Though the story is titled "Seascope", the SHADO ship from which it
takes its name is referred to as Sea Scope throughout.
Carlin's name is spelled "Karlin" throughout the story. The
"K" spelling was used in pre-production material for the
TV series, but was changed to "Carlin" when the series began
production.
This story introduces a new ship to the SHADO fleet, the
unmanned Sea Scope, a sort of seaside version of
SID, able to increase Skydiver's communications reliability,
guide it to weather-safe spots from which to launch Sky 1, and
pinpoint termination points for UFOs over the sea.
Unfortunately, it is destroyed here as well. Since the ship
was unarmed, Straker seems to come to the conclusion that
another would require full-time guarding to protect it from
UFO attacks and shelves the idea. But why not arm any
replacement vessel so it can protect itself? Based on this
story, it seems it would prove itself nearly indispensible
over time.
Page 56 reveals that when Sky 1 is separated from the rest
of Skydiver, the submersible portion is referred to as
(you guessed it) Diver 1.
As a UFO attack on Sea Scope begins, Carlin
reflects on how the aliens uncannily always seem to know of
SHADO's latest secrets. The aliens' intel regarding SHADO is
a recurring theme throughout the series. It's never really
explained how they are able to recruit or brainwash SHADO
personnel so easily for spying, sabotage, and other
clandestine operations, adding to the aliens' mystery.
Why does Foster race out to pilot the Shadair Rescue
Freighter? Since the plane had recently been prepared for
takeoff, then put on hold, shouldn't the original pilot still
be closer (and, to be frank, more expendable) than Colonel
Foster?
UNANSWERED QUESTIONS
Sea Scope is said to be an unmanned, seagoing
version of SID and have a computerized voice. Does the voice
sound the same as SID? SID's voice was provided by Mel
Oxley, the voice of public service messages for BBC radio
and television in the 1960s.
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Episode Studies