User Reviews

"The Outsider" is an episode about an overly eager P-51 pilot. Lt. Wilson (James MacArthur) has been in action as a fighter pilot for two months and he's anxious to get his first victory. But he's so eager that he's a danger to himself and others. For example, early in the film he's supposed to be protecting a formation of B-17 bombers but is so eager to get a German plane that he ends up shooting up the B-17 in the process. Not surprisingly, this does NOT endear him to the bomber crews!! Later, though, he is able to redeem himself....but also STILL is a danger because of his 'need' to get a German plane. See the show...see what I mean as well as how it all works out in the story.

For the most part, I liked this one. My only complaint is the epilog seemed too long and too overdone. Again, see it and see what I mean.

By the way, the stock footage is poorly used, but since I complain so much about this in other reviews for the show, I'll just shut up for once!

The casting people for 12 O'Clock High had a knack for finding young actors early in their careers who would go on to fame over the course of decades. This episode exemplifies that by guest starring James MacArthur ... the son of Helen Hayes and a few years before his LONG run as Danny Williams on Hawaii 5-0. As I consider James MacArthur, so young here and always with the boyish face on 5-0, it's hard to believe he's been dead for years.

Here he plays a gung-ho fighter pilot who is also a social misfit. His story is that of a sad loner desperate to fit in and desperate for company and desperate to 'do his part' in the war. It must be the story of so many young men yanked from their homes and hometowns and shot across the world into a brutal war.

The episode is poignant and a bit sad, but all the more worth your time to watch for that quality.