This is a sequel to the first episode of the series "Planet 46". While it is not necessary to have watched that episode to enjoy this excellent adventure, being familiar with "Planet 46" I think enhances one's viewing of this one.
The Subterranians of Planet 46 are back and looking for revenge on Steve Zodiac for killing their leader and foiling their plans to destroy earth. So they invent a bird like drone that will infect Zodiac with a disease that will bring about his death.
Before they can launch their drone, Fireball XL5 arrives to investigate some odd transmissions from the planet. Not ready to employ their drone, the Subterranians decide to lie low until Fireball leaves (Strangely Steve Zodiac only does a fly by of the surface of the planet looking for activity all along fully knowing these people are SUBTERRANIAN and live underground.
When Fireball returns to earth, the drone goes after Steve and infects him while driving Venus and Zoony home in his hover car. Through some quick thinking Venus avoids a crash that could have killed them all.
Venus discovers Steve has been infected and may die unless she operates right away. In an excellent sequence, we see her operate on Steve while Matt paces anxiously outside the operating room. Really good work by director David Elliot. It also shows that Venus is not just another pretty face but a skilled doctor.
After two more attempts by the drone to kill Zodiac, Steve brings it down with a ray gun and they discover it is the work of the Subterranians. Fireball XL5 returns to Planet 46 to confront the Subterranians who are waiting with 4 powerful defensive missiles. However, they back away from the confrontation with the XL5 when they discover Matt has reprogrammed the drone to attack them.
This is one of my favorite Fireball XL5 adventures. It features a good, understandable story of revenge by Alan Fennell, really good villains to oppose Steve Zodiac, and excellent direction by David Elliot, who uses music and some great shots to create a sense of foreboding and suspense. Our hero, Steve Zodiac saves the day (as opposed to some secondary character) and best of all, there is very little Zoony.
The Subterranians of Planet 46 are back and looking for revenge on Steve Zodiac for killing their leader and foiling their plans to destroy earth. So they invent a bird like drone that will infect Zodiac with a disease that will bring about his death.
Before they can launch their drone, Fireball XL5 arrives to investigate some odd transmissions from the planet. Not ready to employ their drone, the Subterranians decide to lie low until Fireball leaves (Strangely Steve Zodiac only does a fly by of the surface of the planet looking for activity all along fully knowing these people are SUBTERRANIAN and live underground.
When Fireball returns to earth, the drone goes after Steve and infects him while driving Venus and Zoony home in his hover car. Through some quick thinking Venus avoids a crash that could have killed them all.
Venus discovers Steve has been infected and may die unless she operates right away. In an excellent sequence, we see her operate on Steve while Matt paces anxiously outside the operating room. Really good work by director David Elliot. It also shows that Venus is not just another pretty face but a skilled doctor.
After two more attempts by the drone to kill Zodiac, Steve brings it down with a ray gun and they discover it is the work of the Subterranians. Fireball XL5 returns to Planet 46 to confront the Subterranians who are waiting with 4 powerful defensive missiles. However, they back away from the confrontation with the XL5 when they discover Matt has reprogrammed the drone to attack them.
This is one of my favorite Fireball XL5 adventures. It features a good, understandable story of revenge by Alan Fennell, really good villains to oppose Steve Zodiac, and excellent direction by David Elliot, who uses music and some great shots to create a sense of foreboding and suspense. Our hero, Steve Zodiac saves the day (as opposed to some secondary character) and best of all, there is very little Zoony.