space: 1999 -- season 2 episode 12 -- the ab chrysalis

Season 2, Episode 12: The AB Chrysalis

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
Alpha is being buffeted by shockwaves from a series of explosions. Investigating the cause, Koenig learns that the explosions are planetary defenses being run by computers that are less than sympathetic to the moon's plight.

My Thoughts
Well, how do you like that -- two episodes in a row that are strong science fiction. I've come to the realization that season two episodes seem to fall into two categories -- silliness (e.g., "The Taybor") and decent sci-fi (e.g., this one). The latter type of episodes are what is saving the series, and many of them have plotlines that could easily have been Star Trek episodes (albeit mediocre ones). While we're on the topic, the talking orbs that communicate with Koenig remind me of Sargon from the ST episode, "Return to Tomorrow." The catch is that I just don't care about the characters the same way I cared about Kirk and company.

One thing that struck me is the way this episode started. We're immediately thrust into the action, as Alpha is preparing for an explosion and shockwave. It was an exciting start, and a good choice. But it may have been the first time in season two that an episode didn't start with  Dr. Russell's voiceover log. Her log, by the way, is very reminiscent of the Captain's Log entries that Kirk narrates in episodes of Star Trek. That's one way that S99 seems to be consciously copying ST. Another is the way the base seems much more like a military operation than it had during season one. I'm not sure whether I like it or not. Talk of a "science officer" and a "medical officer," and military-sounding instructions and orders may make for crisper storytelling, but it seems odd when I remember that, at the outset of the show, this was more of a scientific enterprise.

I have noted before the fact that, in season two, the characters are written with more personality than in season one. I bring this up now because the one real problem with it is the way they deal with Alan Carter. In season one, he and the now-absent Paul were much better conceived than most of the rest, and I really liked them. So it's frustrating to see how Carter's character was malwritten for season two. It's as if he's a new random redshirt each time (without the, you know, yucky death), and therefore a blank slate that can be given whatever personality the writer wants. In this episode, Carter has a sudden panicky tantrum that kills one of the aliens and comes close to destroying Koenig's attempt to save Alpha. That wouldn't have been a problem, except that it's so out of character that it just doesn't make sense. It kind of reminds me of "The Mark of Archanon," in which Carter inexplicably took to the young Etrec.

Koenig's and Dr. Russell's romantic patter still isn't great, but I am coming around to thinking of it as being a product of the time when it was made. As such, I'm finding that it bothers me less and less. And, of coutrse, even flawed attempts and giving the characters personalities is way better than the blocks of wood we had in season one.

On a sad note Yasko's back, and she's as annoying as ever. I should probably read up to understand why the show has gone back and forth between her and Sandra. Probably some kind of contract dispute.