Second Thoughts (The Outer Limits)

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“Second Thoughts”
The Outer Limits episode
Episode no. Season 3
Episode 2
Written by Sam Egan
Directed by Mario Azzopardi
Guest stars Howie Mandel as Karl Durand, Jennifer Rubin as Rose, Dean Balkwill as Willy, Jerry Wasserman as William Talbot, Gordon Tipple as Detective #1
Production no. 46
Original airdate 19 January 1997
Episode chronology
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"Bits of Love" "Re-generation"
List of The Outer Limits episodes

"Second Thoughts" is an episode of The Outer Limits television show. It first aired on 19 January 1997, during the third season.

Contents

[edit] Introduction

Karl Durand is a man in his 30's, but with the mind of a child. Dr. Jacob Valerian discovers a method for transferring memories and experiences into another person's brain. As his last dying act he transfers his own memories into Karl's brain.

[edit] Opening narration

"It is only human to dream of rising above one's limitations. But what if we had the power to instantly acquire the qualities that we envy in others? Would it bring real fulfillment... or a hunger that can never be filled?"

[edit] Plot

Karl begins to have flashes of skill and talent from absorbing the doctor's memories. He then uses the machine to transfer more people into his head so as to woo a woman he's secretly loved for years. Finally he absorbs the mind of an artist that the woman had a fling with hoping that his personality helps him to finally get her to love him. Unfortunately the artist was temperamental and suicidal. The ending sequence shows Karl kneeling on the floor going crazy with a gun pointed to his head. The final scene shows a photo of Rose with Karl apparently committing suicide off-camera.

[edit] Closing narration

"How easily we scorn what Fate has dealt us and dream of what it has not. Before we cast aside our lots, it would be wise to remember... that dreams have a way of turning into nightmares."

[edit] External links