Top 10 Best Twilight Zone Episodes

This was, by far, the most difficult list to assemble. There are simply too many fantastic and legendary episodes in this series that narrowing it down to only 10 was extremely hard. Due to this elimination process, many classics had to be left off, and I don't entirely love episodes that the critics favor anyway. If you're curious about any particular episode you can always check out my full reviews for each. Of course, these are my personal opinions, and, if you have a problem with that, I'm sure there is a hugbox somewhere you can retreat to. Now, without further ado, I present the best episodes of the Twilight Zone!

Usually I will go through each honorable mention and explain why they missed the cut, but, this time, there were so many I'm simply listing all the possible contenders. Suffice it to say, each episode that didn't make it was just shy of the number 10 spot for tiny reasons. I consider all the honorable mentions to be amazing episodes worthy of high praise.

Honorable Mentions (in no particular order): A Penny for Your Thoughts, A World of His Own, A World of Difference, The Howling Man, A Stop at Willoughby, People Are Alike All Over, Perchance to Dream, The Night of the Meek, The Obsolete Man, The New Exhibit, Nightmare at 20,000 Feet, The Monsters are Due on Maple Street, I Shot an Arrow Into the Air, Twenty Two

10: Nick of Time (Season 2, Episode 7)

Kicking things off would be my most contentious pick. Realistically, any honorable mention could have fit this slot, but I had to go with something. What's so great about this episode is the dark, paranoid tone enhanced by tremendous intrigue. The fear the characters experience is palpable as they don't know if the events are truly supernatural or they're seeing what they want to see. William Shatner adds a lot of conviction to the main role back when he still cared about his acting. The escalation of the events might be a tad fast, but this story hits all the right notes.

9: The Masks (Season 5, Episode 25)

Though it's not subtle at all, the symbolism here is awesome. This episode addresses the superficial masks people use to hide their true selves. But, in typical, TZ fashion, the characters are forced to confront their true selves when the masks come off both literally and figuratively. On top of that, you have the whole Mardi Gras angle that spices things up too. It's hard to address what makes this episode spectacular in just a mere paragraph so check it out for yourself!

8: Eye of the Beholder (Season 2, Episode 6)

An obvious classic, "Eye of the Beholder" is more than just an episode, it's a general statement about life itself. Exploring themes about what constitutes normalcy, conformity, totalitarianism, etc. this episode goes all over the place quite successfully. This is, of course, not to ignore the wondrous use of camera trickery and an infamous twist. Honestly, few episodes in the series are able to pull off so many incredible plot elements simultaneously. This episode definitely deserves its place among the classics and certainly has its place in TZ 101: essential viewing.

7: A Most Unusual Camera (Season 2, Episode 10)

You really can't go wrong with this amazing episode that seamlessly blends horror and humor. The premise is already cool with a camera that shows the future, but the way the characters banter about its usage is what seals the deal. One minute you are laughing from the jokes, but, at the same time, you're on edge with what the camera will show after a picture is taken. The way this episode was put together is nearly perfect from start to finish. It really is no wonder why many have ripped this story line off over the years.

6: Living Doll (Season 5, Episode 6)

This episode is the clear contender for scariest episode of the series. While TZ is quite tame by today's standards, this story still holds up surprisingly well. Under the right conditions, I think you could still freak people out especially when the story is no-nonsense when it comes to playing it straight. Even the ending is freaky with Talky Tina as the forerunner to Chucky--making him look like the one for the kiddies.

5: To Serve Man (Season 3, Episode 24)

I cannot stress the deserved legendary status for this episode enough. As I mentioned in my original review, you have all the best elements of TZ wrapped up in this episode. The themes are timeless as little would have to be changed in the plot to make it apply to today's world. Plus, you have a 4th wall break and that notorious twist. IT'S A COOKBOOK! Oh man, it never gets old. You absolutely cannot go wrong with this episode in any shape or form.

