'The Screwfly Solution' is a refreshing rebound for Joe Dante, whose Season 1 "Masters of Horror" entry ('Homecoming') did very little for me. By toning down the ham-fisted sociopolitical satire of that episode, the director invokes a distinctly darker tone here. 'Screwfly' manages to go places that are extreme even for a show that prides itself on its freedom from meddling network censors (for the most part). The plot pertains to a plague that sweeps across the world, inexplicably converting male sexual urges to homicide, resulting in mass genocide of the female population; scientists Jason Priestley (surprisingly effective) and Elliott Gould (bringing a good mix of autumnal wisdom and flamboyant humor to the proceedings) are left to discover a cure as months pass and the epidemic escalates to a critical level. While many MOH episodes have been erratic in tone, script, or performance, 'Screwfly' is very consistent in those important aspects--the allegory is presented in a low-key manner by focusing on one family's crisis, and the resulting apocalypse is fittingly desperate and surprisingly palpable. Common, mundane activities like going to a store, boarding an airplane, or hosing off a patio cleverly tap into the natural human fear of our facades of safety being rendered 'unsafe.' Unfortunately, my second viewing of the episode was less fulfilling than the first--there are a lot of visceral shocks to be experienced (including a very disturbing scene in a strip club) that come off as somewhat diluted. Despite this, 'Screwfly' remains one of "Masters"' best offerings--even better for Dante, who sheds his comic-horror roots for something more sobering and serious.