space:1999 -- season 2 episode 04 -- one moment of humanity

Season 2, Episode 04: One Moment of Humanity

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
Tony and Helena are kidnapped and brought to an alien planet to teach androids how to kill.

My Thoughts
I think I've found Space: 1999's "Spock's Brain." The fundamental premise -- that androids as sophisticated as these are, who can devise tricks to manipulate people into doing what they want, somehow can't figure out how to hit someone -- is among the dopiest ones they've had.

A lot of TV shows find ways to let their stars show off their special talents. Often, that comes in the firm of episodes built around a talent show, and I can think of a few shows -- The Brady Bunch, Gilligan's Island and Star Trek come to mind -- that found ways to give their stars a chance to sing. With that in mind I have to wonder if the producers (or scriptwriters, or whoever) said to themselves, "Hey! we've got Barbara Bain! We need a dance number!" Because the staged Othello seemed more like an interpretive dance number than a dramatic piece. And, frankly, that would explain the fact that they had Bain wearing that slinky evening dress instead of her uniform.

As to Bain wearing the dress, I should note that the script explains it -- as the episode opens, she and Maya are trying on dresses and playing with hairstyles in preparation for an upcoming party. Which is, again, an attempt to give a fuller picture of the crew's lives. As before, I'm glad they're doing that stuff. But I do hope that it's not a new "thing" each episode with nothing getting revisited. In the last couple of episodes we've seen that Helena is a skilled sculptress and Tony likes brewing beer. But if each thing like this is a one-off, then it will feel forced. I want the human side of the crew to feel real.

In the last episode I noted that Sandra was replaced by Yasko. Maybe I jumped the gun a bit. Because here's Sandra back -- and no Yasko. Either Yasko's appearance was a one-off, or the episodes were shown out of order. Or the producer's had no clue what they were doing. I can believe any of those possibilites.