The Little People

Description: Season 3, Episode 28

Air Date: March 30, 1962

Plot Summary: A stranded astronaut discovers tiny aliens that he tries to rule over as a god.

Review: We come now to yet another classic episode, although, this one doesn't quite hold up as well as others. Despite a few limitations in the scope of the story, the message is still relevant nonetheless. We meet two astronauts, Fletcher and Craig, as they have been stranded on a random planet. Fletcher attempts to repair the ship while Craig meanders about in the most asshole fashion possible. With limited supplies, Fletcher notices Craig is well taken care of despite his rations going untouched. As it would turn out, a tiny race of aliens inhabit the planet and are being forced to treat Craig as a god since he can easily destroy them. Fletcher realizes Craig is losing his mind from this power trip, attempts to knock some sense into him, and Fletcher hastens his efforts to repair the ship. After miraculously repairing the ship, Fletcher tries to collect Craig--to remove him from the situation blowing his ego out of proportion--but Craig tells Fletcher to leave by himself or he will shoot him. In classic TZ style, shortly after Fletcher has departed, other alien explorers appear who are gigantic and see Craig as nothing but the size of an insect. Accidentally killing Craig, the giant aliens leave and the little aliens are free of their tormentor. It's certainly a fitting end, though, would the little aliens even be able to perceive the giant aliens? Wouldn't their size fill the limits of the little aliens' gaze? Oh well. I really like the way Craig is depicted as a complete lunatic toward the end while highlighting the idea that many people would exploit those helpless to stop them. If only such comeuppance would occur more frequently in reality!