Seed of Destruction (Space: 1999)
Encyclopedia
"Seed of Destruction" is the thirteenth episode of the second series of Space: 1999
(and the thirty-seventh episode overall of the programme). The screenplay was written by John Goldsmith; the director was Kevin Connor
. The final shooting script is dated 25 May 1976. Live action filming took place Wednesday, 7 July 1976 through Friday, 23 July 1976.
is passing a bizarre, jewel-like asteroid
. Resembling a colossal uncut diamond
, it radiates an intense energy field disruptive to Moonbase Alpha's sensor equipment. John Koenig
decides a close reconnaissance is in order and lifts off in Eagle One. On final approach, an area with breathable atmosphere is detected. Accepting that this invitation could be a trap, he and co-pilot Alan Carter
set down within this ‘air bubble’. Opening the hatch, they observe the terrain—a plain of crystalline 'sand' surrounded by iceberg
-like crags of solid crystal.
As the two men disembark, they are stopped by a malfunction alarm; a problem has developed in the stabiliser circuits. Carter remains behind to troubleshoot as the Commander explores. He discovers a cave and opts to go in alone. The interior is akin to a vast hall of mirrors
and he is dazzled by endless reflections. The mirrors are not glass, but facets of dense crystal. Checking in with Carter, Koenig speculates this could be the source of the energy field. Moving further into the cavern, he is briefly overwhelmed by a high-frequency keening. He recovers and moves on. The viewer sees that one mirror has retained his reflection...which then steps out from the crystal with a wolfish smile.
Koenig pauses to collect a sample. Chipping at the wall, he feels an unexpected hand on his shoulder, turns—and beholds the doppelgänger. Before he can react, his reflection-double stuns Koenig with an energy shock. The replica rips a crystal outcropping from the wall, stows it in Koenig's sample case, then appropriates his commlock to order Carter to prepare for lift-off. Before leaving, it removes its mirror-image jacket and dons Koenig's. As it boards the Eagle, Carter notes the mysterious malfunction has resolved itself. Maya
calls, requesting they postpone lift-off for her to get further readings from their sensors. The replica brusquely refuses and they depart.
Arriving on Alpha, the Koenig-replica makes a base-wide announcement. It states the Moon is surrounded by an energy screen which will soon render all their instruments useless. The solution is to project a powerful energy beam at the asteroid, which will be reflected back by its mirror-like composition. The beam will cut through the energy screen, thus freeing them. For the desired effect, the beam will require nearly all of their generated power over an extended period. The staff readily accepts this tissue of lies, with the exception of Maya. The scientific officer questions the replica's analysis, asking to see its data as hers is incomplete. When it refuses, the Psychon woman persists until, in a fit of rage, the replica confines her to quarters.
The replica wields an iron fist as it issues orders to construct the energy projector its scheme requires. Leery of Helena Russell
, it leaves to personally oversee the project. Afterwards, the senior executives confer. Concerned by his uncharacteristic, almost martinet
-like behaviour, Helena wonders if ‘Koenig’ has been possessed by an alien life-form. Carter, though, speculates ‘the Commander’ has knowledge of a greater danger, but is choosing to conceal it from them.
Later, Tony Verdeschi
visits his ‘mutineer’ girlfriend to raise her spirits. Maya is deeply concerned over the dearth of information on this crisis. As a metamorph, she is hypersensitive to living matter; she sensed a coldness in ‘Koenig’—especially when Helena tried to touch him. Suspecting an alien influence, Verdeschi suggests hijacking an Eagle for an illicit trip to the asteroid. The security chief then stops, realising he is proposing an act of mutiny against a commanding officer who could well be in full control of his faculties.
The replica's plans for the energy transfer progress. While Helena frets over the effects of the power reduction on the life-support systems, she is approached by Verdeschi. They first discuss the replica's disturbing new policies—curfews and sentries standing watch everywhere. He then asks the tough question: does the change in ‘Koenig’ indicate he is mentally incompetent and, if so, how can they stop him? Helena's devotion to Koenig will not allow her to accept this possibility without solid evidence; she refuses to participate in Verdeschi's conspiracy.
