I cannot recall a show that had such huge differences between its few seasons.
Season one is the "serious" one. The "main mission" set is huge, and Moonbase Alpha really does seem realistic. The special effects are superb, some of the best pre-CGI work ever seen. The guest cast list is fantastic, with many notables who would go on to greater fame.
The show's main premise is of course utterly ridiculous; the moon is propelled out of orbit and amazingly arrives in a new solar system virtually every week.
However, within the "travelling moon" framework, the scriptwriters of season one came up with some superb episodes. I would say about 70- 80% of the first season are excellent.
The 8 or so main characters are likable and well-used; the 3 main stars don't totally dominate. Barbara Bain's performance has been criticised by some, but I feel that she gave the correct feel to the character, at least in season one.
The aliens encountered along the journey are of course English speaking white people, such as Peter Cushing, Julian Glover, Christopher Lee, Anthony Valentine etc, and this series predates the 1980s prosthetic aliens - so multicoloured robes and crazy wigs do the job instead.
The main thing I recall from season one (and the only good thing about season two) is the technology, and I refer to the many superb models, as well as the great 70s interior tech, such as the comlocks, the communication towers. The laser weapon, which can of course also stun, is a necessary device, not for Alphan life, but for TV scriptwriters.
Many have commentated about the sad fate of the show when season two was commissioned; it's very difficult to watch.
So, I salute season one.
Season one is the "serious" one. The "main mission" set is huge, and Moonbase Alpha really does seem realistic. The special effects are superb, some of the best pre-CGI work ever seen. The guest cast list is fantastic, with many notables who would go on to greater fame.
The show's main premise is of course utterly ridiculous; the moon is propelled out of orbit and amazingly arrives in a new solar system virtually every week.
However, within the "travelling moon" framework, the scriptwriters of season one came up with some superb episodes. I would say about 70- 80% of the first season are excellent.
The 8 or so main characters are likable and well-used; the 3 main stars don't totally dominate. Barbara Bain's performance has been criticised by some, but I feel that she gave the correct feel to the character, at least in season one.
The aliens encountered along the journey are of course English speaking white people, such as Peter Cushing, Julian Glover, Christopher Lee, Anthony Valentine etc, and this series predates the 1980s prosthetic aliens - so multicoloured robes and crazy wigs do the job instead.
The main thing I recall from season one (and the only good thing about season two) is the technology, and I refer to the many superb models, as well as the great 70s interior tech, such as the comlocks, the communication towers. The laser weapon, which can of course also stun, is a necessary device, not for Alphan life, but for TV scriptwriters.
Many have commentated about the sad fate of the show when season two was commissioned; it's very difficult to watch.
So, I salute season one.