Dr. Fellows is en route when his secretary calls to fax him his visitor's permit to see Albert Brock at the Meadowbrook Mental Institute. His son then calls to ask for his allowance. After talking to him briefly, Dr. Fellows goes to the institute and enters an isolated cell where there is none of the daily sounds of modern life. Brock emerges from the shadows and explains that he kicked the radio to death to ensure that there was silence in his cell. Brock introduces himself as the murderer, but explains he only kills machines...Read the full recap
Albert Brock: "In touch." I hate that phrase. Ripped, mauled, pounded by FM voices is more like it. I mean, there's literally no place where a person can go anymore to find some peace. Not the bathroom, not even your own car.
Albert Brock: I bought a chocolate milk shake and poured it into my fax machine.
Dr. Arnold Fellows: Is there any special reason why you chose a chocolate milk shake?
Albert Brock: It's my favorite flavor.
Changes from the short story:
* "The psychiatrist" in the story is given a name, Dr. Fellows.
* The idea of "lapel phones" is introduced in the episode.
* At the end of the short story, the psychiatrist simply goes on his way, seemingly unaccustomed to the noise. In the episode, he becomes Brock's first convert.