Submitted For Your Perusal: The Best, Favorite & Worst Twilight Zone Episodes Part 2

THE BEST & SELECTED FAVORITES OF SEASON 2

THE TWILIGHT ZONE kicked off its second season in much the same fashion as its inaugural debut of WHERE IS EVERYBODY?, an episode that, for the bulk of its 25 minute running time, revolved around a single character that found himself in a bizarre predicament that only got worse as the panic and paranoia increased. KING NINE WILL NOT RETURN was almost a remake of that season starter. Aside from the familiarity of the first show, second time is the charm for this series as there were a healthy amount of episodes that are considered some of the best of the entire TZ run.

Above: THE MAN IN THE BOTTLE season 2; insert: DUST season 2

Everything that made the first go round an incredibly entertaining, thought provoking venture, is found here as well. One thing becomes noticeably different--since the show was shot on 35mm film, CBS assumed that by shooting on video, the show would save a lot of money. What they didn't bank on was that much of the shows signature look, sound and feel was lost on the less vibrant videotape format. Thankfully, only six shows were recorded this way, but no doubt they could have been far more exceptional had they been shot on film. This especially applies to episode 17, 'Twenty Two'. This one has a FINAL DESTINATION vibe about it as a young woman keeps having nightmares of a strange woman beckoning her into room 22 which happens to be the morgue. At least one of these shot on video shows has survived the test of time as a true classic and some are considered true stinkers.

A HUNDRED YARDS OVER THE RIM season 2

Another difference between the first and second seasons are the number of episodes. Season one had a generous 36 shows while season two managed only 29 programs; no doubt part of the studios cost cutting measures that was thankfully remedied with season 3, which had the largest number of episodes with 37 in total.

Above: MR. DINGLE, THE STRONG season 2; insert: THE PRIME MOVER season 2

An impressive stable of television and movie stars were peppered throughout this season, some of them being horror mainstays while others became popular faces that frequently entered THE TWILIGHT ZONE--Burgess Meredith, John Carradine, Art Carney (THE HONEYMOONERS), Donna Douglas (THE BEVERLY HILLBILLY'S), Agnes Morehead (BEWITCHED), Billy Mumy, William Shatner (STAR TREK), Dennis Weaver (GUNSMOKE), John Astin (THE ADDAMS FAMILY), Dick York (BEWITCHED), Buddy Ebsen (THE BEVERLY HILLBILLY'S) and Russell Johnson (GILLIGAN'S ISLAND) were some of the most recognizable faces this time out. The following is strictly my opinion of the best episodes of season two followed by a small list of additional, worthy shows.


There's a centuries old saying that 'there's nothing to fear but fear itself'--fear of the dark, fear of the unknown, fear of ones self, the fear of the future and what it may bring. Some eat it like candy, others let it consume them till there's nothing left but an empty, miserable shell. For some, overcoming their fear is a rite of passage that leads to an epiphany of solace. For others, it's being dealt a bad hand in a poker game. It's the way the cookie crumbles in the Twilight Zone.

SEASON 2

Episode 41: THE HOWLING MAN

Dazed, confused and lost in a raging storm, David Ellington is given shelter at an isolated hermitage, but is urged to leave as soon as possible. Over the course of the dark and stormy night, Ellington hears what sounds like the wailing of a man emanating from the halls of the hermitage. Told that no man is being held within the confines of the convent, Ellington later speaks with a captive who claims he has been imprisoned by the brothers of the order. Threatening to go to the police, brother Jerome tells Ellington he saw no man, but the devil himself. Simply one of the best, most eerie TZ episodes ever conceived. Surreal atmosphere aided by tilted camera angles and a story from Charles Beaumont that appears to have been inspiration to the 1978 movie, THE EVIL. An amazing morality tale that also has a heavy dose of horror and fantasy.

Episode 42: EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

Janet Tyler, her entire head wrapped in bandages, anxiously awaits the results of her most recent operation to make her beautiful enabling her to fit in with society. Rod Serling wrote this series defining episode, ably directed by Douglas Heyes, who also helmed 'The Howling Man' and also 'The Invaders'--three top shows of the series. This incredibly simple premise contains enough surrealism, creepiness and social subtext in its 25 minutes to fill a full length feature. Masterfully photographed by George T. Clemens, the ZONE's most prolific DP, the viewer feels they are immersed in a world that is possibly not our own. Ironically enough, this episode resonates to an alarming degree in the era we live in right now.

