tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post6620168128525233522..comments2024-03-13T23:42:41.022-07:00Comments on We Are Controlling Transmission: The Duplicate ManJohn Scolerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15830334036783163702noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-16410716122793956872023-07-08T11:52:14.698-07:002023-07-08T11:52:14.698-07:00As for the Megazoid's progeny, as Capt. Emmett...As for the Megazoid's progeny, as Capt. Emmett's fears made plain, regardless of its own sex, and since there's evidently no other living Megazoid on earth, that particular Megazoid could reproduce asexually, just as some earth animals can. Indeed, this obvious reality is further explainable by the androgynous tonality of the Megazoid's voice. Furthermore, its progeny might be able and willing to also sexually and/or asexually reproduce at a very young age, and by the "hundreds", as Emmett exclaimed. And as for its choice to return to Henderson's home (I always wondered if that might have been Joe Stefano's place while he was living in Trousdale Estates, Beverly Hills. Share the fantasy!), recall both the zoo tour guide and Emmett cautioning that "it's all consuming impulse……." and …….."It's always thinking of killing!". Apparently, like the classic narcissist personality I know at my day job who can't help bragging about himself while badmouthing others, compulsive killing is probably hard wired into the Megazoid brain, much like is it for cats in the wild. Furthermore, it was probably pissed off for who knows how long with being locked behind bars down in Henderson's cellar-though the fact that it suddenly chose to brake those bars barehandedly was clearly a gaping plot hole. So, on top of its penchant for killing the Megazoid clearly wanted serious payback from Henderson-and Emmett as a bonus, who conveniently showed up to be taken out first.<br /><br />Regarding the duplication process, with a sci-fi drama series episode running under 45 minutes, that was made 50 years ago-and during the second season where the show felt ABC TV's Adrian Samish's budget axe at least once if not twice-and that story was hardly written by trained scientists or even lab techs, expecting plausible explanations for how humans can physically and mentally duplicate themselves is about like asking Joe Schmo down the block how electron/hole flow in the PN substrate material junctions of a simple npn or pnp bipolar transistor become useful as controllable quantities of current and voltage.<br /><br />Thanks so much for your insightful comments and a chance to chat at length about one of my forever favorites! <br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-6031519568466518282023-07-07T23:09:44.783-07:002023-07-07T23:09:44.783-07:00This episode is perhaps the weirdest episode in a ...This episode is perhaps the weirdest episode in a very weird series. It's as if there are scenes missing so it gets confusing. Still I liked it. 2 1/2 Zantis. Am I wrong or is a rare OL episode that explicitly takes place in the future. Amazing that for the year 2011 they thought up a futuristic video phone- but it has a dial pad. The opening with the dead creatures in the display cases at the museum is very interesting. Nice job with those props. It's nice that they adapted a Clifford D. Simak story. I don't think many of his works were adapted. Way Station and City are two of the greatest science fiction novels. Who exactly is the megasoid going to mate with when she's the only living member of her kind on earth?When she spoke I thought she was going to turn out to be misunderstood and benevolent. Why does she return to the mansion to kill people instead of escaping or going off to mate however she was going to do that? In it's mood and style it seems to be one of most noirish episodes of the series, especially the way the climax is shot with low anglew of the men walkingmIt's nice to see Constance Towers from The Naked Kiss although she doesn't have enough to do. The duplicate man stuff is very interesting. The problem is that they don't even try to create a scientific rationale for the procedure, the duplicate just shows up. But the idea of creating a duplicate to carry out unpleasant or dangerous tasks who only lives 5 hours is a good one. So really this is a story with two good ideas- the megasoid and the duplicate man- that really don't mix well in my opinion. With a tighter script this could have really been something. Still I think it's an other underrated second season episode.CNhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16648877307525667089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-56078919608055102502021-10-07T19:09:59.397-07:002021-10-07T19:09:59.397-07:00Like