When it comes to storytelling, Rod Serling is my hero. He wrote stories that worked on multiple levels. His stories were approachable, clever, and resonated as both social commentary and great narrative. I’ll be writing about some of the best Classic Twilight Zone episodes, listing my favorites, and talking a little about the story structure. My hope is it will excite someone to seek out Mr. Serling’s work and at the very least, watch some of these classic episodes.
I’ve watched the entire Classic Twilight Zone series many times over. Lately, I’ve been watching the first season again. It’s a great start to the series with some favorites like Time Enough At Last and Judgement Night. But as great as those episodes are, whenever I get to Third from the Sun, I’m always reminded of why it’s my favorite episode of all time.
Synopsis
Two families of Government employees plan to steal a spaceship and travel to another planet just prior to a nuclear war. They must also deal with a stooge who wants to stop them.
Why this Episode is Great
Camera Work & Cinematography
The camera work will blow your mind. It’s like nothing you’ve seen in any other Twilight Zone episode. Very aggressive for this era. The framing is slanted (a clever hint to the twist ending). The rule of thirds is employed everywhere (another thoughtful hint at the episode’s title). This episode is worth watching for the directing alone. Check out the camera panning during the card game. Some of the best work of the entire series.
Based on Richard Matheson’s short story
Matheson may best be known in this current day for his book I Am Legend (which is brilliant by the way and much better than any of the film adaptations).
Captures the Feeling of Nuclear Paranoia
I can’t think of a single TV Show that better captures the feeling of paranoia and fear that the world could quite literally end at any time due to nuclear war. It’s also one of the most exciting and tense episodes of the whole series. There’s great use of the “ticking clock”.
Edward Andrews as Carling
I can’t think of a more sleazy character in the entire first season. Edward Andrews outdoes himself as the “bad guy” in this episode and brings all the tension you could possibly hope for.
Rod Serling’s opening narration is brilliant:
Quitting time at the plant. Time for supper now. Time for families. Time for a cool drink on a porch. Time for the quiet rustle of leaf-laden trees that screen out the moon. And underneath it all, behind the eyes of the men, hanging invisible over the summer night, is a horror without words. For this is the stillness before storm. This is the eve of the end.
Watch It
You can watch the full episode here:
http://youtu.be/jYe7741Ce9A