u/lukkynumber

S5, Ep 16: “The Self-Improvement of Salvadore Ross”
(Trying to win the affection of an old flame, a brutish man finds an odd way to improve his lot in life)
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1️⃣ Storyline:

There are legitimately two whole storylines operating at once within this episode: the abusive jerk who’s trying to impress the girl and prove his worth to her and her father - and then also the method Sal discovers, by which he can attempt to do so. The relationship between Sal & Leah on its own is hardly worthy of being TZ-fare; but the “swap ability” that Sal discovers is one of my favorite devices ever conceived of by the Twilight Zone.

I have never really enjoyed the start of this episode, partially because Sal’s treatment of Leah is just so darn grotesque but it’s also not the type of stuff I want from my Serling-time 😂 The middle portion, however, is fantastic - I think the way they show the swapping evolve is marvelous, and honestly I would gladly sign up for a longer runtime or even more episodes specifically within this universe. The ending is abrupt, but solid. It leans hard into the human condition and (though it may be seen as a bit corny) carries a great message.

Score: 7/10

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2️⃣ Atmosphere:

The first and third sections are fine but not atmospheric at all - just characters at odds with each other in a small apartment. But the meat of the episode, the storyline in between, has me immersed almost immediately. I love the idea of someone trying to quantify exactly what their years, their health, and their estate, is worth to them.

Score: 6/10

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3️⃣ Existential Terror:

From the main character’s POV, I don’t see this category as a particularly weighty one. He doesn’t have the self-awareness to feel existential terror, I don’t believe. But the life-swapping scenes, particularly the ones where Sal buys youth from the bellhops, are truly awful if we consider the reality of what’s happening. The last time Sal buys youth watches like a brief moment from a psychological horror movie.

Which leads into the next category…

Score: 6/10

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4️⃣ Creepiness:

… While this episode is far from a ghost story or supernatural scary tale, there are extremely disturbing elements at play - especially if we read into some of the scenes.

The evolution of Sal discovering how to trade for youth, and then the montage of him exploring those transactions, is just DISTURBING. I don’t mean that as a negative at all, those scenes are very well done! They just also make my skin crawl.

Score: 5/10

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5️⃣ Message:

Are some of the lessons delivered within “Salvadore Ross” quite on-the-nose? Without a doubt. But they are excellent messages and I do think they are effectively painted for the audience.

We cannot become “good people” just by acquiring wealth or status. We cannot buy a quality reputation. And among all human qualities, compassion and tenderness rank higher than most.

Score: 10/10

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6️⃣ World-Building:

The world-building of the main characters is fine but pretty vanilla. But I LOVE the way the episode explores the “rules” or mechanics of how the swapping works; it’s one of my favorite plot devices in a TZ.

Score: 5/10

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7️⃣ Acting:

Don Gordon and Gail Kobe are solid as the two leads. Gordon gets a bit over the top at times, but he’s fine. Kobe is generally very good, although she can drift into syrupy-dramatic mode at times.

Vaughn Taylor is always fantastic, and this episode is no exception. It’s not exactly a “let him cook” role, but he does a great job with the opportunity at hand.

The other actors aren’t awful but they aren’t memorable.

Score: 5/10

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8️⃣ The Human Condition:

So many aspects of the human condition are explored in this one Twilight Zone: the quest for companionship, the value of time vs money, “what makes a man?”, just to name a few. This isn’t one of my all-time favorite TZ installments, but it’s definitely one of the better ones in the 5th season.

Score: 9/10

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✅ Total Score:
53

“The Self-Improvement of Salvadore Ross” never shows up on people’s Mt. Rushmore lists of the Twilight Zone, but it has some very enthralling pieces to it. Perhaps a more gripping and believable love story or a different protagonist could have taken this from a solid upper-mid tier TZ to an all-time great. As it is, we have an imperfect but very appealing and thought-provoking episode, and one that you should go watch if you haven’t lately.

What do YOU think? 🤷🏼‍♂️
Let me know! I want your feedback. 🙌🏼

I’m still on the lookout for my next glove, but in the meantime - I was thrilled to find this brand new A1000 in the white/teal that my wife loves! On sale for $99 at play it again.

S5, Ep 15: “The Long Morrow”
(In the near-future, a space traveler and the woman he’s in love with both face a painful dilemma)
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1️⃣ Storyline:

A retelling of “The Gift of the Magi” fable, the plot here is relatively simple but the way it’s delivered is very moving. I buy the romance 100%, the two leads are fantastic together. You’ll hear people complain that it’s unrealistic because the relationship is way too rushed, nobody would ever fall in love that quickly, etc. That is simply not true! I have personally experienced it, and have seen it many times over in others.

Unfortunately the ending is pretty clunky; it kind of drags on between Commander Stansfield and Sandra, and the final word by the general is just awful (he’s talking like a classic poet and it’s just completely unbelievable for me that this career military man is some Shakespearean orator).

Score: 6/10

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2️⃣ Atmosphere:

The space travel scenes are well done; I feel legitimately immersed in those moments.

The military scenes in the halls and office, brief as they are, are fine but nothing special.