in Expanded Human and Keeper of the Purple Tw...Like in Expanded Human and Keeper of the Purple Twilight, I love some of Harry Lubin’s music here. Lots of heavy, plodding bass notes (though you really don’t get them on the DVDs or even on Kino’s BDs, thanks to all of that overly compressed audio). And some of the synths and woodwinds in various scenes in and around the museum, James’ and Emett’s homes. Thanks SO much to the thoughtful and kind souls who’ve (somehow) acquired and posted several excerpts from Lubin’s library on Youtube that were pulled to score Season Two. If only there were more. Comparisons to Season One are pointless as both seasons are different animals in numerous ways. But don’t get me started on Dom Frontiere’s TV music library, circa 1960-63. I could go on for days. <br />Greghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12007548640789388359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-58497264697545642072020-06-27T03:23:19.799-07:002020-06-27T03:23:19.799-07:00They had some first season goodies in character na...They had some first season goodies in character names (Sebastian Grimm, Victor Harrod, Ortho Wheeler, Meg O'Dana). I find them credible. Somewhat offbeat, yet not fantastic. I've heard far weirder names in real life (a motel chain's safety director named Norman Bates; a patrician lady editorial assistant to a publisher sporting the monicker Pewilla Dick!).john kenrickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00710666533854296630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-73245802462628966522014-12-15T14:43:42.932-08:002014-12-15T14:43:42.932-08:00Yep, I've long associated this with "BLAD...Yep, I've long associated this with "BLADE RUNNER", for the duplicate humans who are on Earth illegally, have to be tracked down and killed, AND, they have a built-in life-span so they die before long anyway. (It's as if Dick saw this before writing his story.)<br /><br />Until I read this page, I had NO idea which one of the 2 guys really died, or not. I always felt it was vague, and uncertain, and the mood of the scene strongly suggested, at least to me, that the REAL guy got killed by the monster, and then the duplicate died just as the end credits were about to roll. Personally, I have no problem with an upbeat ending-- WHY are so many people obsessed with the idea that "downbeat" somehow must be better? That's a load of CRAP!<br /><br />I'm pretty sure I saw that cliff-side house in the book "YESTERDAY'S TOMORROWS", a look at retro-future architecture. I built several of the things in that book as computer 3D models for a sci-fi project of my own.<br /><br />Yes, Gerry Anderson's "UFO" did try to show the "near-future". I read that someone inviolved in the show felt "fashion" would be the biggest change.<br /><br />I also read an article in TV GUIDE-- of all places-- sometime in ther 80s, which speculated on how the Internet (which was STILL not really in much use then) would change how many companies did business. Many, if not most, secretaries would be able to work at home, cutting down on the use of gasolene, wear-and-tear on both vehicles & roadways, allowing more time for families, all sorts of things. WHY-- haven't we seen that YET??? (While working as a "sales assistant" at Camden's "Harleigh Cemetery", my boss once objected to me working at home while 6 inches of glare ice made it dangerous as hell to drive down my street. "How are you gonna DO that?" he asked, stupidly. I told him, "I have a phone, unlimited calling, and the list of Veterans' phone numbers." The truth is, he was a borderline psychotic control freak, and worried that he wouldn't be able to EAVESDROP on my phone calls as I worked.)<br /><br />Ron Randell was in "THE LONG WOLF AND HIS LADY" (1949) and was TERRIBLE in it! No Warren William... and even Gerald Mohr was much better. (Of course, the film in general was so bad, it may not have been his fault.)Henry R. Kujawahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01607373491331529952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-28577153883412774252013-12-17T15:09:07.773-08:002013-12-17T15:09:07.773-08:00So glad so many people came to the defense of this...So glad so many people came to the defense of this dark, moody episode, one of the few S2 standouts. Even Harry Lubin rose to the occasion here with some low-key, atmospheric stuff/<br /><br />Nice performances by the Imwarf and Puddly, by the way, although overall casting was pretty poor by OL standards. Luckily Gerd works wonders creating a vibe where wooden downbeat acting fit the bill. And yes, I always LOVED that little scene with the Duplicates R Us receptionist. