The Mutant

"The Mutant" is an episode of the original The Outer Limits television show. It was first broadcast on March 16, 1964, during the first season.

Introduction

Researchers on an alien planet live in fear of a man wearing goggles, a man who is paranoid and powerful - and can read minds.

Opening narration

At this very moment, our horizon is menaced by two explosive forces, both man-made. One is a deadly wonder; the other, wondrously alive. Both forces have compelled Man to reach out for worlds beyond his own, new worlds where he may find peace, and room to grow. This is the first of those new worlds. The United Nations of Earth have claimed it, and called it Annex One. It is almost identical to Earth, except that there is no night--sunlight is constant. Early reports from the small expeditionary team stationed on Annex One indicated that the ancient planet appeared suitable for colonization by Earth's overflowing population. But the most recent reports have contained unspoken, oddly disturbing undercurrents, and the United Space Agency has decided to investigate. The man chosen: Dr. Evan Marshall, psychiatrist.

Plot

An astronaut lands on an alien planet to investigate the death of one of a group of Earth scientists who are testing to see if the planet is suitable for colonization. The scientists, including Julie, his old flame, behave strangely but won't explain why. They are particularly nervous around Reese Fowler, a researcher who seems to wear goggles at all times.

One of the scientists attempts to leave a hastily scribbled note in the astronaut's spacesuit pocket; he exits the room only to bump into Reese, who seems to read his mind — and then destroys him.

The astronaut is led to a remote cave where he discovers that the others live in fear of Reese, who developed superhuman abilities when he was exposed to the planet's chemical rainfall, which has mutating properties, causing the scientist to possess the large eyes he has. Reese, knowing that if the others return to Earth, he will be left behind because of the danger he poses, is holding the others captive. The astronaut must somehow overcome a man who can read minds, and kill with a touch.

Closing narration

The forces of violence and the forces of nature compel Man to reach out toward new horizons, where peace and sanity may flourish, where there is room to grow. But before we run, should we not first make certain that we have done all that can be done here to end madness, quiet the disturbers of peace, and make room for those who need so little to grow in?

Cast

• Larry Pennell – as Evan Marshall
• Warren Oates – as Reese Fowler
• Walter Burke – as Dr. Fred Riner
• Betsy Jones-Moreland – as Julie Griffith
• Richard Derr – as Philip Griffith
• Herman Rudin – as Henry LaCosta
• Robert Sampson – as Peter Chandler

External links

• "The Mutant" at TV.com