Fantastic "Twilight Zone": what you need to know about the classic and the new version of the series

The American channel CBS has launched "The Twilight Zone" - one of the main TV premieres of the spring. This project was awaited by both fans of classic science fiction and connoisseurs of new cinema. Firstly, the new series is a relaunch of the legendary anthology "The Twilight Zone", which appeared on the screens back in the late fifties.

Each episode of the classic series was a separate story, combining poignant social themes with fantasy, mysticism or horror. We can assume that it was thanks to this project that the famous "Black Mirror" and many other fantastic anthologies appeared over time.

Secondly, the producer and host of the series is Jordan Peel, one of the most famous scriptwriters and directors of horror films. His social horror film Get Out won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and has been nominated for numerous prestigious awards.

And the film We, released at the end of March, only strengthened Saw's reputation, instantly recouping the costs and earning a lot of praise from both viewers and critics.

What is the new series "The Twilight Zone" about

Unfortunately, one must immediately take into account that Jordan Peel is only producing the project. He does not shoot himself and hardly even writes scripts - here he only helped to rework one of the classic stories. Therefore, one should not expect that the picture will be shot in his corporate style. In general, the project adheres to the same atmosphere as the original, only adjusted for the new time and a different filming format.

In the first episode, the loser comedian played by Silicon Valley's Kumail Nanjiani discovers the secret of popularity. It turns out that in order for people to laugh at jokes, you need to talk more about the personal. Only from this moment, the personal disappears from his life. The episode is interesting both in terms of filming and its controversial topic.

But it has one major drawback - the episode lasts almost an hour. Classic episodes usually fit in over 20 minutes. And so the new story looks too drawn out, and morality is repeated three times in it.

The second episode is shorter (a little over half an hour) and is a free remake of one of the most famous episodes of the original. Therefore, it looks more dynamic and interesting. In addition, in the finale, the authors make a reference to the classics.

It is not yet known how long the novelty will last on the screens. But many episodes of the first version of the series have long gone down in history and are recognized as the real era of television.

How the first "Twilight Zone" appeared

In the late 1950s, screenwriter Rod Serling, already famous for several drama series, was faced with a problem: he wanted to talk on screen about such social topics as racism, gender inequality and war.

But the TV producers were too afraid of the controversial public reaction. And then Serling came up with the idea of filming a fantastic series, where he presented his ideas not in direct text, but on the example of aliens, monsters and other unreal creatures.

He himself became the producer and writer of most of the episodes. Sometimes he drew on the works of his favorite writers, such as Richard Matheson, or invited screenwriters. But more often he wrote stories himself.

He also acted as a storyteller in the series, starting each episode with a short story and ending the episode with some kind of morality.

The original series was released in 1959 and ran for five seasons. During this time, 159 episodes were shot. During the screenings, he was not the record holder for views, but many viewers still loved him. In 1965, it was closed, and after another 10 years, Rod Serling was gone.

Episodes with which to start acquaintance with the series

The eyes of the beholder

Season 1, episode 39.
IMDb: 9, 2.

In the hospital lies a girl whose face is hidden under the bandages. She considers herself ugly and most of all fears that the operations did not make her look like ordinary people. But in fact, beauty is a relative concept and depends only on the opinions of others.

Nightmare at 20,000 feet

Season 5, episode 3.
IMDb: 9, 2.

Bob Wilson, after a nervous breakdown, is very afraid of airplanes. But still he decides to fly with his wife. Sitting by the window, Bob notices a gremlin walking on the wing trying to rip off the skin. But of course, no one believes the hero.

One of the most famous series, which was later played on in many films and TV series. And now it's rethought in Episode 2 of the new "Twilight Zone".

Serve man

Season 3, episode 24.
IMDb: 9, 2.

Once upon a time, aliens flew to Earth. They said they could solve all human problems and even relocate many to their more comfortable planet. And they don't demand anything in return. As proof, the aliens provide a book. However, later it turns out that its name can be interpreted in two ways.

Now there is enough time

Season 1, episode 8.
IMDb: 9, 1.

Bank clerk Henry Bemis is very fond of reading. But he is not allowed to do this either at home or at work. The director demands more efficiency, the wife takes away the newspaper. However, he still manages to find time for his favorite pastime: during his lunch break, he locks himself in a safe with a book. Meanwhile, irreparable changes are taking place outside.

Maple Street Monsters

Season 1, episode 22.
IMDb: 9, 0.

