The Episode
EPISODE SUMMARY:
"Them" is a chilling tale of science gone awry, set against the backdrop of Cold War America's creeping unease with nuclear power. The episode follows Dr. Walter Jennings, a scientist who has been recruited by a mysterious organization to lead an expedition to a remote research facility in Antarctica. Upon arrival, he and his team discover that the facility is home to an extraterrestrial organism, dubbed "Them," which seems to be adapting to its surroundings at an alarming rate.
As tensions rise, Dr. Jennings becomes increasingly convinced that Them poses an existential threat to humanity, while his colleagues begin to suspect a sinister plot behind the expedition's true purpose. The atmosphere of unease and paranoia is palpable, as the team members start to disappear one by one, leaving behind only cryptic clues about the true nature of Them.
Through its masterful blend of suspense, science fiction, and psychological thrills, "Them" masterfully ratchets up the tension until it reaches a heart-stopping climax that will keep listeners on the edge of their seats. With its tight script, atmospheric sound design, and standout performances from a cast including John Karlen and Mary Ann mobley.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT:
As the episode aired in February 1975, America was still reeling from the aftershocks of Watergate and the economic stagnation that had gripped the country since the early 1970s. The oil embargo of 1973 had sparked widespread gasoline shortages, leading to long lines at the pump and rationing that seemed like a distant memory just two years prior. The Vietnam War was also still simmering, its effects felt by millions of Americans who were beginning to question the government's involvement in the conflict.
Meanwhile, the world was watching as the Soviet Union continued to assert its dominance on the international stage, while China had begun its dramatic shift towards communism under the leadership of Mao Zedong. The United States, meanwhile, was grappling with its own identity crisis, as the hippie counterculture and the emergence of the women's liberation movement challenged traditional values and societal norms.
In this climate of uncertainty, "Them" taps into America's deep-seated fears about science gone wrong, government secrecy, and the unknown. The episode's central plot device – an alien organism that threatens humanity's very existence – resonates with a nation still grappling with its own existential crises. By harnessing the power of radio drama to explore these themes, "Them" becomes a masterful commentary on the anxieties of the age.
WHY IT MATTERS:
Today, "Them" stands as a testament to the enduring power of radio drama as an art form. Its tightly wound narrative, atmospheric sound design, and outstanding performances hold up remarkably well even by today's standards. But it is the episode's craft that truly sets it apart – its masterful pacing, clever plot twists, and seamless integration of science fiction and psychological suspense make for a listening experience that feels both dated and timeless.
What makes "Them" particularly noteworthy is its prescience in exploring the dangers of playing with forces beyond human control. In an era where climate change, pandemics, and technological overreach have raised urgent questions about our place in the world, this episode's central theme – that we are not always masters of our own destiny – feels more relevant than ever.
The World of 1975
Why Listen Today
"Come in. Welcome. I'm E.G. Marshall, your host for the CBS Radio Mystery Theater."