Okay so here we are, these are TZ's top episodes in my book.
5.
Season 5, Episode 3 / First Broadcast
Oct 11, 1963
Written by Richard Matheson / Directed
by Richard Donner
My favourite of Matheson's
contributions, this episode was so iconic, they even decided to
re-use it for the 1983 theatrical version, as well as arguably the
best segment of The Simpson's Treehouse of Horror. Due to this, a
case could be made that this is the most pervasive episode of the
Twilight Zone, as much like open water is to Jaws and showers are to
Psycho, have you not ever, while on a flight, looked out onto the
plane wing to see if there was a gremlin staring back at you?
4.
Season 2, Episode 6 / First Broadcast
Nov 11, 1960
Written by Rod Serling / Directed by
Douglas Heyes
Yet another episode that it is
synonymous with The Twilight Zone that has been parodied and
re-appropriated over the years. It still remains one of the greatest
twists in television history. Also, watching it again recently, I was
able to really appreciate the artistry in filming in such a way to
hide everyone's faces for most of the episode.
3.
Season 1, Episode 8 / First Broadcast
Nov 20, 1959
Teleplay by Rod Serling / Directed by
John Brahm
This episode really freaked me out as a
kid and my go-to when I think of the real “gut punch” episodes. I
concur with Albert Brooks' when he speaks of that episode during the
opening of the 1983 movie. I too have a back-up pair of glasses, especially
since my vision is now starting to rival that of Burgess Meredith's.
This was the best realization of TZ's popular theme of “be careful
what you wish for.”
2.
Season 1, Episode 22 / First Broadcast
Mar 4, 1960
Written by Rod Serling / Directed by
Ronald Winston
Paranoia and mob mentality was always
an oft-used theme in The Twilight Zone, but it was never better
utilized than here. It's just as poignant now as it ever was,
although we still don't need alien interference to get riled up. I
also have a soft spot for this one because it was heavily sampled by
Skinny Puppy for their song, Monster Radio Man.
1.
Season 3, Episode 14 / First Broadcast
Dec 22, 1961
Teleplay by Rod Serling / Directed by
Lamont Johnson
This episode, based on a story by
Marvin Petal, may likely be a contentious choice for number one, but
it holds great significance for me. I first discovered The Twilight
Zone in the eighties while it was in syndication. When I was about
twelve or so, I got a TV in my room, but the rule was that if I went
to bed at ten, I could watch TV for an hour – which consisted of
reruns of Benny Hill and Bizarre – and then it was lights out!
However, one time I kept the TV on and this episode came on. I was
immediately transfixed and I remember turning
the TV real low so I wouldn't get caught because I absolutely had to see the
end. And then my mind was blown. I have dabbled in fiction over the
years and nothing has inspired me (save maybe Stephen King) more than
that story, which I feel is still one of the greatest twists ever.
So that's my list. Hopefully, this
inspires you to go back and watch some old Twilight Zone episodes
because they really are fantastic. It's also fun to see early
appearances of some big stars, which are too large to count in
number, but the one where Burt Reynolds (doing his best Brando
impression) get punched out by William Shakespeare is certainly a
gas.
Anyway, have a good weekend and I'll see you
in the fifth dimension.
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