I'm a huge Larry Haines fan.  I remember him in episodes of a great sci-fi radio series called "X-1" and always enjoy his performances on Mystery Theater.  Charismatic and adaptable over a broad range of roles, Haines's solidly masculine but endearingly vulnerable voice embodies the best of the twilight of radio's Golden Years for me.  In kind of a silly premise in THE LAST ORBIT, Haines demonstrates why he is a radio great.  Through a scant and repetitive script he manages to carry the listener's interest just over the finish line.  The other member of the astronaut duo is Russell Horton's character.  Often I feel Horton's style does not match well with his ubiquitous roles throughout the Mystery Theater series; he's not a "tough guy" though constantly made out to be.  Here the character of a young space "apprentice" is a good match for his style, and he pairs well with Haines.  Silly and a bit dull at times, the story seemed to struggle to fill 45 minutes.  I enjoyed the transformation of Marian Seldes's character from seemingly nefarious black widow to vulnerable femme as her feelings for Haines evolve.  I recommend THE LAST ORBIT for a one-time listen, but don't go in with great expectations.  Three stars out of five - JUROR # 4

