Ed Asner is right; it is a terrible script, not helped by Scott Marlowe chewing scenery in a role he was far too old to do. All of the "scientists" are deadly dull, the monster is poorly animated, and the first half is plagued by the slow-pacing-and-overly-dramatic-music so typical of Outer Limits. Joan Camden must have been bored out of her mind.
But now for the good news: the director makes interesting use of shadows and lighting, and the pacing picks up as the story progresses. While Michael Forrest's naturalism warms the first third, the mid-show picks up with Barbara Luna's energy -- sadly wasted, as the script basically runs out of things for her to do. But the final third is enlivened by Ed Asner, who holds our attention despite the so-so scripting. Acknowledgement must also be made for Ted de Corsia's security guard, who is equally convincing in his small role.
Star Trek connections aplenty, with Michael Forrest and Barbara Luna on screen, Vic Perrin as voice-over Fred Phillips doing make-up, and Gerd Oswald directing (noticeably similar to his work on TOS "The Conscience of the King")
But now for the good news: the director makes interesting use of shadows and lighting, and the pacing picks up as the story progresses. While Michael Forrest's naturalism warms the first third, the mid-show picks up with Barbara Luna's energy -- sadly wasted, as the script basically runs out of things for her to do. But the final third is enlivened by Ed Asner, who holds our attention despite the so-so scripting. Acknowledgement must also be made for Ted de Corsia's security guard, who is equally convincing in his small role.
Star Trek connections aplenty, with Michael Forrest and Barbara Luna on screen, Vic Perrin as voice-over Fred Phillips doing make-up, and Gerd Oswald directing (noticeably similar to his work on TOS "The Conscience of the King")