An updated version of the classic anthology series featuring various tales of science fiction, mystery, and horror.
There’s something exciting about the idea of Jordan Peele resurrecting the television classic “The Twilight Zone” for a new generation. It adheres closely to the principles of its predecessor even retaining Peele to at as the mysterious narrator. Much like its predecessor, however, this new version feels very hit-or-miss with half of the latest season feeling worth the time and energy. “The Twilight Zone” offers a handful of enticing episodes on a shoestring budget, but other times feels like a writing assignment more than a TV show.
The new version of “The Twilight Zone” brings back much of its beloved tropes and mechanics. Each episode tells an individual story centered around human emotion in the face of sci-fi, mystical, or just plain weird circumstances. Much like its original, the show relies on camera tricks and audio cues, as well as the occasional CGI shot, to pull off its grand stories. The show retains it’s eerie score and introduces Jordan Peele (executive producer alongside “X-Men” alum Simon Kinberg) as the narrator.
At times the show feels trite with neat little moral lessons played out neatly over the five acts of a standard television episode. Episodes often feel unbalanced between monologue performances, intricate concepts, and intense human emotion. Surprisingly, the new iteration gets away with some swear words, graphic violence, and implied sexuality. Despite the lack of barriers the new version has, compared to the old version, the show feels toothless more often than not.
The opening episode “Meet in the Middle,” follows Jimmi Simpson’s character as his failed love life gets a second wind when he telepathically links up with Gillian Jacobs. The whole episode is thirty minutes of Jimmi Simpson smiling, smirking, crying, shrieking, and otherwise losing it in public. We’re not gifted much more to work with and we get the point very early on. This picky dater is going to meet his match. Other episodes like “Try, Try” and “You Might Also Like,” read as long monologues for otherwise famous actors. Some, like Topher Grace and Jimmi Simpson, pull it off to a certain extent but the effect is the same: we, the audience, can only stand so much chit-chat.
The show’s at its best when it’s roaming, moving. Some of the best-balanced episodes avoid bottling talent up in singular rooms (or cheap sets) and letting them explore. Episodes like “A Small Town” incorporate multiple locations. The hidden bathroom in “Among the Untrodden” was one of the finest examples of production design I’ve seen on television. The same goes for my favorite episode “8.”
These episodes work so well because they balance intrigue, character, and plot. The conceit is established fairly early on, leaving us time to familiarize ourselves with the characters. We discover their flaws and their strengths. The plot unravels, demonstrating gimmicks to be paid off or emotional tension to be set. Each act break features an unexpected turn and compels us to watch, hoping for a resolution. It’s quality television and when it works it works, but the show leaves itself so much room to falter and flag.
“Among the Untrodden” held my interest as a story about teenage girls with psychic powers up until its fairly obvious ending. While it clearly broadcast its twist, it left itself open for so much more. “Ovation” seemed like an intriguing concept, but ultimately fell short of delivering anything more than a trite moral lesson to wrap everything up. I didn’t even watch “A Human Face” and I don’t feel guilty about it.
Admittedly, “The Twilight Zone” has a murderer’s row of talent onscreen and off. Jimmi Simpson, Jurnee Smollett, Gillian Jacobs, Damon Wayans Jr., Joel McHale, Topher Grace, and more grace the screen with compelling performances. Even cameo stints from character actors like Thomas Lennon, Paul F. Tompkins, and George Takei liven the action. Behind the camera, Peele’s clearly putting his commitment to representation into action. Ana Lilly Armpour, Alonso Alvarez, Jen McGowan, and Tayarisha Poe all direct different episodes. It’s a treasure trove of talent on display sometimes making the most of what they have.
Personally, my favorite episode feels the pulpiest (and least high-concept) of them all: “8.” Scientists in the Antarctic discover a species of sentient octopus that no longer wants to be hunted but to hunt. Conceptually it’s laughable to watch, but man does it feel gruesome. It layers twist after twist leaving me hanging for more. By the end, I was all in on this wild ride and I loved the sheer ludicrousness of the ending. Nevermind that Joel McHale’s supposed to anchor the cast as a protagonist. It’s pulpy horror with some real teeth.
“The Twilight Zone” has always been a hit-or-miss TV show from what I understand. Some episodes soar miles above the others while some slum it in the pits. If you have the time and interest check out the episodes I’ve commended and avoid the ones I didn’t. Perhaps follow a favorite actor. You stand to lose nothing by watching only bits and pieces of this show, rather than its entirety. This may sound crazy but you don’t need to binge this show, just pick and choose the ones you think you’ll want.
Now available on Blu-ray and DVD from CBS Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Entertainment