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-30703680122950867092012-10-16T08:36:20.952-07:002012-10-16T08:36:20.952-07:00Good grief plans for two of these Japanese release...Good grief plans for two of these Japanese releases with the Ichthyosaurus from 'Tourist Attraction' also scheduled....come on guys isn't this a chance to revivify this blog with news of some EXCELLENT new merchandise ?????JoGGernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-11754362072928619962012-09-09T07:04:39.456-07:002012-09-09T07:04:39.456-07:00oops sorry do not adjust control of your blog... &...oops sorry do not adjust control of your blog... 'duplicate' post cough...send in the Megasoids.....JoGGernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-8832961980682367282012-09-09T07:01:16.092-07:002012-09-09T07:01:16.092-07:00I hope someone in charge of this blog/site is look...I hope someone in charge of this blog/site is looking in because I'm wondering if anyone knows anything about the new set of Outer Limits figures about to released by a Japanese company starting with what looks like an excellent reproduction of the Thetan from 'Architects....'<br /><br />Hope no one thinks Im flooding but Im rather excited about this new range which looks promising..especially considering that martian wilderness known as outer limits merchandise....JoGGernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-89764851277963148072012-09-09T06:58:45.889-07:002012-09-09T06:58:45.889-07:00I hope someone in charge of this blog/site is look...I hope someone in charge of this blog/site is looking in because I'm wondering if anyone knows anything about the new set of Outer Limits figures about to released by a Japanese company starting with what looks like an excellent reproduction of the Thetan from 'Architects....'JoGGernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-67958447890939235282012-06-18T12:59:50.210-07:002012-06-18T12:59:50.210-07:00There's one thing I've always found odd an...There's one thing I've always found odd and kind of "disturbing" about this story. In so many futuristic stories that aren't about all-out "dystopias," things seem to be almost at the other extreme, or at least SOME things. Like the legal system. But in this story, you find out that smuggling the Megasoid is a "capital offense" and that the penalty for illegal duplicating is ALMOST as big! I know the story explains all the dangers of doing those two things, and how they need to be discouraged, but that seems a little "Draconian" for THIS kind of futuristic story.<br /><br />I never associated the name Ivy Bethune with that character till reading it here, but I've always liked that character. It's somehow nice to know that the future in this story still has those semi-comical "starched" secretaries. (The next most entertaining kind, after the "Miss Buxley of Beetle Bailey" kind.)Grantnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-63854988706782107602012-05-09T02:37:15.775-07:002012-05-09T02:37:15.775-07:00Whatta Forum!! Enjoyed it immensely. Have to speci...Whatta Forum!! Enjoyed it immensely. Have to specially thank UTW and JoGGer for their spirited defense of the hour. I saw it for the first time 12 years ago in the 4th grade--"Monstervision?" maybe-- and that monster scared the whatever outta me. The thought of it prancing around the grounds anywhere was a freak out. That VOICE, too.....Admiral Nelsonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-2034223474227219192012-02-08T21:07:02.115-08:002012-02-08T21:07:02.115-08:00Eccentric character names were a hallmark of most ...Eccentric character names were a hallmark of most of Robert Dennis' writing for the second season -- he built "budget-free" chewiness right into the parts!DJSnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-13549104957761783542012-02-08T20:37:31.141-08:002012-02-08T20:37:31.141-08:00One thing Season Two goes in for that Season One d...One thing Season Two goes in for that Season One didn't go in for all that much is colorful CHARACTER NAMES. For the human characters, not the aliens, I mean. The Probe has "Jefferson Rome," Expanding Human has "Hart Bellaire" (even though you hardly even see him), and this one has both "Henderson James" and "Basil Jerichau." If I were ever to look for a colorful alias to use, Season Two of Outer Limits wouldn't be a bad place to look.<br />I'm sure most of you will say "Too bad they didn't have great stories to go with them," but either way, it's interesting.Grantnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-82944073157546369942011-07-30T08:15:20.144-07:002011-07-30T08:15:20.144-07:00I like the episode , I like the Megasoid..I like t...I like the episode , I like the Megasoid..I like the way it talks to James... I wanted to know more about the creature...