4: A Game of Pool (Season 3, Episode 5)

TZ may be known for crazy twists and sci-fi stories, but this episode thoroughly demonstrated that's not the only thing they had to show; you don't always need to rely on TZ staples to tell a compelling and thought-provoking tale. This is simply the challenge of one man against another in order to prove who is the best. The banter between the two leads is priceless, and the tension is hard to surpass. The themes and lessons of the episode are timeless, important, and applicable to all aspects of life and even people. It may be overshadowed by other classics, but definitely do not ignore this gem of the series.

3: Walking Distance (Season 1, Episode 5)

The winner of my Top 10 Underrated list, it should come as no shock this episode makes a triumphant return. There is just something magical about this episode that encompasses what TZ is all about. The exploration of both nostalgia and the longing for youthful innocence and happiness creates a kind of touching and emotional experience. I think any audience can relate to the main character as he longs for simpler days when his life was carefree. The story's retrospection is complemented well by the music, and this episode really nailed a topic that TZ would retouch upon multiple times. I can never get enough of this episode which is why I bring it up all the time.

2: Five Characters in Search of an Exit (Season 3, Episode 14)

Now this is how you tell an anthology tale: a beautifully crafted mystery that completely sucks the viewer into the speculation and intrigue. Who are these characters and where are they? The reveal is definitely startling and should have anyone questioning their own reality. TZ has many reality-bending episodes, but this is the one that truly succeeded in leaving a lasting impression. Besides all of that, this is simply a badass premise to begin with that only gets better as it goes. It also helps that this is a timeless tale--making it that much more powerful and relevant.


And the best episode in the entire series is...(Drumroll!)


1: The Hitch-Hiker (Season 1, Episode 16)

For me, this episode is in a league of its own. You have numerous plot elements at play that come together perfectly to tell the series', hands down, best episode. The somber music, a dark and ominous atmosphere, a mind-blowing twist--all pulled together masterfully by the beautiful Inger Stevens as the lead. Ms. Stevens brings such conviction and a genuine sense of dread to the role that it transfers readily to the viewer. The entire weight of the episode was carried on her shoulders, and she successfully pulled it off and then some. If the atmosphere weren't enough, the mystery keeps you totally entranced as you arrive with Ms. Stevens at the surprising revelation at the end. As I stated in my review, this episode resonates with me on a different level altogether, and I absolutely adore and love this episode to no end. If you can only watch one episode of TZ in your life make it this episode! You will not regret it one bit.

Top 10 Worst Twilight Zone Episodes

This list is sponsored by Chesterfields: nothing says smooth like a hit from a cocaine-laced Chesterfield cigarette...which is what you're on if you enjoy these episodes. Although the Twilight Zone is known for timeless classics and legendary stories, there were unfortunate episodes that make you realize why the show was cancelled...twice. Whether the episode was bad from a technical standpoint or was incoherent from start to finish, these are the stories that serve as a blemish on TZ's glorious legacy. Once more, if you're curious about any particular episode you can check out my full reviews for each. Finally, these are my personal opinions, and, if you have a problem with that, I'm sure there's a "safe space" at some college to seek comfort in. Now, without further ado, I present the worst episodes of the Twilight Zone!

Dishonorable Mentions (in order):

Elegy (Season 1, episode 20) - The first legitimately bad episode in the series. The plot is predictable and overshadowed by shoddy camerawork involving the supposedly dead extras.

The Arrival (Season 3, Episode 2) - Starts off incredibly promising but shifts into an incoherent mess only to linger onward to a miserable conclusion. Of all the episodes on this list, this is the one that could have easily escaped this fate had they put a tad more work into the ending.

The Gift (Season 3, episode 32) - There was certainly potential here, but it's as if they only had enough material to fill 5 minutes of the running time.

The Last Night of a Jockey (Season 5, episode 5) - I can appreciate the approach, and I did like the miniature set, but nothing makes any sense and the conclusion is moronic.

10. Spur of the Moment (Season 5, episode 21)

We have a time loop, a horseman of the apocalypse-lookalike, and an attempt at a plot twist...yet this episode still falls face first into the ground. The love triangle is presented horribly, and there doesn't appear to be a point to the story. On top of that, the time loop is pointless, unexplained, and the main chick is too stupid to figure out how to change the past even though she knows where her past self will be and how she will react. That's a good one.