Episode 43: NICK OF TIME

Newlyweds, Don and Pat Carter stop off in the small Ohio town of Ridgeview for car repairs on their way to New York to start a new life together. Having lunch in a diner, they find their lives are put in turmoil when a napkin holder doubling as a devil bobble headed fortune teller feeds them their future for a penny per question. Captain Kirk's first of two TZ programs speaks volumes on how superstition can penetrate modern sensibilities relegating the most sophisticated minds to oldeworld thinking. Underneath that there's themes on attaining confidence in ones own abilities leading to a future made prosperous, or canceled based solely on decisions one makes for themselves and not some kooky looking fortune teller in an out of the way diner. A brilliant episode from Richard L. Bare ('To Serve Man').

Episode 47: NIGHT OF THE MEEK

Henry Corwin, a down on his luck alcoholic who does seasonal work as a mall Santa loses his job on Christmas Eve for less than merry behavior. Stumbling down a lonely alley, Henry witnesses a can full of trash magically transformed into a bag of gifts. He proceeds to help out the less fortunate on Skid Row by passing out presents that seem to flow endlessly from the mystical bag. Once his job is complete, Henry is visited by an elf with a special proposition. One of two TZ Christmas episodes, this one has went on to be one of the most beloved of the series and one of the most exemplary scripts to deal with the Christmas holidays as well as one of Serling's finest half hours.

Episode 49: BACK THERE

On April 14th, 1961, Pete Corrigan and a few of his social circle at the Potomac Club in D.C. discuss the probabilities of time travel and the altering of history. Upon leaving the club, Corrigan becomes disoriented and quickly discovers he is no longer in modern day Washington D.C., but has somehow been transported back to April 14th, 1865, the night of president Lincoln's assassination. Yet another brilliant Serling episode that has just the right amount of tension and eerie atmosphere accompanied by arguably the creepiest music ever composed by Jerry Goldsmith. A couple of nicely integrated twists round out this distinguished episode.

Episode 51: THE INVADERS

An old woman discovers a UFO has landed in her attic and spends the remainder of the night in a death struggle against the alien invaders. Another incredibly simple premise that encompasses tight suspense, impeccable lighting effects, goosebump inducing music and absolutely no dialog. Yet another shock ending that comes up from behind knocking the viewer silly. The little "wind up" aliens in their metallic armor look just that, but are occasionally convincing and still contain an air of menace especially when armed with knives. The fact that these mini monsters are seldom seen save for the sound of their footsteps and the peculiar noises they make, the sense of fear, terror and tension is heightened. One of Richard Matheson's best for this series.

Episode 58: LONG DISTANCE CALL

On his 5th birthday, the young Billy Bayles receives a toy telephone from his dying grandmother. After she has passed away, Billy's parents notice their son carrying on conversations on his toy phone. When asked who he's talking to, Billy says his grandmother. This was one of six TZ episodes shot on tape for purposes of saving a few thousand dollars, but at the expense of that signature look the show was "naked" without. Still, this particular show was arguably the best of the videotaped bunch. It's both touching and grim in its view of loss, moving on and parental values. It also gets a tad bit morbid when the child is seemingly beckoned to commit suicide so as to join the dead grandmother on the other side!

Episode 64: WILL THE REAL MARTIAN PLEASE STAND UP?

A strange object is reported having crashed in a frozen lake. Two policemen discover tracks coming from the body of water and leading to an out of the way diner which is inundated with patrons; bus passengers stranded after a bridge is reported unsafe from the onslaught of snow. This is another Serling scripted show again dealing with alien visitors. This one is evenly balanced with suspense and modest laughs. The whole show takes place on a single set as the various multitude of characters attempt to pinpoint just who among them is not of this Earth. There's a nice, if morbid twist at the end.

Episode 65: THE OBSOLETE MAN

Deemed obsolete by the government, Romney Wordsworth is on trial for being a librarian, promoting the reading of books. Condemned to death by this totalitarian regime, he's given his choice of liquidation which is to be televised on national TV for all to see. Burgess Meredith again showcases his skills in this frightening fantasy vision of a government with complete and total control over the populace. It's yet another episode that could possibly prove prophetic in light of the way the US government is attempting to gain more and more control over our lives. This episode, like 'Eye of the Beholder', is one of the most nightmarishly surreal experiences of the entire series.