A rumor spread along Maple Street that alien invaders had landed somewhere nearby. They can take the guise of any person. And so every resident of the street begins to suspect his neighbors. Gradually, suspicion develops into hysteria.

One of Serling's favorite themes is man's fear of "others." And the need to think that the most dangerous enemies of people are themselves.

It's a good life

Season 3, episode 8.
IMDb: 8, 9.

In Peaksville, everyone lives in fear: the city is controlled by a monster with limitless powers. If it gets angry, it can make any person disappear or turn them into an object. No one even dares to think about something dangerous, because it can read minds. And this monster is a six-year-old child.

Living doll

Season 5, episode 6.
IMDb: 8, 9.

Mom gave her daughter Christie a talking doll, which she had long dreamed of. However, the girl's father is more concerned with the cost of the toy, rather than the happiness of the child. And then the doll starts talking to him. Only instead of "I love you" she utters frightening phrases.

Animated dolls are one of the most popular horror themes. You can remember the famous "Curse of Annabelle", and the franchise "Child's Play" about the Chucky doll. But in this story, Rod Serling added a moral about family relationships.

Indigenous Martians please stand up

Season 2, episode 28.
IMDb: 8, 8.

Twilight Zone One: Native Martians, Please Stand Up

Due to heavy snowfall, the bridge was blocked, and a group of travelers stopped at a roadside cafe. But the policeman comes and finds out that there are one more visitors than there were on the bus. And immediately information comes in that someone or something has got out of the river and, it seems, has come to a cafe. This means that one of the visitors is not a person.

And again the topic of "aliens" and suspicion on the example of aliens. True, this time with a completely different ending.

Willoughby stop

Season 1, episode 30.
IMDb: 8, 7.

Garth Williams has to fight his way through work, fight the competition and prove his worth all the time. But in fact, he has long been tired and just wants to live in peace. Going home by train, he sees an unfamiliar stop - the town of Willoughby. It is always warm and very calm there. But this is only his dream. Or maybe a dream come true.

Masks

Season 5, episode 25.
IMDb: 8, 7.

On the eve of Mardi Gras, the dying millionaire Jason Foster gathers his entire family in the house. The heirs have long been waiting for the old man to be gone and all the money will go into their hands. Yet they still have to smile and feign love and devotion. Foster says he will give them a will if they put on masks for a couple of hours, whose faces reflect their true nature.

Perhaps the ending of this story is not difficult to predict. However, the emotionality of the series is impressive and makes you wonder how it feels when the dark sides of the character are reflected on the face.

How Steven Spielberg paid tribute to the "Twilight Zone"

In the years since the show's release, The Twilight Zone has become a true science fiction cult. Popular screenwriters and directors confessed their love for her, calling the stories of Rod Serling a source of inspiration.

And in 1983 Steven Spielberg, Joe Dante, George Miller and John Landis decided to pay tribute to the classics. They filmed a small novel and released it under the name "The Twilight Zone".

The Twilight Zone: The Movie

Duration: 102 minutes.
IMDb: 6, 5.

In the first story from John Landis, a person with anti-Semitic and racist views gets the opportunity to experience everything that those whom he hates have gone through. Steven Spielberg showed a good story about an old man who helps residents of a nursing home feel young again.

Joe Dante directed a dark tale in the spirit of Stephen King about a boy with superpowers who intimidated the whole family (possibly referring to the series "It's a Good Life"). And George Miller retells the famous Nightmare at 20,000 Feet with the best effects and drama.

How the series was restarted for the first time

Despite the fact that the film was received very warmly, the producers of CBS, who bought the rights to the series, were in no hurry to relaunch. It took place only two years later - in 1985. But at first, the scope of the new version was really impressive. Many directors and writers who loved The Twilight Zone in their youth wanted to work on the project. Among them, for example, Ray Bradbury and George R. R. Martin.

The episodes themselves became longer, but in order not to violate the original concept, each of them included several short stories ranging from 10 to 30 minutes. It also made it possible to show more stories. Instead of Serling, actor Charles Aydman became the presenter, who played in several episodes of the classics.

But the success did not last long. Most of the successful episodes occurred in the first season, the ratings of the second plummeted. And the third was already filmed, only to sell the project to other channels.

What episodes of the first restart are worth watching

Exam Day / Message from Charity

Season 1, episode 6.
IMDb: 7, 9.

In the first story, the action takes place in a fantasy world, where each teenager goes through a special text on intelligence in order to correspond to society in the future. But society requires something quite different from what the person himself would like.

