Every time I see a really well directed episode of "Fireball XL5" I discover the director is Alan Pattillo. While this script has its flaws and an unusually weak ending, Pattillo does the most with it, creating some great suspense as Steve Zodiac and company explore the deserted space station Companion 12. He makes far greater use of shadows and interesting camera angles than most of the show's other directors.
On it's way to relieve the XL5 on patrol, the XL9 is attacked by the pirate vessel SS Thor. In flames, it tries to return to Earth only to crash land and damage the launch ramp.
So the XL5 is sent back to resume patrol. They discover the SS (for Spy Ship) Thor parked in space around Companion 12. Zodiac, Venus and the Professor go to investigate, leaving Robert to watch the XL5. First they check out the Thor. Then they investigate the space station. These scenes are very tense and suspenseful.
They discover Boris and Grizelda (who they encountered in the circus episode "Flying Zodiac") have taken over the space station and now have them prisoners and plan to take over the XL5.
Fortunately Zodiac and the Professor are able to quickly outwit Boris and Grizelda and in a fine comic moment are able to eject Boris from the space station and send him into orbit around it.
Once again you have to check all your knowledge about space at the door for this one. Forget the fact they aren't wearing space suits. Forget the need for oxygen since they have "oxygen pills". Forget the fact XL9 seems to be on fire for days (in space!)before crash landing on earth. Enjoy it for its suspense, its rousing adventure, its excellent direction and the many enjoyable parts (though I found it weird once they defeat Boris and Grizelda Steve makes no attempt to capture them or make them pay for their crimes. Odd.)
On it's way to relieve the XL5 on patrol, the XL9 is attacked by the pirate vessel SS Thor. In flames, it tries to return to Earth only to crash land and damage the launch ramp.
So the XL5 is sent back to resume patrol. They discover the SS (for Spy Ship) Thor parked in space around Companion 12. Zodiac, Venus and the Professor go to investigate, leaving Robert to watch the XL5. First they check out the Thor. Then they investigate the space station. These scenes are very tense and suspenseful.
They discover Boris and Grizelda (who they encountered in the circus episode "Flying Zodiac") have taken over the space station and now have them prisoners and plan to take over the XL5.
Fortunately Zodiac and the Professor are able to quickly outwit Boris and Grizelda and in a fine comic moment are able to eject Boris from the space station and send him into orbit around it.
Once again you have to check all your knowledge about space at the door for this one. Forget the fact they aren't wearing space suits. Forget the need for oxygen since they have "oxygen pills". Forget the fact XL9 seems to be on fire for days (in space!)before crash landing on earth. Enjoy it for its suspense, its rousing adventure, its excellent direction and the many enjoyable parts (though I found it weird once they defeat Boris and Grizelda Steve makes no attempt to capture them or make them pay for their crimes. Odd.)