Original Airdate: October 28, 1963
Through the years, this has become my personal favorite. It’s almost surreal in imagery and it’s the one I show first to anyone interested in the series. Martin Landau gives one of the most memorable performances of classic Sci-Fi television. He is Andro, the mutated romantic from the future who travels back in time in an attempt to save humanity. Shirley Knight is just gorgeous as Noelle, the young woman whom the fate of the world rests upon. The production is mesmerizing and well paced. – It gets better with each viewing (trust me, I've watched it dozens of times). Every area is top-notch and the writing, acting and photography combine for one of the best OL’s ever. The time travel theme is handled well and is thought provoking with its implications and consequences.
Beautiful and dream-like, the show is full of haunting music and artistic camerawork – some of the best use of B&W hypnotic blurs and lighting. (Conrad Hall was in top form here.) At times, we view Andro as others see him, but with a slight haze indicating it’s an illusion. Other times he’s seen as the real deal, and an outstanding creation he is – a molten monstrosity with a loving soul. There are so many great scenes and shots. Too many to list, but a couple of favorite moments are: When Andro first sees Noelle in the woods. His fascination at seeing real beauty again is moving. And the shot of him by the tree, with the sun gleaming directly behind, is superb photography. And later, when Noelle gives him hope of actually changing the future, the shadows give way to light. Also memorable is when Andro follows Mrs. McCluskey up the stairs, with his image changing back and forth.
The way Martin Landau is able to emote through the mutant makeup is always a stand out and a feat not easily done. I’d say he’s on par with John Hurt in “The Elephant Man”. Martin returns in “The Bellero Shield” and of course went on to become Rollin Hand on TV’s “Mission Impossible”. And many know him from “Space: 1999” and his academy award winning role as Bela Lugosi in “Ed Wood”.
I could go on and on about this show, but I want to hear how others feel. Hope I haven't hurt it with over-praise. One last note: I’ve read there was an additional ending scene of Noelle being welcomed on a beautiful, intact Planet Earth. It was cut due to time limitations. That’s a shame. It might have been a touching way to follow up Andro’s ultimate sacrifice. But then again, we know the conclusion, even without it.
“The truth is in my eyes Noelle.”