In the second part, a girl from the 19th century and a young man from the 20th century begin to see each other during an illness. And over time, an attachment arises between them, which will not be hindered even for centuries.

Coin Profile / Button, Button

Season 1, episode 20.
IMDb: 7, 8.

1985 "Twilight Zone" series: Coin Profile / Button, Button

The first half of the episode tells the story of a scientist who travels from the 22nd century to the past to rescue President Kennedy. It would seem that he is changing the world for the better, but the consequences are frightening.

The second episode is dedicated to a family to whom an unknown person brings a strange box with a button. If you press it, then someone unfamiliar will die, and they will receive 20,000 dollars. Later, a full-length film "The Sending" was shot on this topic.

In fact, both episodes are devoted to the same topic - the awareness of the consequences of their actions. After all, every rash act can affect many, including strangers.

Doomsday / A little peace and quiet

Season 1, episode 1.
IMDb: 7, 7.

1985 TV series "The Twilight Zone": Doomsday / A Little Peace and Peace

These episodes were directed by the famous creator of "A Nightmare on Elm Street" Wes Craven. And in the first part, Bruce Willis also plays. His character accidentally calls himself at home and hears his own voice in the receiver. As it turned out, it split into two halves. But there is room in the world for only one of them.

The second story is about a woman who got the opportunity to stop everything in the world with the help of an amulet. She is finally enjoying the peace and quiet. But he soon faces a difficult choice.

Play on words / Dreams for sale / Chameleon

Season 1, episode 2.
IMDb: 7, 3.

This episode has three parts. At first, the man discovers that everyone around him has begun to say the wrong words. Over time, he almost ceases to understand others, but then he has to decide which is more important: his own principles or happiness in the family.

The short sketch "Dreams for Sale" tells about a girl who goes to a picnic with her family, but realizes that everything around "hangs" like in a computer program. And in the final story "Chameleon" something that can take the form of any member of the crew gets on the spaceship.

Lost Boy / Wish Bank / Night Creepers

Season 1, episode 4.
IMDb: 7, 2.

1985 "The Twilight Zone" series: The Lost Boy / The Bank of Desires / Night Creepers

Another series of three short stories. In the first talented female photographer, she has to choose between family and career. She wants to work and see the world, but meets a boy who shows her what she can lose.

"Bank of desires" sneers at the modern bureaucracy. The heroine finds a magic lamp, but at the same time she has to fill out endless documents and stand in line for the fulfillment of desires.

And in the finale, they show a dark story about a man who survived the war. He is traumatized by memories for life, and unusual powers allow them to be shown to others.

What problems did the second restart have

After falling in popularity, "The Twilight Zone" disappeared from the screens again for more than 15 years. It was restarted again in 2002. And lesser known authors took up the new version.

They reworked classic episodes and came up with new stories. The idea remained roughly the same: social issues combined with horror and fantasy. This time, actor Forest Whitaker became the host.

But the project was accepted without enthusiasm, it lasted only one season, after which it was closed again. However, they managed to shoot several very interesting episodes here as well.

What episodes of the second restart are worth watching

Placebo effect

Season 1, episode 35.
IMDb: 7, 6.

A person comes to the hospital who constantly thinks up diseases for himself. The doctor usually just gave him a placebo. But this time he is really sick. The only problem is that this disease is an invention from a science fiction book.

This episode best captures the very essence of the entire series: everything is real, you just need to believe it.

Cradle of darkness

Season 1, episode 5.
IMDb: 7, 5.

Another eternal theme of fiction: what if someone had the opportunity to travel back in time and kill Hitler in infancy. But the heroine finds it difficult to bring herself to do it. After all, the newborn is not guilty of anything yet.

Memphis

Season 1, episode 33.
IMDb: 7, 5.

Ray Ellison learns that he has an incurable cancer. Leaving the doctor, he gets run over by a car and finds himself in Memphis far in the past. Ray decides that he must somehow fix the world and tries to save Martin Luther King. Perhaps he will not succeed. But still he is able to do something for the future.

One night at the Mersey hospital

Season 1, episode 2.
IMDb: 7, 2.

A man who has tried to commit suicide is brought to the hospital. It turns out that this is death itself, tired of the gloomy work. But the doctor has to realize that there is still no way without her.

Pool cleaner

Season 1, episode 9.
IMDb: 7, 2.

The average guy who cleans the pools is shot by a stranger. He immediately wakes up with a bruise from the gunshot. And a stranger comes to him again and shoots him, after which the hero wakes up again. This is repeated many times, and it is more and more difficult to understand where the dream is and where the reality is.