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The Outer Limits: The Official Companion
The official guide to the classic science fiction television series features a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the production of "the Outer Limits," as well as plot synopses, special effects, credits and production details, anecdotes, commentary, and photographs
- GenresReferenceNonfictionTv
406 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 1986
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83 people want to read
About the author
David J. Schow
197 books146 followersDavid J. Schow is an American author of horror novels, short stories, and screenplays, associated with the "splatterpunk" movement of the late '80s and early '90s. Most recently he has moved into the crime genre.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 24, 2024
Having recently rewatched the classic television series, "The Outer Limits," as an exceptional Blu-ray release from Kino, I was struck by how much I didn't know about the series (despite it being one I watched faithfully as a pre-teen during its original airing). Kino released the series in two sets with the first containing the much-heralded First Season, and the second containing the following half-season before the ABC network "pulled the plug."
Generally speaking, the First Season is considered to be greatly superior to the Second Season, despite the Second one containing what many fans considered the best episode of the entire run ("Demon With A Glass Hand") and the only two-part story ("The Inheritors"). Watching both seasons again, it was so perplexing as to why so much was jettisoned going into Season Two. It was easy to see that most of the production team had changed, but why do things such as replace the iconic music from Dominic Frontiere with the "okay" music of Harry Lubin?
It seemed like Fate intervened when I was looking through my downstairs book shelves and happened to notice THE OUTER LIMITS: THE OFFICIAL COMPANION which I'd apparently purchased in 1986. I'm sure that I hadn't read it, although (being paper-bound) there was evidence of my having looked at parts of it.
As I expected, there was a thorough exploration of the show's production history, and also a critical analysis of each episode ... and I was extremely surprised to find that I only disagreed with two episode critiques! For a paperback book, it was also very generous with photographs.
But, for me, the real value was it getting to know much more about the people involved, especially the visionary creator, Leslie Stevens, and Joseph Stefano who served as the very "hands-on" Producer ... and also as a writer and guiding hand through the run of the First Season. (Stefano was the screenwriter for Alfred Hitchcock's sole horror film, PSYCHO.) It was fascinating to learn that the network dictated that each episode have a "Monster of the Week" (as that helped audience numbers), and how Stefano worked very hard to make sure most of the "Monsters" were empathetic, misunderstood, and strongly judged by others based on their outward appearance. In essence, he gave "The Outer Limits" its heart.
Then, there was the Second Season in which a "knock down, drag out" dispute with the network brought in a new production team, a lower budget, and a "kiss of death" time slot opposite "The Jackie Gleason Show." While the details of the First Season were intriguing for the details of the creative process, the details of the Second Season vividly showed the politics involved in producing a television show. (Have you ever wondered why some of the shows you liked that had lots of episodes in a season ... from 24 to 32 ... contained so many "duds" among the "gems"? Second Season producer, Ben Brady, commented that a producer was considered fortunate if a season had around four "great" episodes with the bulk being "okay" and a few being "terrible.")
Of special note was the influence of "The Outer Limits" on the later "Star Trek." Apparently, Gene Roddenberry (creator of "Star Trek") was on the lot where "The Outer Limits" was filmed, and frequently "invited himself" to watch the "dailies." In different episodes, he would have seen William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, James Doohan and Grace Lee Whitney. He would also have seen a very stoic alien with decidedly Vulcan tendencies, along with a story ("Fun and Games") that was very similar to the "Arena" episode on "Star Trek."
Also, some of remarkable performances that came from actors such as Donald Pleasence and David McCallum happened because the performers were convinced to extend their stay a bit after the completion of the filming of "The Greatest Story Ever Told" before they went back to Great Britain. It was certainly very fortunate timing!
Best of all, the writing throughout the book was very engaging. I learned a great deal, but I was never "bogged down" with details I didn't care whether I knew or not. I looked forward to each reading session.
And, yes, I did go back and rewatch some selected episodes of "The Outer Limits." It was a joy.
