Message from Moonbase Alpha

As a 70's fan of Space 1999, I didn't know this "short" existed until I happened to watch it recently while recovering in the hospital after binge watching season 1 & 2. (In all honesty I can't blame my tears while watching it on my medication).

"Solid as a rock" words that describe the devoted character of Sandra Benes of Space 1999 brought to life by the quietly unassuming performance of Zienia Merton. I truly believe this resigned yet heartfelt goodbye could not have been delivered by any other member of the crew of Moon Base Alpha than Sandra. Always at her post. Always giving her best and always filled with a kind of hopeful understanding that even while praying to find a new world, Alpha was her home. Goodbye Alpha.

As a child of the 70's I grew up with Commander John Koenig and Dr. Helena Russell. I was one who truly believed that by the year 1999 we would have a permanent base on the moon accessible to all, but such was not to be. The dreams of a future where space travel was common place was replaced with bloated social programs and endless wars. Watching this short clip brought back the memory of those childhood dreams, of the future could have, no, SHOULD HAVE been, a future that was snatched from the hands of my generation. As I wiped a tear from my eye I wonder, was I weeping for Space 1999 and Moonbase Alpha or was my sorrow for what we could have have had?

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.

Space:1999 Johnny Byrne wrote this beautiful concluding piece for the seminal series that influenced later Star Trek and other sci fi shows and movies. Zienia Merton is outstanding as always.