User Reviews

Barbara Stanwyck plays an atomic scientist who has just achieved a major breakthrough: she has developed a new formula for an all-purpose atomic shield. But before she can celebrate her success, she receives some horrifying news, which she just can't handle; she slips into a state of catatonia, and won't communicate with the world. The US Army, anxious to learn the formula, rely on a psychiatrist's efforts to "wake her up", for which purpose he feels that he must dig into her childhood. Barbara Stanwyck received an Emmy Award for her work in this series, and I wouldn't be surprised if this particular episode, in which she has a couple of remarkable scenes, was one of the main foundations of that award. "Shock" is a powerful, intimate little drama, but certainly not one to watch when you just want something to lift your mood. *** out of 4.

For scientist Barbara Stanwyck, the sudden shock of learning that her daughter was killed in a horrible accident results in a scream then sudden silence. The doctors can't do anything, her husband (Mike Keene) can't break through (while dealing with his own grief), and important information from her latest research project has fellow sciehtist Eduardo Franz concerned. Stanwyck's Rachel Harrison just sits there, then lays down, awake and aware but emotionless.

Concentration was key to Stanwyck's performance in this, the ability to avoid all distractions and remember when she's supposed to cry out and react. The sounds that come from Barbara are certainly painful to listen to, especially for mothers of young children who fear this could be them. But unfortunately, the episode just ends with her coming to, and the resolution seems incomplete. Barbara's always fascinating to watch, though, and her silent performance (limited dialog) is stunning.