Such a powerful episode, sad, thoughtful and ultimately uplifting. I wish the series had ended with this one.
The theme of the episode seemed to be about how we face death, or the end, with dignity. The scenes beginning with Victor & Koenig talking about fate, moving to the crews quarters where they are quietly playing cards & chess, Paul playing classical guitar, while the moon heads for certain destruction... what a great show.
Can't find a movie or TV show? Login to create it.
Want to rate or add this item to a list?
Not a member?
Reply by wonder2wonder
on April 18, 2018 at 1:28 PM
It's surprising how everyone accepted their fate. There was little objection to the computer's selection of the crew for the survival ship. No real protest, no one trying to steal a ship and escape. Really well trained personnel.
Reply by rooprect
on April 19, 2018 at 9:01 AM
Exactly. I wonder if people would be that way in real life. Surprisingly, history sorta tells us yes (for the most part). For example when it was announced that the Titanic would only save women & children, there were no riots and in fact some of the men went to their cabins and dressed in tuxedos to go down like gentlemen. I can't think of any recent examples to compare, but at least Black Sun confirms what I hope human nature might be.
Of course, panic situations don't count (fires & stampedes and all that crap, where nobody thinks rationally). I'd like to think when we have time to really consider our end, we'll go out with a bit of class.
Reply by Dark_Sithlord
on September 13, 2018 at 3:20 AM
A thoughtful and articulate thread.
I love this episode for all the reasons cited by the OP. It reminds me of the quote from Kirk in Star Trek II The Wrath of Khan: "How we face death is at least as important as how we face life." I hope when my time has comes, I'll be able to show composure and some dignity.
Reply by Knixon
on October 8, 2018 at 3:00 AM
The movie "When Worlds Collide" has what might be a more realistic portrayal.
And then of course there's Monty Python:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zisjRgcuL9k
Reply by rooprect
on December 30, 2021 at 12:16 AM
Totally random (and 3 years late to the discussion) but that reminded me of the original 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea when the Nautilus is sinking and instead of abandoning ship or freaking out, Nemo starts playing the organ. A lot like Paul playing the guitar in Space:1999 there’s something really dignified and triumphant about playing music in the face of catastrophe.
And of course there’s the way Spinal Tap kept playing even though the colossal Stonehenge prop was only 18” high.
Reply by Knixon
on September 14, 2022 at 12:44 AM
Been a long time since I saw those episodes, what was the claimed reason for why there could only be one survival ship?
Reply by Dark_Sithlord
on September 14, 2022 at 2:04 AM
I think Koenig had all the Eagles dismantled so their power generators could be used to power up Victor's force field to protect Alpha from the Black Sun. He kept one Eagle in reserve.