<br /><br />I like its murderous attack on the captain who has already lost an eye to it.<br /><br />And I like the attempts in design, fashion and motor vehicles to look into the future...<br /><br />I think the reviewers have underrated an atmospheric and ingenious story....<br /><br />I'd love to get my hands on a duplicate of that megasoid still too !!JoGGernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-70474311501792373962011-04-13T16:52:25.571-07:002011-04-13T16:52:25.571-07:00I don't know if it's been brought up yet (...I don't know if it's been brought up yet (this is a very long thread), but it's always strange to me that this story uses the word "bootleg" as slang for the Duplicate Man. I can't think of a single COMEDY about cloning that uses that word, but here is a DRAMA that does so. Or are there ones I don't know of?Grantnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-38875276687176685172011-03-10T11:16:25.596-08:002011-03-10T11:16:25.596-08:00Larry R.-
My apologies sir. I've got a somew...Larry R.-<br /><br />My apologies sir. I've got a somewhat warped sense of humor sometimes. Being that you are a gentlemen in the true Boris Karloff mold, you would be the last guy to hurl such an insult at me or anybody else (at least unprovoked). That's why it struck me as funny if you were to say that. Sorry, it was just one of my strange attempts at humor. <br /><br />I haven't commented on the following episodes because:<br /><br />Cry of Silence- I liked it, but didn't feel like I had anything new to contribute that wasn't already posted.<br /><br />I, Robot- Honestly, I made it through the first 20 minutes before throwing in the towel. While I would have liked to have made fun of it, I didn't feel like it would be right since I didn't watch the whole thing.<br /><br />The Inheritors- Sigh. I'm in the minority on these two. Pretty dull IMHO. Still, it had it's merit and I was pretty much at a loss for words.<br /><br />I have been pretty quiet otherwise because this has been my first week back at work since being on vacation for 3 weeks. Needless to say I'm getting back used to the daily grind.<br /><br />Thanks for the compliment as you in turn are one of the commentators I enjoy reading the most. You and the other Larry. After all, he did introduce me to 'The Dakotas,' so I got to give the man his tribute for that!Jockohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16292833295819266389noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-7374683190459530752011-03-10T07:38:11.808-08:002011-03-10T07:38:11.808-08:00A mild diversion in the way that 'I, Robot'...A mild diversion in the way that 'I, Robot' was, with ideas brimming underneath the surface of the story that never really come to fruition. The performances are dull or wooden, the bear silly and over the top (it might have worked with sudden, razor-sharp editing and dark framing. It reminded me, with it's tail, of the creature from the Star Trek episode 'A Private Little War', except that one was white. They should have stuck to the short story. The future trappings are a nice attempt on a low budget. The real master of this kind of stuff was Gerry Anderson with his 'UFO' series and 'Journey to the Dark Side of the Earth'.<br /><br />Oh, I hear you guys have are going to be tackling the dynamic duo. Magnificent choice...It's about time. That animated series was one hell of a show.bobby jossonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-82347823243026157912011-03-10T01:11:27.686-08:002011-03-10T01:11:27.686-08:00There are flaws here, but they seem unimportant in...There are flaws here, but they seem unimportant in the overall picture. I agree with you UTW, I'd be embarressing myself with fear if the Megasoid came creeping around! It's a patchwork creation of sorts; the silly suit, the beak and claws, but the shocking contrast of the voice, and as you say Ted, the question of it's absolute evilness vs telepathic intelligence is fascinating. How could it advance any intellectual cause while wreaking destruction everywhere? I love Harry Lubin's score here, advancing some of the Demon cues into a different futuristic atmosphere. For example, when the duplicate first awakes from nothingness in the space zoo, as Oswald and Peach capture the mood of confusion and mystery. i guess Ron Randell is kind of wooden at times, but so has Henderson James become, and he comes alive at the last. The dreamy scenes at the James home (DJS-maybe I'll buy this one instead of the Chemosphere House; at least I'd have somewhere to keep my pet Megasoid) are the perfect place for a second chance to arrive, before the Pumpkin Hour of midnight closes in. Just like Lisa had said about Gwyllm at the end of The