"The Voice of Reason" is an episode of The Outer Limits television show. It first aired on 20 August, 1995, and was the final episode of the first season.
Introduction
A civilian, Randal Strong, uses his contacts in the military to arrange an appearance before a high-level government committee at the The Pentagon.
Opening narration
- "What is our last line of defense? Is it the military, with all of their power and might? Or is it the courage of a solitary man?"
Plot synopsis
Strong tries to convince the members of the committee that a number of different alien invasions of Earth are occurring, and demands an official investigation and response to the threats. His evidence comes from incidents in previous episodes of the first season, such as: The experiments of Simon Kress in "The Sandkings", and an attempt to take over and impersonate the crew of a spacecraft returning to Earth in "The Voyage Home". Strong also believes that the committee itself has been infiltrated by one or more aliens posing as humans (see "Birthright").
During the long and stressful meeting it appears that the committee chairman, Thornwell, is an infiltrator because of his opposition to Strong's evidence and claims.
The committee adjourns for a private conference to discuss their decision. Upon returning they announce that Strong's evidence and claims of multiple alien invasions have been rejected. In response Strong grabs a gun from a guard and kills Chairmen Thornwell — believing him to be the one blocking further investigation and hoping to expose his alien nature by injuring him. However, Thornwell was privately arguing in support of Strong and was outvoted. Other committee members were the infiltrators, and the death of Thornwell has opened the way for a complete takeover of the committee's activities.
Closing narration
- "Sleep soundly in the knowledge that the dawn will come. Rest assured that our leaders are watching over us. But beware. For it is only their vigilance that stands between our restful slumber... and the end of the world."
External links and references