On the asteroid, the real Koenig regains consciousness. He slips into the discarded jacket, realising it is backward. Searching the labyrinth
for an exit, he hears the high-pitched keening—then a voice, informing him he is a prisoner of Kalthon. It relates how its civilisation was destroyed when a black sun
formed in this galaxy and began absorbing all energy from the nearby solar systems. Before the end, a ‘seed’ was prepared and launched into space. This asteroid, the Heart of Kalthon, contains the remnants of their world suspended in microcosm—cities, people, animal and vegetable life—awaiting regeneration. With the energy about to be stolen from the Alphans, that process will commence. Programmed to survive, the intelligence is completely amoral.
The Koenig-reflection isolates itself in the Moonbase observatory
. From the room's expansive windows, it impatiently watches the assembly of the energy reflector's huge parabolic dish. When moving to caress the crystal sample brought from the asteroid, it is interrupted by Helena. She wants to talk, questioning his recent harsh behaviour. Temper flaring, the replica blames the stress of the current crisis. Asserting her authority, the doctor coolly states that its exposure to an alien environment, coupled with its sudden personality change, is cause for a medical exam.
An argument ensues, during which she grasps its hand—and is shocked by the rigid iciness of its skin. Seeing her reaction, the replica changes tactics and pours on the charm to appease her, further shocking her by addressing her as ‘Doctor Russell’. Convinced this is not the man she loves, Helena seeks out Maya and Verdeschi and recounts the incident. Maya knows the answer lies in the alien crystal. Using her abilities, the metamorph masquerades as one of the senior technicians working on the energy-transfer project, gains access to the observatory while the replica is absent, and steals a small portion of the crystal.
Using equipment smuggled into her quarters, Maya discovers the ‘crystal’ is a hyper-dense form of living matter, drained of energy—not dead, but dormant, like a seed. What reaction this substance would have on a human is unknown, but Maya speculates 'Koenig' may no longer be flesh and blood. On the asteroid, the Kalthon intelligence torments Koenig with mocking laughter and a whirling kaleidoscope
of reflections. Attempting to escape, he shoots a mirror and steps through the empty frame into a passage beyond. But the crystal reforms around him, trapping him like an insect in amber
.
Maya continues her assessment; using a sonarscope, she bombards the sample with sound waves, determining the frequency required to shatter it. During this, Verdeschi reveals their suspicions to Carter. Maya cites Helena's testimony regarding the inhuman texture of the replica's skin. The loyal astronaut refuses to believe; he clings to his theory that this turmoil is over a further threat the replica is keeping secret. Verdeschi presses him for access to an Eagle—a trip to the asteroid may be the only way to help Koenig. Carter denounces this kind of ‘help’ as mutiny and storms off.
The reflector is complete and the power transfer is initiated. As the energy beam is projected at the asteroid, power levels plunge throughout the base. Helena reports that life-support is failing in two sections—if power is reduced further, some people may die. The replica's response is chilling: ‘Some people are not all the people.’ Meanwhile, Verdeschi and Maya steal through the darkened corridors and board a travel tube. Arriving at the launch pad with the stand-by Eagle, they are confronted by the sentry on duty. Distracting him with a Maya-transformed creature, Verdeschi clobbers the guard with a karate
chop and they board the ship.
Their unauthorised lift-off is soon reported to the replica. Enraged, it demands the craft be shot down. Appalled, Carter stalls off activating the laser batteries. Arriving at Command Centre, the replica is livid to find Eagle One intact. It moves to fire the laser itself—to be stopped by Helena when she points out that the weapon will divert power from the energy beam.
She then reveals that this ‘Koenig’ is an impostor. Feigning shock and vulnerability, the replica ‘admits’ being affected by an alien influence on the asteroid—and only by breaking the energy screen can it be freed. Helena's argument makes her appear hysterical, and the replica threatens her with psychiatric evaluation. With no support from the others, she is forced into silence. During this, Verdeschi and Maya set down on the now-pulsing asteroid, horrified by its slow conversion into organic material.
Entering the cave, they encounter a mirror displaying a sourceless reflection of Koenig. Maya quickly surmises this is the real Koenig; the thing on Alpha must have taken substance from his reflection. When brute force fails, they use a laser to shatter Koenig's crystal prison. The three exchange information and formulate a plan: Koenig will fly to Moonbase to deal with the impostor while Verdeschi and Maya destroy the Heart of Kalthon. Maya programmes their commlocks to emit the crystal-shattering frequency; before much damage can be done, the gloating intelligence immobilises the pair within the confines of a solid crystal cube.