The moments between Stanfield and Miss Horn, however… they’re as romantic as any TZ can get. The chemistry between them spills from the screen, certainly due to good writing and better acting, but also fantastic directing! The glow on Sandra’s face and hair, reminiscent of a classic starlet like Grace Kelly or Katherine Hepburn, is such an incredible touch.

Score: 7/10

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3️⃣ Existential Terror:

Even outside the “twist” ending, the existential crisis that is Stansfield’s mission is an excruciating one. When you factor in the final scene, the considerations for this category get even more loaded. Only reason it’s a 9 instead of 10 is because the ending, while sad, does not have the darkness that some Twilight Zone stories close with.

Score: 9/10

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4️⃣ Creepiness:

The liminal quality of those big, dark hallways are certainly ominous and uncanny. Mostly though, this isn’t an episode with creepiness.

Score: 2/10

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5️⃣ Message:

I think for some, this category would score an easy 10; I have no issue with that! I just personally experience “The Long Morrow” as more of a tragic romance than a morality tale.

I will say, there are lots of mini messages sprinkled throughout the episode that are ripe for discussion. Chief among them, the power of companionship, love, partnership - and how those things can (and should, if done in a healthy way) trump even the most magnificent achievements and goals in life.

Score: 5/10

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6️⃣ World-Building:

We get the bare minimum amount of what we need to understand the mission, and how it will affect Commander Stansfield. The episode does a great job helping us understand who he is as a person, and how uniquely suited he is to such a taxing mission.

We don’t know much of anything about Sandra Horn, but that’s not to the story’s detriment. She’s a perfect counterpart to the heroic loner that is our protagonist, and our lack of knowledge about her background presents Sandra as an ideal romantic partner to this astronaut: she’s lovely and sweet, but oozing with intrigue and wit.

Score: 6/10

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7️⃣ Acting:

Robert Lansing does his job well, in the starring role. He’s not exactly dripping with charisma, but I think that checks out with his role as a science-minded astronaut, keen on adventure and exploration. He has enough gentlemanly charm when talking with Sandra, but there’s also an awkwardness to him that rings true.

The two men in supporting roles are marginal to solid, but not impressive or memorable.

Now then.

Mariette Hartley plays Miss Horn, and she STEALS THE FREAKING SHOW. For just a few minutes of screentime, she is every bit the classic movie starlet that we think of with old black & whites. She’s a little vulnerable, but also headstrong and forward enough. She’s sweet, but not a fragile damsel. And as the episode comes to a close, her sadness bleeds from the screen with abandon.

Score: 7/10

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8️⃣ The Human Condition:

There are many Twilight Zones that wonderfully explore the human experience. I don’t claim that this one does it best, but it examines the human condition as well as any other episode.

Human relations and companionship, versus solely chasing one’s goals and ambitions, is an age-old balance that many struggle to keep. And within a relationship, especially a romantic one, the question of what one will sacrifice in order to strengthen the bond and make things work, is as relevant a topic as any that the TZ dives into.

Score: 10/10

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✅ Total Score:
52

If you’ve been following my work over the past year, you know I’m a sucker for sentimentality and romance. Add in some tragedy and loneliness, and you’ve got a recipe for something that will grab me by the heart! I understand “The Long Morrow” won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but I find it to be quite moving.

What do YOU think? 🤷🏼‍♂️
Let me know! I want your feedback. 🙌🏼

Not the first time he starts watching it, where the guy on the beach gives a little talk about Widows Bay and then walks down the beach without the cameraman following 🤣

But the SECOND time he’s watching, he returns to the video and we seem to see >!a dark figure on the beach far away? And then does the guy from earlier appear, and say “come find me”? Right before/as the TV goes on the fritz, leading to Tom’s fateful drinking encounter with his neighbor!<

I love this show, but I don’t like jump scares so I fully admit that each time I’ve seen this I don’t look directly at the TV because freaky images scare the crap out of me 🤣🤦🏼‍♂️

Maybe I answered my own question, although even then I’m not sure what’s supposed to be happening? Is this a hallucination? Please, someone enlighten me!

TIA 🤗

S5, Ep 14: “You Drive”
(A middle-aged businessman suffering from burnout tries to escape the guilt from killing a young boy in a hit-and-run)
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1️⃣ Storyline:

It’s a half-hour of sequences showing a man racked by guilt and haunted by his Jiminy Cricket car. It’s not the WORST story, but it’s not much of one. There’s no character development, and the story arc lacks almost any dynamism.

Score: 2/10

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2️⃣ Atmosphere:

The episode is dreary and unsettling so I guess that’s a solid reflection on the type of mood it’s trying to create? Unfortunately, it’s not enjoyable to watch and every scene after the opener feels like a stage play put on by a local theatre.

Score: 3/10

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3️⃣ Existential Terror:

I’ll give points for this episode’s attempt at painting the portrait of a man who has escaped the law, but cannot escape the spectral pursuit of his guilty conscience. It’s been done before, and far better, but this is a fun new way to tell that story even if the plane doesn’t land very nicely. “The Tell-tale Heart”, this is not.

Score: 7/10

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4️⃣ Creepiness:

For the most part the “car chase” scenes don’t work for me, but the car tweaking out in the garage does unnerve me a bit, for whatever reason.

Score: 4/10

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5️⃣ Message:

Life is not a question of “can I get away with this?”; it’s “if I do this, can I live with myself?”

