An alien abducts five typical teenagers and decrees that one of them must die.
Opening narration
| "When a heart has been turned cold by anger and grief, can patterns of destructive behavior be averted or are they predestined?" |
Plot
An alien abducts five high school students, and tells them that one must be killed. They must decide which of them it will be. The five students are: Ray (Zachary Ty Bryan), a typical jock; Danielle (Meghan Ory), the hottest girl in school; Jason (Jesse Moss), a stereotypical geek; Brianna (Kandyse McClure), a devout religious girl; and Cody (Jesse Cadotte), the social outcast. If they fail to choose a sacrifice, they will all die.
The students attempt to escape but find that they are trapped in the single corridor of their school and an adjacent classroom. They debate how they should proceed and each discover that they are trapped in the social constructs of their roles, such as the jock Ray's guaranteed success in life or the attractive girl Danielle's perceived promiscuity. Four of the group remain steadfast in their refusal to choose someone to sacrifice, but Cody, who is antisocial and contrarian, believes someone must die to save the others. Ray attempts to persuade Cody to join the group, but Cody refuses. When the time comes, everyone but Cody chooses not to select a sacrifice, and Cody chooses Brianna. The alien being kills her.
It is later found out that Cody had a gun with him, and had planned a shooting spree at the school. The alien abducted the five students and gave them the ultimatum to force Cody to think about the consequences about killing everyone in sight. The five students are transported back to the time they were abducted. While the others are overjoyed to see Brianna has been revived, Cody turns himself and his gun over to the principal.
Closing narration
| "In an ever more complex and dangerous world, vigilance and guidance is needed for those most vulnerable to its cruelties...our children." |
Notes
- The episode is notable for its controversial subject matter, inspired by the Columbine High School massacre on April 20, 1999.
- The theme of a social outcast being driven to extreme acts of violence echoes "Final Exam".
- This episode marks the eighth and final appearance of Eric Schneider. He was the only actor to appear in all seven seasons. At eight, he played more characters than anyone else. Along with Alex Diakun, he was one of the series' two most prolific guest stars.
- This is the twenty-first and final episode directed by Mario Azzopardi, the revival series' most prolific director.
- This is the ninth and final episode written by James Crocker.
Cast
- Zachary Ty Bryan as Ray
- Jesse Cadotte as Cody Phillips
- Don Kline as Principal
- Kandyse McClure as Brianna Lake
- Jesse Moss as Jason Stewart
- Meghan Ory as Danielle Berringer
- Eric Schneider as Alien Inquisitor
- Kevin Conway as the Control Voice (voice)