Just somethin’ I wanted to do because I’ve been watching them all weekend. Here goes.
10. Nightmare at 20,000 Feet
Season 5, Episode 3, aired October 11, 1963, written by Richard Matheson.
This episode is about a man (SHATNER!!) and his wife who get on a plane for the first time in 6 months. Why have they not gone in 6 months? Because Shatner had a nervous breakdown on a plane and was committed to a sanitarium (aka Looney Bin). Shatner’s nervous but he’s doing alright, until he opens the window and sees somebody on the wing of the plane. Shatner alerts the stewardess, but when they come and look out the window the man is gone. Well, turns out it’s a beast, not a man. Everybody thinks Shatner’s going crazy because he’s the only one who can see the beast. This is one of those psychological episodes. You don’t know if it’s real or not until the end. But, this one is also a classic, so I just had to have it on the list. It really is a great episode, and is one of Captain Kirk’s best performances.
9. Where is Everybody?
Season 1, Episode 1, aired October 2, 1959, written by Rod Serling.
This is the first aired episode of the Twilight Zone. It’s also one of the best. Basically, it’s about a man who just finds himself in a town with no people. He doesn’t know how he got there or how to get out. And his sanity slowly deteriorates after a whole day in this deserted, mysterious town. This is a great episode because you are with this man. You don’t know where you are, why your there, or even how to get out. It makes you feel uncomfortable and curious, just how a Twilight Zone episode should make you feel like. Also, Earl Holliman does a great job as our main and only character. Not a famous one, but still a good episode.
8. Escape Clause
Season 1, Episode 6, aired November 6, 1959, written by Rod Serling.
A hypochondriac and narcissist is obsessed with living. So, he sells his soul to the devil for immortality and indestructibility. But he has an escape clause. Being able to die in the moment. But being the stupid fool he is, the man doesn’t think he’ll need it. But, trust me. He needs it. I love this episode because I love David Wayne as the main character. He’s so despicable and mean that it’s a chore to like him. He’s that bad. Also, the things he does. Like getting run over by a train. It’s actually a bit comical. Seriously, it’s funny. Anyway, this is a great entry and will be one of favorites in the Twilight Zone.
7. Nothing in the Dark
Season 3, Episode 16, aired January 5, 1962, written by George Clayton Johnson
This episode is about an old lady who won’t rescue a cop who’s been shot because she’s afraid of death. she finally takes the cop in and tells him her stories about Death. The whole episode is basically the cop and the old lady reminiscing about death. That’s the beauty of the episode is the simplicity and the tension. The tension starts because they are both suspicious of each other and they ask each other questions. You may argue that the twist is pretty obvious, but I thought it wasn’t bad. Plus, Robert Redford is the cop, so it’s pretty cool. Anyway, this episode is pretty awesome and should be watched. Seriously, watch it.
6. Living Doll
Season 5, Episode 6, Aired November 1, 1963, Written by Jerry Sohl
This is about a little girl and her mother who buy a doll for the girl. the doll’s name is Talking Tina and she’s pretty creepy. Well, the father doesn’t like the doll. But then the doll starts telling the dad things like “I’m going to kill you.” Just like Nightmare at 20,000 Feet, this is one of those psychological episodes. You don’t know if the doll is real or fake until the VERY end. Unlike Child’s Play, this is actually a MYSTERY! Child’s Play may be entertaining but to call it original is like calling Pauly Shore funny. It’s just wrong. Anyway, this episode will make me shiver anytime I listen to Tina Turner.
5. It’s a Good Life
Season 3, Episode 8, aired November 3, 1961, written by Rod Serling
This episode is about a 6 year old kid who has telekinetic powers and he isolates a whole town and basically controls it. Now, while that sounds comedic and the episode is also quite funny, I personally think this is one of the darkest episodes of the series. Why? 7 words–Jack in the Box with Human head. That’s all I’m giving away. My favorite part is how everybody always uses the word “good” rather than something more creative. Also the adults are always so scared around the kid which makes this episode HILARIOUS!! But, it’s so well written, it also includes dark tension and suspense. Only one thing to say and that’s Rod Serling’s a genius.
4. Eye of the Beholder
Season 2, Episode 6, aired November 11, 1960, written by Rod Serling
This episode is about a woman who is having an operation on her face to make it look “normal.” For the majority of the episode she’s in bandages, so you can’t see her face. But the odd part is you can’t see the other people’s faces. There’s a reason for that. Anyway, before the twist scene, there’s a lot of strong, sad monologues by the woman. They’re really sad! I mean Jesus, lady! Keep you sadness to yourself! But, this is a classic Twilight Zone episode and I’m pretty sure everyone’s seen it. But, for those who haven’t, I’m not spoiling anything. Also, this episode is beautifully shot in darkness and shadow. It actually looks best in black and white. So, all I have to say is what a classic.
3. Nick of Time
Season 2, Episode 7, aired November 18, 1960, written by Richard Matheson
William Shatner and some chick’s car broke down, so they stop at a diner. Well, the napkin holder has a fortune telling machine. So, Shatner asks it some questions. The answers from the machine are coincidentally true every time, so Shatner becomes a slave to it. There really isn’t a twist ending, only a message. The message is don’t trust everything you see. That moral is pretty much the reason I love this episode. I mean, Shatner gets so attached to the machine, he starts asking where he’ll live. He goes crazy!!!! Not much to say only, if you trust psychic’s, watch this episode.
2. The Masks
Season 5, Episode 25, aired March 20, 1964, written by Rod Serling
An old man in New Orleans is dying and is having his despicable family over for dinner. They obviously only want his money. So, he makes them wear disgusting masks to show who they really are in his last hours. This episode is a really good one because of the tension. The tension starts at the end when the old man starts insulting his family. You smile when this happens and you have an evil laugh when the twist happens. I won’t give it away, but the twist is awesome. Seriously. Anyway, everybody (even if you’ve seen it) should watch this episode. Just go to Netflix and add the Twilight Zone and go to Season 5. Bodda Bing, Bodda Boom!
1. The Invaders
Season 2, Episode 15, aired January 27, 1961, written by Richard Matheson
A woman in a cabin hears noises. She goes up to the attic to find that aliens have come into here house. So, she fights them the whole episode. What I love about this episode is besides Rod Serling’s narration, there’s no dialogue. That proves how well this episode is made. They get the point across so obviously, but without dialogue. Also, the plot and way it’s filmed makes the episode even a bit scary! Plus the blow your mind twist ending, and you’ve got the greatest Twilight Zone episode ever made (in my opinion). Oh yeah, also a great performance by Agnes Moorehead.
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