The Outer Limits (1963–1965): Season 1, Episode 28 - The Special One - full transcript

The parents of a child science prodigy are approached by a mysterious official called Mr Zeno, who offers to give him special private tutoring. Unknown to them, Mr Zeno is an alien who wants to use their son's talents for evil.

Oh, Mr. Zeeno.

I told you,

I don't want you
to tutor my son.

I don't want him to have
anything more to do with you.

So you've come here
to tell them

what you've
discovered about me.

Just keep away
from my boy.

Just keep away,
that's all.

Stay away!

This office will not open
till tomorrow morning.

That's too bad.



In your case,

it would have been better
never than late.

I don't think
they would have

believed you anyway,
Mr. Turner.

But what you do know
about my plans

makes it necessary
for me to alter them,

and that's a great
inconvenience.

What... what are
you doing?

Let me go. Don't!

Uhh!
I don't want to jump!

No! No! No!

Aah...

Oh! My... my family!

Don't... don't make me!



I don't want to!

No!

No!

Aah!

Zeenon 6, Zeenon 6,

due to near exposure,

must abandon this phase
of Expectation One

on west coast.

Will move operations
to east coast

and attempt to recruit
next subject on list.

There is nothing wrong
with your television set.

Do not attempt
to adjust the picture.

We are controlling
transmission.

We will control
the horizontal.

We will control
the vertical.

We can change the focus
to a soft blur

or sharpen it
to crystal clarity.

For the next hour,
sit quietly

and we will control
all that you see and hear.

You are about to participate
in a great adventure.

You are about to experience
the awe and mystery

which reaches from
the inner mind to...

Zeenon 6, Zeenon 6...

Arrived safely.

Ready to penetrate
subject 2.

I'll get it, Aggie.

How do you do,
Mr. Benjamin?

I'm Mr. Zeeno. I represent
the government educational

enrichment program
of which your son is a part.

Uh... my credentials.

Won't you come in?

Thank you.

I realize that this
is very short notice.

In fact, it's
no notice at all.

And I apologize
for the intrusion.

This is Mrs. Benjamin.
Mr. Zeeno.

How do you do?

Sit down, won't you?

Oh, thank you.

You recall that in the
special resources act of 1957

the congress voted to place
the best minds of its citizens

in the same preservation
and fostering category

as it places wildlife,
natural resources,

forests.

Yes.

The bright mind
of a young boy or girl

is certainly worth
caring for and nurturing.

I mean, the whole future
of our country

may well be governed by
how these minds mature.

Yes, we realize that.

Well, I'm a private tutor,

and I've been sent
to help your son

on a special project.

Oh? Well, that's nice.

I don't know. I appreciate
the government's interest,

but Kenny's carrying
quite a load now...

His schoolwork,
his music lessons,

and, of course,
there's little league.

Your son is one of our
brightest prospects,

and our records show
that his home influence

is good.

That's most important
to Kenneth's development.

I can say that at one time,

we were somewhat concerned

about you and Mrs. Benjamin.

Our records show that
you and Mr. Benjamin

worked on the Glenridge
atomic project

and were, for some time,
exposed to minor radiation.

The government
checked us once a year

for 10 years,

and we showed absolutely
no ill effects.

Correct, and as it
turned out,

you produced in Kenneth
a mutation plus.

A mutation plus?

Yes. A mutation plus
is a product of superior quality

in athletics, scholarship,
and so forth.

Well... I would like
to talk to him.

Oh, certainly.
Excuse me.

Ken! Kenny!
We have a visitor.

He's in his room
doing his homework.

I had no idea about Kenny
being a mutation plus.

Well, I wouldn't worry
about it, Mr. Benjamin.

I'd be proud.

Kenny, this is Mr. Zeeno.

He's from the educational
enrichment program,

and he's going to tutor you
in some special projects.

Kenneth.

Ken,
I don't mind you

taking on a lot
of extra work,

but as I told Mr. Zeeno,

I wouldn't like you to bite off
more than you can chew.

We're certain he can
handle it, Mr. Benjamin.

Otherwise, I shouldn't
have been sent.

How much extra time
would this work entail?

Only a few hours a week
for one semester.

Ken, think
you can handle it?

I'll try.

I would like to talk
to you, Kenneth.

Why don't you
take Mr. Zeeno to your room?

Oh, no.
It's just a mess up there.

Oh, don't be silly, Aggie.

Oh, we'll need
the extra seating, Dee.

This is an important issue,
and the PTA...

Home early.

Yes, Dee, I'm listening.

Oh, you are so right.
We need a new...

Kenny!
Kenny boy!

