The Mutation

This episode features some decent guest stars.... Edward Andrews (so familiar in 1960s TV shows), Lin McCarthy and Suzanne Pleshette. I only give this one a 7 because although it's very watchable and fun, understanding Pleshette's character is impossible, as she was very oddly and inconsistently written.

When the story begins, David is taken into the desert by some Mexican men. They claim to have seen flashing lights...but this is just an excuse to rob him. Later, he manages to find his way back in to town. There a newspaper man (Andrews) insists that he wants David's story AND, more importantly, he knows a woman who ALSO saw the UFO (Pleshette). Later, David and Pleshette head into the desert to look for the ship.

The best thing about this episode is a new innovation. When the aliens are killed, they turn glowy red and then disappear...leaving no trace. This is pretty cool and the special effect, for 1967, is awfully good. But Pleshette's character and her confusing lack of motivation...well, that just left me feeling as if the entire episode wasn't totally worked out before they filmed it. It's still good...but also slightly disappointing.

Creepy and unpredictable. David is again on his own, turning up in a small town, now the victim of a robbery, abandoned in the desert and left to die. The men who assaulted him claimed they had seen some strange lights, like UFOs? He makes it back to town where he meets a reporter named Evans (Edward Andrews), only to underline the UFO story, adding there's a woman who also witnessed something strange.

David Chandler's script definitely has the FUGITIVE angle -- at this stage WHO can David trust? The Invaders are out to nail him. Evans' witness turns out to be Vikki (played by Suzanne Pleshette), an alien herself!... however like David, also on the run. She's betrayed her own people, now willing to show David where the space craft has landed. Talk about a bizarro coincidence.

Pleshette, an unforgettable actress, would go on to play a similar role in the second season. Andrews likewise adds to the story, playing the usual sly, quirky character he's fondly remembered for.

Director Paul Wendkos, long with I SPY and the UNTOUCHABLES, has some atmospheric (if not eerie) touches in the desert. Lin McCarthy plays Fellows, and look for Val Avery, who could handle a multitude of characters. Two veteran actresses guest star; Argentina Brunetti as Luz, known for GENERAL HOSPITAL, and Tina Menard (playing Mama), whose career dated back to the early 1930s in scores of films. On tv, often seen in ZORRO.

Yes, I agree with the last few reviewers, this episode marks the point where the dead aliens disinegrate (and in color!), which is as fascinating as its cool to watch. With scenes like this, the show was on its way to cult tv fame, thanks to Paul Wendkos.

Watch this for two tv favorites.

SEASON 1 EPISODE 3 remastered dvd box set. 5 dvds. Released 2008. Collectors first season edition.