On Alpha, the Koenig-replica orders the energy flow increased. Suffering in the intensifying cold, the personnel helplessly watch vital systems fail at random. The food production and recycling plants cease functioning, and both the water supply and hydroponic farms
are frozen. When the oxygen units fail, Helena implores Carter to defy the impostor. The astronaut tries to reason with what he still believes is his commander, but is mercilessly ordered to further strengthen the energy beam. The order is instantly countermanded as the real Koenig enters the room.
When Koenig reveals Kalthon's true motives, the impostor accuses him of being an 'image-creature' sent to prevent their escape. Helena has no doubt who is the impostor, and Carter finally sees the truth. Rallying, the replica cunningly cites the real Koenig's mirror-image jacket as proof he is the impostor. Koenig counters that, while the replica traded jackets, it did nothing to correct the reversed part in its hair. Carter shoots the impostor—but the laser has no effect. It smirks triumphantly, declaring Kalthon will live. Koenig then plays the shrill sonar frequency. The replica screams as its body crazes with cracks, then shatters into fragments.
The energy transfer is ended. With its agent destroyed and the energy flow terminated, the Heart of Kalthon begins to die. The crystal mirrors spontaneously disintegrate—including those imprisoning Maya and Verdeschi, and they step free from the remnants of their cell. On Moonbase, the Alphans silently stare at the heap of crystal dust...
and draws primarily from the scores of 'The Exiles
' and 'One Moment of Humanity'.
published in 1977. Butterworth would integrate ideas seen in earlier-draft scripts into this adaptation. Before the energy transfer, Kalthon was passively draining power from Alpha, causing reduced heating and equipment malfunctions. The scene where Maya and company observe her crystal sample transforming was retained, and a new epilogue showing she and Verdeschi being rescued from the disintegrating asteroid was added.
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...
(and the thirty-seventh episode overall of the programme). The screenplay was written by John Goldsmith; the director was Kevin Connor
Kevin Connor (director)
Kevin Connor is an English film and television director currently based in Hollywood.Connor was born in London on the 24 of September 1937 and grew up during the 2nd World War...
. The final shooting script is dated 25 May 1976. Live action filming took place Wednesday, 7 July 1976 through Friday, 23 July 1976.
Story
It is 1608 days after leaving Earth orbit, and the MoonMoon
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...
is passing a bizarre, jewel-like asteroid
Asteroid
Asteroids are a class of small Solar System bodies in orbit around the Sun. They have also been called planetoids, especially the larger ones...
. Resembling a colossal uncut diamond
Diamond
In mineralogy, diamond is an allotrope of carbon, where the carbon atoms are arranged in a variation of the face-centered cubic crystal structure called a diamond lattice. Diamond is less stable than graphite, but the conversion rate from diamond to graphite is negligible at ambient conditions...
, it radiates an intense energy field disruptive to Moonbase Alpha's sensor equipment. 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:...
decides a close reconnaissance is in order and lifts off in Eagle One. On final approach, an area with breathable atmosphere is detected. Accepting that this invitation could be a trap, he and co-pilot 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:...
set down within this ‘air bubble’. Opening the hatch, they observe the terrain—a plain of crystalline 'sand' surrounded by iceberg
Iceberg
An iceberg is a large piece of ice from freshwater that has broken off from a snow-formed glacier or ice shelf and is floating in open water. It may subsequently become frozen into pack ice...
-like crags of solid crystal.
As the two men disembark, they are stopped by a malfunction alarm; a problem has developed in the stabiliser circuits. Carter remains behind to troubleshoot as the Commander explores. He discovers a cave and opts to go in alone. The interior is akin to a vast hall of mirrors
House of mirrors
A house of mirrors or hall of mirrors is a traditional attraction at funfairs and amusement parks. The basic concept behind a house of mirrors is to be a maze-like puzzle. In addition to the maze, participants are also given mirrors as obstacles, and glass panes to parts of the maze they cannot...
and he is dazzled by endless reflections. The mirrors are not glass, but facets of dense crystal. Checking in with Carter, Koenig speculates this could be the source of the energy field. Moving further into the cavern, he is briefly overwhelmed by a high-frequency keening. He recovers and moves on. The viewer sees that one mirror has retained his reflection...which then steps out from the crystal with a wolfish smile.
