Double Helix (The Outer Limits)

A geneticist, Dr Martin Nodel, is a researcher looking into introns, mysterious sections of DNA that he believes hold the secret to future evolution. He develops a formula that he believes will activate them, and tests it on himself.

[edit] Opening narration

"Perhaps we should ask ourselves, will the next leap of science be a step into the future? Or a plunge into the abyss"

[edit] Plot

After developing the liquid that acts on the intron (genetic material in DNA that acts as as spacers and does not code for protein) he tests the liquid on himself. He begins experiencing strange symptoms, including a sort of map that grows on his back and a pattern that grows on his hand.

Shortly after he begins looking for students that are suitable candidates. They have to have a high IQ, never had surgery, and are free from imperfections such as tattoos or glasses. They also have to be in a certain age, weight, and height range.

After finding the needed candidates, he reveals the map. The area is discovered to be a hidden military area not on any normal map and, along with Nodel's son and his girlfriend, the group travels to the area.

Inside that area, is a spaceship-type device, which symbols match the ones on the Doctor's hands. It activates, and a message from an apparent alien race is played back. The Doctor, and the students, decide to enter the ship on a journey to the home planet. Despite his son and son's girlfriend not qualifying, the Doctor says that they'd need someone like the two of them.

The ship takes off, and the episode ends.

[edit] Note

Another episode released in season 4, Origin of Species, continues the story.

[edit] Closing narration

"The more we learn about the universe around us, the more we realize how little we truly know. But we will only find what wonders await us if no false walls are built around our explorers, and no false restraints applied to the unquenchable human thirst to know it all."