space: 1999 -- season 2 episode 23 -- the immunity syndrome

Season 2, Episode 23: The Immunity Syndrome
This blog comes with the generalized warning that any post may contain spoilers. That is especially true of these Space: 1999 posts. So if you haven't seen this episode, intend to watch it, and therefore don't want spoilers, then don't read.

Plot Synopsis
A landing crew is exploring a planet that looks promising. But things start going wrong -- crewmembers are going insane, and the hospitable environment is turning decidedly dangerous. The key lies in the recorded log of another expedition of another race that experienced the same thing.

My Thoughts
At this point, the show is striking a very uneasy balance between serious science fiction and kid-oriented silliness. As with several other episodes, this one starts with a reasonably interesting premise that could make for an engaging show. But the script and effects are just horrendous, leaving us with something that's as cheesy as Lost In Space*, but without the charm.

As before, they seem to be inventing new gadgets for each episode without regard for any kind of logic. Now they have a glider for entering a planet's atmosphere? They never had that before, and it makes no sense that they have it now.

So, what's the discipline situation here? This is a pseudo-military outfit. It started out as scientific, but in this season we've seen a sharp turn into military -- probably in an attempt to imitate Star Trek. Whatever it is, this is an outfit where discipline and self control are vital. So, on the planet, when a man is dead from a laser gun wound (and another has run off). The doctor, examining the dead man, concludes, that it was a fight. "I'd say it adds up to a stupid accident. They fell out, a weapon was pulled."  And he and Koenig seem to find that explanation perfectly plausible. Excuse my French, but what kind of outfit is Koenig running?

I'll also note here that I don't like the little episode-closing music that they seem to have in each show. It makes it sound like we're watching Eight is Enough or The Love Boat. They should get rid of it. But with only one episode left, I guess it's a bit late for that.

*To be clear, I'm talking about the original series from the 1960's.