Unlike season 1, the second go round ended strong, an aura that carried over into the third season and another healthy string of horror and science fiction heavy programs only slightly less cerebral than the two prior seasons.

Other episodes from season two worthy of note:

MR. DINGLE, THE STRONG
A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS
THE PRIME MOVER
A HUNDRED YARDS OVER THE RIM
THE RIP VAN WINKLE CAPER


Your trip so far has been long and exhaustive. You're out of gas, tired and simply wish to rest for the night. You Stop Over In A Quiet Town, overwhelmed by an unnatural silence. The blackness engulfs you in a penetrating loneliness. Gasping for air you awaken in a brightness that burns your eyes and parches your throat. You are alone, but in the middle of a deserted highway...

Submitted For Your Perusal: The Best, Worst & Favorite Twilight Zone Episodes Part 1

INTRO AND THE BEST & SELECTED FAVORITES OF SEASON 1

Ever since I was old enough to remember watching television, I have been a huge fan of Rod Serling's groundbreakingly phenomenal and enduring television series which ran for 5 seasons from 1959 to 1964. One of the most thought provoking, terrifying and whimsical programs, Serling's series specialized in fear, fantasy and the fantastic. THE TWILIGHT ZONE was most often science fiction fashioned tales, or horror stories that were expertly scribed morality fables, numerous "Reap What You Sow" stories and tales about going back to a better time, living the good life, or comical ventures that were a unique departure from the more prominent and popular spook shows that personified the ZONE. This awe inspiring program had various styles in which to tell its amazing stories. Below are lists of some of them with corresponding episodes that reflect that particular methodology. Some elements are interchangeable from one form to the next, but most are exclusive to their category.

THE DUMMY season 3

One of the most, if not the most popular were the tales that threw the audience a curve ball by the end--a visual, or revelatory shock that leaves the viewer with both their eyes and mouth wide open in surprise. For the most part, these were horror stories, or science fiction fables that took a last minute sharp turn into macabre territory. Examples of this are--

TO SERVE MAN
THIRD FROM THE SUN
I SHOT AN ARROW INTO THE AIR
EYE OF THE BEHOLDER
PERSON, OR PERSONS UNKNOWN
THE HITCH-HIKER
THE DUMMY
THE INVADERS
THE MIDNIGHT SUN
THE FEAR
STOPOVER IN A QUIET TOWN

Above: WHAT YOU NEED season 1; Insert: A NICE PLACE TO VISIT season 1

THE TWILIGHT ZONE was also well known for its many tales of 'Poetic Justice' and 'Careful What You Wish For' scenarios. This is possibly the most popular and well remembered style of the TZ format. Often times we are presented with some slimy character who gets his, or her just desserts by episodes end and other times, it's a life lesson that ultimately sees the character discovering the err of their ways and learning something about themselves in the process. But that, too, offers good and bad consequences--

THE MAN IN THE BOTTLE
THE MASKS
ESCAPE CLAUSE
THE FOUR OF US ARE DYING
UNCLE SIMON
WHAT YOU NEED
A NICE PLACE TO VISIT
THE CHASER
THE PRIME MOVER
A MOST UNUSUAL CAMERA
THE RIP VAN WINKLE CAPER
THE SILENCE
WHAT'S IN THE BOX
A PIANO IN THE HOUSE

A STOP AT WILLOUGHBY season 1

Others touch an audience on a much more personable level, one that seemed to intrigue series creator, Rod Serling and an area that speaks to the young at heart and those with a fondness for nostalgia. The central theme of these shows involved the fanciful notion of going back, returning to a better time and place, facing the past, escaping a troubled time, or discovering the humanity within ones self. These episodes predominantly featured no scares, shocks, or spooky elements, save for a few exceptions--

WALKING DISTANCE
KICK THE CAN
YOUNG MAN'S FANCY
NIGHT OF THE MEEK
A STOP AT WILLOUGHBY
THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD
MINIATURE
THE BEWITCHIN' POOL
A PASSAGE FOR TRUMPET
OF LATE I THINK OF CLIFFORDVILLE

THE ODYSSEY OF FLIGHT 33 season 2

Some others offered a curious bridge between the past and the present and where the twain shall meet. Sometimes the past, present and future collide serving up some striking, engrossing and sometimes creepy results.

