I agree with M Balce's evaluation of the acting.  I met Keir Dullea once at the Motor City Comic Con and spoke to him for at least 20 minutes - he was interesting to talk to.  Too bad I didn't know about this episode at the time as it would've given me something else to talk to him about.  The mesmerism to keep someone alive reminded me of another story (HP Lovecraft movie?) but I can't seem to remember it now.