Koenig pauses to collect a sample. Chipping at the wall, he feels an unexpected hand on his shoulder, turns—and beholds the doppelgänger. Before he can react, his reflection-double stuns Koenig with an energy shock. The replica rips a crystal outcropping from the wall, stows it in Koenig's sample case, then appropriates his commlock to order Carter to prepare for lift-off. Before leaving, it removes its mirror-image jacket and dons Koenig's. As it boards the Eagle, Carter notes the mysterious malfunction has resolved itself. Maya
Maya (Space: 1999)
Maya is a fictional character who appeared in the second series of the science fiction television program Space: 1999. Played by actress Catherine Schell , Maya was introduced in the second series opener 'The Metamorph'...
calls, requesting they postpone lift-off for her to get further readings from their sensors. The replica brusquely refuses and they depart.
Arriving on Alpha, the Koenig-replica makes a base-wide announcement. It states the Moon is surrounded by an energy screen which will soon render all their instruments useless. The solution is to project a powerful energy beam at the asteroid, which will be reflected back by its mirror-like composition. The beam will cut through the energy screen, thus freeing them. For the desired effect, the beam will require nearly all of their generated power over an extended period. The staff readily accepts this tissue of lies, with the exception of Maya. The scientific officer questions the replica's analysis, asking to see its data as hers is incomplete. When it refuses, the Psychon woman persists until, in a fit of rage, the replica confines her to quarters.
The replica wields an iron fist as it issues orders to construct the energy projector its scheme requires. Leery of 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....
, it leaves to personally oversee the project. Afterwards, the senior executives confer. Concerned by his uncharacteristic, almost martinet
Martinet
The martinet is a punitive device traditionally used in France and other parts of Europe. The word also has other usages . It is also a term for a type of hammer in French, a diminutive of marteau , "hammer".-Object:...
-like behaviour, Helena wonders if ‘Koenig’ has been possessed by an alien life-form. Carter, though, speculates ‘the Commander’ has knowledge of a greater danger, but is choosing to conceal it from them.
Later, Tony Verdeschi
Tony Verdeschi
Tony Verdeschi is a fictional character who first appeared in the second series of the science fiction television series Space: 1999. He is in his early thirties....
visits his ‘mutineer’ girlfriend to raise her spirits. Maya is deeply concerned over the dearth of information on this crisis. As a metamorph, she is hypersensitive to living matter; she sensed a coldness in ‘Koenig’—especially when Helena tried to touch him. Suspecting an alien influence, Verdeschi suggests hijacking an Eagle for an illicit trip to the asteroid. The security chief then stops, realising he is proposing an act of mutiny against a commanding officer who could well be in full control of his faculties.
The replica's plans for the energy transfer progress. While Helena frets over the effects of the power reduction on the life-support systems, she is approached by Verdeschi. They first discuss the replica's disturbing new policies—curfews and sentries standing watch everywhere. He then asks the tough question: does the change in ‘Koenig’ indicate he is mentally incompetent and, if so, how can they stop him? Helena's devotion to Koenig will not allow her to accept this possibility without solid evidence; she refuses to participate in Verdeschi's conspiracy.
On the asteroid, the real Koenig regains consciousness. He slips into the discarded jacket, realising it is backward. Searching the labyrinth
Labyrinth
In Greek mythology, the Labyrinth was an elaborate structure designed and built by the legendary artificer Daedalus for King Minos of Crete at Knossos...
for an exit, he hears the high-pitched keening—then a voice, informing him he is a prisoner of Kalthon. It relates how its civilisation was destroyed when a black sun
Black hole
A black hole is a region of spacetime from which nothing, not even light, can escape. The theory of general relativity predicts that a sufficiently compact mass will deform spacetime to form a black hole. Around a black hole there is a mathematically defined surface called an event horizon that...
formed in this galaxy and began absorbing all energy from the nearby solar systems. Before the end, a ‘seed’ was prepared and launched into space. This asteroid, the Heart of Kalthon, contains the remnants of their world suspended in microcosm—cities, people, animal and vegetable life—awaiting regeneration. With the energy about to be stolen from the Alphans, that process will commence. Programmed to survive, the intelligence is completely amoral.