A HUNDRED YARDS OVER THE RIM
THE 16 MILLIMETER SHRINE
STATIC
BACK THERE
THE LAST FLIGHT
JUDGMENT NIGHT
EXECUTION
NO TIME LIKE THE PAST
THE 7TH IS MADE UP OF PHANTOMS
THE ODYSSEY OF FLIGHT 33

Above: EYE OF THE BEHOLDER season 2; Insert: NUMBER 12 LOOKS JUST LIKE YOU season 5

A handful of stories dealt with vanity in its most ugly form. Some of these are terribly prophetic with a resonance far more profound today than yesterday in regards to how people perceive themselves about their "Beauty" and the lengths they go to attain it. Others explored the true nature of beauty, living forever, or the notion of never truly growing old. These shows alternated between horror, "Careful What You Wish For" stories and lighter fare that acted as a tool for personal and social values--

EYE OF THE BEHOLDER
THE TRADE-INS
NUMBER 12 LOOKS JUST LIKE YOU
QUEEN OF THE NILE
A SHORT DRINK FROM A CERTAIN FOUNTAIN

NICK OF TIME season 2

Some shows spoke on America's growing curiosity and continued dependence on machines and how they help us as well as their potential to hinder and possibly destroy us. Yet again, Serling's series serves strangely prophetic, frightfully so in some instances, as per the subject matter presented here--

I SING THE BODY ELECTRIC
NICK OF TIME
THE LATENESS OF THE HOUR
UNCLE SIMON
THE LONELY
THE BRAIN CENTER AT WHIPPLE'S
FROM AGNES WITH LOVE
A THING ABOUT MACHINES

THE INVADERS season 2

One of the most striking aspects of THE TWILIGHT ZONE was its ability to tell a cohesive story with merely one, or two characters and sometimes with very limited dialog (sometimes no dialog at all) and often in, or on a single location. All of these feature a surprise finale, or a revelation that promises a better possible outcome for those involved. Some, of course, have no happy ending.

WHERE IS EVERYBODY?
THE INVADERS
KING NINE WILL NOT RETURN
TWO
LAST NIGHT OF A JOCKEY
THE ENCOUNTER
PROBE 7, OVER & OUT
NERVOUS MAN IN A FOUR DOLLAR ROOM

THE AFTER HOURS season 1

Surrealism, the inexplicable and downright bizarre situations occupy the TWILIGHT ZONE universe as well as episodes that, by the final scene, prove that things are not always as they seem--

FIVE CHARACTERS IN SEARCH OF AN EXIT
THE OBSOLETE MAN
SHADOW PLAY
TWENTY TWO
LITTLE GIRL LOST
THE HITCH-HIKER
THE AFTER HOURS
ONE MORE PALLBEARER

TO SERVE MAN season 3

Considering the time in which it was made, it's no surprise that a fair number of ZONE's revolved around aliens of one kind, or another, or space travel in general. For many of these programs, footage from FORBIDDEN PLANET and EARTH VS. THE FLYING SAUCERS (both 1956) are sparingly used. Some of these are Cold War paranoia scenarios, others are more fanciful fare and others are morality tales with most having the ever popular shock twist at the end.

THE MONSTERS ARE DUE ON MAPLE STREET
TO SERVE MAN
THE LITTLE PEOPLE
DEATH SHIP
THE FUGITIVE
BLACK LEATHER JACKETS
HOCUS POCUS & FRISBY
PEOPLE ARE ALIKE ALL OVER
WILL THE REAL MARTIAN PLEASE STAND UP?

