In another review series here I have been taking a look at
“Amazing Stories” as a homage to its 30th anniversary. There is
another anthology series also celebrating a landmark anniversary. “The Outer
Limits” second incarnation premiered 20 years ago on March 26, 1995.
But unlike “Amazing Stories”—which was met with hostile
reaction, dismissed, and has been so neglected and forgotten it cannot even get
a commercial DVD release of its second season—the 1995 version of the “Outer
Limits” was a smashing success for the Showtime Network, syndication, and the
SciFi (as it was then called) Channel.
The original “Outer Limits” (1963-1965) was a bold, irreverent,
atmospheric science fiction drama featuring eerie, expressionistic cinematography
by Conrad Hall and unforgettable music by Dominic Frontiere (and Harry Lubin in
season two). The 90s “Outer Limits” is not in the class of its predecessor, (nothing
is), nor does it have the film school-like innovative cinematic approach of “Amazing
Stories”. But “The Outer Limits” version two does offer consistently interesting—and
occasionally brilliant—stories. It can also boast one the strongest rosters of
superb (and often A-list) acting talent of any anthology show ever.
After a much acclaimed 93 minute debut episode (a two-parter
when shown in syndication with commercials), “The Sandkings”, based on the
George R.R. Martin novella and featuring a wickedly intense Beau Bridges
performance, the “Outer Limits” took its first of many explorations into the
world of artificial intelligence with episode two, “Valerie 23”.
In a plotline that echoes so many recent movies and
television shows (especially the brilliant 2015 film “Ex-Machina” and AMC’s
“Humans”), “Valerie 23” is the story of a super advanced prototype human-looking
android created to be the perfect companion to some poor lonely soul. In this
case that lonely person is paraplegic robotics designer Frank Hellner, part of
the team who worked on a need to know basis on the top secret Valerie project.
Frank is played by the brilliant character actor William
Sadler who nails every moment here.
At first, Frank resists being test subject zero for Valerie,
in the same way one would wave off some well-meaning but meddlesome relative or
friend who was trying to fix you up on a date. Besides, he already has his sights
and his heart set on his physical therapist Rachel, played by the always wonderful
Nancy Allen. But when Rachel rejects Frank’s advances because she is
reconciling with her abusive boyfriend, Frank tells his boss to bring on
Valerie.
What is ensues is a fascinating debate about “what does it
mean to be alive”, and a tension filled romantic relationship that quickly
escalates into an awkward love triangle. Now keep in mind this episode was first
aired in 1995—long before Steven Spielberg’s “A.I. Artificial Intelligence”,
the “Battlestar Galactica” remake, or the aforementioned “Ex-Machina” and “Humans”.
Sure, there were plenty of androids around in pre-1995
science fiction, including Data from ST-TNG. Rem from “Logan’s Run”, etc. But “Valerie
23” did break new ground in its very direct exploration of romantic and sexual
aspects of a relationship between biological and artificial humanoids.
Strong writing, a progressive story, and superb work from
William Sadler and Nancy Allen are all well and fine. But this episode is
called “Valerie 23”, so it all hinges on the performance of Sofia Shinas as the
title character. In a word, she is sensational. In a performance that foreshadows
Alicia Vikander’s acclaimed turn in “Ex-Machina”, Sofia Shinas is the ideal
fantasy female you cannot help but fall in love with—and yes—lust after.
The actress and pop singer had just been seen in the 1994 cult
hit movie “The Crow” the year before as Brandon Lee’s slain on-screen fiancé Shelly
Webster. To say that Sofia Shinas exudes overwhelming beauty and is the embodiment
of physical perfection would be an understatement. One of the refreshing characteristics
of the 90s “The Outer Limits” is its sexual and erotic aspect—rare for a genre
show like this—and “Valerie 23” does not shy away from the sexual nature of the
main character.
But the most intense emotional moment in this episode is a straight
dramatic one—when Frank cruelly rejects Valerie, saying he could no more have a
relationship with her than he could his dishwashing machine. The acting by
Sofia in this moment is absolutely exquisite. It is a heart-breaking scene and
we feel her pain and know that she is indeed “alive”.
Bottom line: **** (out of four)
One of the best episodes of the 90s “The Outer Limits”, “Valerie
23” is a thoughtful, involving exploration of artificial intelligence featuring
a knockout performance by the sensational Sofia Shinas as the title character.
No comments:
Post a Comment