Roy, please,
I'm on the phone.

Kenny?

Yes, Dee.
Kenny!

Roy, I'm on the phone.

Uh-huh.
OK.

Practice time!

Please!

Hiya, Dad.
You're home early.

Hey, Ken. Thought we'd warm
up at the park for a while.

Got to keep that

little-league wing
souped up.

I'll go get the gloves.

Good.

You know, you are much
worse than your son,

yelling when
I'm on the phone.

The lady of the house
is so right,

but I got to get that boy's nose
out of all those books

and projects for a while.

Well, watch your back.

You're no spring
chicken, you know.

Oh, I don't know.
What are you doing tonight?

Whistle.

What's the matter, Ken?

Sorry, Dad.
I have to study.

Mr. Zeeno will be here
in a minute.

Ken?

What happened
to your ball game?

Oh, Ken just reminded himself
that Mr. Zeeno was coming.

Again?

He was here
only yesterday.

Sure has been coming around
a lot lately.

The way he drops in...
Unexpected and unannounced.

I didn't know it was
gonna be like that...

Any time of the day,
any day.

Why doesn't he tell us
beforehand that he's coming?

Well, he's busy.
Move, darling.

You're in my way.

You're disappointed 'cause
Kenny can't warm up with you.

I don't know who's
the bigger kid,

the father or the son.

Well, our son may be bright,
but he sure is sloppy.

Why can't he
pick his things up?

Because he's a boy.

Oh, hi.
Hi, Joe.

You're home early.
You get fired?

Just early.

I'm maintaining
the good-neighbor policy.

Returning the Brandy
you loaned me last week.

Catching up
on your homework?

Look at this.

Kenny's compiled
all the world's elements.

Huh. Some typing job,
huh?

Each page an element with
all the information on it.

Specific atomic symbol.
Number, weight,

density,
specific gravity,

and its melting
and boiling points.

Mm-hmm.

And get this, Joe...
To find "C,"

degree "F"
minus 32 times 5/9.

Imagine that kid of mine

breaking down
125 elements like that.

I thought there were
just 102 elements.

Not lately.

Oh, sure, 102.

Crypsiliam 1?

Crypsiliam 2?

Never heard of them.

Who has, outside
of the laboratory?

I can't get past
nitrogen and oxygen,

and neither can you.

Heh. I may not
remember the names,

but I know the number.

Check any encyclopedia.

Your kid's playing Einstein.

No, he's making
those things up.

Let me tell you something, Roy.

I don't know how good that cluster
program is for your boy.

You don't mind my saying so?

The government's behind it.

Sure, instant science.

You take any 14-year-old...
I don't care how bright he is...

And you push him too hard,
too fast,

and pretty soon, he's not
14 years old anymore.

And the other kids, they won't
play with him. He's a loner.

And the older ones...
They won't accept him, anyway.

Kenny's well-balanced.

He can handle it.

I wouldn't let my boy
join the group.

I don't like
to be snide, Joe,

but, uh, your kid
wasn't asked.

Well, my kid wouldn't
do things like this...

I mean, doctor up his homework.

And those other 23 elements...
That's pure fantasy.

If Ken says there are
125 elements,

there are 125.

Ah... 102, partner.

Wanna bet?

5 will get you 10.

You got it.

Ken.

Kenny?

Ken, sorry
to disturb you.

Uh, how many elements
are there?

Elements?

102 or 125?

Well, there are 102
known elements.

102 known? Well,
what about the other 23?

They're there.

Then there are 125.

Well, not really yet.
The balance is in the future.

You wouldn't
understand, Dad.

I may not understand
most of the things in there,

but I do understand
the difference

between 102 and 125.
Now, which one is it?

102.

Why'd you put down 125?

Excuse me, Dad.
I've got to study.

Mr. Zeeno will be here
in a minute.

I'll get it.

Oh, good afternoon.

Mr. Zeeno.

One moment, please.

I'm a very busy man,
Mr. Benjamin.

I know. I'm not usually
home to see you,

but I got home early today,
and I'd like some information.

Kenny's doing
very well.

I'm sure of that.

But, uh, what I mean is, what is
the schedule for the future?

First you were here
once a week,

now it's 2 or 3 times
with no prior notice.

I have a great deal
of territory

to cover, Mr. Benjamin,

and not very much time
for discussion.

This little colloquy
has already cost me

21/2 minutes.

Was that Mr. Zeeno?

Yeah. Aggie, what
do you think of him?

Mr. Zeeno? I don't know.
What is there to think?

He's changed a lot
since we first met him.

Almost as if he didn't
want us around.

Darling, you know
what I think?

