classic episode "The Zanti Misfits"

[Preston]

A classic episode of The Outer Limits which brings up the following observations and questions: The point is that the Zantis had INTENDED for us to eliminate the Misfits. But if you really think about it, what actually triggered off the violence was fugitive Ben Garth gatecrashing the restricted zone. Garth was the cause. The discrepancy is that the Zanti authorities did Not anticipate or even know about Garth. That is,if Garth had not gatecrashed, then the Misfits would Not have been violated and therefore Not retaliated. Even General HART's soldiers were Not allowed in the designated area. If not for Garth's intrusion, everything would have gone smoothly. Since Garth's appearance was not expected at all, it contradicts the Zanti's announcement at the finale that they had expected the Humans to execute the Misfits. While I'm at it,there's also the matter of the Zanti anatomy. That is, since the Zanti don't have hands and fingers, how could they have piloted their spaceship? For that matter, how could they have BUILT a spaceship in the first place? According to current scientific theory,a species canNot develop intelligence or sentience if they don't have fingers and an opposable thumb. Because it's those digital extremities which enables one to manipulate objects and thereby stimulate intelligence and creativity. Consequently,the Zanti's anatomical deficiency would make it too Implausible for them to have developed space-travel capability. Theoretical of course, so I invite different viewpoints.

[Xenorama ™]

Perhaps the "misfits" were changed into that form by the Zantis to inspire loathing among humans? I think they knew or figured somehow the criminals would be executed, one way or another.

[Garasharp]

I agree - the Zanti pretty much viewed humanity as being violent and xenophobic - they probably figured their exiles would probably get killed no matter where they landed. As for how they'd pilot their ship, I'd imagine their ships are built to insect specifications - probably use their antennae to work the controls, I bet . If you think about it, it's unlikely a race of intelligent non-humanoid creatures would build anything the same way as us regular bipedal vertebrate types do.
Besides, some insects - ants, wasps, termites, etc - are capable of constructing fairly complex structures and the like. Granted, that's a heck of a long way from bulding spaceships, but the Zanti probably applied similar principles in constructing their vehicles. replacing dirt and saliva with whatever fancy metals used to build ships an' such. And the Zanti are way more intelligent than your regular bugs, that's for sure.
As for how they got so smart, who knows? mutation. perhaps?