9. Mr. Dingle, the Strong (Season 2, Episode 19)

I would have rated this episode lower on the list, however, the story appears to be, at least, slightly self-aware. The comedic elements just don't work due to the overly cornball nature of the plot. The aliens look utterly abysmal and demonstrate TZ's budget limitations. If the resolution weren't so lame, I would have actually forgiven the shortcomings.

8. Sounds and Silences (Season 5, Episode 27)

This episode mostly fails due to not taking the material seriously enough. The background characters serve no purpose, and the main guy is not properly fleshed out. Had the story taken a darker turn you might have sympathized with the main guy or it would have made his comeuppance more satisfying. Instead, we are left with one of the more irrelevant episodes in the entire series.

7. Ninety Years Without Slumbering (Season 5, Episode 12)

Similar to "The Gift," there was, realistically, 5 minutes of material to work with. Unlike "The Gift," however, the general premise of this episode is idiotic. Some old guy thinks he will die if a clock stops? Okaaay...except it's not true, and the old guy is conversing with his own ghost or something? Whaaat? In a nutshell: this plays out like a spitball idea cooked up in the TZ offices that somehow was taken seriously.

6. Come Wander With Me (Season 5, Episode 34)

This is what happens when the TZ writers puff away a little too hard on those Chesterfields. I can appreciate trying to incorporate a musically-themed episode into the mix, but the story is a complete mess. Once again, nothing makes any sense but in an extremely annoying way. The audience is left in the dark with only faint hints as to what the hell is happening.

5. The Mirror (Season 3, episode 6)

I kind of understand what they were trying to convey, but it's all too stupid and pointless. Oh noooo...a magic mirror that might show the future. There is no clarity, and the attempt to depict paranoia fails monumentally. Maybe if this episode were from season 4 it could have worked given the extra running time. On the other hand, that would have probably been a bad idea, because they would have dragged it out to create an even more torturous experience.

4. Black Leather Jackets (Season 5, Episode 18)

What a debacle. The tone is completely off with that goofy music, and why would aliens, covertly trying to take over the world, dress so conspicuously? To make matters worse they add a love story to the mix that occurs over the course of a few hours? Whaaaat? And the final nail in the coffin is the unbelievably rushed and lackluster ending that has absolutely no resolution. My goodness...

3. The Jungle (Season 3, episode 12)

This episode is just bad. On the surface, the idea of a corporate asshole getting his comeuppance after disregarding locals sounds mildly interesting. The execution of that idea is terrible. Cheap sound effects, moments of sheer idiocy, and a pitiful ending cement this as one of the worst. If there were simply more buildup or explanations this could--COULD--have worked.

2. The Hunt (Season 3, episode 19)

I hate this episode. The retardation is palpable during every single second. It's almost like the story is a slightly edgier (yet less funny) episode of "Scooby Doo." I can't get over why TZ thought this would work or how anyone could take this material seriously. The afterlife is just some shitty dirt road in the middle of oblivion? AND you can get tricked into going to hell unless you have a dog with you?! Riiiight. Hey, at least it's not number one on this list, am I right?


And the worst episode in the entire series is...(Drumroll!)


1: The Bewitchin' Pool (Season 5, episode 36)

Well this shouldn't have come as much of a shock--this episode is painful...utterly painful. No other episode could possibly occupy this prestigious position. Besides being the worst episode on a technical front, as well as one of the dumbest stories ever depicted in TZ (or any other fiction for that matter), this episode sours TZ's entire legacy by having (what should be) the honorary position of the series finale. Argh! It frustrates me to no end that this is the bookend to the franchise--the worst fucking episode of them all! Shit audio, horrendous voice dubbing, reused scenes, laughable acting, a creepy pedophile grandma, a ridiculous divorce plot line, and a goddamn hidden world under a swimming pool?! Get the hell out of here! I refuse to ever watch this episode again.