I question how effectively this episode really imprints that lesson into the minds of viewers, but it’s a darn good message.

Score: 6/10

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6️⃣ World-Building:

The opening scene does a great job showing us, with a little expositional help from Serling, exactly how burnt-out Oliver Pope really is. A couple comments soon after he gets home nicely convey the rivalry Oliver feels with his younger coworker “Pete Radcliffe”. Unfortunately, those couple moments are all we get toward effective world-building. In classic TZ-fashion, the wife is nothing more than a cardboard cutout of a housewife. We know nothing about Oliver‘s job or why he’s so stressed. We don’t know if his coworker Pete actually is gunning for a promotion, or whether the animosity is simply one-sided.

I don’t ever expect to know ALL of those things in a half-hour episode, but a good Twilight Zone can and often does give us SOME of those type of details.

Score: 3/10

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7️⃣ Acting:

It’s underwhelming but not dreadful.

Score: 3/10

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8️⃣ The Human Condition:

This might be the biggest missed opportunity of “You Drive”.

The only reason I’m scoring it with a three instead of a one is because there are a couple brief moments where - when the “protagonist” is learning about the young bicyclist’s fate - Oliver’s face gives a glimpse into how awful and sick he feels about what he’s done, and the fact that he’s trying to hide it. Sadly, the episode doesn’t lean into that! As far as we can tell, he just gets sick of the car refusing to give up chasing him, and so he relents. Obviously, I think Serling/Hamner Jr. want us to assume he had a change of heart and is on the road to repentance, but there’s almost nothing that pushes us toward that conclusion. The payoff doesn’t feel very “earned”.

Score: 3/10

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✅ Total Score:
31

This is another one that almost seems like a facsimile of the Twilight Zone, rather than a proper installment of this great series.

It has many of the ingredients we look for in a classic TZ: a protagonist quite literally being haunted by something, a character being driven mad because of shame and regret, an everyday man living in his own personal hell, etc. Regrettably, all those ingredients just don’t add up to a very appetizing or fulfilling dish.

What do YOU think? 🤷🏼‍♂️
Let me know! I want your feedback. 🙌🏼

The first paragraph is all pretty normal stuff, but that second paragraph is pretty hilarious 🤣

The whole show is fantastic, the most seamless blend of horror and comedy I’ve ever seen. And it’s mostly not horror via jump scares, but rather incredible tension and unseen terror.

But episode 4, my goodness it reminds me so much of a modern day TZ. I won’t spoil anything specific but I will say - it’s a great example of the “FAFO” type of Twilight Zone morality tale.

I’d strongly recommend that, if you want to watch it (it’s on Apple), you watch the first 3 episodes first. BUT this episode is actually a really unique one in that it can be watched on its own and you shouldn’t be totally lost.

Just finished the season yesterday. I enjoyed it all immensely but MAN the first 4 episodes have a special place in my heart because of the “monster of the week” feel while being incredibly well-written, acted, and produced.

Episode 2, holy crap it might be my favorite episode of the season. The incredible mixture of comedy, suspense, and horror that we see in every episode is (IMO) never better than this one.

I chose this image for my post because that little moment with the games is such a microcosm of what makes this show, and this episode in particular, so darn elite: it’s dark, wildly absurd, hilarious, and so extremely unnerving. And not a single jump scare is necessary to freak me out in my bones.

And to that point, I’m so thankful for the lack of “in your face” horror in this show and I hope it continues. Definitely a few moments that I 100% looked away from and I’m not ashamed to admit it 😂 but thankfully only a couple like that. And even those scenes of pure terror onscreen are so well-done and EARNED. They are not at all cheap scares.

Throughout this show I keep thinking to myself “ok I know what a typical scary movie/show would do here…” and Widow’s Bay - time and time again - DOESN’T DO THAT THING! Sure it leans hard into some fun horror tropes but it also forges its own path so well.

Btw, I’m not discussing episode 4 in this post because that deserves its own write up, but holy crap… it’s like a modern day Twilight Zone in the best of ways 🫣

S5, Ep 13: “Ring-a-Ding Girl”
(A Hollywood actress visits her small, Midwest hometown for a special one-night production)
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1️⃣ Storyline:

This story really goes for something original and unpredictable, and I love that about it. Does it land perfectly? No. Is it littered with plot holes or nitpicks? I’d say so. But from the day I first watched this one, I have loved it and respected how much it tried something truly different (especially during this fifth & final season where many of the installments were recycling older, typically more successful, episodes).

Score: 6/10

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2️⃣ Atmosphere:

The music during the ring sequences is very spooky and the smoky imagery of each person appearing in the ring helps create such an unsettling vibe during those moments. During most of the other scenes, however, things feel quite bland.

A quick note on the very final shot of Bunny: it is one of, if not the most, gorgeous shots in all of the Twilight Zone. I’m a sucker for sentimentality but her parting scene is more than that. It’s stunningly well-shot and the music, Bunny’s face, and the pouring rain all join together to perform a tragically romantic final sequence.

Score: 6/10

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3️⃣ Existential Terror:

I guess this category comes down to how much we think Bunny understands about her fate. Is she intentionally orchestrating everything for a specific purpose? Is she just acting on her whims, and it all sort of “comes together”? Is she aware of what she’s doing, but not necessarily why? (That’s where I come down on it btw.)