Generally speaking, the First Season is considered to be greatly superior to the Second Season, despite the Second one containing what many fans considered the best episode of the entire run ("Demon With A Glass Hand") and the only two-part story ("The Inheritors"). Watching both seasons again, it was so perplexing as to why so much was jettisoned going into Season Two. It was easy to see that most of the production team had changed, but why do things such as replace the iconic music from Dominic Frontiere with the "okay" music of Harry Lubin?
It seemed like Fate intervened when I was looking through my downstairs book shelves and happened to notice THE OUTER LIMITS: THE OFFICIAL COMPANION which I'd apparently purchased in 1986. I'm sure that I hadn't read it, although (being paper-bound) there was evidence of my having looked at parts of it.
As I expected, there was a thorough exploration of the show's production history, and also a critical analysis of each episode ... and I was extremely surprised to find that I only disagreed with two episode critiques! For a paperback book, it was also very generous with photographs.
But, for me, the real value was it getting to know much more about the people involved, especially the visionary creator, Leslie Stevens, and Joseph Stefano who served as the very "hands-on" Producer ... and also as a writer and guiding hand through the run of the First Season. (Stefano was the screenwriter for Alfred Hitchcock's sole horror film, PSYCHO.) It was fascinating to learn that the network dictated that each episode have a "Monster of the Week" (as that helped audience numbers), and how Stefano worked very hard to make sure most of the "Monsters" were empathetic, misunderstood, and strongly judged by others based on their outward appearance. In essence, he gave "The Outer Limits" its heart.
Then, there was the Second Season in which a "knock down, drag out" dispute with the network brought in a new production team, a lower budget, and a "kiss of death" time slot opposite "The Jackie Gleason Show." While the details of the First Season were intriguing for the details of the creative process, the details of the Second Season vividly showed the politics involved in producing a television show. (Have you ever wondered why some of the shows you liked that had lots of episodes in a season ... from 24 to 32 ... contained so many "duds" among the "gems"? Second Season producer, Ben Brady, commented that a producer was considered fortunate if a season had around four "great" episodes with the bulk being "okay" and a few being "terrible.")
Of special note was the influence of "The Outer Limits" on the later "Star Trek." Apparently, Gene Roddenberry (creator of "Star Trek") was on the lot where "The Outer Limits" was filmed, and frequently "invited himself" to watch the "dailies." In different episodes, he would have seen William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, James Doohan and Grace Lee Whitney. He would also have seen a very stoic alien with decidedly Vulcan tendencies, along with a story ("Fun and Games") that was very similar to the "Arena" episode on "Star Trek."
Also, some of remarkable performances that came from actors such as Donald Pleasence and David McCallum happened because the performers were convinced to extend their stay a bit after the completion of the filming of "The Greatest Story Ever Told" before they went back to Great Britain. It was certainly very fortunate timing!
Best of all, the writing throughout the book was very engaging. I learned a great deal, but I was never "bogged down" with details I didn't care whether I knew or not. I looked forward to each reading session.
And, yes, I did go back and rewatch some selected episodes of "The Outer Limits." It was a joy.
April 27, 2017
For anyone wishing to experience the awe and mystery of what is easily the best science fiction series ever, I offer David J. Schow's "Outer Limits Companion". This book is a must have if you own any of the DVD sets (since they include absolutely zero extras) and is the finest example of a TV "companion" you'll find.
It contains a great episode guide of both seasons and I don't mean just a cast list and a recap of the story. Each episode is paid tribute to with what is essentially a "Making of..." retelling of what went into creating each show. Quotes from actors, producers, directors, effects personnel, and assorted production crew members are included in practically copious amounts. Plus, there are multiple pictures from each episode, including production shots and rare behind-the-scenes photos. There are also special sections addressing special effects, the selling of the pilot, assorted promotion merchandise, music from the series and a "Beyond the Outer Limits" chapter which briefly touches on the 1990's rebirth of the show (and I do mean briefly). Even the appendices are loaded, including a recap of episodes and story ideas never filmed, and broadcast and syndication schedules.
I have read this from cover to cover and constantly refer to it whenever I watch the series. If you are a fan of the original Outer Limits you seriously need this book.
