The Discarded: A Disturbing Tale from Masters of Science Fiction
The episode "The Discarded" from the Sci-Fi series Masters of Science Fiction presents a harrowing exploration of society’s marginalized members. It begins in orbit above Earth, on a colossal ship known as the Goog, inhabited by individuals who are different in many ways but united by their shared physical deformities. This ragtag group faces dire circumstances, both physically and psychologically, leading to inevitable tragedy among their ranks.
Built to house a diverse range of individuals—defined by their various races, genders, and sexual orientations—the Goog teems with life yet is marred by despair. The ship’s conditions are grim; an artificial forest provides oxygen, but emotional and mental resources run dry. The repeated sight of residents succumbing to the weight of their isolation culminates in distressing incidents, such as a woman whose anguished demise at the ship's windows barely stirs the rest.
Bedik, the community leader marked by his own physical oddities—a grotesquely enlarged hand and testicle—takes on the heavy burden of managing the aftermath of tragedy. His leadership is respected, yet also heavy with the weight of despair as he confronts the reality of dwindling numbers. The communal sense of confinement seems to gnaw at their sanity, evidenced by the increasing frequency of suicides.
The interactions between the Goog’s inhabitants reveal a microcosm of human condition under duress. Bedik converses with his friend Sam Swope, who bears a miniature head on his shoulder—a constant reminder of their shared affliction termed "blood poop." This disease has pushed them from Earth, a society that shuns them for their perceived ugliness. As they share their grievances, the deep-rooted shame of their condition is palpable.
The threat of further death looms as word arrives of an unscheduled ship from Earth approaching. Bedik’s reluctance to engage with the impending newcomers reflects his disillusionment with the society that has abandoned them. However, as Harmony, the ship's chief of communications, urges him to prepare, it becomes clear that the Goog is still tethered to Earth in both reality and memory.
The Arrival of an Ambassador
When Barney Curran, a supposed ambassador representing Earth's World Government, arrives with the promise of an opportunity for the inhabitants, a rift emerges among the community. Bedik's skepticism clashes with the sense of hope instilled by others, including Sam Swope and the Dollard sisters, who are desperate to return to a world that once scorned them.
Curran delivers unsettling news—the epidemic of blood poop has worsened, necessitating desperate measures to procure blood for a new cure. His offer of land where the Goog's residents can live peacefully in South America pulls at their yearning for normalcy. Yet, suspicion hangs thick in the air, particularly for Bedik, who recognizes the complexity of such a deal.
Tragedy Strikes
The pressure reaches a boiling point when disagreement erupts among the Goog’s residents regarding Curran's proposition. Their internal conflict unearths the mental strain that long confinement has inflicted on individuals like Smiley, who faces an irreversible breakdown. His violent outburst leads to a catastrophic confrontation resulting in Bedik's death—a loss that reverberates through the community.
With the ship’s sanctity shattered, Sam Swope reluctantly assumes command while the crew prepares to lend their blood for a chance at a new life. However, the promise of salvation quickly turns malignant. When more blood poop victims arrive, it becomes clear that the hopes of a brighter future have been twisted into a betrayal.
A New Order
The episode concludes with a sense of hopelessness and tragedy cycling back on itself. As Sam Swope, now a leader, oversees the bleeding out of his fellow inhabitants, he can hardly contain his regret. Meanwhile, Annie takes the helm with a hardened resolve driven by loss instead of hope. The cycle of abuse and rejection continues, with the remnants of their shattered community staring into a void that seems endless.
"The Discarded" stands as a haunting narrative that wrestles with the themes of alienation, despair, and the struggle for identity. It lays bare the consequences of a society that favors superficial beauty and normalcy and the unrelenting quest for acceptance and belonging amid physical deformity. In this tragic setting, hope fades in the shadows of sacrifice—ultimately asking, who is truly cast away?
