The Revelations of 'Becka Paulson (6 Jun. 1997)

Becka Paulson accidentally shoots herself in the head, survives and suddenly becomes more intelligent. And strangely, a photo is talking to her.

Director:

Steven Weber

Writers:

Stephen King (short story), Brad Wright

Stars:

Catherine O'Hara, John Diehl, Bill Dow

Cast

Episode cast overview:
Catherine O'Hara	...	Becka Paulson
John Diehl	...	Joe
Bill Dow	...	Doc Fink
Marilyn Norry	...	Flo
Steven Weber	...	8x10 Man
Barry Mickelson	...	Doctor
Jon Chardiet	...	Moss
Preston Maybank	...	Hank
Russell Porter	...	Actor (as Russell B. Porter)
Carla Boudreau	...	Actress (as Carla White)
Johanna Osborne	...	Cashier (as Jo-Ann MacDonald)
David Glyn-Jones	...	Poker Pal

Storyline

Becka Paulson lives a boring life in a trailer with her mailman husband Joe. After accidentally shooting herself in the head she begins hearing voices. She has no memory of shooting herself but can see the wound on her forehead. Her husband suggests that she visit the local vet - he's cheaper than seeing a doctor - but he can't help her. Becka soon realizes that she can now now do things she couldn't really do before and that her brain function and intelligence have improved. Her husband is no nicer to her however leading her to extremes.

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Plot Keywords:

based on short story | character name in title

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Genres:

Drama | Fantasy | Horror | Mystery | Sci-Fi | Thriller

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Details

Release Date:

6 June 1997 (USA)

Company Credits

User Reviews

There is no one like Catherine O'Hara!

I must admit, I don't remember a lot of Outer Limits episodes. In my opinion, they are usually second rate to Twilight Zone (when it was in first run zenith). But this episode of Outer Limits I remember as well as any of the great Twilight Zones (insert your favorite episode here). Catherine O'Hara gives a wonderfully understated performance as a woman who accidentally shoots herself in the head. Now the bullet is evidently of small caliber (I would guess a .22) because she doesn't die. The bullet enters right above her eyebrow, leaves a distinct hole, and a trace of blood. In fact, Catherine's character isn't entirely certain of what has happened to her and covers the wound with a tiny Band-Aid (such as a man might use when he cuts himself shaving). She goes about her day as a long-suffering, neglected housewife. Later she becomes curious about her wound, when the picture insert that has come with an 8 x 10 picture frame starts talking to her. The picture man is a very dapper looking Steven Webber replete in tuxedo and "catalog model" cheesy pose. At one point, Catherine's character inserts a #2 pencil a good 4 inches into her skull through the hole left by the bullet. (This scene is particularly memorable). The picture man's conversations with Catherine become increasing sinister and disturbing. It is a fantastic episode. If there is anyway you can get your hands on a copy of it, do it! Catherine gives a wonderfully subtle and textured performance (doesn't she always?!). Every time I watch Catherine O'Hara, I'm reminded of what an amazing (and under appreciated) talent she truly is! (also, if you haven't already, check her out in Really Weird Tales. Haunting performance. Heartbreaking and full of humor and pathos!)