Original Airdate: December 23, 1963
This ep features the cool looking sea monsters known as Ichthyosaurus Mercurius – try saying that backwards while bouncing on a pogo stick! They are memorable OL bears, and I really liked this episode as a kid. I saw it shortly before seeing “THE CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON” series for the first time, and some of the opening underwater scenes are reminiscent of the films. However, take note and harken. You are about to read my first negative comments on an OL entry. The story and tyrant subplot are pretty weak, and I have a real problem with the main character, John Dexter (played by Ralph Meeker). He is soooooo unlikable, and in just about every scene where he’s not on the boat or in the water, he’s got that silly captain’s hat on. I just want to reach through the screen and bat it off!! Actually, there aren’t any human characters in this ep that are very likable (well maybe the poor cleaning guy who has to guard the beastie). In fact, I usually find myself rooting for Henry Silva’s General Juan Mercurio – and he’s supposed to be the bad guy. The creatures are definitely the most likable characters, and the only reason to watch this ep.
And now the good comments: I still find the creature effects very effective, particularly when they’re on land. Neat how they use sound to bust through doors and dams. The captured beastie looks very real and alive when it’s lying on the table, blinking an eyelid. – My son even commented on how good that looked (way better than CGI he said). My two favorite scenes are the captured creature un-thawing and searing the door, and his rescue by his finned buddies at the climax. The creature’s eyes and face have a gentle appeal somewhat similar to the Thetan from “ARCHITECTS OF FEAR”, and have that OL touch.
Summing up, despite the bad points, the ep is still worth a look for Ichthyosaurus Mercurius, if nothing else.
Gee, they weren’t really this big, were they??