Suspense's "Plan X" is set on the planet Mars in the year 2053. The story opens on the day before the first rocket ship from Earth is expected to land. The citizens of Mars aren't thrilled about the arrival of the Earthlings, but they knew it would happen sooner or later.
In response, the Martian Grand Council decides to put Plan X into effect. All Martians have been trained in the proper execution of this plan for the last fifty years and know what to do. The Grand Council also needs to appoint someone to head the mission and greet the Earthlings, but on Mars, diplomats have been obsolete for many years. Instead, the person with the necessary character traits for the job is selected by the Grand Council's computer. It chooses Xeno, an assembly line worker from an escalator factory.
"Plan X" is an episode of Suspense with subtle humor and a message about colonialism. Jack Benny stars as Xeno in what was the third of his four appearances on Suspense. William Conrad played the voice of the Grand Council. This episode had an unusually large cast, too. Also appearing were Joseph Kearns, Mary Jane Croft, Norma Varden, John McIntire, Trudi Marsden, Howard McNear, Jack Kruschen, William McNear and Stuffy Singer. "Plan X" was written for Suspense by television writer Richard Powell.
This episode was broadcast on February 2, 1953.
. Download Suspense.1953.02.02_PlanX.mp3
(Image of Mars through the Hubble Space Telescope from Wikimedia Commons)
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Posted by: Rich | September 21, 2007 at 09:50 AM
A good episode which - unusual for the American mass media - includes a fair dose of irony.
Posted by: Mike Hobart | January 25, 2008 at 04:44 AM
A good episode which - unusual for the American mass media - includes a fair dose of irony.
Posted by: Mike Hobart | January 25, 2008 at 04:45 AM
A great information in the post.I really admire this site. Don't change a thing! And again, thanks for helping us find so many terrific shows.
Posted by: x-ray fluorescence | March 02, 2009 at 01:05 AM
Your welcome! I'm glad that you are happy with it. -Christine
Posted by: cmillinsf | March 07, 2009 at 06:36 AM
Am a big Jack Benny Fan and this is a great episode other than the ending... still it did keep me in Suspense! with a smile
Posted by: Kevin | September 09, 2009 at 01:50 AM