The Koenig-reflection isolates itself in the Moonbase observatory
Observatory
An observatory is a location used for observing terrestrial or celestial events. Astronomy, climatology/meteorology, geology, oceanography and volcanology are examples of disciplines for which observatories have been constructed...
. From the room's expansive windows, it impatiently watches the assembly of the energy reflector's huge parabolic dish. When moving to caress the crystal sample brought from the asteroid, it is interrupted by Helena. She wants to talk, questioning his recent harsh behaviour. Temper flaring, the replica blames the stress of the current crisis. Asserting her authority, the doctor coolly states that its exposure to an alien environment, coupled with its sudden personality change, is cause for a medical exam.
An argument ensues, during which she grasps its hand—and is shocked by the rigid iciness of its skin. Seeing her reaction, the replica changes tactics and pours on the charm to appease her, further shocking her by addressing her as ‘Doctor Russell’. Convinced this is not the man she loves, Helena seeks out Maya and Verdeschi and recounts the incident. Maya knows the answer lies in the alien crystal. Using her abilities, the metamorph masquerades as one of the senior technicians working on the energy-transfer project, gains access to the observatory while the replica is absent, and steals a small portion of the crystal.
Using equipment smuggled into her quarters, Maya discovers the ‘crystal’ is a hyper-dense form of living matter, drained of energy—not dead, but dormant, like a seed. What reaction this substance would have on a human is unknown, but Maya speculates 'Koenig' may no longer be flesh and blood. On the asteroid, the Kalthon intelligence torments Koenig with mocking laughter and a whirling kaleidoscope
Kaleidoscope
A kaleidoscope is a circle of mirrors containing loose, colored objects such as beads or pebbles and bits of glass. As the viewer looks into one end, light entering the other end creates a colorful pattern, due to the reflection off the mirrors...
of reflections. Attempting to escape, he shoots a mirror and steps through the empty frame into a passage beyond. But the crystal reforms around him, trapping him like an insect in amber
Amber
Amber is fossilized tree resin , which has been appreciated for its color and natural beauty since Neolithic times. Amber is used as an ingredient in perfumes, as a healing agent in folk medicine, and as jewelry. There are five classes of amber, defined on the basis of their chemical constituents...
.
Maya continues her assessment; using a sonarscope, she bombards the sample with sound waves, determining the frequency required to shatter it. During this, Verdeschi reveals their suspicions to Carter. Maya cites Helena's testimony regarding the inhuman texture of the replica's skin. The loyal astronaut refuses to believe; he clings to his theory that this turmoil is over a further threat the replica is keeping secret. Verdeschi presses him for access to an Eagle—a trip to the asteroid may be the only way to help Koenig. Carter denounces this kind of ‘help’ as mutiny and storms off.
The reflector is complete and the power transfer is initiated. As the energy beam is projected at the asteroid, power levels plunge throughout the base. Helena reports that life-support is failing in two sections—if power is reduced further, some people may die. The replica's response is chilling: ‘Some people are not all the people.’ Meanwhile, Verdeschi and Maya steal through the darkened corridors and board a travel tube. Arriving at the launch pad with the stand-by Eagle, they are confronted by the sentry on duty. Distracting him with a Maya-transformed creature, Verdeschi clobbers the guard with a karate
Karate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
chop and they board the ship.
Their unauthorised lift-off is soon reported to the replica. Enraged, it demands the craft be shot down. Appalled, Carter stalls off activating the laser batteries. Arriving at Command Centre, the replica is livid to find Eagle One intact. It moves to fire the laser itself—to be stopped by Helena when she points out that the weapon will divert power from the energy beam.
She then reveals that this ‘Koenig’ is an impostor. Feigning shock and vulnerability, the replica ‘admits’ being affected by an alien influence on the asteroid—and only by breaking the energy screen can it be freed. Helena's argument makes her appear hysterical, and the replica threatens her with psychiatric evaluation. With no support from the others, she is forced into silence. During this, Verdeschi and Maya set down on the now-pulsing asteroid, horrified by its slow conversion into organic material.