Top 10 Most Underrated Twilight Zone Episodes

With so many classic and legendary Twilight Zone episodes to sift through, a few, fantastic stories are bound to fall through the cracks. Whether the stories were not appreciated in their own era, or have simply succumb to the passage of time, these are the underrated episodes that deserve a second look. It's important to note the distinction that these episodes are good--sometimes incredible--but they are not necessarily among the absolute best in the series. Of course, if you are curious about any particular episode, feel free to check out my full review for each. Finally, these are my personal opinions, and, if you have a problem with that, you can complain about it to the Ministry of Truth on Twitter. Now, without further ado, I present the most underrated episodes of The Twilight Zone!

Honorable Mentions (in no particular order):

A Passage for Trumpet (Season 1, Episode 32) - Some great ideas here, and I love the implications throughout, but it's not quite remarkable enough.

Judgement Night (Season 1, Episode 10) - A man stuck in a hellish loop due to his own misdeeds in WWII. It's great all around, but this episode does receive fair recognition.

Showdown with Rance McGrew (Season 3, Episode 20) - This is an exceptionally funny story, but, if you don't have the cultural context to understand the jokes, it falls flat.

Probe 7, Over and Out (Season 5, Episode 9) - A novel twist for the time, but it's hindered by the sheer implausibility of the scenario's setup.

You Drive (Season 5, Episode 14) - Could have been one of the scariest episodes in the series, however, they decided to tone it down with borderline comedic moments.

Stopover in a Quiet Town (Season 5, Episode 30) - An all around intriguing plot that keeps you guessing to the end; unfortunately it's not quite memorable enough for the list.

Once Upon a Time (Season 3, Episode 13) - As for this last contender...I really wanted this episode on the list due to the unique episode format and the humor, but, alas, it falls shy of the tenth position.

10: And When the Sky Was Opened (Season 1, Episode 11)

There are few things in fiction to compare this episode to. Hell, I still can't tell you what exactly was happening. What I can tell you is that the story gets you thinking. Few episodes can match the intrigue present here as you try to figure out what's happening to the characters. Is it supernatural? Is time and space warping around them? Are they dead? It's tough to say, but there's nothing quite like it.

9: I Shot an Arrow into the Air (Season 1, Episode 15)

I can't believe this episode is so rarely mentioned by fans and critics. You have a somewhat cliched story of betrayal and survival, but the revelation that everything has been for naught is awesome. In particular, the irony is that harshness other episodes receive credit for. Why not here?

8: Perchance to Dream (Season 1, Episode 9)

This episode is simply "Inception" before there was "Inception." Sure, the execution isn't quite where it needed to be, but it deserves significantly more acknowledgement. I love the notion that the entire episode's events pass by within a minute and, of course, that attempt at a titty squeeze. Plus, that title is always amazing--you have to admit that.

7: A Penny for Your Thoughts (Season 2, Episode 16)

I want to say this episode has fallen under the radar due to the comic elements. Most of TZ's regarded classics are serious and offer some critique of humanity. This episode doesn't tackle any major themes, but it does offer an entertaining premise that incorporates the supernatural aspects perfectly. Besides, you can't go wrong with Dick York.

6: Twenty Two (Season 2, Episode 17)

There are a lot of original ideas going on in this episode. And, let's be honest, this outright inspired the creation of "Final Destination." The tone and atmosphere are captured near perfectly with excellent lighting tricks. The only noticeable drawback is the shit quality of the footage. Considering how ballsy the ending was, I can't believe this episode rarely receives praise.

5: A World of Difference (Season 1, Episode 23)

Imagine finding out your life is nothing more than a movie, and you're only an actor. I love that premise, and the episode pulls it off admirably. There are a ton of implications to be drawn and ways to look at the story meaningfully. While I don't like TZ deciding for the viewer which is the true reality, you cannot deny the creativity employed here. The lack of recognition for this episode baffles me.

4: A Stop at Willoughby (Season 1, Episode 30)

This is an episode far, far ahead of its time. Long before the midlife crisis was understood, there was this episode and it's insightful look at married life coupled with wage slave hell. I adore the introspection of this story, and the realization that you have lived a life everyone else told you to live. The ending also leaves things just ambiguous enough that you can draw whatever conclusion suits you as the viewer. For me, I have to give credit to a youtuber who wrote (I'm paraphrasing), "Every man should find his own Willoughby." You're damn right, my friend.

