In secret, one of Dragos’ minions has infiltrated the base, and is planning to set a time bomb.
Meanwhile,
Jason and Samantha run afoul of the evil Queen Medusa (Francine York), who desperately wants Jason to join her in seizing control of the galaxy. After Jason refuses to team up with the villain, he and Samantha utilize Medusa’s
matter transmitter to return to Star Command, and help Stone and Parsafoot with a search for the ticking bomb…
Watching Jason and Samantha face off against this unusual star beast, I was reminded immediately of Jason and the Argonauts (1962), and then considered again how the swashbuckling fantasy world of Ray Harryhausen seems to be one of the key inspirations of Jason of Star Command.
Consider the similarities: a heroic leader and his courageous team -- with Samantha as a kind of female, amnesiac Hercules -- facing off against evil creatures and aliens. In the same sense as Jason and the Argonauts, Jason of Star Command is tremendous fun, and filled with surprisingly effective special effects for a Saturday morning TV show.
Of
course, some of the character mechanics don’t make a lot of sense. Why would Medusa risk everything she has
gained working with Dragos on the slim chance that Jason would join her? In terms of motivation, it doesn’t seem likely, and, of course, Jason
rejects her call to join up. “My
allegiance is to Star Command and a free galaxy,” he tells her, and his words aren't
exactly a surprise. In fact, they recall his words to Julie Newmar's character in Season One, under similar circumstance. I think Medusa wears the same outfit, as well.
Dragos would seem a more effective villain if the audience felt he actually had a multi-piece strategy. On the other hand, if space terrorism is his goal, perhaps Drago is effective in "terrorizing" Star Command.
Another
nice touch in “Web of the Star Witch” involves the development of Commander
Stone, perhaps the season’s most intriguing personality. Here, he demonstrates his people’s ability to
implant mental directives directly in the minds of other individuals. Specifically, he subdues an alien creature with the
instruction to “rest.” He does so by
placing two fingers against the alien’s temple. This ability looks like the Vulcan mind
meld in practice, but acts like the Vulcan nerve pinch.
Regardless, it passes for a pretty cool ability.
Although
the presentation of Queen Medusa is hackneyed (she even possesses a magic wand...), “Web
of the Star Witch” remains a pretty fast-paced half-hour, and at least gets
Jason back to Star Command, so he can introduce Samantha to the rest of the
gang.
Next week: "Beyond the Stars."
Next week: "Beyond the Stars."
No comments:
Post a Comment