Original Airdate: January 27, 1964
My previous review of this episode was fairly harsh, so I've written another. ZZZZZ has never been a favorite of mine, but this latest viewing was more enjoyable with my kids. I still feel the original premise is too fantastic. It's a tough sell that bees could create a semi-human transformation, but if you can get past that, the episode does have some good moments and qualities.
Phillip Abbott plays an entomologist studying bees. Little does he know the hive is studying him as well and planning an invasion of sorts. Joanna Frank is the queen bee/human mutation sent forth to lead the way. She is stunningly beautiful and other-worldly, playing the role quite well. Occasionally, her true self is shown in the eyes and it's done nicely. The scene at the dinner table while discussing the fear of small things (bees, insects) is a highlight, as is Abbott's tirade at the end. There are some decent thoughts on human vs insect life, but in the end, the main reason for watching this one is still Joanna Frank, though I did like the episode more as a whole than I had in the past.