Seed of Destruction (Space: 1999)
| "Seed of Destruction" | |
|---|---|
| Space: 1999 episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 2 Episode 13 |
| Directed by | Kevin Connor |
| Written by | John Goldsmith |
| Original air date | 11 November 1976 |
"Seed of Destruction" is the thirteenth episode of the second series of Space: 1999 (and the thirty-seventh episode overall of the programme). The screenplay was written by John Goldsmith; the director was Kevin Connor. The final shooting script is dated 25 May 1976. Live action filming took place Wednesday 7 July 1976 through Friday 23 July 1976.
It is 1608 days after leaving Earth orbit, and the Moon is passing a bizarre, jewel-like asteroid. Resembling a colossal uncut diamond, it radiates an intense energy field disruptive to Moonbase Alpha's sensor equipment. John Koenig decides a close reconnaissance is in order and lifts off in Eagle One. On final approach, an area with breathable atmosphere is detected. Accepting that this invitation could be a trap, he and co-pilot Alan Carter set down within this 'air bubble'. Opening the hatch, they observe the terrain—a plain of crystalline 'sand' surrounded by iceberg-like crags of solid crystal.
As the two men disembark, they are stopped by a malfunction alarm; a problem has developed in the stabiliser circuits. Carter remains behind to troubleshoot as the Commander explores. He discovers a cave and opts to go in alone. The interior is akin to a vast hall of mirrors and he is dazzled by endless reflections. The mirrors are not glass, but facets of dense crystal. Checking in with Carter, Koenig speculates this could be the source of the energy field. Moving further into the cavern, he is briefly overwhelmed by a high-frequency keening. He recovers and moves on. The viewer sees that one mirror has retained his reflection...which then steps out from the crystal with a wolfish smile.
Koenig pauses to collect a sample. Chipping at the wall, he feels an unexpected hand on his shoulder, turns—and beholds the doppelgänger. Before the Commander can react, the reflection-imposter renders him unconscious with an energy shock. After ripping the crystal sample from the wall and stowing it in Koenig's sample case, the replica appropriates his commlock and orders Carter to prepare for lift-off. Before leaving, it removes its mirror-image jacket and dons Koenig's. As it boards the Eagle, Carter notes the mysterious malfunction has resolved itself. Maya calls, requesting they postpone lift-off for her to get further readings from their sensors. The replica brusquely refuses and they depart.
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