Court Martial

Hi Folks,

A few thoughts on Court Martial, which I watched again tonight for
the first time since the last time it turned up in our episode
discussions -

I reckon this is a cracking episode - one of the top five I
would say, despite the lack of attendance from Skydiver, the
Interceptors, Moonbase and our friends in the red suits.

The most striking thing about this episode is the Jackson
character. His role is entirely different in this episode than in
all the others in which he appears - in this one, he is a sidekick
of Henderson rather than part of SHADO proper, and it's clear
that Straker, and Freeman in particular personally loathe him.
In other episodes, he is shown as an integrated, valuable and
trusted member of SHADO and there's no hint whatever of any
personal enmity toward him by anyone. I wonder if the part was
originally intended for a different character? Whatever, it's
a good example of the frequent inconsistencies of ideas between
different episodes. But Vladek Sheybal was far and away the
best actor in the regular cast, by miles and he really gets his
teeth into the part of the cold, impersonal prosecuting officer
at the Court Martial.

Michael Billington's acting veers between perfectly creditable
(the trial scene) and (imo) very dodgy (watch the first scene
in which he appears - very awkward throughout and unusual pauses
before he says his lines. And the bit where he casually strolls
into Straker's office to sign the appeal form before making his
escape).

The detail about the encryption machine that reads handwriting in
the trial scene is interesting - amusing to hear handwritten input
described as 'antiquated' considering that this technology was
not available in the real 1980. But it's an interesting and well
thought out plot detail I think.

Someone else mentioned the moment where Straker looks across at
Foster after he's sentenced to death - and credit where it's due,
he does convey a range of emotions here. Superb acting.

One aspect of the plot that troubles me is that Foster is
in the habit of taking ultra-secret materials home with him!
I used to work in the defence industry myself and the penalties
for doing this were quite draconian (indeed it was an actual
criminal offence).

Foster really tempts fate by teasing Jackson about Straker's
escape hatch before he makes a jump for it - by which time he
has clearly put Jackson on his guard, endangering his chance of
making a break for it.

Straker's bullying tactics with the acoustic gun seem a little
distasteful and out of place here, considering that the woman
he threatens is merely an industrial spy - would have been better
just to have her willingly sign the affidavit at a police
station, perhaps in return for immunity from prosecution from
having Foster's apartment bugged (which surely even in the UFO
Universe *must* be a criminal offence). Another point on this
- she is bound to put two and two together and assume that her
visit to Straker's office has something to do with the military
stuff she has uncovered at Foster's apartment. Perhaps we're left
to assume that she will be given a dose of the amnesia drug, or
taken down to the armoury and disposed of, like Foster nearly
was in Kill Straker.

And finally - we finish off on a light-hearted 'Star Trek' moment
at the end.

Great episode - 9/10.

Hi to all the new folks by the way - nice to meet you.

Cheers
James

James Gibbon wrote:

<<Jackson('s)... role is entirely different in this
episode than in all the others in which he appears -
in this one, he is a sidekick of Henderson rather than
part of SHADO proper, and it's clear that Straker, and
Freeman in particular personally loathe him.>>

Yes, it comes as a bit of a shock for the usually
amiable 'people person' Freeman to insult anyone, even
Jackson !

<<In other episodes, he is shown as an integrated,
valuable and trusted member of SHADO and there's no
hint whatever of any personal enmity toward him by
anyone... it's a good example of the frequent
inconsistencies of ideas between different episodes.>>

Perhaps - he's certainly shown as a part of SHADO
proper, rather than Henderson's sidekick, in the
earlier episode 'Exposed', and in later episodes.
However, maybe his effectively saving Foster's life
(by suggesting the use of anaesthetic darts rather
than bullets to shoot Foster after his escape) might
have redeemed him in the eyes of Straker and Foster et
al ?

<<Foster really tempts fate by teasing Jackson about
Straker's escape hatch before he makes a jump for it -
by which time he has clearly put Jackson on his guard,
endangering his chance of making a break for it.>>

But Foster is SHADO's 'bad boy' - doesn't mind taking
risks, and "a little headstrong" (Jackson's words).
And after the grilling by Jackson in the courtroom, he
probably wants quite badly to needle Jackson,
regardless of the risk.

- Andy

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