The Mac 27 File

blacklogo

Mac 27: The Outer Limits - "In Our Own Image"

A Production of MGM for Showtime. First Aired: December 18, 1998

Nick Lea plays Mac 27, an android. He is a new version of the Mark 12 Innobotics' standard frame. Mac is an abbreviation of MacDonald, the name being derived from a popular song, 'Old MacDonald had a farm'. Although described as "Little more than a tractor or a forklift, this is a highly sophisticated machine. Innobotics has a troubled history with their androids as seen in flashbacks from other Outer Limits episodes.

Mac27 has displayed erratic behavior and a troubleshooter, Fairman, has been called. Dr. Keller, programmer, attempts to adjust Mac 27's circuits. Mac 27 reacts violently, throwing Dr. Keller down and killing two people as he escapes. He takes a woman hostage, forcing her to drive him. He is shot several times. They hide in an abandoned building and Mac27 forces the woman, Celia to repair him. They are connected by a handy device, which allows him to transmit the knowledge needed to fix his injuries to the woman. The woman also has access to his memories.

Celia points out that the Mac 27 is acting in ways that show he has emotions. A relationship of trust develops. Meanwhile, Dr. Keller has a tracking program going and sends a hunter to find Mac 27. Celia shoots the men when they try to destroy Mac 27.

In the end, she turns out to be the troubleshooter, and intends to terminate him after she understands his malfunction. He kills her. Mac27 goes to confront Dr. Keller and free the other Mac 27s. Very nice acting in the last scene. The androids move in a stilted manner and their faces have a bizarrely innocent expression as they look at Dr. Keller's corpse.

Ursula.