THE LAST RITES OF JEFF MYRTLEBANK season 3

Whereas so many TZ episodes take place in modern cities, surrounded by the hustle and bustle and bright lights engulfing everything around them, there are a nice sampling of shows that take place in an old country setting far from the concrete cathedrals of modernity and sharply dressed individuals shuttling from one place to another. These ZONE's showed a simpler place in time and most always had witchcraft, religion, or even fantasy elements at the heart of the tale--

THE HUNT
JESS-BELLE
STILL VALLEY
MR. DENTON ON DOOMSDAY
DUST
THE LAST RITES OF JEFF MYRTLEBANK

I AM THE NIGHT-COLOR ME BLACK season 5

One subject that obviously fascinated Rod Serling was racism and his science fiction fantasy series explored this dark and troubling subject matter in a variety of ways transposed to various time frames and with almost always provocative results that leave the viewer with something to ponder about their own existence, their inner most feelings and prejudices. Some of these episodes are some of the strongest of the entire series.

THE SHELTER
I AM THE NIGHT-COLOR ME BLACK
THE PASSERSBY
STILL VALLEY
DEATH'S HEAD REVISITED
A QUALITY OF MERCY
THE ENCOUNTER
FOUR O'CLOCK
THE OLD MAN IN THE CAVE

CAVENDER IS COMING season 3

TZ was a show that explored all avenue of expression, both emotional and physical and did so in the form of horror, fantasy and science fiction. The ZONE occasionally adopted a comical slant whose results were not always successful, but still displayed the diversity with which Serling's series became famous for. TZ's comedy endeavors took its usual fantasy and spooky trappings and built silly situations around them with relatively few of these being popular with fans.

MR. BEVIS
CAVENDER IS COMING
ONCE UPON A TIME
MR. GARRITY & THE GRAVES
SHOWDOWN WITH RANCE MCGREW
MR. DINGLE, THE STRONG
THE MIGHTY CASEY

Above: NIGHTMARE AT 20,000 FEET; Insert: THE MASKS both season 5

Paranoia and straight up horror were also popular topics among some of the best and most influential TZ programmers. Some of these are based on old ghost stories, the type you'd tell around the campfire. Others are legends told over the years, or have their basis in ancient curses from Cajun justice, or revenge from the other side of the world. Others are pure horror, or terror born from unexplainable situations leading to hysteria. A few of these no doubt end up on many peoples 'Favorites' list--

THE GRAVE
NIGHTMARE AT 20,000 FEET
AND THEN THE SKY WAS OPENED
IT'S A GOOD LIFE
NIGHT CALL
PERCHANCE TO DREAM
THE HOWLING MAN
THE JUNGLE
LIVING DOLL
MIRROR IMAGE

Above: EXECUTION; Insert: PEOPLE ARE ALIKE ALL OVER both season 1

Over the course of its five season run, Serling's series had many, many memorable episodes. All five seasons had their share of highs and lows, more the former than the latter, thankfully. Season four is, by the general consensus, to be the black sheep of the ZONE since that season daringly abandoned the 30 minute format stretching the tales to an hour in length. Aside from that, the fourth round of shows have a few good programs, but it was obvious TZ just didn't work as an hour long showcase. Season One started strong enough and improved, but faltered a bit for its series finale. The following are my own opinion of the BEST season one shows, not necessarily my favorites. Below that is a small list of shows from the first season that are also well worth watching in my opinion.


Submitted for your perusal are a gaggle of ghosts, giggles and good times. Your journey will take you to places where things are never quite as what they seem-- The real is unreal, truth a deception, dreams are in fact nightmares and there's often much to fear in the dark. Here, the light at the end of the tunnel leads to the Twilight Zone.

SEASON 1

Episode 2: ONE FOR THE ANGELS

Lou Bookman is a kindly old pitchman whose time has come when death comes calling. But Lou doesn't wanna go proclaiming he'd like to make that "one big pitch, One For the Angels". Using chicanery, the wily Lou manages to pull one over on death. However, once death calls, someone must go back with him and the reaper sets his sights on a little girl named Maggie, a friend of the aging salesman. Not about to let the child die, Lou sets out on outsmarting death once more with his pitch for the ages. Murray Hamilton plays death and fans will recognize him as the mayor from JAWS (1975). This endearingly tender-hearted episode was one of a handful of (less popular) TZ shows that weren't morality tales, or relied on shock endings. Ed Wynn is a lovable oaf as the delightfully deceptive Lou Bookman.

