Cliff Robertson stars as a radio station owner and amateur scientist. Using his station's transmitter, he's begun sending messages across the galaxy--and has created a device to transmit images in 3-dimensions! And, not surprisingly, he DOES make contact--with a weird-looking but seemingly benevolent creature. However, the alien was warned him NOT to increase the power output. Later, however, a stupid DJ jacks up the power--and this somehow sucks him through the device to planet Earth! However, there is something about the alien's biochemistry--he exudes radiation and an electrical storm follows him as he walks about the planet. Eventually, Robertson discovers the alien and wants to help send him back home.
This is an interesting episode because of two big reasons. First, the alien was NOT evil--just different and curious. It was a bit change from the typical alien in 50s sci-fi movies. Second, when you read on IMDb's trivia page how they made this very effective looking alien, it's really amazing how cheaply they made the creature--as "The Outer Limits" had a tinny budget and always seemed to make the most of it. The net effect is an entertaining and quite philosophical look at alien life as well as human nature. A good start to the series.
This is an interesting episode because of two big reasons. First, the alien was NOT evil--just different and curious. It was a bit change from the typical alien in 50s sci-fi movies. Second, when you read on IMDb's trivia page how they made this very effective looking alien, it's really amazing how cheaply they made the creature--as "The Outer Limits" had a tinny budget and always seemed to make the most of it. The net effect is an entertaining and quite philosophical look at alien life as well as human nature. A good start to the series.