Lithia

Imagine submitting a script, the central theme of which were some ill conceived and self serving generalisations commonly held by ignorant men about women. This script wouldn't just be an example of stereotyping but a fully rounded rationalisation of prejudice, depicting woman as universally incapable of functioning independently, habitually stupid and selfish. What do you think the reception for that script would be, be honest, it's never going to fly is it?

Oddly but I admit none too surprisingly, the same isn't true if you simply transpose the gender roles. Yep you can get away with rendering bigotry on screen if you just take the time to select the -correct- subject matter. What's even odder though, is just how blithely this particular example negotiates this hypocrisy so un-self-consciously; there's not even a perfunctory attempt to qualify the crass reasoning it presents.

And this is where the paradox arises, the narrative presented is so crass and objectionable that it actually turns out to be quite an effective (probably unintentional) satire on feminism.

I have to laugh at the reviews calling this episode misandric and radically feminist. TOL is speculative fiction. It takes an idea and expands on it to explore facets of humanity and existence. Historically, wars and violence have been caused by men, not women. The writers of this episode explored a future where men (in general) cause their own extinction due to their own violence and aggression.

For an hour-long show, I think this was a well-told story. Mercer is a likable, noble character with good intentions. But the all-female enclave functions the way it does for a reason. Mercer rocks the boat, and tragedy ensues.

If you're watching this episode, I encourage you to watch it with an open mind. Reflect on the sex and gender dynamics that exist in our society. This story is just one interpretation, but it's not so far fetched or one-sided to be counted out for plausibility.

I laugh and laugh at how bent out of shape and angry men get if a movie or scifi tv show happens to imagine a world without men or with women in power. Why does it anger them so?? Men are still in power and the world is a mess, why can't a few fictional programs imagine a world where men aren't in power? David Keith is likable and you understand his motives, he is not a caricature like so many depictions of ditsy, dumb women. I thought it was an interesting and even humorous episode. Lighten up guys, 99% of media is for the male gaze, but your power must be illusory or slipping if a little fictional television show episode gets you so hot and bothered. I'm not talking about just the reviews here, on youtube when movie reviewers occasionally discuss women ruling over men movies the comments are filled with guys freaking out, calling misandry (while they insult women in a very ugly way). Learn to laugh and not be defensive jerks.

A community of women has survived a major world war. During that time, the remarkable result is that something has happened to all the men. They have died off. Because of medical technology, the women have been able to produce without mates. There are several of these sects that are governed by a woman who is a kind of overseer to them. Lo and behold a man who has been a cryonic cell wakes up to this world. He finds his way to the commune and is taken care of by them. They are, however, suspicious of his motives, and are constantly on the alert. As time goes on, he begins to aid them in their efforts to produce food. He also begins to have relationships with a couple of the women who welcome it. Problems begin to occur when he suggests that they begin to stand up to the other sects, who have much more than they do. There are some lessons to be learned here about equality and about what a society should be. An interesting, though far fetched effort.

It's 2055. Only women have survived the final, and biggest, war. We see a small farming community which also has teachers, and into this comes the other gender's extreme, thus contrasting and exploring their differences, strengths, weaknesses: a military man, Major Mercer(Keith, charming, determined) with working knowledge of engines and such awakens from 40 years of cryo-freeze. Different villagers react to him in distinct ways: one falls in love and wants to know more, one is completely against him, an elder one is reminded of her past, etc. But what will become of him? Can it even work, having such a group suddenly take in an outsider, simultaneously demonized and the subject of many imagined, distant scenarios?

This hits just the right balance. The conflict is neither cheesy nor vague. No one is purely the ideal they might be expected to be, every character has depth and is well-acted. And this doesn't off-handedly choose either side, rather, we see that a middle-ground may be the best solution, when this Bechdel-test-winner-by-design easily could have preached. Is more will-power needed in trade? Can his suggestions aid, or break, their ways... peaceful, yet marred by hardship? The storytelling and pace are swift: within mere minutes, the high concept(which could have come off as silly and contrived) is set up, then explained well without the exposition bogging things down(yes, sperm-banks). I was left to wonder why the pronunciation of only certain words had changed somewhat. There is tension, even some action in this. This is one of only episodes I've watched of either version of The Outer Limits, but, like the others, it fosters a desire to seek out more.

There is some disturbing content, sensuality and sexuality, as well as a little female nudity from behind(in the totally necessary and not gratuitous co-ed shower scene). I recommend this to any fan of science- and speculative, fiction. 8/10