Part 1/8:
The Discarded: A Disturbing Tale from Masters of Science Fiction
The episode "The Discarded" from the Sci-Fi series Masters of Science Fiction presents a harrowing exploration of society’s marginalized members. It begins in orbit above Earth, on a colossal ship known as the Goog, inhabited by individuals who are different in many ways but united by their shared physical deformities. This ragtag group faces dire circumstances, both physically and psychologically, leading to inevitable tragedy among their ranks.
Life Aboard the Goog
Part 2/8:
Built to house a diverse range of individuals—defined by their various races, genders, and sexual orientations—the Goog teems with life yet is marred by despair. The ship’s conditions are grim; an artificial forest provides oxygen, but emotional and mental resources run dry. The repeated sight of residents succumbing to the weight of their isolation culminates in distressing incidents, such as a woman whose anguished demise at the ship's windows barely stirs the rest.
Part 3/8:
Bedik, the community leader marked by his own physical oddities—a grotesquely enlarged hand and testicle—takes on the heavy burden of managing the aftermath of tragedy. His leadership is respected, yet also heavy with the weight of despair as he confronts the reality of dwindling numbers. The communal sense of confinement seems to gnaw at their sanity, evidenced by the increasing frequency of suicides.
Conversations Among the Damned
Part 4/8:
The interactions between the Goog’s inhabitants reveal a microcosm of human condition under duress. Bedik converses with his friend Sam Swope, who bears a miniature head on his shoulder—a constant reminder of their shared affliction termed "blood poop." This disease has pushed them from Earth, a society that shuns them for their perceived ugliness. As they share their grievances, the deep-rooted shame of their condition is palpable.
Part 5/8:
The threat of further death looms as word arrives of an unscheduled ship from Earth approaching. Bedik’s reluctance to engage with the impending newcomers reflects his disillusionment with the society that has abandoned them. However, as Harmony, the ship's chief of communications, urges him to prepare, it becomes clear that the Goog is still tethered to Earth in both reality and memory.
The Arrival of an Ambassador
When Barney Curran, a supposed ambassador representing Earth's World Government, arrives with the promise of an opportunity for the inhabitants, a rift emerges among the community. Bedik's skepticism clashes with the sense of hope instilled by others, including Sam Swope and the Dollard sisters, who are desperate to return to a world that once scorned them.
Part 6/8:
Curran delivers unsettling news—the epidemic of blood poop has worsened, necessitating desperate measures to procure blood for a new cure. His offer of land where the Goog's residents can live peacefully in South America pulls at their yearning for normalcy. Yet, suspicion hangs thick in the air, particularly for Bedik, who recognizes the complexity of such a deal.
Tragedy Strikes
The pressure reaches a boiling point when disagreement erupts among the Goog’s residents regarding Curran's proposition. Their internal conflict unearths the mental strain that long confinement has inflicted on individuals like Smiley, who faces an irreversible breakdown. His violent outburst leads to a catastrophic confrontation resulting in Bedik's death—a loss that reverberates through the community.
Part 7/8:
With the ship’s sanctity shattered, Sam Swope reluctantly assumes command while the crew prepares to lend their blood for a chance at a new life. However, the promise of salvation quickly turns malignant. When more blood poop victims arrive, it becomes clear that the hopes of a brighter future have been twisted into a betrayal.
A New Order
The episode concludes with a sense of hopelessness and tragedy cycling back on itself. As Sam Swope, now a leader, oversees the bleeding out of his fellow inhabitants, he can hardly contain his regret. Meanwhile, Annie takes the helm with a hardened resolve driven by loss instead of hope. The cycle of abuse and rejection continues, with the remnants of their shattered community staring into a void that seems endless.
Part 8/8:
"The Discarded" stands as a haunting narrative that wrestles with the themes of alienation, despair, and the struggle for identity. It lays bare the consequences of a society that favors superficial beauty and normalcy and the unrelenting quest for acceptance and belonging amid physical deformity. In this tragic setting, hope fades in the shadows of sacrifice—ultimately asking, who is truly cast away?