Big Finish: Space 1999 Volume 02: Earthbound

Synopsis: In this latest set of stories Koenig and his people are earthbound. These are dark times on Moonbase Alpha. Along comes an opportunity to return home to Earth. For one of the Alphans, this is the end of their journey.

Review: Space 1999 Volume 02: Earthbound is an expansion of the original series episode by Anthony Terpiloff. The writers retain the core of the story. However, they trade an old-school morality play for modern allegory.

Story

Space 1999 Volume 02: Earthbound expands a 50-minute teleplay into a three-hour audio play. Despite the added layers, the story is tightly constructed.

“Mooncatcher” by Marc Platt establishes the stakes for the rest of the story. Along the way, the threat of the week element is lyrically and creepily integrated.

“Earthbound” by Iain Meadows takes listeners through the first act of the original episode. The difference, though, lies in emphasis. Meadows uses Space Commissioner Simmons as an analogue for a certain type of modern populist politician.

Consequently, desperate characters leave enlightened self-interest behind. On the upside, Dr Helena Russell has a great deal more to say and do. Her increased agency feeds into the dramatic and nuanced finale.

“Journey’s End” by Nicholas Briggs is the script guest star Christopher Lee probably wished he’d had for the original episode. Briggs gives listeners the triangle Terpiloff implied. In the process, all three characters confront unspoken truths.

Moreover, Simmons is less panto and more pathos. I appreciate this at the performance level. However, I’m torn over the thematic shift.

At this point, I find allegory taxing. I really wouldn’t mind an updated version of an old-school morality play. Subjective view aside, Briggs does an excellent job with the narrative mandate.

Acting

The supporting cast is excellent throughout. That said, the character-driven story is a showcase for the regulars.

Timothy Bentinck is pitch-perfect as Simmons. He has a lot to do. What’s more, he’s given relatively little time between Simmons’ emotional shifts. Those shifts are seamless from beginning to end.

For their parts, Mark Bonnar and Maria Teresa Creasey continue to own their soundscapes. Listeners believe every level they’re conveying.

Overall

Given the cliffhanger, I can’t wait for Space 1999 Volume 03.

You can purchase Space 1999 Volume 02: Earthbound here. 

You can check out more of our Big Finish Reviews here.