Message from Moonbase Alpha (1999)

Writer:

Johnny Byrne (writer)

Genre:

Sci-Fi | Short

Plot:

Sandra Benes sends a final message to mark the abandonment of Moonbase Alpha. |

Plot Keywords:

Sequel | Series Finale | Moon

Cast

Zienia Merton

...

Sandra Benes

Runtime:

7 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Filming Locations:

Surrey, England, UK

Company:

Kindred Productions

Trivia:

This short film is a sequel to the TV series "Space: 1999" (1975) and was produced specifically for a special convention held in 1999 to mark the year the Moon left orbit in the series. At the time, the film was shown with the understanding that it would be shown only once (due to licensing restrictions). However, in 2002 A&E announced it would include the film in a DVD release of "Space: 1999" episodes. Although not broadcast, the this short film is considered canonical with the "Space: 1999" (1975) TV series.

Quotes:

Sandra Benes: Finally, to you, the people of planet Earth, we say goodbye and ask but one thing... Remember us!

Movie Connections:

Follows "Space: 1999" (1975)

Last chapter of Space: 1999

This is a pleasant little surprise that accompanied the Space: 1999 megaset. As part of that set's bonus disc supplement, this short was unknown to me.

In this short, Sandra Benes (Zienia Merton, reprising her role) is sending a message from Moonbase Alpha. Her message tells that the life support systems are failing, and that a decision to evacuate Alpha has been made. Her message mentions those that have not survived their collective experiences, and those that they have encountered along the way. She speaks to the good of humanity, the best that Moonbase Alpha had to offer.

This short is a treat for those who were fans of Space: 1999. Zienia Merton maintains the tone of her character and the series in this short, a monolog for her. While there is only part of a set for her, she brings the emotion one would imagine to relating the final message.

Couple this with some small scenes from Space: 1999, it adds to the legacy of the series. If there is no return to Moonbase Alpha in the form of a motion picture, then this is a fine conclusion to the series. If there is a movie, then this is a bit of history that could be incorporated into the canon.