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Earth II
Movie

Earth II

1971 • Sci-Fi

Woke Score
2
out of 10

Plot

In the near future, a space station dubbed Earth II is built for the purpose of scientific research and world peace. However, that peace is shattered when the Chinese send up a nuclear bomb that is orbiting just a few miles away from the station. Can the crew disarm the bomb before it detonates, not only destroying the station but setting off World War III?

Overall Series Review

The 1971 television pilot "Earth II" presents a cold-war era science fiction story centered on a self-governing, international space station founded on the principles of pacifism and scientific research. The primary conflict revolves around a political and philosophical debate: whether the station should violate its founding principles to disarm a Chinese nuclear weapon threatening both the station and Earth. The narrative functions as a civics debate, heavily influenced by the anti-war and utopian sensibilities of the late 1960s and early 70s. Characters are defined by their position on this central political dilemma rather than their identity. The crew is international, including a Black scientist in a key position, indicating a colorblind, meritocratic casting approach for its time. Gender roles are traditional, with the main female character acting as a flawed supporting figure to the male leads. While the film criticizes the militarism and political failures of 'Earth,' it does so from a position of promoting a better, more democratic, and scientifically advanced civilization.

Categorical Breakdown

Identity Politics2/10

Characters are judged by their competence and political/philosophical stance on the crisis. The space station is an international colony of scientists judged by merit. Diversity is present (a Black doctor is a main figure) but is not the subject of lecturing or a source of conflict. The plot does not rely on an intersectional lens.

Oikophobia4/10

The central premise frames Earth as fundamentally corrupted by nationalism, violence, and geopolitical tension, necessitating the creation of a new, peaceful, utopian society in space. This suggests a strong dissatisfaction with the existing home culture. The new society, however, is built on Western ideals of science and democracy.

Feminism1/10

The core leadership and figures making pivotal decisions are male. The main female character, Lisa Karger, is portrayed as incompetent and makes a "thoughtless" blunder that heightens the danger. The colony includes both scientists and families, integrating motherhood and traditional family structure into the ideal society.

LGBTQ+1/10

The narrative focuses on the political and ethical crisis of disarmament. The station is described as a colony of "families." Sexuality or gender ideology is not a component of the plot, characters, or the station's structure.

Anti-Theism3/10

The conflict and its resolution are entirely secular, dealing with pacifism versus violence, democracy, and science. The film does not include religious characters or a discussion of faith, thus providing a spiritual vacuum, but it does not actively vilify religion.