Ep 14. Earthbound

In Space 1999 season 1 episode 14, titled Earthbound, Commander John Koenig and his crew aboard Moonbase Alpha receive a distress signal from a spaceship. Upon investigation, they realize that the ship is carrying a group of humans from Earth who have been living on a distant planet for the past 20 years. The humans, led by millionaire tycoon Charles Evans, were stranded on the planet after their spacecraft crashed.

Evans is eager to return to Earth and convinces Koenig to take him and his crew on board Alpha. However, Koenig is hesitant as he knows that alpha is not equipped to carry so many people and the journey will be perilous. Evans, however, is not easily deterred and uses his wealth and influence to try and get his way.

Meanwhile, Alpha is also facing a threat from an unknown alien force which is attacking nearby planets. Koenig has to weigh the risks of taking on the additional human passengers against the danger posed by the alien force.

As tensions rise on Alpha, Koenig and his crew must navigate complex moral and ethical dilemmas as they try to find a way to protect the lives of all those on board. With time running out, they must come up with a solution that balances the need to return the human castaways to Earth while also ensuring the safety of Alpha and its crew.

The episode features some thrilling action sequences as Alpha attempts to outmaneuver the alien force and a poignant subplot about the importance of finding one's place in the universe.

Earthbound is a standout episode in the first season of Space 1999 which deftly combines science fiction with moral dilemmas and action-packed suspense. It's a must-watch for fans of the series and a great entry point for newcomers looking to get a taste of Space 1999's unique blend of thrilling storylines and thought-provoking themes.