Score: 6/10

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4️⃣ Creepiness:

Those faces in the rings are pretty spooky, I’ll admit.

Score: 4/10

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5️⃣ Message:

I really like this episode but I don’t think it’s trying to say much. There is of course, the moral element of selflessness & sacrifice, but I don’t honestly believe that that’s the lesson intended to be taught here - more of just a byproduct from a fun hero’s story.

Score: 2/10

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6️⃣ World-Building:

It would be pretty disappointing if there wasn’t a significant amount of world-building done by the end of this episode, given the way we follow our protagonist around for a day learning about her life and her past. So yes, it SHOULD score well in this category but it does not disappoint.

I definitely would’ve enjoyed a little more, something of Bunny’s personal life (other than her distant past) perhaps, but this category hits a solid single or double even still.

Score: 6/10

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7️⃣ Acting:

This is probably my least favorite trait of “Ring-a-ding”; the acting certainly isn’t deplorable but no one really stands out and a couple performances come across downright hokey. I do like Hank Patterson as the school caretaker, Mr. Gentry.

Score: 3/10

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8️⃣ The Human Condition:

This episode doesn’t exactly examine Bunny’s celebrity life and burdens of her fame with the eye of Scorsese or the touch of Spielberg, but for a 25-minute anthology tale I have no complaints.

I love the interactions between Bunny and her sister Hilda, her nephew Bud, and the caretaker Gentry. We see a different side of Bunny in each of these small scenes, but they’re three differing shades of the same gal.

Score: 7/10

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✅ Total Score:
40

This is one of my favorite flawed TZs, and most of it is for that very last shot in the rain. I hope some of you can enjoy it as much as I do.

No other notes.

What do YOU think? 🤷🏼‍♂️
Let me know! I want your feedback. 🙌🏼

S5, Ep 12: “90 Years Without Slumbering”
(An elderly man is convinced his days are numbered by an old grandfather clock)
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1️⃣ Storyline:

The plot is fine, it’s just thin and lacking stakes (which is ironic, given that this is essentially dealing with the same stuff as “One for the Angels” and “Nothing in the Dark” - two episodes dripping with urgency and tension).

“Slumbering” feels like it belongs in the subsection of Serling’s work that could be re-released under the heading “TZ Jr: Stories of the Supernatural & Weird, for Kids!”

Score: 2/10

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2️⃣ Atmosphere:

The homey setting of the family’s house and the interactions within the three members of our story are all set nicely, if perhaps a bit too sanitized.

I enjoy the “break-in” scene, as I enjoy any nighttime scene in Twilight Zone.

In general, this episode is not one ripe with atmosphere.

Score: 3/10

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3️⃣ Existential Terror:

As referenced earlier, man’s primal fear of death and the uncertainty of everyone’s “expiration date” is content well explored in the Twilight Zone. “90 years without slumbering” takes a unique look at this timeless struggle, but I don’t think it grapples with it in a very rich or compelling manner.

Score: 4/10

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4️⃣ Creepiness:

There are a couple moments that could be unsettling for younger viewers, but in general this is a particularly wholesome and low-risk affair.

Score: 2/10

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5️⃣ Message:

The obvious message of not living in fear or stress, but rather enjoying life in each day to the fullest, is a message well-spoken and timeless although not exactly original. Reading between the lines though, one of my favorite elements of this episode is the way people treat each other. It’s both authentic, and refreshing. This family is not perfect, but they love each other and are willing to try different ways of being to make things work.

Score: 7/10

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6️⃣ World-Building:

Almost certainly the best aspect of this Twilight Zone is the way the main characters truly get fleshed out as real humans with real motivations and backstories. Not so much with the husband, but definitely with Marnie and especially with the protagonist Sam. The clock itself, in a way the secondary protagonist, perhaps gets the most world-building of all.

Score: 7/10

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7️⃣ Acting:

William Sargent is pretty enjoyable as the psychiatrist. The young couple, played by Carolyn Kearney & James T. Callahan, they’re fine but nothing special. Ed Wynn is absolutely beautiful though, as expected. He elevates this episode from a bottom-of-the-barrel TZ to solid mid-tier fare.

Score: 6/10

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8️⃣ The Human Condition:

Alluded to earlier, “90 years without slumbering” seems to actually portray some very real mechanics of how folks operate. The way the husband flirts with his wife yet also disagrees and even feels frustrated with her, the nuance there is so true to form and I love it!

The fear and stress that Sam feels about dying, though most of us don’t associate it with something as tangible as a clock, is 100% relatable and taps into a most basic human emotion & need.

Score: 6/10

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✅ Total Score:
37

This score is higher than I expected to give, and doesn’t actually quite represent how I feel about this episode. Not by a ton, but 37 will probably rank this one higher by season’s end than I would if I was to just rank my favorite or the “best” Twilight Zones of season 5.

Still though, this is a nice little family-friendly installment that could provide a welcome break from some of the darker and more high-tension stories you’re likely to encounter in a TZ marathon.

