Ep 5. The Sixth Finger

In The Outer Limits season 1 episode 5, titled The Sixth Finger, a simple-minded Welsh coal miner named Gwyllm Griffiths undergoes an experimental process that accelerates his evolution and transforms him into a superhuman being. As the sole survivor of the experiment, Gwyllm is taken in by a British anthropologist named Dr. Laird, who is fascinated by his extraordinary abilities and wants to study him further.

However, Gwyllm struggles to adjust to his newfound intelligence and heightened senses, and he feels isolated and alienated from the world around him. Dr. Laird tries to guide him and help him embrace his new self, but Gwyllm is haunted by visions of his former life and feels a deep longing for the simplicity and community of his old village.

As Gwyllm struggles to find his place in the world, he becomes increasingly aware of the limitations of humanity and begins to question the meaning of existence itself. He comes to see himself as a sort of evolutionary leap, a being poised on the threshold of a new era of existence, and he becomes fascinated by the mysteries of the universe and the possibility of discovering the secrets of creation.

Despite his new powers and knowledge, Gwyllm remains a deeply human character, driven by love, compassion, and a desire to connect with others. As he comes to understand the nature of his new abilities, he must grapple with the moral implications of his power, and he must decide whether he will use his abilities for personal gain or for the betterment of all humanity.

The Sixth Finger is a powerful meditation on the nature of human evolution, the meaning of life, and the responsibilities that come with great power. It is a deeply moving episode that combines science fiction, psychology, and philosophy into a gripping exploration of the human condition. With its complex characters, intricate plot, and profound themes, it remains one of the most memorable and thought-provoking episodes of The Outer Limits.