Black Box (The Outer Limits)

"Black Box"
The Outer Limits episode
Episode no. Season 4
Episode 25
Directed by Steven Weber
Written by Brad Markowitz
Production code 87
Original air date December 11, 1998
Guest actors

"Black Box" is an episode of The Outer Limits. It was first broadcast on December 11, 1998, during the fourth season.

Synopsis

A missing package contains powerful secrets, and everyone wants a piece of the action. A war vet (Ron Perlman) from a covert branch of the military has horrifying flashbacks that begin to affect his daily life.

Opening narration

“ It is said that conduct on the battlefield is the ultimate measure of a man. But often the enemy we are most afraid to face is much closer... to home. ”

Plot

Injured and shell-shocked in an ill-fated mission, Lt. Col. Brandon Grace returns to civilian life only to face a new set of battles. Estranged from his daughter, overwhelmed by his work, Brandon is haunted by horrifying flashbacks of his final mission — images that bleed over into his current reality, leaving him paralyzed with fear.

He believes he is being stalked by a mysterious Commando from his former tactical assault squad — the Aries Group, a secret branch of the military brought together for special assignments. Jennifer, a potential new client, always seems to be present during the assaults by the Commando, first as a silent and hidden observer then as a confidante. But, when the anonymous Commando kills his ex-wife, Grace's paranoid hallucinations become his terrifying reality, and he becomes certain that he is next.

Jennifer pushes Brandon to dig into his memory, to find the reasons for the traumatic visions, and the identity of the mysterious soldier. But, Brandon is more interested in gaining his daughter's forgiveness — before it's too late.

Closing narration

“ Wars can be won or lost but in the battle waged inside a man’s soul, only love can heal the wounds. ”

External links