3: The New Exhibit (Season 4, Episode 13)

What really holds this episode down is being one of the hour long episodes. Naturally, season 4 episodes do not receive the same kind of airing frequency as the others due to this time change. Because of this, a lot of people are missing out on one of the creepiest and most disturbing episodes. The references to "Psycho" and the actual psychological terror work well. The ending is somewhat predictable, but it's still marvelously put together.

2: A World of His Own (Season 1, Episode 36)

This is easily one of the best episodes in the entire series despite its unforgivable lack of acknowledgement. Again, the comedic aspects probably hurt this tale's legacy, but the overall ideas are imaginative. Besides, this is the one and only episode with the distinction of having Rod Serling as an actual character. What a perfect ending and it doubled as a season finale to boot. How can you not love this episode?


And the most underrated episode in the entire series is...(Drumroll!)


1: Walking Distance (Season 1, Episode 5)

I don't think this pick should come as a shock to anyone who has followed my reviews; I mention this episode frequently. That whimsical tone, introspection, nostalgia, and serendipitous longing...ahh...these are the kind of themes the TZ writers excelled at examining. Sure, there is no mind-blowing twist yet I feel this story captures the aura of TZ better than most. More so, this episode demonstrates that TZ can tell wonderfully heartfelt stories without relying on a twist to pull it together--the story alone speaks for itself. I'd highly recommend revisiting this episode with fresh eyes.

Top 10 Most Overrated Twilight Zone Episodes

With a show like The Twilight Zone, full of numerous classic stories, there are a few episodes I feel receive far more credit than they deserve. I want to stress that these episodes are NOT necessarily bad--they simply aren't as good as critics and fans make them out to be. You can check out my full review for each episode if you feel so inclined. Also, I think it goes without saying, but this list is my personal opinion. If you don't agree, well, feel free to cry about it on Tumblr. Now, without further ado, I present the most overrated episodes of The Twilight Zone!

Honorable Mention: Deaths-Head Revisted (Season 3, Episode 9) - A poignant episode that has had its greatness greatly exaggerated. It just narrowly misses the list.

10: Long Distance Call (Season 2, Episode 22)

This episode simply wasted its potential. The entire premise is surprisingly scary, but they chose not to capitalize on it--either because they were holding back or didn't want to go in that direction. Other parts of the story are bizarre and cliched so there's that too. I will add the caveat that, this and one other episode, I debated their "classic" status. In the end, I figure this episode is aired frequently enough and appears to be essential TZ viewing. Better episodes could easily fill those marathon positions though.

9: The After Hours (Season 1, Episode 34)

Again, this was another episode that was seemingly built up to be creepy but falls to pieces by the end. What was going on here?! Nothing is ever explained, and the twist is so nonsensical it needs elaboration. The idea of living mannequins is a cool concept in theory, as well as the hidden floor, but no character notices this...why? This is certainly an episode where the twist was written first and the story created around it.

8: Nothing in the Dark (Season 3, Episode 16)

This is the other episode I debated how classic it truly would be considered; due to this ambiguity, it's lower on the list. Anyway, this just isn't a good episode in general. The use of Death and the weird implications about the old lady do not help anything. I kind of understand what they were going for, but it doesn't work.

7: Kick the Can (Season 3, Episode 21)

Okay, now we're getting into the meat of this list! I actually think this episode is great, but the story was retreading material TZ already covered. The overrated aspect comes into play especially when this is the episode remembered over the better ones like "Walking Distance." I do blame the TZ movie for cementing this story line into the public's consciousness, but that doesn't mean it gets a pass.

6: Third from the Sun (Season 1, Episode 14)

In a word: shenanigans. The basis for this story is pure shenanigans. We are shown an exact replica of American life on Earth in 1960 yet the twist is that they are aliens coming to Earth? Yeaaahhh...no. They were even sipping lemonade for fuck's sake! The message and themes are fine, but the presentation is utterly preposterous.

