A strange craft approaches Alpha, and Computer is unable or unwilling to provide any relevent data. It sends a transmission consisting of audio only, asks for help, and permission to land. It comes into visual range and appears on the main screen.
	Koenig agrees to let it land, on the stipulation that it does so away from the base. It continues to approach until Koenig says that is close enough. The Alphans offer to receive a small, un-armed delegation from the craft. An offer which is refused, but an invitation is
extended to John, Helena and Victor to come aboard, "fully armed of course". They hesitantly agree, and take a moobuggy out to the ship. They are guided to the control room by the voice. When they arrive they enter a massive, seemingly empty room. They look for the
	source of the voice and find an elderly man sleeping in an adjoining chamber. He awakens and seems confused by their presence. They ask what kind of help he needed and he seems to have no idea to what they refer. He introduces himself as "Companion",
and tells them that he and Gwent occasionally have to interrupt their endless journey to aquire items necessary to their well-being, and surmises that is the reason for their being summoned. A list of provisions seems to print out on it's own, and Companion begins to
	chastise his absent friend for interrupting. Victor looks at the list and says that they might have some of the items. The voice of Gwent replies that he has consulted their computer and they have everything on the list. Koenig is allowed to contact the base to verify this, but
Companion tells him that Gwent is the ship around them, and controls their computer, and which will tell them whatever he wants. He suggests they give him what he wants and leave... while they still can. It becomes apparent that Companion is dying. Koenig agrees
	to send the supplies when they return to Alpha. Gwent demands he get the supplies first. Koenig orders an attack, and Gwent retaliates. Companion collapses as they reach a truce. He tells them that Gwent has never lived alone. With his dying breath, he confesses that he
is Gwent, but the machine outgrew him and became his master. He dies and Gwent lifts off. A service is held for Companion and his coffin is launched into space. Gwent demands the supplies be delivered, and warns that there is no one to restrain him now. Gwent "goes
	away" and leaves his captives alone in the dark. Victor stumbles into a forcefield that drains his artificial heart of energy. Gwent returns at that moment, but cannot see what is happening. He has John and Helena seperate so he can see. He revives Victor with a bolt of energy.
It has become apparent to Koenig that Gwent can see only with the use of a spotlight-like probe. He informs Helena and Victor in writing. In order to use the element of surprise, he contacts Main Mission, says nothing, but writes out "attack!". Alpha launches Eagles
	and dispatches laser tanks to try to incapcitate Gwent. They fire upon Gwent to no avail. And Gwent's counter attack is devastating. As Koenig watches the death and destruction he suspects that he and his people are outmatched by their opponent. He is is ultimately
convinced when Gwent fires a beam that causes incredible pain to the entire base. Koenig surrenders and orders the supplies delivered. Gwent tells his captives that he will release Victor when they arrive, but John and Helena will remain as his companions. The Eagle docks and
	the supplies are unloaded. Gwent detects the Alphans weapons and decides to keep Victor as punishment for their treachery. Koenig orders them to fire on the door separating them. This has no effect and Alan and the security team are forced to leave. Gwent instructs John and Victor to get the
power core from the supplies and install it. Koenig decides to destroy the core and Gwent by depriving him of energy. Gwent is taken aback by their actions. He becomes regretful of his actions and realizes the inherent flaw of transferring his personality into an all-powerful
	machine. He needs companionship. He sees that his vanity was his greatest sin and welcomes the release of death. His systems shut down and John Helena and Victor are trapped within the dead machine. As the air thins, Koenig places a small piece of the
smashed fuel core into the chamber and the lights start to come up. John tells him they need oxygen, not lights, and oxygen starts to fill the room. Gwent opens the door and lets them out. Koenig stops to say goodbye to Gwent on the way out, feeling pity for this lost, lonely
	creature. When they get back to the base, Gwent lifts off. He is heading directly for the base, and not gaining altitude. The Alphans watch as he barely clears the base and flies into a mountain, and is destroyed... a blind, lonely creature looking for his death.

This Episode

Random Thoughts

The Infernal Machine happens to be one of my personal favorites for many reasons. I think the acting in this episode is some of the finest in the series. Leo McKern is brilliant as both Companion and Gwent. He is believably frail as Companion, and the subtleties of his acting, along with a well written script, allow a clever confusion at the beginning of the episode. Upon meeting him, the Alphans (along with the audience) are not sure if he is senile and does not recall speaking to them earlier, or if there are other forces at work. When we are made aware of Gwents existence, Companion conveys a real fear of his wrath. When Koenig defies Gwent, Leo Mckern noticeably winces as though he is afraid for him. When Gwent laughs, he visibly relaxes. Gwent is equally charming, frightening, and sensitive as the situation changes. One feels Gwent's loss as conveyed by his voice. I think it is a remarkable performance.

The cinematography is excellent. From the moment Koenig, Helena, and Victor step into Gwent's outer chamber and the camera rises to show them dwarfed by the massive door and then pans in as they walk into the enormous control room, you have the sense that they are puny by comparison to the forces at hand.

And, of course, the model work... I love the design of Gwent. As always I am impressed by the creative and distinctive look Space: 1999 gave to it's alien craft. The Gwent model was both peaceful and threatening in it's design. The spokes spinning lazy circles as it flies, giving it a peaceful look, and somehow conveying a threatening steam-roller effect when it lands. And when it rolls back and forth when Gwent is agitated it really suggests (to me anyhow) someone shaking in anger.

And I could never forget to mention the laser tanks. They are a highlight of this episode for me. I only wonder why we never see them again. one explanation is that they are destroyed in this episode. But if they can repair Eagles, as often as they are damaged, why not the laser tanks? They seem a practical (and mobile) replacement for the laser cannons of the second season.

And finally, the morality tale of the vanity of trying to live forever. This is a topic that has come up a few times in the first season (Death's Other Dominion, End of Eternity, and now, The Infernal Machine). It seems that the writers have strong opinions on this subject, which tend to coincide with my own. I think that the pursuit of eternal life begins and ends with madness. As always, any thoughts or comments to anything here, or in general, are welcome. Just use the commlock in the Communication Centre to contact me.

Deja View

We see in this episode the back of Arra's dais, from Collision Course, used as Companion's bed. This time it's painted red and fitted with lights along the outer rim.

Wallpaper

Sound Files