I've been a Twilight Zone fan since the early 80's... over 25 years now. I've seen every episode many times (except maybe "Ring-A-Ding Girl," which I barely remember) and, naturally, I have my favorites. A few months back, I compiled a list of my top 40 all-time favorites. This list is not set in stone; in fact, as I endeavor to re-watch the entire series over the next five years (viewing each episode on its 50th anniversary), my preferences will almost certainly change. But as of this writing, today, right now... the list is accurate. The episodes are arranged chronologically and separated by season; they are NOT listed in order of preference. My top ten favorites are in all caps.
Season 1
Walking Distance
The Lonely
PERCHANCE TO DREAM
AND WHEN THE SKY WAS OPENED
The Four of Us Are Dying
Third From the Sun
THE HITCH-HIKER
Mirror Image
A World of Difference
LONG LIVE WALTER JAMESON
A Passage for Trumpet
Season 2
King Nine Will Not Return
Nervous Man in a Four-Dollar Room
The Howling Man
The Eye of the Beholder
The Night of the Meek
The Rip Van Winkle Caper
SHADOW PLAY
The Obsolete Man
Season 3
Nothing in the Dark
A GAME OF POOL
The Grave
It's a Good Life
Death's Head Revisited
THE MIDNIGHT SUN
Five Characters in Search of an Exit
To Serve Man
The Dummy
Season 4
IN HIS IMAGE
DEATH SHIP
Printer's Devil
The Incredible World of Horace Ford
On Thursday We Leave for Home
Season 5
IN PRAISE OF PIP
Steel
Living Doll
Number Twelve Looks Just Like You
Night Call
The Masks
The Jeopardy Room
A few observations:
All four episodes featuring Jack Klugman ("A Passage for Trumpet," "A Game of Pool," "Death Ship," and "In Praise of Pip") made the list, and three of them made the top ten. It's not just because I'm a big Klugman fan either: the fact is, all four are excellent episodes.
I've love to say every Burgess Meredith episode is great too, but the wretched "Mr. Dingle, the Strong" makes it impossible (not even Don Rickles could save it). And speaking of Burgess Meredith: Yes, I'm aware that "Time Enough At Last" isn't on the list. Yes, I'm aware that it's an iconic Zone episode, beloved by millions. And yes, it's quite good on a technical level, but... well.... hey, it's coming up in a few weeks (11/20/09), so I'll address my issues with it then.
Wow, none of my top ten favorites have happy endings. Wait, I guess "In His Image" ends well. But that's only one out of ten. Hmmm....
Wow, none of my top ten favorites have happy endings. Wait, I guess "In His Image" ends well. But that's only one out of ten. Hmmm....
Forty episodes seems like a lot until you see them listed and notice so many other great ones missing.
ReplyDeleteIn addition to "Time Enough at Last," I noticed "Nightmare on 20,000 Feet" didn't make your cut. I really enjoy that episode and Shatner's performance, but I consider it a "gateway" episode, kinda like "The Trouble with Tribbles" is for STAR TREK. It's a good one and a fun one, but one that fans move on from once they're hooked and have watched the entire series. (It's still a sentimental favorite of mine).
I was really glad to see "Nervous Man in a Four Dollar Room," an episode I love but which many fans deride. I would pair it with another favorite: "Last Night of a Jockey" featuring an amazing performance by Mickey Rooney. That one gets no respect either.
You certainly have set my mind to thinking and evaluating and have me wanting to dedicate a whole day to watching some of these episodes I haven't seen in years.