|
“The Infernal Machine” |
||
|
A sentient ship arrives on Alpha seeking supplies... and a replacement for its dying “Companion.” Writers: Anthony Terpiloff & Elizabeth Barrows Director: David Tomblin Guest Cast Leo McKern as Companion/Gwent Gary Waldhorn as Winters |
This is the final episode of Space: 1999’s immortality triad, which also includes “Death’s Other Dominion” and “End of Eternity.” A reworking of the Frankenstein legend, this story concerns Gwent, a man who built a sentient ship and gave it his personality, only to have it take him over and steal his identity, enslave him and consign him the menial role of “Companion.” The distinguished Leo McKern is impressive not only as Companion, but as the voice of his creation Gwent. Gwent is diabolical and self-centered, the survival instinct of a human without the heart to temper it. It is the worst part of his creator, who is now powerless to control what he has wrought. Once again, the show takes a stand against the pursuit of immortality. “Oh my dear Gwent,” Victor explains in the end, “you were wrong from the beginning. To attempt to preserve one's personality is the ultimate vanity.” This is probably one of the most visually striking episodes of the series. The interior of the ship is a masterpiece of wide opened spaces and forced perspectives reinforced with superlative camera work. The model was interesting as well: production folklore has it that the model was such a pain to work with that the special effects director picked it up and hurled it against a wall when they were finished with it. |
|
|
RELATED PAGES: [Ken Scott] [Martin Willey] |
||
|
Alpha Chronicle Online ©2001 by Matt Butts. Space: 1999 ©1975 Carlton
International Media, |
||