"The Invader" is a simple science fiction tale from 1953, but it still holds up as one of Escape’s best episodes. It shares some strong similarities to The Twilight Zone’s 1961 episode "The Invaders" and to an X Minus One episode from 1956 called "Pictures Don’t Lie" but neither has the wit of Escape’s story.
"The Invader" begins with an atomic bomb test in the Nevada desert. The explosion is observed by a space ship on its way to visit the Earth carrying the advance guard of a more evolved race.
"The Invader" was directed by Antony Ellis and written by Michael Gray. It starred Howard McNear as Albert Tanner, Fay Baker as Martha, and Edgar Barrier as the Commander. Also appearing were Paul Frees, Peter Leeds, Bill Bissell and LeRoy Leonard.