We control all that you see and hear

I've recently rediscovered the Outer Limits.  This little gem from my late childhood is coming to me thanks to the ever-wonderful Sci-fi channel.  They've been doing mini-marathons about once a week, which has been keeping me well-stocked thanks to the wonders of DVR.  

There are several things that I like about the Outer Limits.  First of all, it's deliciously campy.  You get aliens, fairy tale monsters, and divine intervention, all in one show.  That brings me to the second thing that I love about it.  Every episode is a completely fresh story (with some loosely connecting every once in a while).  I think that more shows should follow this example.  While overarching story lines can be compelling, there's really something to be said for starting with a clean slate each time.  It also means they can vary the setting, although the vast majority feature the present or the near future.

They also had some pretty awesome guest actors.  I just finished watching an episode where Neil Patrick Harris played a mentally disabled (although shockingly good at problem solving when the story required it) young man in a town infested by brain-eating slugs.  (Did I mention it was campy?)  Also, as it turns out, I'm kind of in love with Neil Patrick Harris.  Another episode had Malcolm from Firefly (aka Captain Tight-Pants.)

Now, I have a few issues with it, mainly, to be honest, regarding how they portray scientific research.  Somehow, the nation is plagued by mad scientists who make giant strides in knowledge without any supporting research at all.  I can handle pseudoscience, but this is a bit ridiculous.  Plus, it always seems to go wrong in a completely predictable way.  (Unless it goes right, which does happen occasionally.)

On a side-note, 90s fashion and standards of beauty were HILARIOUS.