5: The Midnight Sun (Season 3, Episode 10)

This is probably my favorite episode on this list, but it is overrated nonetheless. Sure, the imagery is great and the themes tackled are interesting, but the story somehow fails to deliver. You have this apocalyptic situation yet the scope of the story never matches those epic proportions. Top 25 worthy? Sure. Top 10 or 5 worthy? Not even close.

4: The Silence (Season 2, Episode 25)

Did I miss the point when this became a classic? I remember reading critic reviews saying how freaky this was. Freaky?! Are you retarded? There are respectable ideas presented here, but, overall, it's nothing special and the twist is weak. I don't know what else to add since this is merely a mediocre tale--completely forgettable.

3: The Odyssey of Flight 33 (Season 2, Episode 18)

Ehhh, some plane is lost in time...what is there to lose your shit over? I think what really rubs me the wrong way is the nonchalant reactions from the characters. If I was time traveling, you'd get quite the reaction out of me to say the least. The ending is also dumb since they end up in 1939, and aren't willing to settle. That would have only been, what, 20 years earlier? Just live that life!

2: The Invaders (Season 2, Episode 15)

Let's be real, this episode receives its recognition for not having dialogue. A novel idea, but the story itself is nonsensically stupid. A giant, 1800s-looking alien woman is tormented by little human astronauts? Uhh...no thanks. Why would humans even pick this fight to begin with? Come on, TZ has so much more to offer than the likes of this episode.


And the most overrated episode in the entire series is...(Drumroll!)


1: Time Enough at Last (Season 1, Episode 8)

Multiple sources have cited this as the best episode ever. Amusing. Don't get me wrong, this story deserves its legendary status, but it's not worthy of being called the best--an extremely bold claim. The story doesn't even have a deeper message or insight compared to other classics. Am I biased? You betcha. There are a ton of underrated episodes that have flown under the radar for decades while this episode is endlessly praised. That doesn't sit right with me so I'm calling this one out.

The End?

Well, it's over, I'm finally done with all 156 episodes! Since I did an intro post, I figure it would only be fitting to add a bookend to the series for a sense of closure. More importantly, this isn't necessarily the end as far I'm concerned. I still intend to post my various top 10 lists to help put the show into perspective. Though, I might be slow in assembling those lists with a considerable amount of contenders. The lists I guarantee will be created are the top 10 worst, best, underrated, and overrated. I am considering a few other lists like scariest, funniest, and most influential; these lists I can't guarantee since I don't want it to feel like I'm harping on the same episodes over and over.

Other than that, I might add the review of the TZ film here rather than on my movie blog. I have considered going over the '80s revival show as well as the one from the early 2000s. The only problem is that I don't own those shows nor do I have much interest in them. You'd think TZ and the '80s would be awesome to me, but it's just the opposite. The episodes look cheap, and the stories are underwhelming to say the least. Likewise, the few episodes I did watch from the 2000s series did not channel TZ's form of storytelling. It was as if they wanted to make another shitty anthology show and figured they could score a few extra viewers by calling it "The Twilight Zone." That's not how it works. I don't know, I'll have to think about that a little harder. One way or another, I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for those two shows.

Finally, I want to reiterate how fun TZ has been to watch from the true start all the way to the end. I've been watching episodes in random order my entire life with little to no understanding of what season each episode came from; I'm guessing a ton of fans have done the same too. Now I finally see things as they truly were and experienced the stories complete, free of butchering from networks to fit more godforsaken commercials into the time slot. Despite cancellation over 50 years ago, you can still feel TZ's impact on writers and within movies, books, and TV. If there was anything I hoped to get out of this blog, it would be to help preserve TZ's legacy one review at a time. I believe it's important to still talk about this show and keep it as a mainstay within pop culture due to its relevance, timelessness, and greatness. Also, if I managed to inspire even one new fan to discover this iconic show, then I have succeeded.

The Bewitchin' Pool

Description: Season 5, Episode 36

Air Date: June 19, 1964

Plot Summary: Two neglected children find a portal to another world beneath their swimming pool.

Review: The one thing that has always bothered me about TZ was the miserable conclusion to one of television's most legendary and iconic shows. After so many great stories--ideas so imaginative and original they're still being ripped off to this day--it's not right to close the show out for good with the objectively worst episode in the series. I mean, we have horrible audio dubbing, repeated footage, and a nonsensical, pedo-riffic story. Clearly the fates were working against TZ in this instance.