Oh, you wouldn't like this.

Go on.

Well, you're jealous.

You don't like
sharing your son.

That's very good, Kenneth.

Are you ready?

Proceed.

Very good, Kenneth.

And now, sound waves
can trigger weather changes.

Therefore...

Element control.

What is it, Dad?

Uh... dinner pretty soon.

Sorry.

In the weeks to come,

I'll reveal to you
the role you're to play

as a result of your mastery
of these lessons.

Do you think
he's ever gonna leave?

The roast isn't ready,
anyway.

Did you finish
your lesson?

Mr. Zeeno just left.

Dinner's ready
in 10 minutes.

I'll go wash up.

I wonder if we shouldn't
have asked Mr. Zeeno

to stay for dinner.

Yeah. Maybe he'll
talk over dinner.

Mr. Zeeno!

Good. Good.
Now the cold combination.

Very good.

Now reverse
the sound-wave patterns.

Excellent.

Well, you're even more
receptive than I dared hope.

I'm very pleased with
your progress, Kenny,

especially since time is
literally of the essence for me.

You mean you'll
have to go back?

Yes, to... to recharge,
in a manner of speaking.

You see, the major gas
in my atmosphere, Zeenon,

is an extremely
minor one in yours.

0.09 parts per million.

Correct. And I can
only exist,

well, a limited time
before coming up for air.

My air, Zeenon.

Here, let me
show you this.

There.

Just like an amphibian.

That's a very apt
analogy.

You see, I can function
for the equivalent

of 120 earth days

without the need
for recharging.

Well, half that time
is already gone.

And I must say, Kenneth,

it's been time
extremely well spent

in preparing you for
what ultimately will be

a magnificent destiny.

Kenny.

Kenny.

Don't pretend
you're asleep.

Now, what's going on?

What do you mean, Dad?

You know what I mean.

Now, I don't want to have to
force it out of you.

I want to be told.

Told what?

Kenny, isn't there something
you have to tell me?

Something peculiar
about Mr. Zeenon?

Peculiar?

I heard a strange noise

coming right from
inside this room.

Strange noise?

Stop repeating after me.
Tell me.

Noise?

Oh, sure.

I've been working on this
climate-control machine.

It goes sort of buzz-buzz.

Is that what you mean?

Mr. Zeeno brought it for me.

It's still in
the experimental stage,

but it can change weather by the
means of sound-wave patterns.

I mean, to a limited degree,
we do it today...

Air conditioning, seeding
clouds for rain. Like that.

Listen to me, Ken.
I know about Mr. Zeeno.

And so do you.

I don't know what
you're talking about.

Cut it out, Ken. I know.
I know what you know.

I just saw him leave.

I mean, I just saw him
disappear.

Look at me, Ken.

Don't, Dad. Don't tell
anybody. Not yet.

What do you mean, not yet?
Don't tell what?

What's happening to you?

Tell me, Ken.

Tell me!

Dad, please.
You'll spoil everything.

Spoil what? Who is he?
What's he doing?

Where does he come from?

Dad, please,
don't push. Don't.

Ken, you're gonna tell me,
or so help me...

Dad, leave me alone,
please!

Ken.

What's going on?

Kenny just had a nightmare.

Is he all right?

He'll be all right.

He'll be all right.
Go to bed, darling.

Please?

I'm going to read
for a while.

Won't you come in?

Please sit down.

Mr. Benjamin, I presume
you're making inquiry

as to the progress
of your son.

He's doing fine.

Good.

I'd like to ask
a question.

Please do.

Do you send out
private tutors?

I'm not sure I understand
the question.

I mean someone sent out
by the government

to instruct pupils
privately.

No. We want the program to be
as unobtrusive as possible.

We set great store
by the normalcy factors

in a growing-up stage.

We want a well-rounded person
by the time he matures.

At no time have you ever
sent anyone out

to tutor my son?

Absolutely not.

Have you heard of
or known a Mr. Zeeno?

I know of no such person.

Then if someone came around,
presented himself

as a private tutor
from this department,

he'd be lying?

We never go into the home.

We contact each child through
the board of education.

That is assiduously maintained
throughout the country.

OK. That confirms it.

There is a person
who did just that.

He isn't even human.

And right now,
he's teaching my son.

Mr. Benjamin...

He comes and goes.
I mean, he comes... and goes.

Disappears... materializes.

Have you ever heard of
a climate-control machine?

This man comes from...

I don't know where!
Outer space!

Mr. Benjamin...

You people know about
these things.

Sir...

And I want the government
to step in...

If you please...
Mr. Benjamin,

one of the problems we've
given serious thought to

is the reaction of the parents
to these gifted children.

