Ep 1. Marionettes, Inc.
- May 21, 1985
- 28 min
-
7.0 (61)
In the first episode of The Ray Bradbury Theater, titled "Marionettes, Inc.," viewers are introduced to a world where technology has advanced to the point of creating robotic dolls that look and act like humans. Set in a futuristic city, the episode centers around two friends, Smith and Braling, who are both unhappy in their marriages and seek an escape from their mundane lives.
Braling introduces Smith to Marionettes, Inc., a company that creates life-like dolls that are controlled by their owners. The dolls are so realistic that they can fool even the most observant person. Braling suggests that the men buy identical dolls of themselves so that they can both escape their unhappy marriages and live without detection. Despite initial reservations, Smith agrees and the men each purchase a doll that looks exactly like them.
As the men begin to enjoy their newfound freedom, Smith's wife, Nettie, becomes suspicious of her husband's behavior. She begins to investigate and eventually discovers Smith's secret. Meanwhile, Braling's wife catches on to his plan as well, and the situation takes a darker turn as Braling's doll becomes increasingly independent and refuses to obey him.
The episode explores themes of love, marriage, and the consequences of using technology to escape one's problems. It also delves into the concept of identity, as the characters struggle with the reality that their dolls are exact replicas of themselves, yet not truly who they are.
The acting in the episode is solid, with Tippi Hedren delivering a standout performance as Nettie. The production design and special effects are also impressive, creating a believable futuristic world. The writing is typical of Bradbury's sci-fi work, exploring complex themes and asking thought-provoking questions about society and human nature.
Overall, "Marionettes, Inc." is a strong debut for The Ray Bradbury Theater, setting the tone for the series and showcasing Bradbury's talent for crafting compelling stories with a sci-fi twist. It's a must-watch for fans of the author's work and anyone interested in thought-provoking television.