What do YOU think? 🤷🏼‍♂️
Let me know! I want your feedback. 🙌🏼

I’m a pretty good contact hitter, lots of line drives up the middle and looping liners into no man’s land but almost only singles. The occasional double if get into a gap. My contact is almost exclusively right side or up the middle. I do struggle with grounders and pop ups sometimes.

Honestly these 2 ABs are a perfect encapsulation of how I hit. Fly ball to RF that got caught (she freaking MOVED to get it right on the line!) but then also a nice looper into shallow RF.

Any feedback is appreciated! Thank you.

S5, Ep 11: “A Short Drink from a Certain Fountain”
(An old rich man and his young, gold-digging wife learn a harsh lesson about age and priorities)
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1️⃣ Storyline:

The plot concept is one that I quite enjoy, and I love the way the final act unfolds. The ending isn’t flawless, but it’s very unique as a TZ-climax.

I struggle to suspend my disbelief with the main couple, to be honest. I just find it hard to believe these are real people, especially the “protagonist” Harmon - he’s such a withered husk, he comes across as almost a cartoon version of an old man.

Score: 5/10

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2️⃣ Atmosphere:

This episode feels like one of those movies you watch, going “this shouldn’t be very enjoyable, it’s not THAT good and it’s a bit kooky, but man I’m here for the fun!”

And in that vein, the mood of “A Short Drink” is far more enthralling than it has any business being. There isn’t really a specific aspect I can point to that makes it feel cool or fun or exciting. I guess one area I can pinpoint would be the intense performance of Walter Brooke as Harmon’s brother, the scientist. He really injects each scene with urgency and somberness to match.

I can’t justify going too high on this category’s score, however, as the atmosphere is fairly one-dimensional.

Score: 5/10

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3️⃣ Existential Terror:

Really you can score this category four ways: through the lens of the viewer, the protagonist, his wife, or even the brother. No matter how you slice it, this is a pretty sobering and somewhat horrific outcome. Especially for the main character, Harmon, the turn of events is decidedly unfortunate.

Score: 8/10

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4️⃣ Creepiness:

Other than the unnerving hint at what might happen to Harmon following the procedure, this episode isn’t meant to be creepy.

Score: 2/10

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5️⃣ Message:

Quite on the nose, yes, but this is a Twilight Zone that certainly has a morality play to deliver. Is it the most impactful TZ-sermon that resonates for decades? Nah, but it’s solid stuff!

Score: 6/10

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6️⃣ World-Building:

The world-building here is simultaneously quite good, and also dreadfully thin. We get some spectacular history and context tossed to us in a handful of pieces of dialogue, especially regarding Harmon’s relationship to his wife and his brother, and also those two (Flora and her brother-in-law Raymond) with each other.

At the same time, I really would have liked to see those histories fleshed out. I think this is part of why the characters Harmon and Flora feel so paper-thin.

Score: 6/10

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7️⃣ Acting:

As referenced earlier, I love Walter Brooke as the stoic and intrepid researcher/Dr. Gordon. He’s giving his best efforts, dragging a probable bottom-tier TZ firmly into the middle tier.

The other two? They’re ok, but lacking any nuance.

Score: 4/10

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8️⃣ The Human Condition:

If I take everything within this episode at face value, the character of Harmon Gordon should skyrocket this category. Unfortunately, I just don’t really care about his fate. I think the writers wanted to portray Harmon as a sympathetic protagonist, but he just comes off as a pitiful man who’s made some awful choices.

I love the earnestness with which the two brothers interact with each other, that’s my favorite aspect of the show.

Score: 4/10

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✅ Total Score:
40

This is one in a long line of Twilight Zone stories that are certainly flawed, a bit hokey, and they shouldn’t work (and I guess they don’t) but they’re fun and I like them. Another that comes to mind, though the plot and the vibes couldn’t be more different, would be “The Rip Van Winkle Caper”.

“A Short Drink from a Certain Fountain” is very far from a perfect TZ, but it’s perfectly acceptable as a baseline “good not great” palate cleanser on a marathon watch, or even if you’re just being introduced to Serling’s work and want to watch some of the less heralded stuff that still entertains.

Not a home run, not even an RBI double, but a solid single to right field? I’ll take it. 😎

What do YOU think? 🤷🏼‍♂️
Let me know! I want your feedback. 🙌🏼

S5, Ep 10: “The 7th is Made Up of Phantoms”
(A group of soldiers performing training exercises find themselves in history)
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1️⃣ Storyline:

There really isn’t a story, it’s just a lame premise that manifests onscreen, and then… that’s that 🤷🏼‍♂️

Score: 1/10

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2️⃣ Atmosphere:

Maybe I’m being fair, maybe I’m being overly gracious, but I’ll give solid marks for atmosphere. Pretty much every scene looks really good; I love the hills and trees in the background, a refreshing change from most of the TZ “outdoors” scenes.

Score: 6/10

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3️⃣ Existential Terror:

No existential terror or even concern bleeds through, but I feel compelled to score at least a couple points given how these guys must have felt during the second half of the episode.

Score: 3/10

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4️⃣ Creepiness:

Nothing is scary, but I’ll give a point for the arrow scenes. Pretty edgy stuff for that era, I’d imagine!