It isn't that the children can't
handle the program. They can.

But often, parents
with misguided pride,

become carried away.

I know how I must
sound to you,

but I've got to try
and reach you

the only way I know how.

I've got to make you
understand.

I've got to reach someone.
He'll destroy my son.

Maybe the government.
Maybe the whole world!

Mr. Benjamin, please,
you look like a reasonable man.

Thank you for coming.

Zeenon 6, Zeenon 6...

First phase complete.

The boy is responding
beyond expectations.

He will make admirable puppet
to support invasion.

He has no knowledge
of the use he'll be put to.

As a result
of his assimilation,

I hope to move soon
to the other children selected.

There's one problem,
however. An obstacle.

As with first target,
the boy's father.

I will find a way
to eliminate him.

That's the way it is with
the PTA every time, Dee.

If you want anything done,
you've got to do it...

Aggie, hang up.

Hang up.
Roy...

Never mind all that.

What is it?

Just listen. The educational
enrichment program

does not send out
private tutors.

I just came from
the department.

Mr. Zeeno is no government
representative.

You're sure?

I'm sure.

Who is he? What does
he want with our son?

Last night, Zeeno
was with Kenny again.

Aggie...

He's not one of us.

He's from outer space.

I saw him with my own eyes.

He disintegrated himself
into a beam of light

and passed through the hall
window without breaking it.

Aggie, believe me.

You've got to.

That strange noise.

He must be with Kenny
right now.

You're spying on me!

You're spying.

Kenny.
now cut it out, Ken.

We want to know what's
happening right now.

Who is this Mr. Zeeno,

and what does he want
from you?

I told you. I told you.
You'll spoil everything.

Kenny, open the door.

Kenny!

Ken!

Well,
what can we do?

Who's going
to believe us?

That our boy
is lost to us.

Not without a struggle.

Let's call the police.

No. The head of the educational
program thought I was a nut.

I wouldn't get any further
with the police.

Well, what, Roy?
What do we do?

I won't press Ken
any further,

but I will have a showdown
with Mr. Zeeno.

No, thanks.

Angel, go to bed.

You know, Roy...

Aggie, please.

Please, darling.

Kenneth, you're not
paying attention.

Is there something wrong?

No, Mr. Zeeno.

Roy...

Be careful.

I noticed that the door
was locked.

I think perhaps you'd better...

Who are you, and what
are you doing to my boy?

Dad...

Be quiet, son.

I want to find out
everything there is to know.

Look, you,

I don't know who you are
or what you want,

but I do know you're not
who you say you are.

You're from out there
somewhere.

Dad, stop it.
You're interfering.

And you've
taken over my son.

It's what I want to do.

It is a remarkable and
most important position

that has been assigned
to me by Zeenon.

I would betray
my unique talents

if they were not used
to the fullest

by a more advanced and
appreciative culture.

I look forward to
fulfilling my destiny.

You've turned him
into a robot.

But I'll get him back.

I've been expecting to deal
with you, Mr. Benjamin.

In a few seconds...

You will have killed yourself.

Stop it.

You can't make me.

No.

No, I won't do it.

Kenneth, what are you...

I'm choking!

I'm withdrawing
your Zeenon.

Change the atmosphere!

You're on my side!

I let you think I was.

I had to until
I could figure out

how to make this
machine work this way.

He was going to
kill you, father,

and anyone else
who got in his way.

He planned to use kids
all over the world as tools.

He figured kids would be
easier to influence

than grownups.

Bright kids, especially,

would be the perfect puppets
for their sneak invasion.

But you were careless.

You let me see
the evil in you.

We'd have made you
a God here.

I want to be
just what I am.

Please, Ken, please.

Let me go back.

I can't harm you anymore.

You could have been
a God.

Everything's going to be
all right now, Mom.

I know I was rough
on you, Dad,

but I couldn't let you
gum things up.

I had to figure out the right
atmosphere combination

that would make it impossible
for beings like him

to ever set foot
on earth again.

And I had to do it
my own way.

What happens
to the machine now?

Well, we'll have to turn it
over to the government.

They'll have to expand
the principle

so that they can repel
a whole army of them at a time.

Cut off their Zeenon supply.

You look a little tired, Mom.

You'd better get some sleep.

I guess I'm a little
tired, too.

Gotta get
my beauty sleep, Dad.

Little league starts
next week, you know.

The mold of a man

stems from the mind
of a child.

Educators and emperors
have known this

from time immemorial.

So have tyrants.

We now return control
of your television set to you,

until next week
at this same time,

when the control voice
will take you to...