The story revolves around two annoying brats, their asshole dad, and the biggest bitch in the show's history for a mom. Seriously, I would have killed this bitch if I were married to such an insufferable diva. One line I really liked was when the dad tells the mom to take care of the kids, and she says that's what the maid is for. And this guy follows up with, "And what are you for, sugar?" OH SHIT! You got nothin', hun. Anyway, this loving family is shockingly about to go through a divorce. It's okay though, the kiddies have a creepy, old lady to hang out with that lives at the bottom of their pool. Well, more precisely, some kind of portal at the bottom of their pool leads to this geezer. It didn't help the already shit audio that this lady talks like she's perpetually itching to give a gumjob. Too far?

I guess this is supposed to be a kind of Peter Pan thing going on...maybe. Do the kids still age or not? I got the distinct feeling this crazy lady was just going to eat them anyway; she keeps giving them huge slices of cake after all! Also, there are a ton of kids that stay here, but what are they supposed to do, play games for the rest of their lives as immortal children? The main kids do travel back and forth between this oblivion and their home a few times, but, fundamentally, they decide to stay with grandma when everything is said and done. This is kind of an awkward choice if you think about it. Do you stay with horrible parents who will probably use you as a bargaining chip in a divorce or take your chances with a weird, old lady that probably wants to molest you before you're fat enough to eat? Hmm...decisions, decisions. Ugh. Needless to say, this episode is not good. Even the dumbest episodes had their shit together from a technical standpoint. I think I am extra bitter, because this was the final episode--an honor this episode disgraces.

The Fear

Description: Season 5, Episode 35

Air Date: May 29, 1964

Plot Summary: A state trooper and a fashion editor are tormented by, seemingly, giant aliens at a secluded cabin.

Review: The end is just on the horizon as we come to the second to last episode. Eh, the story here is a hit and miss. In one respect, I like the notion of aliens playing on your fears, but it's not fully realized. At the same time, the ending is completely nonsensical and outright stupid. We kick things off with a state trooper, checking in on a snobby, New York fashion editor. This bitch supposedly saw lights around her cabin, and the trooper wants to...uhh...verify this statement I guess. Sure enough, shenanigans begin to ensue with flashing lights and the trooper's car moving on it's own and crashing. At one point the car is flipped over, leaving behind gigantic fingerprints.

The banter between the trooper and the bitch are somewhat amusing, but everything feels contrived. In fact, this entire episode comes off similarly to a cornball, drive-in movie from the '50s. The dialogue is over the top and the scenes are overly dramatic in the worst of ways. If this were satire I'd say it was genius, but, unfortunately, it wasn't. Anyway, the two eventually come face to face with a huge footprint and an accompanying monstrous alien. The trooper decides the best course of action is to shoot at it--because why not--and the two realize it was nothing more than a balloon. As it turns out, the aliens are quite tiny and were trying to scare the couple...in a ploy to take over the world? Yeah, sure, whatever.

The main reason why this episode fails is due to sheer idiocy. Ignoring the fact that the plot is merely the reverse of "The Invaders," the scheme of the aliens is implausibly moronic. You have super advanced technology yet you need to "scare" humans to defeat them? Just blow shit up! And why this couple? Were they somehow going to spread the word? If they were test subjects, try another test...or blow shit up. The execution was not working at all when the ingredients for a decent episode were more than present.

Come Wander With Me

Description: Season 5, Episode 34

Air Date: May 22, 1964

Plot Summary: A talent agent seeks out a mysterious songstress in the middle of the boonies.

Review: As we approach the end of the line, you may be noticing a trend of lackluster episodes. The TZ writers really were burnt out at this point, and episodes like this demonstrate that fact. I have no idea what is supposed to be going on. You have a singer, named Floyd Burney (in case the episode doesn't beat it into your head), who is serving as a talent agent seemingly. Maybe he's looking for someone to screw over--I'm not sure--but he randomly arrives at a town in the middle of nowhere. It's implied he knows there is talent to be found here, but we never learn how or why. Likewise, Floyd is a really annoying character that needed to be punched...hard.

