Commander William Fletcher (a sturdy performance by Claude Atkins) and Navigator Peter Craig (expertly played to the bitter cynical hilt by Joe Maross) find themselves stranded on a desolate planet. The angry and vengeful Craig discovers a race of diminutive beings that he decides to lord over.
Director William F. Claxton relates the absorbing story at a quick pace and ably crafts a stark grim tone. Rod Serling's caustic script makes a chilling point about how the most petty and hateful low level person has a latent capacity for extreme cruelty and a repressed need to be in charge. Atkins and Maross act off each other well. The sharp black and white cinematography by George T. Clemens vividly captures the oppressive heat of the desert world. The bleak ironic ending packs a fierce punch. An excellent episode.
Director William F. Claxton relates the absorbing story at a quick pace and ably crafts a stark grim tone. Rod Serling's caustic script makes a chilling point about how the most petty and hateful low level person has a latent capacity for extreme cruelty and a repressed need to be in charge. Atkins and Maross act off each other well. The sharp black and white cinematography by George T. Clemens vividly captures the oppressive heat of the desert world. The bleak ironic ending packs a fierce punch. An excellent episode.