I love this episode. Leo McKern does an amazing job playing the companion and Gwent. You dislike the computer persona but by the end sympathise with it. So good. 10/10. Nice reaction.
Actor Prentis Hancock who played Paul Morrow, appeared in every episode of Series One, except The Infernal Machine. The actor was being treated for a minor medical condition, for which he made a full recovery and returned to the show soon after.
When I first saw this episode, I assumed that Paul's absence meant that the production team had brought in an expendable substitute since the crew member staffing his console was going to die, and they didn't want to get rid of a regular character.
I love this episode. Directed by David Tomblin who also worked on The Prisoner. Leo McKern (Companion and voice of Gwent) was a number 2 in The Prisoner... a few times. Elements of the wonderful set went into store at Pinewood Studios for hire and were used in Doctor Who; Timelash (the entrance corridor became the corridors of Timelash) The special effects team absolutely hated the model spaceship they created as they really struggled to get it to move right - they delighted in binning it when finished.
I liked this episode. it's not every original idea but somehow it creates enough of a mystery and some interesting characters. Kind of like a TOS episode.
This was great series for the time. If you are a fan Barry Morse you should check the 60s show The Fugitive as he played Lt. Gerard. He hides his British accent quite well.
Marie-Clare, some time ago i wrote the episode order down that you are following so I could watch them in the order you are doing them. I have episode The Last Sunset as 17 and Infernal Machine as 18. Double checked and that is right. Either Britbox or whoever have their own order, or you've unintentionally skipped an episode. Wanted to let you know in case that's happened.