After "chatting" with a weird, old man, Floyd hears a siren-esque woman in the distant woods. The audience sees that Floyd already has a grave in these woods, but this is not properly explained. Tracking down the woman, Floyd tries to buy her song, but, fundamentally, decides to woo her instead. I like that it is greatly implied they fucked! This woman speaks pure nonsense to Floyd the entire time they're together, and you'd think he would be put off by the bizarre nature of this scenario but nope. At one point, an inbred weirdo shows up angrily since this woman was supposedly not allowed to sing the song or whatever. Seriously, nothing is explained whatsoever. Floyd kills this guy with a single punch as he appears to be made of glass. Then we get something about how this is a time loop of some sort or the woman is simply seeing the ghosts of this past incident. For the love of fuck, nothing makes sense! Eventually Floyd is killed by some goons after killing that old man from earlier, also made of glass. And that's pretty much it. Wow. This is definitely a nominee for the worst episode list. If TZ had an episode most likely to have been written while on drugs, this would be the one.

The Brain Center at Whipple's

Description: Season 5, Episode 33

Air Date: May 15, 1964

Plot Summary: A businessman is determined to replace his workforce with machines.

Review: This might not be one of the better episodes, but TZ was never one to shy away from controversial topics. Essentially, Mr. Whipple is the current boss of his father's company. Intending to drastically increase profits, Whipple plans to install various machines to replace his human workers around the factory. Of course the employees do not want this, but, more than that, the employees feel betrayed that their decades of loyalty go unrewarded. After some time, Whipple has replaced virtually all employees with the exception of a few techies used for upkeep on the various machines. For whatever reason, Whipple loses his shit one day as the machines go apeshit. Shortly thereafter, Whipple appears to be fired from his own company by the shareholders. All Whipple can do is complain in a similar fashion to his former employees as an actual robot is tasked to replace Whipple's position. A fitting end I suppose, but it felt rushed overall.

What I like about this episode is that TZ tries to be fair to both sides of the argument. Putting people out of the job feels wrong, but should we impede human progress over feelings? Or is this even a path we should take? As one techie alludes to, if everyone is out of work, who will be left to buy the products being sold? See, at least people in the '60s still had principles and understood what was being taken away. Nowaday, the drones that comprise society embrace hopelessness with a positive spin since they're too busy being distracted by the nearest flashing light. Pitiful. Regardless of whether it's right or wrong to replace humans with machines, one thing is absolute: a society based on exponential growth cannot be sustained. Be wary, lest you become a slave to your own creation.

Mr. Garrity and the Graves

Description: Season 5, Episode 32

Air Date: May 8, 1964

Plot Summary: A traveling con man claims he has the power to resurrect the dead in a small town.

Review: I guess this is supposed to be another comedic episode, but the humor is more subtle than the previous comedy episodes. The titular character is an obvious con man as he moves from town to town in the late 1800s. The townsfolk, who are simpletons, are easily convinced of Mr. Garitty's abilities after he resurrects a dog that was seemingly run over by a wagon. He then proceeds to resurrect an entire graveyard worth of individuals much to the dismay of the townspeople. Once the first zombie-ish person appears, we come to learn that the townspeople were actually happy with the deaths of these individuals and would quite readily pay to have them return back to their eternal slumber.

After Mr. Garitty collects all of the money he can and bails on the town, the truth about him being a sham is revealed. The dog was effectively playing dead, and Mr. Garitty had an assistant that scoped out the town ahead of time in order to dig up dirt on each person. Likewise, this assistant was playing the zombie as he tries to find a dead person that looks closest to himself. Once Mr. Garitty and crew carry on their merry way, we see that the dead really have been resurrected, and they're eager for revenge just as the townspeople imagined. The zombies imply Mr. Garitty really did have a power, but this is not properly explained. The shot of everyone coming back to life was done well, but it would have been infinitely cooler and scarier in an episode that took the material seriously. Overall, this is a decent episode, but nothing is noteworthy about the experience.