Second Thoughts (The Outer Limits)

Infobox Television episode
Title = Second Thoughts
Series = The Outer Limits


Caption =
Season = 3
Episode = 2
Airdate = 19 January, 1997
Production = 46
Writer = Sam Egan
Director = Mario Azzopardi
Photographer =
Guests = Howie Mandel as Karl Durand, Jennifer Rubin as Rose, Dean Balkwill as Willy, Jerry Wasserman as William Talbot, Gordon Tipple as Detective #1
Episode list = List of "The Outer Limits" episodes
Prev = Bits of Love
Next = Re-generation

"Second Thoughts" is an episode of "The Outer Limits" television show. It first aired on 19 January, 1997, during the third season.

Introduction

Karl Durand is a man in his 30's, but with the mind of a child. Dr. Jacob Valerian discovers a method for transferring memories and experiences into another person's brain. As his last dying act he transfers his own memories into Karl's brain.

Opening narration

"It is only human to dream of rising above one's limitations. But what if we had the power to instantly acquire the qualities that we envy in others? Would it bring real fulfillment... or a hunger that can never be filled?"

Plot

Karl begins to have flashes of skill and talent from absorbing the doctor's memories. When he accidentally kills another man, he uses the device to transfer the man's memories into his own brain. However this causes Karl to exhibit multiple personality and schizoid behavior. Meanwhile he tries to date a woman he's secretly loved for years, with no success, and is forced to kill and "absorb" the detective investigating about the death of the man Karl accidentally killed. Finally he absorbs the mind of an artist that the woman had a fling with hoping that his personality helps him to finally get her to love him. Unfortunately the artist was temperamental and suicidal. The ending sequence shows Karl kneeling on the floor going crazy with a gun pointed to his head. The final scene shows a photo of Rose with Karl apparently committing suicide off-camera.

Closing narration

"How easily we scorn what Fate has dealt us and dream of what it has not. Before we cast aside our lots, it would be wise to remember... that dreams have a way of turning into nightmares."

External links

*
* [http://www.scifi.com/outerlimits/episodes/season3/302secondthoughts.html "Second Thoughts (The Outer Limits)"] at Sci Fi