The Outer Limits (1963) 1.16

Controlled Experiment

starring Barry Morse, Carroll O'Connor

written by Leslie Stevens

directed by Leslie Stevens

Phobos (Barry Morse) travels to Earth where he enlists the assistance of Deimos (Carroll O'Connor) in a controlled experiment. Phobos is there on official business from Mars. He has been tasked with gaining a better understanding of humans, specifically why they violently kill one another. He a high tech gadget to determine where a murder is about to take place. He observes the murder over and over again with the help of a second device which allows him to wind time backwards.

The murder they witness is committed by Carla who is angry at Bert for cheating on her. She waits for him in the lobby of a hotel. When he gets off the elevator she shoots him. Phobos insists on seeing the murder replayed over and over again. He decides that he wants to see what happens if they interfere with the course of events.

Martian Control calls Phobos and tells him to make sure that Carla shoots Bert. It warns that the whole solar system is in danger if Bert lives. Phobos follows the letter of the instructions but doesn't put things back the way they were. He just makes sure that Carla shoots Bert.

Thoughts

This is by far the funniest episode of this show that I have seen. I love how both Barry Morse and Carroll O'Connor play their parts. It takes it's time getting there but this episode was so worth it to me.

Notes

This is the only episode of this show in which Barry Morse appeared. He was a regular member of the cast of Space: 1999, one of the first science fiction shows that I remember watching. He appeared in episodes of The Twilight Zone (1959), The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, and The Invaders.

This is the only episode of this show in which Carroll O'Connor appeared. He is best known for playing Archie Bunker in All in the Family and Archie Bunker's Place. I've seen him in a few movies but nothing recently.

Grace Lee Whitney played the part of Carla. This is the only episode of this show in which she appeared. She is best known for playing the part of Yeoman Janice Rand in eight episodes of the first season of Star Trek (1966).

Robert Fortier played the part of Bert. This is the first of three episodes of this show in which he appeared. He also appeared in an episodes of Star Trek (1966).

This is the third of four episodes of this show that Leslie Stevens directed. The previous one was 1.08 The Borderland.