Score: 2/10

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5️⃣ Message:

I haven’t the foggiest idea what there is to glean from “Phantoms”…

Score: 1/10

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6️⃣ World-Building:

The only world-building we get is McCluskey & Connors retelling the story of General Custer to the cynic, Langsford.

Score: 1/10

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7️⃣ Acting:

I don’t find any of the performances to be very good, but this is far from the reason why this episode stinks.

Score: 3/10

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8️⃣ The Human Condition:

Zero connection to the Human Condition.

Score: 1/10

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✅ Total Score:
18

This is absolutely in the running for worst Twilight Zone ever. I have no idea why this got made, it has no story to tell and no compelling characters.

The only saving grace is the visuals: legitimately good-looking scenery, props, and costumes. But man, I don’t ever want to watch this again.

What do YOU think? 🤷🏼‍♂️
Let me know! I want your feedback. 🙌🏼

S5, Ep 9: “Probe 7, Over and Out”
(Stranded on a faraway planet while his own home is on the brink of nuclear war, a lone astronaut seeks to make a new life)
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1️⃣ Storyline:

It’s not awful, it’s just corny as heck.

Score: 4/10

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2️⃣ Atmosphere:

I really like the set dressing here, everything from the spacecraft interior shots to the exterior shots and the glimpses of the alien planet. The atmosphere only lasts so long, but it’s definitely a solid aspect of the show.

Score: 6/10

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3️⃣ Existential Terror:

Though they’re AWFULLY exposition-heavy, the conversations between Cook and his base do wonders to illustrate just how desperate our protagonist’s lot is: he himself is stranded, without hope of ever being rescued, and his entire race will soon be completely wiped out. That is a loneliness rarely seen in the Twilight Zone!

Score: 9/10

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4️⃣ Creepiness:

Reminiscent of “People Are Alike All Over”, there are some delightfully spooky moments in this episode when we have no clue whether Cook is truly alone or not.

Score: 5/10

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5️⃣ Message:

The exposition dumps that are the TV monitor conversations are awfully preachy and self-serious, and I don’t find them particularly convicting or inspiring. If you love this episode, I’m sure you’d want to bump this category’s score up a few notches; I think that’s fine, it’s just not an episode that moves me or connects with me on that level at all.

Score: 2/10

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6️⃣ World-Building:

In a sense, we get tremendous world-building. But literally 100% of it is done via expository Zoom calls between Cook and base; I struggle to give a high score when that’s the only method used to paint the portrait of the story that is unfolding.

Score: 4/10

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7️⃣ Acting:

The acting in this episode is just forgettable. None of the performances are bad, but none are great either.

Score: 4/10

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8️⃣ The Human Condition:

Similar to the “Message” category, if you personally have this as a higher scored portion of the episode I don’t blame you. It’s certainly going for it. And don’t get me wrong, the human element DOES come through nicely a few times - it’s just so ridiculously cheesy I, as the viewer, get taken out of it.

Score: 4/10

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✅ Total Score:
38

There are some fantastic astronaut-themed Twilight Zone stories, some good-but-not-great ones, and some duds. This isn’t a dud, but it’s on the lower end of that spectrum.

What do *YOU* think? 🤷🏼‍♂️
Let me know! I want your feedback. 🙌🏼

S5, Ep 8: “Uncle Simon”
(A middle aged woman is haunted by the memory of her abusive uncle)
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1️⃣ Storyline:

The premise is fantastic, but as a very short-form story. As a campfire legend or something, this would be great (assuming you spruce it up with some creepy details), but there isn’t enough meat on the bone to support a full episode of television.

Score: 4/10

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2️⃣ Atmosphere:

The absolute dread and misery of Barbara’s position is nicely portrayed, and each scene does well to pull the viewer into the hellish claustrophobia it would be to live in this home.

The atmosphere doesn’t really evolve, however, it just kind of drones on and on (not unlike the hot chocolate-loving speaker of “Bar-ba-ra… Bar-ba-ra…”

Score: 5/10

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3️⃣ Existential Terror:

The thought that I might never be able to escape the abuse and emotional torture of someone close to me is as terrifying and oppressive as anything experienced in the TZ.

Score: 9/10

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4️⃣ Creepiness:

Certainly not a horror episode, “Uncle Simon” is not without its creepy and unsettling qualities. The voice, echoing from one of the rooms or halls… the soulless mechanical face that holds more than meets the eye… the very idea of Uncle Simon working night & day in a dark basement laboratory… there’s some stuff here to make this one a little uncomfortable to watch alone.

Score: 5/10

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5️⃣ Message:

This sure doesn’t feel like a morality play, although you can lift some principles and lessons from it to be sure. Wealth had better be more than just money, or you will feel destitute. Also, the sunken cost fallacy comes to mind.

I don’t know if this was intended by Serling or not, but I can also squint and see a message in this episode about trauma: the way it sticks with you even if you are far removed from your abuser (physically OR temporally).

After all that, you may ask “Why isn’t the score higher?” Personally I just don’t find any lessons (intended or otherwise) to be particularly compelling, and the characters are simply not believable enough for me to empathize with strongly enough.

Score: 3/10

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6️⃣ World-Building:

I guess this category could be higher, I mean we DO get some backstory. It’s just not very believable!

