Ep 25. The Mutant

In The Outer Limits season 1 episode 25, titled "The Mutant," viewers are taken on a journey to a remote island where a group of scientists are studying the genetic mutations of a small group of people who have lived there for generations. The island is surrounded by dangerous quicksand, making it difficult for anyone to leave or enter without the proper equipment.

The lead scientist, Dr. Karl Lawrence, is eager to prove his theory that the mutations are caused by a natural process and not due to any outside interference. However, his assistant, Dr. Hayward, is skeptical and believes that the mutations may have been triggered by radioactivity from nearby nuclear testing.

As the scientists continue their research, tensions rise among the mutated subjects and a human-like creature is discovered. The creature, named Gwyllm, possesses extraordinary strength and abilities that defy explanation. The scientists attempt to study Gwyllm, but he becomes hostile and violent when they try to take samples of his DNA.

Meanwhile, the island's chief, Molochai, is growing increasingly agitated by the scientists' presence and the danger they pose to their way of life. He believes that they have polluted the island with their machines and experiments and wishes for them to leave.

As the scientists and mutated subjects struggle to coexist, an unexpected twist is revealed that threatens to change everything they thought they knew about the mutations.

"The Mutant" explores the themes of scientific discovery, the consequences of meddling with genetics, and the fear of the unknown. The episode challenges the idea of what it means to be human and how society defines outsiders who possess abilities beyond the norm.

Overall, "The Mutant" is a thought-provoking and suspenseful episode that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end. The performances by the cast are superb, particularly Bruce Dern as Dr. Hayward and Warren Oates as Molochai. The episode's themes remain relevant to modern-day discussions surrounding genetic engineering and the ethics of scientific research.