Entering the cave, they encounter a mirror displaying a sourceless reflection of Koenig. Maya quickly surmises this is the real Koenig; the thing on Alpha must have taken substance from his reflection. When brute force fails, they use a laser to shatter Koenig's crystal prison. The three exchange information and formulate a plan: Koenig will fly to Moonbase to deal with the impostor while Verdeschi and Maya destroy the Heart of Kalthon. Maya programmes their commlocks to emit the crystal-shattering frequency; before much damage can be done, the gloating intelligence immobilises the pair within the confines of a solid crystal cube.
On Alpha, the Koenig-replica orders the energy flow increased. Suffering in the intensifying cold, the personnel helplessly watch vital systems fail at random. The food production and recycling plants cease functioning, and both the water supply and hydroponic farms
Hydroponics
Hydroponics is a method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions, in water, without soil. Terrestrial plants may be grown with their roots in the mineral nutrient solution only or in an inert medium, such as perlite, gravel, mineral wool, or coconut husk.Researchers discovered in the 18th...
are frozen. When the oxygen units fail, Helena implores Carter to defy the impostor. The astronaut tries to reason with what he still believes is his commander, but is mercilessly ordered to further strengthen the energy beam. The order is instantly countermanded as the real Koenig enters the room.
When Koenig reveals Kalthon's true motives, the impostor accuses him of being an 'image-creature' sent to prevent their escape. Helena has no doubt who is the impostor, and Carter finally sees the truth. Rallying, the replica cunningly cites the real Koenig's mirror-image jacket as proof he is the impostor. Koenig counters that, while the replica traded jackets, it did nothing to correct the reversed part in its hair. Carter shoots the impostor—but the laser has no effect. It smirks triumphantly, declaring Kalthon will live. Koenig then plays the shrill sonar frequency. The replica screams as its body crazes with cracks, then shatters into fragments.
The energy transfer is ended. With its agent destroyed and the energy flow terminated, the Heart of Kalthon begins to die. The crystal mirrors spontaneously disintegrate—including those imprisoning Maya and Verdeschi, and they step free from the remnants of their cell. On Moonbase, the Alphans silently stare at the heap of crystal dust...
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
- Tony AnholtTony AnholtAnthony "Tony" Anholt was a British actor best known for his roles as Security Chief Tony Verdeschi in the second season of Gerry Anderson's television series Space: 1999 , Paul Buchet in The Protectors and as Charles Frere in the highly-successful BBC drama series Howards' Way .Anholt was...
— Tony VerdeschiTony VerdeschiTony Verdeschi is a fictional character who first appeared in the second series of the science fiction television series Space: 1999. He is in his early thirties.... - 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:... - 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:...
Also Featuring
- Jeffery Kissoon — Doctor Ben Vincent
- Martha Nairn — Joanna Cranston
- Jack KlaffJack KlaffJack Klaff is a South African-born actor, writer, director and academic. Klaff has held four visiting professorships at Princeton University and was for four years Professor of the Public Understanding of Science at Starlab in Brussels....
— Launch Pad Security Guard - James Leith — Observatory Security Guard
- Albin Pahernik — Maya/Space Animal
Music
The score was re-edited from previous Space: 1999 incidental music tracks composed for the second series by Derek WadsworthDerek Wadsworth
Derek Wadsworth was a British jazz trombonist, session musician, composer and arranger....
and draws primarily from the scores of 'The Exiles
The Exiles
"The Exiles" is a science fiction short story by Ray Bradbury. It was originally published as "The Mad Wizards of Mars" in Maclean's on 15 September 1949 and was reprinted the following year by Fantasy Fiction, Inc...
' and 'One Moment of Humanity'.
Production Notes
- This episode would see the final revamping of the cavern set-pieces initially built for the season-opener, '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...
'. Painted turquoise and covered with glitter for this outing, the money-saving caves had appeared in nine previous episodes ('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...
', 'The ExilesThe Exiles"The Exiles" is a science fiction short story by Ray Bradbury. It was originally published as "The Mad Wizards of Mars" in Maclean's on 15 September 1949 and was reprinted the following year by Fantasy Fiction, Inc...