It contains a great episode guide of both seasons and I don't mean just a cast list and a recap of the story. Each episode is paid tribute to with what is essentially a "Making of..." retelling of what went into creating each show. Quotes from actors, producers, directors, effects personnel, and assorted production crew members are included in practically copious amounts. Plus, there are multiple pictures from each episode, including production shots and rare behind-the-scenes photos. There are also special sections addressing special effects, the selling of the pilot, assorted promotion merchandise, music from the series and a "Beyond the Outer Limits" chapter which briefly touches on the 1990's rebirth of the show (and I do mean briefly). Even the appendices are loaded, including a recap of episodes and story ideas never filmed, and broadcast and syndication schedules.
I have read this from cover to cover and constantly refer to it whenever I watch the series. If you are a fan of the original Outer Limits you seriously need this book.
November 29, 2023
There is nothing wrong with your Goodreads page. Do not attempt to adjust the picture. I am controlling transmission.
Roll over, Rod Serling, and tell THE TWILIGHT ZONE the news. Those of us who grew up watching reruns of 1960s TV shows easily and proudly call THE OUTER LIMITS the greatest sci-fi mystery program to air on television, a judgment shared by Steven King. The caveat is that THE OUTER LIMITS is a lot like the proverbial good girl. When she was good she was great but when she was bad she was the pits.
The greatest episodes, "The Man Who Was Never Born", "The Sixth Finger", "Tourist Attraction", and "The Architects of Fear", among many blazing others, treat the subject of time, destiny, and humans interfering with history, usually for the worse. The show hit bottom when we got stuck with episodes featuring Eddie Albert fighting killer tumbleweeds and Adam West, pre-BATMAN, playing an astronaut battling land sharks. (No, don't try to make sense of that.) The real genius behind THE OUTER LIMITS was Joseph Stefano, writer of Alfred Hitchcock's PSYCHO and, like Serling, a humanist who fell in love with the macabre. This thorough, exhaustive, and delightfully written COMPANION to the series is a must-read for fans and will entice those who have never seen the show. Every episode is introduced with a synopsis, followed by production notes and critical evaluation, the duds as well as the hits.
Roll over, Rod Serling, and tell THE TWILIGHT ZONE the news. Those of us who grew up watching reruns of 1960s TV shows easily and proudly call THE OUTER LIMITS the greatest sci-fi mystery program to air on television, a judgment shared by Steven King. The caveat is that THE OUTER LIMITS is a lot like the proverbial good girl. When she was good she was great but when she was bad she was the pits.
The greatest episodes, "The Man Who Was Never Born", "The Sixth Finger", "Tourist Attraction", and "The Architects of Fear", among many blazing others, treat the subject of time, destiny, and humans interfering with history, usually for the worse. The show hit bottom when we got stuck with episodes featuring Eddie Albert fighting killer tumbleweeds and Adam West, pre-BATMAN, playing an astronaut battling land sharks. (No, don't try to make sense of that.) The real genius behind THE OUTER LIMITS was Joseph Stefano, writer of Alfred Hitchcock's PSYCHO and, like Serling, a humanist who fell in love with the macabre. This thorough, exhaustive, and delightfully written COMPANION to the series is a must-read for fans and will entice those who have never seen the show. Every episode is introduced with a synopsis, followed by production notes and critical evaluation, the duds as well as the hits.
April 22, 2016
The model of how a "companion to the TV show" book should be done. Well-researched, and with LOTS of interviews with key creative and technical personnel, this book is detailed, but never boring; opinionated, but in a thoughtful way; and respectful of the show, while being unafraid to call out elements of it that don't work.
If you have even the vaguest interest in The Outer Limits, this is a worthy addition to your library. And actually, if you have an interest in 1960s TV in general, this is a volume well worth seeking out -- The Outer Limits Companion will give you a lot of insight into the process of how a TV show is written, cast, and produced. Highly recommended!
If you have even the vaguest interest in The Outer Limits, this is a worthy addition to your library. And actually, if you have an interest in 1960s TV in general, this is a volume well worth seeking out -- The Outer Limits Companion will give you a lot of insight into the process of how a TV show is written, cast, and produced. Highly recommended!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews