While revivals and reboots have been incredibly popular in recent times, it’s not the first time that pop culture has seen a resurgence in revivals. In the 1980s,The Twilight Zonemade a return to television in one of many attempts to reboot the popular franchise. This revival gained prominence following the 1983’sTheTwilight Zone: The Movie.
This revival ofThe Twilight Zonefeatured some well-made episodes that mixed commentary similar to Rod Serling;s with the popular styling of the time that tried to emulate Steven Spielberg. While not as popular as the original, many episodes of thistelevisionrevival are just as good.
8A Little Peace And Quiet
Season 1, Episode 1
The 1985 revival came out firing on all cylinders with its series premiere. The episode features an overworked housewife who learns how to freeze time thanks to a mysterious object. She ends up getting caught up enjoying the silence.
It was a beautifully shot premiere, directed by horror icon Wes Craven. At this point, he was already known for theANightmare On Elm Streetfranchise, and this episode let viewers know what they could still expect from Craven.
7The Shadow Man
Season 1, Episode 10
The monster under the bed is a tale as old as time, butThe Twilight Zonefinds a way to turn the story on its head. In the episode, the Shadow Man that lives under a boy’s bed is real, but lives by a simple credo that he would never harm the person whose bed he lives under.
However, that credo becomes the boy’s undoing. The Shadow Man attacks other kids, but when the boy is involved in a fight with another boy, a Shadow Man arrives. This newcomer is revealed to be a different Shadow Man, who kills the main boy. It feels like a version of the popular SNICK series,Are You Afraid of the Dark?
6Nightcrawlers
Season 1, Episode 4
The fourth episode of the series takes place at a diner, where a Vietnam War veteran is sharing his struggles and the horrors he faced in combat. The episode depicts the events of his story and shows violence that was considered very graphic for the time.
The episodeends on a tragic note, and focuses on the terrors of PTSD and how it affects those suffering from it and their loved ones. It’s a dark tale tackling a serious subject, and has helped lead to a more accepting world for the troubles veterans face when they return home.
5Wordplay
Season 1, Episode 2
This episode is a grammar snob’s worst nightmare. A salesperson slips up with all the new products he has to learn, and it leads to the entire English language changing. The salesperson gets frustrated as he struggles with everyone speaking in a jumbled order.
At the end of the episode, nothing gets solved, and the salesperson is forced to adapt to this new world he’s living in. The episode shows how people can persevere and are willing to fit in rather than give up.
4Examination Day
Season 1, Episode 6
In a futuristic version of Earth, young kids have to take a test that determines if they can remain part of society. It’s a concept that manydystopian futuristic storiestackle. A young boy named Dickie uses his birthday wish to do well on the examination.
It’s a tragic twist, as the government calls Dickie’s parents to tell them he scored too high on the test and was executed for being too intelligent. It’s one of the saddest endings, but provides a compelling case against too much government control.
Season 1, Episode 9
This episode puts an interesting spin on the phrase “to walk a mile in another person’s shoes.” In the story, a pair of fancy shoes makes the wearer look super attractive. It turns into a murder mystery as well as a revenge story, as the new wearer is taken over by the spirit of the previous wearer, who was murdered.
Eventually, the shoes are abandoned, but they are still dangerous if someone else chooses to wear them. Legendary British actress Helen Mirren steals the show, and the episode is directed by Peter Medak who is known for his work on amazing shows likeTales From the CryptandHannibal.
2To See The Invisible Man
Season 1, Episode 16
The Twilight Zonetackles loneliness in an unusual way. In the episode “To See The Invisible Man,” a man must live a year without anyone acknowledging he exists. A symbol is put on his head so society known not to speak to him. While the man doesn’t mind at first, he eventually gets lonely.
This episode goes a long way in encapsulating how loneliness can affect people. By the end of the episode, viewers can’t help but root for the man to finally receive the human interaction he longs for.
1Shatterday
AnotherThe Twilight Zoneepisode directed by thelegendary Wes Cravenfocuses on duality and literal doppelgängers. The episode “Shatterday” functions like a darker version ofThe Prince and the Pauper. As the two versions switch lives, they learn about the human condition and the importance of decisions.
But this episode takes the differing versions literally. After his self is split in half, he becomes a literal shadow. The ending is bleak, but that’s Craven’s calling card. And a young Bruce Willis steps in to play both versions of the man who has become the shadow.
