The Others: $4.95 a Minute (1.12)

It's hard to watch this episode without thinking of the X-Files masterpiece Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose, since both feature everything from eccentric psychics and their unwanted premonitions of death, to the various discussions of fate and the uglier side of supernatural phenomena. Further cementing that is the guest spot from Darin Morgan, the writer of that very episode. So maybe the connections are intentional? Regardless, $4.95 a Minute is another unheralded classic from this series, an episode that constantly upturns expectations and develops into something that is by turns humorous as well as surprisingly moving.

James Morrison's phony psychic (sort of) is a wonderful creation, somebody fully aware of the horror he has to experience on a daily basis, while simultaneously pining for the day when he can fulfill his dream of becoming a clown. It's a story that is tonally convoluted and potentially ridiculous, but Richard Whitley's script never allows the comedy to run away with the character. Sure, we get genius moments where Manheim performs his greatest mime performance (titled, naturally, "Drunken Man Looking for His Penis"), but then there's an affecting sadness as he's able to help those in need around him.

That becomes important via Satori's involvement in his story, as she tries to communicate with her late father. It's a subplot that gives Satori added depth, both in terms of her background as well as her growing sense of doubt when it comes to her abilities. In the end, it takes this unexpected connection between two disparate psychics to set Satori back on track, Manheim able to carry a short message over from the other side.

Elsewhere, there's that aforementioned Darin Morgan cameo, as one half of a pair of (ahem) 'brothers' who seem particularly intimate and are desperate to psychically communicate with their dead dog. It's a reliably adorable guest spot, full of obvious comedy but inherently kind of tender and sweet.

$4.95 a Minute eventually treads familiar territory with a final seance and a vengeful spirit trying to harm Manheim for desecrating his name, but there's still a lot of ambition to the story that deserves special credit. James Morrison gives a multi-layered and engaging performance, and the schizophrenic tone of the hour never distracts. Man, this show rocked. A

Credits
Guest stars James Morrison (Simeon Nye/Troy Manheim); Darin Morgan (Leonard); Randy Stone (Lanny Owens); Thomas Wagner (Mr. Eckerly)
Writer Richard Whitley Director Sanford Bookstaver