Also known as 'Instance One', this was the first episode of A.B.C. Television's 1965 one-season sci-fi drama series 'Undermind'. Written by Robert Banks Stewart - who also created the show - the man later responsible for 'Shoestring' and 'Bergerac'. Personnel officer 'Drew Heriot' ( Jeremy Wilkin ) returns from Australia to find that his brother 'Frank' ( Jeremy Kemp ), a police officer, has been charged with assaulting Member of Parliament 'Hugh Bishop' ( Tony Steedman ). Frank's personality seems to have completely changed. He no longer feels any emotion. When the scandal forces Bishop's resignation and subsequent suicide, he is unmoved. As he had complained of strange headaches, Drew sees psychiatrist 'Dr.Polson' ( Paul Maxwell ). Other similar cases of people hearing unknown sounds and then committing anti-social acts have been reported, including an Air Traffic Controller who caused a plane crash. Polson is murdered by Frank. Drew then teams up with Frank's estranged wife 'Anne' ( Rosemary Nicols ) to try and get at the truth...
'Undermind' is a bit like a British 'Invasion Of The Body Snatchers'. As the first story unfolds, Drew and Anne come to realise that there is a vast conspiracy under way - aliens from outer space want to take over the world and have found the most effective weapon of all - the human race itself. They are broadcasting radio waves which can effectively brainwash people into committing acts that will undermine authority. Frank is one such 'undermind'. There may be hundreds, maybe more, like him out there...
This is a strong opener - directed by Bill Bain - with Kemp and Wilkin both giving good performances. Those of us familiar with Wilkin's other roles - such as the man who betrayed 'Blake' to the Federation in the opening instalment of 'Blake's 7' - will be a little disconcerted to see him cast as a hero for once. Nicols went on to play glamorous computer expert 'Annabelle Hurst' in 'Department S'.
Not a place to go to if your idea of sci-fi goes no further than laser gun battles or space-ships endlessly exploding. 'Undermind' works on a more subtle level. In some ways it anticipates 'The X-Files' by a good thirty years.
'Undermind' is a bit like a British 'Invasion Of The Body Snatchers'. As the first story unfolds, Drew and Anne come to realise that there is a vast conspiracy under way - aliens from outer space want to take over the world and have found the most effective weapon of all - the human race itself. They are broadcasting radio waves which can effectively brainwash people into committing acts that will undermine authority. Frank is one such 'undermind'. There may be hundreds, maybe more, like him out there...
This is a strong opener - directed by Bill Bain - with Kemp and Wilkin both giving good performances. Those of us familiar with Wilkin's other roles - such as the man who betrayed 'Blake' to the Federation in the opening instalment of 'Blake's 7' - will be a little disconcerted to see him cast as a hero for once. Nicols went on to play glamorous computer expert 'Annabelle Hurst' in 'Department S'.
Not a place to go to if your idea of sci-fi goes no further than laser gun battles or space-ships endlessly exploding. 'Undermind' works on a more subtle level. In some ways it anticipates 'The X-Files' by a good thirty years.