Episode 5: WALKING DISTANCE

One of the best, most renowned TZ episodes brilliantly written by series creator Rod Serling. Martin Sloan, late 30s, stops at a service station and notices the town of Homewood. Remembering this place as his childhood home, he decides to take a brief visit there to take a walk down memory lane. Once he's there, he quickly realizes that he has somehow went back in time some 25 years earlier and meets himself as an 11 year old boy. Sloan wants to relive his younger days but soon comes to the realization that he can't go back. Sloan returns to the gas station, now in the right era, taking his memories with him. It's not a favorite, but there's no denying the sheer wonder of this magical episode from Robert Stevens who directs with a Spielbergian verve.

Episode 8: TIME ENOUGH AT LAST

Henpecked Henry Bemis loves to read. He's an obsessive reader and sadly, he gets bullied and chastised for his love of the written word. One day he takes a paper and sets down inside the bank vault on his lunch break when suddenly, the ground shakes violently and the sound of a great explosion is heard outside. Exiting the vault, Henry discovers that civilization has been wiped out and now he will have all the time in the world to read to his heart's content and as much as his thick rimmed glasses will allow. Burgess Meredith did a few more ZONE's, but this is likely his most well known and best loved. It also sports one of the most mean-spirited finales of the entire series run and a true shock ending.

Episode 9: PERCHANCE TO DREAM

Edward Hall enters a psychiatrist office in a nervous and noticeably fatigued fashion. He explains to the doctor that he has a heart condition and hasn't slept in close to 90 hours. He details a terrifying nightmare of a strange woman, a sexy and dangerous carnival dancer named Mya, haunting his dreams trying to kill him. Richard Conte is excellent as the frightened Edward and Suzanne Lloyd is sultry and menacing as the malevolent Mya. Charles Beaumont's tales were generally on the spooky side and this torrid tale personifies the fear factor particularly in its nightmarish carnival trappings. Mya is the late 50s female Freddy Krueger. A highly underrated episode.

Episode 14: THIRD FROM THE SUN

Two suburban families who work for the government decide to steal a top secret aircraft to escape an impending war that threatens to destroy the planet. This simple premise is one of the signature TZ shows that possesses one of the ultimate shock endings of the series. It was later copied in Mario Bava's PLANET OF THE VAMPIRES (1965). The episode alludes to the notion that something is not quite right with its abstract, peculiar camera angles and use of shadow. Richard L. Bare helmed a variety of TZ styles in his seven directed shows. When fans discuss Serling's show, this episode generally comes up in the conversation. Written by Richard Matheson.

Episode 15: I SHOT AN ARROW INTO THE AIR

A group of astronauts who have crash landed on a mysterious, seemingly uninhabitable asteroid attempt to survive the desert heat and each other once their water and other supplies begin to run dry. Madelon Champion wrote the story adapted by Rod Serling for television. This is another incredibly simple premise that culminates with a big finish. The shocking denouement was again recycled by Serling for 1968s PLANET OF THE APES. The title more or less gives the ending away if you think about it.

Episode 22: THE MONSTERS ARE DUE ON MAPLE STREET

A normal suburban neighborhood is turned horribly upside down after bizarre happenings cause individuals to begin suspecting their neighbors of being not of this world. Fingers are pointed and tempers flair leading to hysteria and murder. Another fan favorite from the pen of Rod Serling; this one playing on the paranoia of the day fitting in snugly with any number of 50s science fiction. Simply one of the best, although it likely holds the record for the most times the words "or something" is heard in a TV program.

Episode 32: A PASSAGE FOR TRUMPET

Joey Crown is a down on his luck, unemployed and suicidal trumpet player who's had enough. He sells his prized instrument and decides to end it all by stepping in front of a truck. He awakens from his accident and finds that no one can see, or hear him save for Gabe, a mysterious man who is also a trumpet player. Joey and Gabe gab about life and the importance of living it to the fullest. Taking his angelic friends advice, Joey is given a second chance and picks up where he left off filled with a new-found enthusiasm. Another big winner from Serling is this humanistic ZONE with a bravura performance by Jack Klugman, who would appear in a few TZ shows.

Other episodes from Season One worthy of note:

THE LONELY
AND WHEN THE SKY WAS OPENED
THE HITCH-HIKER
THE PURPLE TESTAMENT
MIRROR IMAGE
PEOPLE ARE ALIKE ALL OVER
EXECUTION

You've just been on a journey to a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of imagination. This excursion into the unknown continues at the signpost up ahead...