In Review: Big Finish: Space 1999 Volume 03: Dragon’s Domain

Synopsis: In Dragon’s Domain, The people of Moonbase Alpha continue their odyssey through space on their wandering Moon. Unfortunately, the long-term influences of their recent alien encounters start to impact upon their course. First, however, an infinity of possibilities opens up for them with terrifying consequences.

Review: Space 1999 Volume 03: Dragon’s Domain was an excellent chapter in the range. It culminated in a top-notch adaptation of Christopher Penfold’s “Dragon’s Domain.” Indeed, Big Finish managed to improve on the visceral original story.

Story

The three tales in Space 1999 Volume 03: Dragon’s Domain were deftly threaded together. Consequently, the titular adaptation unfolded organically within Big Finish’s Space 1999 continuity.

“Skull in the Sky” by Marc Platt centered around a well-worn trope. Despite that, I found myself pleasantly surprised throughout. 

Moreover, Platt’s choice of P.O.V. character greatly increased the unease. Additionally, it set the tone for “Dragon’s Domain” later.

“The Godhead Interrogative” by Nicholas Briggs paid off a plot point from Space 1999 Volume 02: Earthbound. It was the kind of plot point continuity-conscious listeners live for.

Plus, Briggs put a modern twist on the sort of full-frontal allegory that was prevalent during the original show’s run. He got away with the blatant paralleling through confidence and conviction.

Most importantly, however, Briggs put Dashka Kano in the spotlight. As a result, listeners got both great character development and necessary world-building for the big event.

“Dragon’s Domain” is also by Nicholas Briggs. His reworking contained a number of the original’s structural elements. 

However, he built the story around a regular character, instead of a guest character. He also dialed down the dramatic irony and ambiguity in the original. Therefore, Briggs ratcheted up the immediacy of the story, while lessening the filler.

I also must give kudos to the sound design by Benji Clifford, Ben Ottridge, and Iain Meadows. They brought the “dragon” to life more effectively through sound than the original creature fabricators did on screen.

 That’s saying something, given how much the original creatives managed on their budget. Well done!

Acting

The entire cast shone in a set that gave them each room. As fun, as the original show was, their performances elevated Big Finish’s adaptation.

Overall

Thank you, Big Finish, for introducing this newbie to Space 1999. I’ve listened to the entire range so far, and I can’t wait for the next volume.

You can purchase Space 1999 Volume 03: Dragon’s Domain here.