Philip K. Dick’s, Electric Dreams. Episode 2, Impossible Planet.

IMPOSSIBLE PLANET.

DIRECTED BY David Farr.

STARRING Geraldine Chaplin as IRMA, Benedict Wong as ANDREWS and Jack Reynor as NORTON.

Production and Design. 

 As I move into the second episode of Electric Dreams, I am pleasantly surprised at how different this episode looks from The Hood Maker. This episode was visually stunning and raised the bar for what comes next. I loved the art-deco style of the ship, which is mixed with futuristic technology. Irma’s mechanical droid looked beautiful, and it would look fantastic in any motion picture. However, I am still finding it difficult to see this as a Philip K. Dick story. The episode is perfect, so why can’t I accept it for what it is? I just never imagined Philip K. Dick’s world, to feel so crisp and clean. I always imagine them as dark and gritty backgrounds. Alternatively, my lack of imagination just might not be vast enough to see a different scenario. The colour tones and visual effects are immaculate, so I can only blame myself for not accepting someone else’s vision of his work.

Story. 

Impossible Planet begins on a ship called Astral Dreams. The ship’s purpose is to take tourists on a visit to space, to marvel at the wonders of the Universe. Unfortunately, those wonders are created by a computer, to heighten the emotions of its passengers. Two disgruntled space tourism employees can only watch, as their guests gasp in awe. Norton hates his job on the ship. He dreams of a better life by gaining a promotion, which has been denied. Andrews prefers to accept his fate, enjoy his life, and be happy to sell people a false dream. Thankfully, they have some interesting guests arriving. Irma and her robot assistant want to go to Earth so that she can visit her grandmother’s childhood home. However, the Planet has lost all life due to a catastrophic solar flare. Irma has plenty of money and is easily confused, so I guess the duo can make that dream a reality, for the right price. Norton is the one who accommodates Irma and sells her exactly what she wants. In the meantime, Irma’s robot assistant becomes aware of this deception and starts to question Norton’s intentions and integrity. 

The story does continue to get better, as it turns out that Irma is not the vulnerable woman she is acting to be. She can somehow predict what is happening and starts to make a move on Norton. I would let Andrews take over the customer service role at this point, but Norton decides to dump his girlfriend instead. Out comes all the old-fashioned clothes, and a picture of Irma’s grandfather and grandmother. However, the old man in the photograph is Norton. 

Irma’s Grandmother used to go swimming in the lakes of Carolina, and Irma has dreamed about this place for a long time. We finally arrive at Earth, and Irma can’t wait to turn her dreams into reality. But, she soon learns all is not what it seems, and Norton comes clean about the lies. Andrews points out that this is as far as the trip will go. Nobody will be going swimming today, as the planet is uninhabitable. Norton decides differently, and takes Irma to the surface, using spacesuits from aboard the ship. So, is Earth what you expected Imra? Damp, dark and uninhabitable. The oxygen that supplies the suits slowly begins to run out and it’s the end of the road for this unlikely couple, or is it? Irma removes her helmet, and Norton looks around and sees that Imra is now younger, and far more attractive. Norton removes his helmet, and he is no longer in the same place. Now, they are both in Carolina. The sun is shining and Irma invites him to go swimming in the lake nearby. Finally, Norton removes his clothes, and joins her.

Conclusion.

I suppose a good story will always leave you wondering, right? This episode did leave me scratching my head, but I guess a second viewing would give me some well needed answers. At this moment in time, I cannot come up with any logical or illogical conclusion to the story. However, I guess a lot of people have already worked it out already. I did enjoy the episode, and it reminded me of The Twilight Zone. Unfortunately, I did not love it, but maybe in time that will change. I can’t wait to read the original short story by Philip K. Dick, and hopefully be one step closer to unlocking the secrets of the Universe. Anyway, it’s time for me to go and watch episode three of the series. I hope you can come back for more.

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