5 out of 5

Director: Joe Dante

While it might not be exactly 5 stars, Joe Dantes the screwfly solution is tops for the MOH series, which gives it special notice. Focusing on, essentially, the end of the human race, Screwfly features Jason Priestley and Elliott Gould as scientists who specialize in identifying buggy pests and chemically screwing with their mating instincts such that the pest soon becomes extinct. …And the episode extrapolates this same concept being used on us. What makes this succeed is that Dante doesnt try to play up to the series title. Many installments in MOH have the director tossing in some gore or attempted skills to fit the bill of horror, but while it does feature a grisly stabbing, Dantes episode strays from typical horror tropes, playing it mostly straight, which in terms ups the horrorful feeling of the inevitable downward descent on display. On the other hand its not too heavy handed, either, with easy but not over-the-top satire regarding religion, male and female roles, and politics. But, as is the case with the theme, none of this is overly mean or exploitative, rather lightly poking fun while also serving a purpose in the story. The whos doing this? answer might kill it for some, but it is also handled with a light hand, and matches the themes written into the story, making this a perfect hour long episode. As a standalone movie, perhaps not five stars, but in comparison to its peers, The Screwfly Solution is an immensely satisfying entry.