Sixth Finger, for the first year after seeing this one, i was sure the megasoid had killed Henderson James, and that the duplicate fell to his knees dying as the poison at the stroke of midnight took affect. Constance Towers is a babe of the S2 variety, but a babe nonetheless. I took Laura James' coolness more as dissillusionment, which she recovers from too, as she struggles with loyalty vs desire. The themes of "right to life" are fascinating, as in what really defines life anyway? Let's hope this dangerous technology never becomes rampant. In this case I would say Dennis' script improves upon the Goodnight Mr. James story; sometimes a brighter ending, coming out of darkness, is more effective.Jim Barwisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06621993116774388708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-75582650492160136662011-03-10T01:11:17.069-08:002011-03-10T01:11:17.069-08:00Tom/UTW--
Huh? What? I'm missing something he...Tom/UTW--<br /><br />Huh? What? I'm missing something here. You're one of the contributors whose comments I enjoy the most. I'm rarely combative (and I sure wouldn't mess with Peter and John). Also, I like this particular episode, so I basically agree with your take.<br /><br />LR<br /><br />PS-- was wondering why you hadn't posted much lately.Larry Rapchaknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-37242157027187074772011-03-09T23:49:17.522-08:002011-03-09T23:49:17.522-08:00I was waiting for Larry R. to call me a 'pussy...I was waiting for Larry R. to call me a 'pussy,' however I see that Peter is much more non-combative. Peter, sorry, it's in the mail today. Let me know if there are any problems.<br /><br />Hockey24hrs-<br /><br />Lol! Nah, they aren't that open to punishment. It's much safer for them to do the whole Batman series.Jockohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16292833295819266389noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-85564464528339813292011-03-09T22:23:00.048-08:002011-03-09T22:23:00.048-08:00Our heroic commentators might feel confident mocki...<i>Our heroic commentators might feel confident mocking him in the comforts of their domiciles, but probably wouldn't be laughing if given one of the monster's patented body slams.</i><br /><br />. . . . or forced to write a Lost-In-Space-A-Day blog.<br /><br />http://www.HowMuch$$$DidIrwinPayForThisTalkingCarrot.blogspot.com/hockey24hrshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17665339445715581362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-67925980818928376752011-03-09T20:35:54.702-08:002011-03-09T20:35:54.702-08:00>>Our heroic commentators might feel confide...>>Our heroic commentators might feel confident mocking him in the comforts of their domiciles, but probably wouldn't be laughing if given one of the monster's patented body slams.<br /><br />Au Contraire Mon Frere. I'd be laughing my ass off. I'm very ticklish.<br /><br />>>Make fun of me all you want <br /><br />I don't know what to say :>Peter Enfantinohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04317575598411394944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-65701507687901601682011-03-09T20:24:18.442-08:002011-03-09T20:24:18.442-08:00Well, this ep. IMHO is one of the best. You got t...Well, this ep. IMHO is one of the best. You got two cool ideas that could have been separate shows. Not only does a guy have to track down a cold, blood-thirsty monster, he also has to compete with his doppelganger that's trying to bang his wife. Name any other series from that era with that much going on? F-Troop? I don't think so.<br /><br />Regarding the Megasoid: Probably one of the better bears for the whole series. Never mind it's Sasquatch-like ferocity, this treacherous beast has the creepiest voice this side of 'Lost in Space,' Dr. Smith. Our heroic commentators might feel confident mocking him in the comforts of their domiciles, but probably wouldn't be laughing if given one of the monster's patented body slams.<br /><br />Make fun of me all you want, but something about seeing that Megasoid lurching about the front lawn before it's attack, gave me shivers!Jockohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16292833295819266389noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-68478665893027713792011-03-09T17:03:41.276-08:002011-03-09T17:03:41.276-08:00"I think the build-up and final scene--with t..."I think the build-up and final scene--with the ticking clock and subdued, dreamy atmosphere (and the elegant vision of Constance Towers), is quite effective"<br /><br />I agree... it definitely had me thinking, "it's almost over..." :)John Scolerihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15830334036783163702noreply@blogger.com