Ep 12. Inconstant Moon
- TV-14
- April 12, 1996
- 44 min
-
6.8 (392)
Inconstant Moon is the twelfth episode of the second season of the science fiction anthology series Outer Limits. The episode is based on a short story of the same name by Larry Niven.
The premise of the episode revolves around an average night in Los Angeles where a couple, Richard and Deidre, are having a romantic dinner together. However, their romantic evening is interrupted when the sky suddenly turns an intense blue and the moon becomes brighter than ever before. Richard, a talented astro-physicist, explains to Deidre that the event is a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence that will pass within the next few hours.
But as the night goes on, Richard realizes that something is terribly wrong. The moon seems to be getting brighter and closer, and the usually bright city lights are starting to flicker and fade. Richard also notices that the city's inhabitants are behaving strangely as their relationships and emotions are magnified, causing people to either fall madly in love or become aggressive and violent towards one another.
As the night progresses, Richard and Deidre must come to grips with the possibility that their world might be coming to an end. They must use their love and determination to survive the night and find a way to safety before it's too late.
Inconstant Moon is a masterful science fiction tale that explores the idea of a catastrophic astronomical event and its impact on humanity. The episode is rife with tension and emotion, as the characters struggle to come to grips with the magnitude of what's happening around them. The writing is top-notch and the direction is excellent, perfectly capturing the sense of panic and confusion that would ensue if a disaster of this magnitude were to occur.
The performances in the episode are also noteworthy, particularly by the two leads, played by David Beecroft and Cynthia Bain. They deliver nuanced, heartfelt performances that elevate the episode's emotional impact. The supporting cast is also strong, adding depth and complexity to the world that the episode creates.
As with many Outer Limits episodes, Inconstant Moon is a thought-provoking and engaging tale that will leave viewers pondering the implications of its story long after the credits roll. It's a perfect example of why the series continues to be lauded as a classic of the science fiction genre.
Overall, Inconstant Moon is a must-see episode of Outer Limits. It's a thrilling and emotionally resonant tale that showcases the series at its best. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the series or simply appreciate a compelling science fiction yarn, Inconstant Moon is a superb example of the genre.