The Outer Limits "The Bellero Shield"

Another great performance by ML. We really get the sense this character is a tortured son wanting his father’s approval. This weak man is completely dominated by others. But was not done as a typage performance of a weakling husband, or even a nerdy scientist… you get the sense he is real and understand his dilemma. Notice how well Martin hits the emotional nuisances (beats) in every line. You really get a wide range of emotions here: disappointment/hopelessness to anger to desire- that great breathy line delivered so well before the kiss. (Shot in low light silhouette; tastefully as a private moment) You really get the sense that his wife is too much for him to handle!.... Later we see true horror on his face, when his wife commits murder

I just love how Mrs. Dame the housekeeper just appears out of the shadows like Mrs. Danvers (remember Rebecca? Had to be an influence here) The two women seem to be really close if you know what I mean… The housekeeper dressed in black, barefooted with twisted toes is hiding. She has a long chain like a primitive animal. She is fueling the power hungry nature of her employer (master?) Judith is dressed in white to appear angelic yet she too is primitive with the fur collar. Extreme ambition displayed as primal emotion…. awesome metaphor.

Another great moment is when the father is talking to Judith with half his face lit and the other half dark. This alludes to his two faced nature as power mogul and his phony face as loving father... Is this episode film noir? is it a horror film? is it sci-fi? all the above!!! Another great episode shot by Conrad Hall

I love the dialogue too… every time i watch it I have a new favorite line…

Way cool!
Holly