In
“Destination: Earth,” Barney (Chuck McCann) and Junior (Bob Denver) are
recruited by aliens called Tarnesians to test a hand-held device that can open
a time vortex and return them to Earth.
The
aliens, however, have a secret agenda. They plan to change time in ways that
benefit them once they know the devices work properly. They will be ready to
launch an invasion.
Reluctantly,
Barney and Junior say goodbye to Honk (Patty Maloney) as they embark on a
journey through their own past, and a life on Earth.
They
travel back in time to the moment of the disaster that launched them into
space. When they get there, however, they choose to do it all again, to be
reunited with Honk.
The
first thing to understand about “Destination: Earth” is that it is a Far
Out Space Nuts (1975) clip show. Barney and Junior travel back in time,
and re-visit past episodes, on their journey to Earth.
The cool thing about the episode is that it
is a prehistoric – and I mean prehistoric – version of something like Zelig
(1983) or Forrest Gump (1994), only with Barney and Junior going back into
their own adventures. Then, the adventures resume as they were seen originally.
And
yet, despite the reliance on clips in this episode, this is one of the few
segments in the canon that relies on genuine, heartfelt emotions.
In
particular, Junior and Barney must say farewell to their diminutive
partner-in-crime, Honk, who has been their constant companion on the journey
through space. I know this is a goofy
kid’s show from the 1970’s, but this is actually a pretty emotional moment. It’s
like having to say goodbye to a pet, or a best friend.
Even
more emotional is the decision that Barney and Junior make, once they have
returned to their past. As I wrote above, they decide -- consciously and
intentionally -- to be accidentally launched into space and once more undertake
all their (mis-)adventures. And of course,
that means befriending, and remaining friends with Honk.
Either
I’m getting old and soft, or this was a sort of sweet episode, amidst all the
typical goofy humor and chases.
Next
week, the final episode of The Far Out Space Nuts: “Galaxy’s
Greatest Athlete.”
The earthmen's bond with Honk reminds me of the kid's relationship with Sigmund in "Sigmund and the Sea Monsters". It's easier to form a strong friendship with a single 'alien' character than with a whole collection of creatures such as in "Lidsville" or "Pufnstuff".
ReplyDeleteJohn, nice review of this, yes, sweet episode. As a boy, I was glad they went back [launched] to be with Honk. It is what, in Lost In Space, Dr. Smith did in "The Time Merchant" getting back on the Jupiter 2 at launch again to be with the Robinsons.
ReplyDeleteSGB