Ep 24. The Last Enemy

In the season 1 finale of Space 1999, entitled "The Last Enemy," the inhabitants of Moonbase Alpha are faced with a distressing dilemma. The episode starts with the discovery of an unknown planet moving towards Moonbase Alpha, causing severe gravitational disturbances and threatening the safety of the base. Commander Koenig orders an investigation, and the team discovers that the planet is under the control of an entity that has been tracking them since they left Earth.

As they investigate, they realize that the entity is none other than their former astronaut colleague, Captain Zantor. Zantor had left Moonbase Alpha years ago on a solo mission and had been lost in space ever since. The crew of the moonbase is perplexed at how Captain Zantor could be controlling an entire planet, but the episode deftly weaves together a compelling narrative of space-time distortions and black hole manipulations.

As the crew of the moonbase tries to make contact with the planet, they find themselves battling betrayals from within their ranks. Koenig and his crew must decide whether to risk confronting Zantor, possibly causing a war that could result in the end of human existence.

The Last Enemy presents a thrilling conclusion to the first season of Space 1999, with a well-crafted script, excellent visuals, and great acting. The episode combines several science-fiction elements in a compelling manner, including time distortions and the psyches of individuals exposed to the infinite timelessness of space.

The themes touched on in this episode include morality, friendship, and the dangers of technology. The sheer scale of the situation facing the Moonbase Alpha crew forces them to contemplate the greater implications of their actions. Meanwhile, the betrayals and misunderstandings within the team provide just the right amount of dramatic tension throughout the episode.

The Last Enemy is a richly layered, multilevel, and emotionally charged episode. It challenges the viewer to consider some of the deeper philosophical questions surrounding space exploration and the nature of humanity. By the end, the episode brings home a powerful and meaningful message that is sure to leave viewers feeling satisfied.