Written by James Swallow

Anderson Entertainment, out now (and as an audiobook from Big Finish

Some time in the first season of the show, the Alphans have got some control of, and made peace with, their situation. Doctor Victor Bergman in particular is relishing the opportunity to literally push the boundaries of human science. So when the Alphans realize a colossal energy cloud is in their path, Bergman advocates for a fact finding mission. Eagle 8 is sent out and something within the cloud stirs and annihilates it. Now, with no time before the Moon crashes through the cloud, Commander John Koenig, Alan Carter and Bergman must lead a team into it to discover what it is, whether it can be reasoned with and how it can be stopped.

The thing it’s easy to forget about Space:1999 is the deeply interesting ground it sits on. Looked at one way it’s a story of epic human endeavour in the face of adversity. Looked at another it’s literal cosmic horror as a tiny group of humans with no resources are catapulted through the stars, hanging onto a lifeless rock and trying to build a new life for themselves. This is incredible ground to build a story on and the show was at its best when it did just that.

James Swallow has always been a deeply perceptive and intelligent writer who understands the nature of the properties he writes for. This is no exception and both the extremes I mentioned above are explored here. In addition to a couple of very likable new characters, Swallow puts the focus pretty solidly on Bergman and that intellectual, but creative, viewpoint is key to what makes the story work. There’s beauty and wonder, and hope, out in the void and Bergman’s open hearted, almost monastic willingness to engage with it is as inspiring as it is difficult to maintain. Having hm central here gives Swallow a chance to play with these big ideals and it pays off.

That isn’t to say the other characters don’t get a fair shake. Swallow perfectly embodies Koenig’s slightly militaristic belligerent protection of his people as well as Carter’s happy warrior of a pilot. The other characters get a little shorter shrift but the use of new viewpoint characters is a smart choice that pays off and emphasizes the jeopardy everyone is in.

That jeopardy is epic in size and deeply personal in scope and the second half of the story explores both those factors very well. This is a classic ‘Out of Control Cosmic Weapon’ story and Swallow balances the joy of big, scary objects with a really interesting, well-realized look at how a society could exist in the literal ruins that the engine drags with it. The alien refugees are a neatly realized culture of survivors, and a welcome, personal perspective on the impersonal, almost chthonic spectacle.

Verdict: This is vintage Space:1999 in every sense of the word. It’s clever and dark, has a massive central idea and an even bigger heart. Recommended. 10/10

Alasdair Stuart