichton. The original title was 'Siren Planet'. The final shooting script is dated 8 January 1974... " |
Next transmitted: "The Full Circle The Full Circle "The Full Circle" is the fifteenth episode of the first series of Space: 1999. The screenplay was written by Jesse Lasky, Jnr and Pat Silver; the director was Bob Kellett. The final shooting script is dated 17 September 1974... " |