Ep 11. The Magnus Beam

The Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea season 1 episode 11 titled "The Magnus Beam" is an intriguing episode where the Seaview crew is faced with an unusual threat when they encounter a powerful force that starts pulling them toward an underwater city. The episode aired on December 2, 1964, and was directed by Sobey Martin.

The episode starts with the Seaview being hit by a powerful magnetic force field that starts to pull the ship towards a strange underwater city. Admiral Nelson is initially skeptical about the phenomenon and orders the crew to reverse the polarity of the sub's magnetic field, but their efforts are in vain. The magnetic force field was discovered to be created by a mysterious scientist named Dr. Gamma, who has built a gigantic 'magnet' that emits a powerful beam that can alter the Earth's magnetic field.

Dr. Gamma has planned to use this magnetic beam to blackmail the world into giving him complete control over all the global defense systems. He demands that the Seaview surrender to him but Nelson refuses to let the ship fall into the evil doctor's hands.

As the ship is pulled towards the underwater city, the Seaview loses power and sinks to the bottom of the ocean. The crew is running out of oxygen, and it's a race against time to figure out a way to stop Dr. Gamma. Meanwhile, the crew is confronted with sabotage and mutiny as they fight to save themselves and their sub.

The episode is filled with suspense as the Seaview crew desperately work to regain control of their ship. They soon devise a plan to overcome Dr. Gamma's beam and restore the ship's power. Captain Crane takes a team to the surface to attack the beam at its source, while Nelson, Chief Sharkey, and Kowalski try to fix the ship and keep it from sinking to the bottom of the ocean.

As the mission unfolds, the Seaview crew faces numerous obstacles, including a shark attack and a collapsing underwater cave. Tensions run high as they race against the clock and face a powerful adversary who has upped his game. In the end, it's up to the Seaview crew to save Earth from Dr. Gamma's evil plans.

The acting performances by the cast are convincing, and the special effects are impressive for the time in which it was filmed. The episode presents a realistic portrayal of the challenges of underwater exploration and survival and offers an engaging storyline with impressive action and suspense.

Overall, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea season 1 episode 11, "The Magnus Beam," offers an exciting adventure with strong performances, impressive special effects, and a well-crafted storyline. It continues to remain a favorite among fans of science fiction and adventure television.