So I’ll give a couple points for at least trying to give context to why Barbara and Uncle Simon are in this predicament, but the world-building that exists in this episode seems to be made of papier-mâché rather than flesh & blood.

Score: 3/10

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7️⃣ Acting:

It’s not as witty as “Escape Clause”, but this episode does feature some pretty hilarious line readings. Otherwise though, the acting is nothing to write home about.

Score: 4/10

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8️⃣ The Human Condition:

All the characters here are mere caricatures. I don’t empathize or connect with anyone really.

Score: 2/10

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✅ Total Score:
35

A source of some laughs, and a few moments that induce a shudder or two, this is a very flawed Twilight Zone that is beloved by some and derided by others. It’s far from an awful episode but it’s not one I choose to watch for fun really, either.

For a far superior piece of Rod Serling TV, go watch “The Cemetery”: an installment of the Night Gallery series that has a different plot to be sure, but also some common themes. Much scarier too!

What do YOU think? 🤷🏼‍♂️
Let me know! I want your feedback. 🙌🏼

S5, Ep 7: “The Old Man in the Cave”
(In a post-apocalyptic world, a town of survivors trusts an all-knowing guide until their faith runs out)
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1️⃣ Storyline:

This has always held a special place in my heart as one of the most memorable TZ stories for me personally, even if it’s not usually on any all-time lists of the most iconic episodes. It’s definitely one of those Twilight Zones that feels like a movie, packed into a 25-minute televised fable.

The twist might pack a bigger punch the very first time you’ve seen it, but the story itself doesn’t lack any potency even on regular rewatches. The timeless issues of trusting authority, herd mentality (and mob mentality), and ultimate safety vs autonomy all take center stage here - in addition to the timely concerns that “The Old Man in the Cave” revolves around: nuclear apocalypse, societal breakdown, etc.

Score: 10/10

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2️⃣ Atmosphere:

That opening shot of the guy in a car, slowly moving down the street, and then you realize it’s a car being pulled by a horse… what a great way to set the stage for the type of story we’re going to be living in for the next half hour.

I would have GLADLY spent a full hour in this episode, but the 20+ minutes we do get are really well-dressed. I love the costumes for the intruding military men: they really look and feel like uniforms that convey authority, yet they’re filthy and tattered and might not even belong to the men wearing them.

If I have to nitpick, I’d say I don’t quite buy that these townspeople have truly been living in a post-nuclear world for a decade, a world with essentially no civilization left. But it’s easy enough for me to suspend my disbelief on that.

Score: 8/10

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3️⃣ Existential Terror:

So much of this episode’s greatness revolves around some of the most central existential questions and fears that man has wrestled with for thousands of years: God, humanity’s survival, adherence to rules, living as part of the greater herd.

These things aren’t all “terror” but we get enough terror in this episode for it to qualify for a high score. I don’t mind the end scene but I actually think if “The Old Man in the Cave” had ended right before that, with the mob tearing apart the Old Man, the ambiguity would have ratcheted up the existential terror even more.

As it is, ok we can say that Goldsmith (and the Old Man) was right, and the people all should have complied. But what if the food was safe to eat? What if the Old Man had been giving wrong information - even if not purposely, à la Hal from 2001, but what if the Old Man simply wasn’t omniscient? Would a society run that way really be an attractive option? As Jason says: “we’ve survived for ten years… but we haven’t lived”.

Score: 9/10

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4️⃣ Creepiness:

Far from a “horror” episode, this IS a Twilight Zone that has some pretty spooky moments - they’re just scary in a real-life way, as opposed to a ghost story way.

The final shot is as morbid as any TZ scene, and the fateful trip into the cave to meet the Old Man is unsettling (particularly if you’ve never seen this episode before).

Score: 4/10

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5️⃣ Message:

One aspect I love about “The Old Man in the Cave” is that there’s no singular sermon it’s trying to preach. Rather, this TZ is a fantastically dynamic conversation starter.

This is a story in which there are many harrowing dilemmas and potential lessons to be learned. The “good guys” might be doing unseen harm, the “bad guys” have potential to become unwitting rescuers of sorts, and the “savior” is perhaps really an oppressor.

Themes range from Old Testament stories (the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden, Moses leading the Israelites through the desert, God speaking directly through the voice of a chosen prophet, just to name a few) to post-apocalyptic fears, with good old-fashioned human nature right at the center of all of it.

Score: 10/10

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6️⃣ World-Building:

Something this episode excels at is narrative discernment. There’s absolutely no bloated exposition trying to explain the nuclear war, who was on which side, why bombs were dropped, etc. No backstory for almost any characters, because backstory doesn’t really matter - this nuclear wasteland is a New World, wholly divorced from the old one.

And yeah, the little bit of backstory we do get is great: French talking to Jason in the car during the “rager”, French telling Goldsmith and the townsfolk about the various cults and organizations throughout the US, the discussion of various Old Man prophecies in Act 1, etc.

Score: 10/10

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7️⃣ Acting:

James Coburn is positively electric here, as the militant bully, French. Though he sets the tone early by establishing himself as a villain, he becomes an extraordinarily well-rounded character within a matter of minutes through the remainder of the episode. Huge credit goes to the script for that, but also to Coburn for some wonderfully nuanced acting.

