Ep 12. End of Eternity

Title: Space: 1999 - Season 1, Episode 12 - End of Eternity

The twelfth episode of the first season of the groundbreaking British science fiction television series "Space: 1999," titled "End of Eternity," is a thought-provoking narrative that explores the profound implications of immortality and the consequences of tampering with the natural order of life and death.

Frame the setting of Moonbase Alpha, a bastion of human ingenuity and hope in the cold expanse of space. The year is 1999, and the residents of the moonbase are stranded on the Moon after a catastrophic nuclear waste explosion has sent it hurtling out of Earth orbit into the far reaches of the unknown universe. Each week, the Alpha crew encounters mind-bending challenges and otherworldly phenomena that test their resolve, their values, and their very survival.

In "End of Eternity," the Alpha crew discovers an alien spacecraft embedded in an asteroid. The routine investigation takes a dramatic turn when they unwittingly release Balor, a being of immeasurable power and enigmatic origin. Balor's origins trace back to a civilization that has long since perished, leaving him stranded in the loneliness of space. He is an immortal, inflicted with an eternity of solitude, and the reasons for his confinement within the asteroid quickly become a central mystery to the Alphans.

The Alpha team, led by the resolute Commander John Koenig and the compassionate Dr. Helena Russell, are at first intrigued by the concept of immortality that Balor represents. The crew wrestles with the profound implications of eternal life: the ethical dilemmas, the potential for scientific knowledge, and the weight of limitless time. However, fascination turns to unease as it becomes apparent that Balor's eternal existence has been tainted by unspeakable horrors and a hauntingly dark past.

As the story unfolds, Balor's true nature surfaces, revealing a character that is as complex as he is dangerous. Immortality has imbued him not only with time but also with an unmatched knowledge and a potent, yet possibly fading, strength. His experiences have driven him to the edge of madness and morality. The episode delves into the psychological toll that eternity can exact on the psyche and whether a being that has lived forever can still retain vestiges of empathy or humanity.

The crew's interpersonal dynamics are tested under the strain of Balor's presence. Their diverse backgrounds and perspectives come into play, from the pragmatic science officer Professor Victor Bergman to the security chief's militaristic point of view. The episode highlights the importance of camaraderie, moral compass, and leadership in the face of a threat that seems beyond their comprehension or ability to control.

Balor serves as a compelling antagonist, complex and nuanced, challenging the crew not only physically but also ethically. As tensions escalate, the philosophical debates among the crew members become as intense as the action scenes. With their safe haven turned volatile, the Alphans must grapple with both the immediate crisis Balor poses and the deeper existential questions that his presence awakens.

The narrative tension rises as the Alphans attempt to navigate the delicate balance between extending hospitality to a being from another world and protecting their own. They are forced to consider the potential ramifications of the knowledge he possesses and the true cost of immortality. There are no easy answers, and decisions made in the throes of conflict reveal the depth and nature of the crew's character.

A visually stimulating episode, "End of Eternity" features the series' signature special effects and futuristic set design that fans have come to expect from "Space: 1999." Moreover, the episode's score provides an atmospheric and suspenseful accompaniment to the unfolding action and inner turmoil.

In true "Space: 1999" fashion, "End of Eternity" isn't just an episode about surviving an alien threat; it's also a canvas for exploring the human condition. It asks viewers to confront the very notion of what it means to live and the price one is willing to pay for an endless tomorrow. With no clear distinction between right and wrong, the episode challenges both the Alphans and the audience to ponder the darker shadows that exist within themselves and the universe.