What is the one thing better than a disturbing and grim dystopian Sci-Fi tale? Answer: a disturbing and grim dystopian tale penned down by a genius writer such as Charles Beaumont! Admittedly I'm very biased, since I absolutely worship bleak futuristic tales, but "Number 12 Looks Just Like You" simply also is an unsettling and captivating tale of suspense!
Unfolding similarly to the greatest titles of its kind ("1984", "Fahrenheit 451", ...) the story takes place in a totalitarian future of the worst kind. When turning 19-years-old everyone must undergo mandatory plastic surgery to become "beautiful". There's a catalog to choose from, but apparently all men take number 17, and all women either take 8 or 12. Shortly before her birthday, the intelligent and feisty Marilyn objects to her scheduled operation, questions why she cannot take her own decisions, and attempts to warn her mother and best friend about the dangers of a society in which everyone is identical.
Formidable episode with an excellent cast, great eye for detail in the script, and a memorably downbeat and discouraging climax. Needless to say this is one of the best installments of the fifth season, or at least my own personal favorite one.
Unfolding similarly to the greatest titles of its kind ("1984", "Fahrenheit 451", ...) the story takes place in a totalitarian future of the worst kind. When turning 19-years-old everyone must undergo mandatory plastic surgery to become "beautiful". There's a catalog to choose from, but apparently all men take number 17, and all women either take 8 or 12. Shortly before her birthday, the intelligent and feisty Marilyn objects to her scheduled operation, questions why she cannot take her own decisions, and attempts to warn her mother and best friend about the dangers of a society in which everyone is identical.
Formidable episode with an excellent cast, great eye for detail in the script, and a memorably downbeat and discouraging climax. Needless to say this is one of the best installments of the fifth season, or at least my own personal favorite one.