The rest of the cast does a great job, although they really exist to let Coburn and the script shine. John Anderson is fine as Goldsmith; I’m sure the intention was for him to come off as incredibly stoic and hardened, and he does that extremely well, although there are moments where he’s honestly a bit too wooden.

Gotta love John Marley as Jason. When he gives a mini monologue during the first half, I can’t help but just see him in his mansion telling off Robert Duvall “He’s never gonna get that PART!” 🤣

Score: 9/10

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8️⃣ The Human Condition:

You can make the argument that no other single episode of this iconic series more accurately describes the human condition. As I covered in the “Message” category, “The Old Man in the Cave” is woven together almost as a reinterpretative allegory of various Old Testament anecdotes.

That IS the human condition: forever riding that swinging pendulum between rebelling against authority when authority is not to be trusted or the end does not justify the means, all the while yearning for guidance, deliverance, morality, and structure from a higher power.

Score: 10/10

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✅ Total Score:
70

Some people take issue with the “killing of the Old Man” scene, dismissing it as hokey (or even unrealistic). I can kind of see what they mean in terms of it looking hokey just from the production and technology standpoint, but I feel like that’s most TZ episodes that involve any sort of special effects. As for it being unrealistic, I actually wholeheartedly disagree with that take. It’s a perfect image of mob mentality; in fact, I think that what we see in this episode is very much the MOST realistic outcome based on the preceding events.

My only quibble, as stated earlier in the breakdown, is regarding the very last moment of the episode. It’s not a bad scene at all, I just think it potentially robs the episode from perhaps the most powerfully ambiguous climax in any Twilight Zone. As is, this is an extremely good installment and part of the top tier in my book.

What do YOU think? 🤷🏼‍♂️
Let me know! I want your feedback. 🙌🏼

*No bunnies were harmed in the making of this post… although I’m sure Yeti wishes he could have gotten one 🤣

S5, Ep 6: “Living Doll”
(An irritable man fears that his step-daughter’s new doll is out to get him)
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1️⃣ Storyline:

Similar to “Mirror Image”, this is a ridiculously simple premise that acts almost exclusively as a vehicle for horror and suspense. It’s very effective in that way, but it’s a limited plot for sure.

Score: 6/10

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2️⃣ Atmosphere:

One of the most impressive features about “Living Doll” is the diverse nature of various scenes and yet the way in which they’re almost all equally terrifying and filled with dread. The dinner scene where Erich is convinced a walkie-talkie is hidden inside the doll, the highly dark torture/mutilation scene in the workshop, the bedroom/stairs scene… every section of the episode is different but all paint the atmosphere with fear-inducing tension.

Score: 10/10

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3️⃣ Existential Terror:

I don’t know how “existential” any of this episode really is, but for Erich (and later, his wife) I suppose it would be quite the crisis to wonder whether this child’s plaything really is alive, talking to you, plotting revenge, etc.

Score: 4/10

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4️⃣ Creepiness:

This was always the scariest TZ for me, as a little kid watching re-runs. To this day, I get chills just seeing a still image of Talky Tina.

No single scene necessarily scares me the most, but everything about the doll’s voice, look, and slow-but-deliberate head-turning work in tandem to induce *all* the nightmares.

As I mentioned earlier, that scene in Erich’s workshop is especially dark. It’s spooky, for sure, but even more so it’s quite morbid and adult in theme. It was a majorly hard couple minutes to watch as a kid.

Score: 10/10

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5️⃣ Message:

Again, I will draw comparison to “Mirror Image”: this is not a Twilight Zone that sets out to accomplish much beyond a scary story that gives the viewer the absolute creeps.

If you want to squint you can find a fable within this episode, about how NOT to treat your family and kids in a blended scenario, but I really don’t think that was the point of “Living Doll”.

Score: 4/10

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6️⃣ World-Building:

It doesn’t ruin the episode or anything, but this IS a missed opportunity in my book. Erich is presented with no context other than being a brutish jerk of a husband/stepdad (except for the poignant information that he is unable to have kids). Annabelle is a 2-dimensional character, shown to be a loving mother and wife, but we know little of her own story.

This is a rare episode that could have been even better (and more horrific) in the Season 4, hour-long format.

Score: 3/10

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7️⃣ Acting:

I have no complaints with either Telly Savalas (Erich) or Mary La Roche (his wife, Annabelle). Neither blow me away, but they both do their job well.

Savalas deserves extra credit, however, given that the majority of his lines are delivered to a doll, and yet he walks the line between terror & absurdity quite well.

Score: 7/10

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8️⃣ The Human Condition:

Perhaps I’m being too generous with the rating of this category, because this isn’t a TZ that inspires me or warms my heart or connects with my heart. What it does, however, is hit deep inside my amygdala to set off every warning bell possible. Who ISN’T terrified of a doll like Tina, and who could manage to keep their composure in the final moments of this episode during that nighttime scene??

Score: 8/10

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✅ Total Score:
52

One of the few Twilight Zone episodes to unashamedly dwell in true “horror” territory (at least for its time), “Living Doll” may not be one of the truly elite installments in this series but it IS one of the scariest.

What do *YOU* think? 🤷🏼‍♂️
Let me know! I want your feedback. 🙌🏼