Ep 21. VANISHING ACT

In The Outer Limits season 2 episode 21 titled "Vanishing Act," a scientist named Dr. Sharon Devlin creates an invisibility device that could have tremendous military potential. When she tests the device on a rabbit, the animal vanishes completely, leading Devlin to conclude that her invention is a success.

However, Devlin's assistant, Joe, is skeptical. He fears that the device may not actually make objects invisible but instead sends them to another dimension or even erases them from existence altogether. When Devlin tests the device on herself, Joe's fears become reality. Devlin vanishes, leaving behind only her lab coat and jewelry.

Determined to bring Devlin back, Joe enlists the help of Devlin's fiancé, Richard, and a fellow scientist, Dr. Kaufman. Together, they begin to unravel the mystery of the invisibility device, deducing that it works by creating a distortion field that bends light around objects, effectively making them invisible.

But with Devlin's disappearance, they realize that the device has an unforeseen danger. Objects that pass through the distortion field are not just invisible but are actually erased from existence. The team discovers that if they can reverse the distortion field, they may be able to bring Devlin back. However, the process is incredibly dangerous and could explode the entire research facility.

As they work to save Devlin, dark secrets come to light. Kaufman turns out to be a Soviet spy, and the military has been keeping tabs on Devlin's research. In the end, the team manages to reverse the distortion field and bring Devlin back, but at a great cost. The military arrives to take the device, and Kaufman is killed in the ensuing struggle.

"Vanishing Act" is a thrilling episode that explores the dangerous consequences of tampering with the laws of the universe. It raises important questions about the ethics of scientific research and the role of the military in development. The episode is a testament to the show's ability to create thought-provoking stories and engaging characters while still delivering a satisfying twist ending.