Missing Link (Space: 1999)

The 21st episode of *Space: 1999*’s first series, “Missing Link,” was written by Edward di Lorenzo and directed by Ray Austin. Its final shooting script was dated 5 April 1974, with live-action filming from 22 April to 9 May 1974 and a single day of second-unit work on 22 July 1974. The episode premiered in Australia on 3 November 1975 and in the UK on 22 January 1976.

While surveying a planetary cluster for minerals, Commander Koenig’s Eagle is pulled toward a planet. He fires the thrusters to break free, but on the return to Moonbase Alpha, the ship suffers total systems failure and crash-lands in a lunar crater, leaving Koenig seriously injured. Rescue Eagles bring the unconscious commander and crew back to Alpha. Meanwhile, another Koenig—unharmed and in a spacesuit—leaves the Eagle and walks to Alpha on foot. Entering through an airlock, he finds the base deserted but glimpses an unknown humanoid man and woman. The Main Mission viewscreen displays a magnificent alien city.

Alpha dissolves into a bright void, and the male humanoid appears. He is Raan of Zenno, the planet the Eagle broke away from. His people, the Zennites, are humans two million years more evolved, capable of creating anything through thought. Raan reveals that Koenig’s trek to Alpha was an illusion; he is actually on Zenno, while in Alpha’s Medical Centre, Dr. Russell fights to keep his comatose doppelganger alive. Koenig is placed in a simulation of his quarters. The Zennites view him as a “missing link” to their primitive ancestors, and Raan, their foremost anthropologist, intends to study his mind. Koenig, feeling reduced to a laboratory animal, vows to starve himself.

While Koenig sleeps, Raan begins his study. Koenig wakes in what seems to be Alpha Medical, initially believing the encounter was a dream. He is struck by Professor Bergman’s uncharacteristic pessimism and realizes it is another simulation. As Raan consults with fellow Zennites, Koenig and Raan’s daughter, Vana, develop a romantic attraction. Vana confronts her father, arguing they have no right to exploit Koenig. Raan is disturbed that his daughter has fallen for his test subject. Koenig is torn between Vana and his longing for home. Raan warns that his doppelganger is about to die, preventing his return. Koenig decides not to abandon his people. Vana wants to go with him, but he insists she stay in her own time. D