', 'One Moment of HumanityOne Moment of Humanity"One Moment of Humanity" is the third episode of the second series of Space: 1999 . The screenplay was written by Tony Barwick; the director was Charles Crichton. The original title was 'One Second of Humanity'. The final shooting script is dated 12 February 1976...
', 'All That GlistersAll That Glisters (Space: 1999)"All That Glisters" is the fourth episode of the second series of Space: 1999 . The screenplay was written by Keith Miles; the director was Ray Austin. The final shooting script is dated 9 March 1976...
', 'Journey to WhereJourney to Where"Journey to Where" is the fifth episode of the second series of Space: 1999 . The screenplay was written by Donald James; the director was Tom Clegg. The final shooting script is dated 18 February 1976, with amendments dated 2 March, 4 March, 11 March, 17 March, 18 March, 22 March and 25 March 1976...
', 'The Mark of ArchanonThe Mark of Archanon"The Mark of Archanon" is the eighth episode of the second series of Space: 1999 . The screenplay was written by Lew Schwarz; the director was Charles Crichton. The final shooting script is dated 12 April 1976, with amendments dated 21 April, 26 April, 27 April and 28 April 1976...
', 'New Adam, New EveNew Adam, New Eve"New Adam, New Eve" is the tenth episode of the second series of Space: 1999 . The screenplay was written by Terence Feely; the director was Charles Crichton. The final shooting script is dated 29 April 1976...
', '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...
' and 'The AB Chrysalis'). The angled windows of the observatory had been used during the first series on the balcony of the Main Mission set.
- Writer John Goldsmith had conceived of the Koenig-replica being much more alien in nature, its eyes flaring with white light and able to paralyse and control humans with a touch.The idea of its appearance being a literal reflection and this fact becoming an integral part of the plot was added by producer Fred FreibergerFred FreibergerFred Freiberger was an American film and television screenwriter and television producer, with a career spanning four decades including The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms, Star Trek, and Space: 1999...
. The transformation of the crystal was initially more visually dramatic: a green, pulsing glow with ‘crimson veins’ and perceived ‘amoebal shapes wriggling and twisting’.
- Deviations from the final shooting script included: (1) The status-report date was originally cited as 508 days; this was adjusted in post production; (2) Yasko was to have appeared in the episode instead of Sahn; (3) During the energy transfer, the crystal sample in Maya's quarters was to be seen regenerating in harmony with the asteroid in a scene cut for time; (4) The original epilogue was also cut, which saw the Alphans launch the remaining crystal sample into space, giving the Kalthon race another chance at life—now that the amoral intelligence was destroyed.
- 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...
emphatically believed his left profile was superior to his right and was notorious for insisting any scene he appeared in be set up to capture him only from this side. Director Kevin ConnorKevin Connor (director)Kevin Connor is an English film and television director currently based in Hollywood.Connor was born in London on the 24 of September 1937 and grew up during the 2nd World War...
recalls, in this episode, Landau allowed himself to be filmed in right profile—provided he was playing his evil replica at the time.
Novelisation
The episode was adapted in the third Year Two Space: 1999 novel The Space-Jackers by Michael ButterworthMichael Butterworth
Michael Butterworth is a British author and publisher who has written many novels and short stories, particularly in the genre of science fiction...
published in 1977. Butterworth would integrate ideas seen in earlier-draft scripts into this adaptation. Before the energy transfer, Kalthon was passively draining power from Alpha, causing reduced heating and equipment malfunctions. The scene where Maya and company observe her crystal sample transforming was retained, and a new epilogue showing she and Verdeschi being rescued from the disintegrating asteroid was added.
External links
- Space: 1999 - 'Seed of Destruction' - The Catacombs episode guide
- Space: 1999 - 'Seed of Destruction' - Moonbase Alpha's Space: 1999 Page
| Last produced: "The AB Chrysalis" |
List of Space: 1999 episodes | Next produced: "The Beta Cloud The Beta Cloud "The Beta Cloud" is the fourteenth episode of the second series of Space: 1999 . The screenplay was written by Charles Woodgrove ; the director was Robert Lynn. The final shooting script is dated 11 June 1976... " |
| Last transmitted: "The Taybor" |
Next transmitted: "The AB Chrysalis" |