Created and presented byRod Serling, the series explores everything from dark comedy to dystopian horror.
We, the audience, walk away with more than just having watched a narrative.
The closing narrations feel like conversation starters, especially in the series' more serious episodes.
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Until the first season’s finale, these were done through voice-overs.
Because it was the debut instance of Serling reappearing at an episode’s end, the effect seems twofold.
First, it’s a special sendoff for the viewers at the end of the season.
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Before Victoria enters the room to confront her husband, Gregory destroys a tape, causing Mary to disappear.
So, he brings Mary back to demonstrate.
Still, Victoria thinks her husband is insane, threatening to have him committed to an institution.
Gregory reveals that even she is one of his creations, showing the tape that contains her description.
Still in disbelief, Victoria destroys the tape, and, just as Gregory warned, she fades away.
For after you’ve memorized every episode.
For the closing narration,Serling walks onto the set, even interacting directly with the cast and environment.
“We hope you enjoyed tonight’s romantic story onThe Twilight Zone,” Serling says.
In real life, such ridiculous nonsense could never," he continues, before Gregory interrupts him.
Gregory, clearly offended, demands Serling doesn’t call his work and ability “nonsense.”
He reveals an envelope marked with Serling’s name, containing his personal description.
“Well, that’s the way it goes,” Serling says before fading away.
The episode depicts a dystopian future under a totalitarian regime.
Romney Wordsworth (BurgessMeredith) faces trial for being an “obsolete” man.
Wordsworth is sentenced to death, but an intricate game of intellect ensues.
Due to his cowardly behavior, the Chancellor is then declared obsolete and beaten to death by a crowd.
“It’s fitting that he’d break tradition to offer aTwilight Zonethesisworthy of deep consideration.
