Space: 1999 (TV Series) Journey to Where (1976) User Reviews

Enjoyable Story with Suspenseful Moments

[brian_m_hass · 8/10 · 22 August 2015]

"Journey to Where" was one of the more memorable episodes of the season two of "Space: 1999." The prospect of returning to Earth raised the hopes for both characters and viewers alike. The episode featured fun moments; and, the story moved along very nicely. The story included interesting problems which needed to be solved. The moments of suspense were well executed.

The story established the fact that less time had passed for the Alphans than for the people of Earth. One of the problems with the premise of "Space: 1999" was the fact that the moon was able to travel from star system to star system within extremely short spans of time. The differences in the rate at which time passed on Earth relative to that of the moon could have been the result of relativistic effects; but, relativistic speeds create other problems for the show's premise. How were the characters on Earth able to talk to the characters on Moonbase Alpha in real time if time was passing at different rates on both worlds.

The episode's story had other science and logic problems as well. How was Moonbase Alpha able to communicate with the medical wrist watches when Koenig, Russell, and Carter were lost? How were those three characters able to be rescued without more specific information about their location? Why didn't the teleporter device take other people and objects from that room with them.

However, "Space: 1999" was never known for having the most solid science or logic. "Journey to Where" is an enjoyable episode for viewers who are able to ignore the science flaws.

Not bad.

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 25 May 2010]

You need to accept the ridiculous plot of "Journey to Where" without questioning. If you can do this, then it isn't a bad episode at all. But even for an episode of "Space: 1999", this one is tough to believe. The show begins with humans from Earth contacting Moonbase--even though they are something like a bazillion miles away from each other. It seems that on Earth, it's the 22nd century (give or take) and they have developed technology allowing them to contact the errant Moon and even possibly transport the humans back to the planet. However, considering the craptastic future that awaits them on New Texas (where the environment around the domes of the cities are unlivable and the life has been wiped out by pollution), I am surprised they would consider making e this transfer! However, the Commander, Dr. Russell and Alan all decide to try making the journey. But it does NOT go as expected, as although they are transported to Earth, due to an earthquake and subsequent device malfunction, they inadvertently are sent to 15th century Scotland--and with their use of the English language, this is NOT a good place to be! Overall, the show is original and interesting--one of the few of season two that I have enjoyed so far when re-watching the show. While it's not great sci-fi, it is significantly better than many of the other episodes.

not bad at all, could have been better

[marcgreenman · 6/10 · 15 December 2019]

This is a very watchable story but lacks in dramatic punch, with the exception of the climax which i thought was pretty disturbing considering what nearly happens. aside from that it feels like a standard sci fi adventure with some interesting ideas behind it. the possibility of transmitting signals across unlimited distances and even across time is fascinating. here it is used to transport people, another exciting idea, in some way faster than light particles or space warps or wormholes must be coming into play. it is nice to see outdoors location filming for a change, this should have been done more often. i wasn't convinced by the acting of the barbarians, the leader was kind of funny. another good moment came when koenig used his watch to trick the guards into thinking he was a spirit or demon, this is one moment i remember well.

Reasonably Entertaining

[StuOz · 22 May 2021]

Earth contacts Moonbase Alpha.

These early season two episodes had a nice new spark, brought on by a new US producer, and Journey to Where is reasonably entertaining. It is the acting of Landau and Bain that holds me rather than the rather routine plot.

Nick Tate (Alan Carter) has a loyal fan base but I am sorry to report that I find his attempts at humour (singing, etc) a little awkward and forced. However, the blame can't be put on Tate as it has been widely reported that the above mentioned new producer requested cast members "lighten up" and do silly things when it simply did not fit the character or episode scene.

Bain's closing line about earth history is the highlight of this reasonable hour.

Scotched

[GaryPeterson67 · 4/10 · 26 August 2023]

An episode that disappoints on a profound level because it signaled the producers had lost confidence in the show's science-fiction premise and were grasping for other genres to goose interest in a series on the ropes.

With Fred Freiberger aboard as producer, one can fairly draw comparisons with his work on STAR TREK's third season. "Journey to Where" brought to mind "All Our Yesterdays," where a mishap similarly sends Captain Kirk into the British Isle's violent past. Kirk emerged in 17th century England, a time and place not far removed from the 14th century Scotland where Koenig and company find themselves. The drama of Helena's pneumonia was tepid at best and seemed included only to allow Barbara Bain to play Camille and to add a little urgency to the plodding, repeated proceedings. I mean, didn't we already see Alphans abducted and held prisoner by primitive tribesmen back in "Full Circle"?

Each exposition-larded scene from Texas City with handwringing by Freddie Jones and Isla Blair made me realize their talents were being squandered. Why even show Texas City? The story would have been just as effective--and arguably stronger--without any scenes from earth. Just a voice speaking from 2120 that would allow the audience to imagine what earth was like at that time. Logan and Carla's uniforms and the sparkly white setting made me wonder what the appeal would be for the Alphans, relocating to this sterile simulacrum of the earth they knew. These scenes were also dull, and even the director's having the performers walk around the table while speaking their lines couldn't spark interest. And the wig on Blair, was it an intentional evocation of Gerry Anderson's previous series UFO?

Watching this in 2023, I envisioned Logan with a smartphone in hand googling all the test questions Koenig peppered him with. Did it stretch credulity for Logan to immediately know who won the 1998 World Series, a 122-year-old event, and close to a century after competitive sports were outlawed in 2026? Yes, but it was a nice touch nonetheless.

Another nice touch was Maya transforming into Mr. Hyde after drinking Tony's "latest concoction." Being from Psychon, how would Maya even know about Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde? Why ask why, right? It made me smile, at least until an irritated Tony, devoid of sensitivity, conscripts Maya's help in getting refreshments to Main Mission to celebrate their return to earth. Yeah, well, forgive Maya for not being especially thrilled as earth isn't her world.

What was unforgivable was Freiberger trying to pass counterfeit characters. Sandra and Mathias were gone, so Freiberger plugged in a couple knockoff lookalikes and assumed the audience wouldn't notice or care. We did and we do.

If "Journey to Where" has any lasting legacy, it would be my strong suspicion that Roger Bizley's portrayal of Scottish clan leader MacDonald was the model for Black Tom Cassidy in the Claremont-Cockrum X-MEN comics created around this very same time. If such was the case, it was all worth it.