This is the pinnacle of western TV right here.
I've always been familiar with the show and its stature, but for some really odd (and stupid reason) I never gave it a chance, despite its availability on Netflix. However after Whiteman talked me into watching it, I finally gave it a chance starting with his favorite picks. And being introduced to it like that paid off big time.
From the get go the show tore down all my preconceived hang ups, such as fears of outdated topical messages, acting, scripts, etc. In fact, I felt almost the opposite about many of these aspects. The script and delivery can be so complex and thought provoking at times. It deals with an array of issues ranging from social and political issues to human psychology and existentialism. The acting, while understandably affected by period tropes, is nigh perfect. I heard that some of these people come from radio, and it really shows. And then we have Serling, whose narration and integration into the set is purely genius. And finally, the production and effects; I'm amazed by how well they aged. I mean, they're obviously limited, but those limitations are so cleverly disguised and sometimes utilized that I don't have to suspend my disbelief nearly as much as I thought.
I mean that intro looks great even today.
Then you have the camera work, the lighting, the fact it's black & white, all contribute to how acutely stark and downright chilling it is at times! I can go on and on, and inject more of my hyperbole, but I only do so because of how genuinely surprised I am by it. And all this talk about the timeless quality of the show is ironic, because I recently read that after Serling was done with the show he started giving college lectures, and he continually urged the college kids to rip his work apart, accepting their assessment that even his best work was "moldy, citing that "they've aged like bread."
But enough with the lengthy introductions, after all I'm preaching to the choir here. Let's start with recommendations!
Here are my favorite episodes so far (I'm jumping all around), they're all based on recommendations as well:
- Where is Everybody? (s1e1)
- Walking Distance (s1e5)
- Time Enough at Last (s1e8)
- The Monsters are Due on Maple Street (s1e22)
- Eye of the Beholder (s2e6)
- Five Characters in Search of an Exit (s3e14)
- To Serve Man (s3e24)
I've also been lead to believe that some themes and ideas are sometimes recycled, with varying results. Mostly due having only two (three?) people write a show of this nature, so there's always a recurrence of subjects. So feel free to talk about that, or even post about some of the low points of the shows. It'll be interesting to experience those.
