Decompression

First off, this series is tremendously underrated. In some cases it's better than the Twilight Zone ever was, but it didn't get the attention it deserved. Obviously not every episode was a winner, but some are absolutely epic. Decompression is one of these. The premise is brilliant and holds up over time. Twist ending is everything you could ask for - this takes your breath away. TV does not get better than this.

The senator and top candidate for presidency Brody(Boxleitner, doing a fantastic job) is flying to South Carolina to gather further support. However, a woman(the surprisingly creepy CCH Pounder) appears, claiming that she's from the future, that no one but him can see her, and that the plane will crash upon landing. The entire episode takes place on the flight, and this small and claustrophobic setting is effective. There is a ton of suspense, and you never take your eyes off the screen. The tension is strong, and the pace is solid throughout. This is a character study of Wyndom, and the development and writing of every role is excellent. The acting is great. Everyone comes across as credible. This looks at and comments on the focus on personal issues rather than agendas when it comes to politics, especially during campaigns. The reporter who scored an interview ignores the actual ideology upon seeing the man behave erratically, the affair is hidden, etc. This has a marvelous conclusion. There is disturbing content in this. I recommend this to any fan of morality plays, science-fiction and drama. 9/10

American political campaigns are all about "character issues," like, did the candidate serve in the military? does he have marital problems? or, did he get stoned in college? For potential voters who'd like to hear about civic issues instead of personality traits, nothing is more frustrating, and this episode of the Outer Limits plays around with notions of character and civics in a suspense-filled and insightful way.

First, the writers throw us a red herring, just like political campaigns do. The slick "populist" presidential candidate is having an affair, and there's a reporter on board the plane with them who just might notice! But, just like real campaigns, much more significant things are at stake, and, just like in real elections, no one seems overly interested in them. The reporter drops the real issue, about technology and privacy, which he uncovers in an aborted interview, as soon as the candidate starts behaving oddly.

The show maintains its suspense effectively. The audience knows something no one else but the candidate knows, and has to watch and see how he will handle the information, while trying to guess whether everyone else on board the plane is actually misreading the situation or not. The action is confined to a small, claustrophobic setting. The time traveler who unhinges the candidate is effectively unsettling, and the story she has to tell strikes the right balance between credibility and BS. The candidate, his staff, and the reporter all behave believably, if a little stereotypically, and the audience has plenty of foreshadowing to set up the "twist" ending.

This is one of the better Outer Limits episodes.

This episode aired before the November 2000 election. It was a warning about the tyranny of a potential Bush administration. The Patriot Act was passed, government expanded by the creation of the Department of Homeland Security and ICE. Benjamin Franklin once said, "Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. Sadly, no one from the future came back to save us from the ruthlessness of the Bush administration. He was able to galvanize tens of millions of racists, homophobes, and hate-mongering religious radicals. All the while speaking Spanish and ignoring the southern border. Now, we have had a black president, same -sex marriage, and more Latinos than ever. Maybe there was a plus side to his nightmare presidency. This episode is a must watch! Life happens for a reason.

"The best" should reserved for episodes that grab the viewer's attention and keeps them super-glued to the plot, character development, and writing. This episode does that.

Bruce Boxleitner and cast are excellent in this "will he or won't he" character study. Unlike other Outer Limits series, the plot moves along at an even clip. Most other OL episodes pad sucrose-laden dialog that does nothing to enhance its value other than add time to the hour long series.

Decompression is the exception to the rule. The pacing, dialog, and characters drive the plot, making it worthwhile to the very end. And make sure you watch it to the very end. You'll be glad you did.