Reblogged » John Kenneth Muir’s Look at The Outer Limits: “The Zanti Misfits”
John Kenneth Muir’s Reflections on Cult Movies and Classic TV: The Outer Limits: “The Zanti Misfits”.
It’s that time of year when ghouls and goblins are about, and watching scary tales a holiday tradition. Yet, my friend and author John Kenneth Muir reminds me Halloween doesn’t require stories steeped only in witches brew, or a cauldron, for that matter. Something on television from long ago, from outer space, will do just nicely. His look at the one episode from the classic The Outer Limits series, which gave me nightmares as a child (watching and cringing directly behind my grandmother’s couch in her living room, mind you), fits the bill.
“What I appreciate most about The Outer Limits, and the reason why it remains worthy of extensive study and remembrance today, is the fact that each episode of the series is shot in exquisite and expressive horror-movie fashion. This episode opens, for instance, with an establishing shot of a sign reading “Restricted Area: Do Not Enter,” which raises viewer anxiety and fear. What’s behind the sign? What’s behind the fence?
As a book-end to this mysterious opening shot, “The Zanti Misfit’s” final composition reveals anothersign, this one cast-off on the ground, disordered and revealing the name of the desert town: “Morgue.”
Of course, the hotel and surrounding lands have been turned into a literal morgue, at least for the Zanti…so the sign transmits, with much gallows humor, a sense of truth. The bottom-line is that this TV drama from 1963 features, in some important ways, a deeper sense of classic film style (and film grammar) than many of the major motion pictures produced today.”
Posted earlier in the year, it’s a fine piece on the out-and-out unnerving allure this fifty-year-old plus segment holds to this day. The Zanti Misfits, written by the great Joseph Stefano, an episode I assure you every Outer Limits fan knows full well. I recommended JKM’s article1, then heading over here to watch those damn things crawl down the walls, and into your head, online. If you dare, that is.
“Our privacy must be maintained.”
- Another wonderful examination of the episode was done a few years back over at We Are Controlling Transmission. ↩
It Rains... You Get Wet 
4 Responses to “Reblogged » John Kenneth Muir’s Look at The Outer Limits: “The Zanti Misfits””
Never saw ‘The Outer Limits’. I love the picture of the ant with the face.
LikeLiked by 1 person
One of the all-time best sci-fi/horror anthology TV programs, in my humble opinion. Bruce Dern is in this episode, too. Worth checking out with the link provided, Cindy. Thanks 🙂
LikeLike
Excellent work, John!
Well done, Michael!
‘The Outer Limits’ was another fine example of 1960s “Must See TV” for wide eyed kids of that era. And ‘The Zanti Mifits’ is a prime example of scarily executed, low budget Sci~Fi.
Like ‘Combat!’ is was a well resourced stomping ground for then, young talent.
And Bruce Dern quietly rocks at what he does best! Highest kudos for the make up and props department boffins for creating such intriguing, yet revolting creatures. Their work here gave me nightmares for a week!
Two other episodes rate highly as well. “Demon With A Glass Hand”. With Robert Culp at his athletic best inside the Bradbury building. And “Chameleon”, with Robert Duvall.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderfully put, Kevin. This episode certainly marked me, and gave me nightmares! Thanks so much, my friend.
LikeLike