When I watched the first two episodes of 'Space: 1999' a few months back, they were the first I'd seen since I was a kid, where my fondest memory of the series were the two toy Eagle 1 ships my brother and I had. Though I found the production values impressive, the show itself was rather sterile and cold. None of the characters made much of an impression, lacking the distinct personalities and interpersonal dynamics of, well, every other show I'd ever seen in my life. It lacked the swashbuckling and overt humanism of 'Star Trek', choosing instead to model itself more on '2001'. That's fine - great actually, as it sets it apart - but it lacks the genius of Kubrick, and TV is so character driven that the flat and dull characters that occupy Moonbase Alpha don't exactly make you want to come back week after week.
'Space: 1999' was a British show with two American leads; Martin Landau as the base's commander, John Koenig - a dull, emotionless anti-Kirk if there ever was one - and Barbara Bain as Helena Russell, the base's chief medical officer and possessor of a rather disconcerting blank stare. Rounding out the "big three" was Brit by birth, Canadian by law, Barry Morse as Professor Victor Bergman, easily the best actor and character on the series.
"Black Sun" once again features impressive production values, but is also saddled with the same problems as the first two episodes. However, there are some nice moments here, such as Koenig and Bergman sharing a few last moments together as their base is pulled toward the titular black sun.
*Toasting*
Koenig: "To everything that could have been."
Bergman: (thoughtful pause) "To everything that was."
The show could use more moments like that, where the character's humanity shines through. Maybe it develops as the show goes along. Problem is, I'm not sure I have the desire to go any further with this crew.