66 Years Ago Today, The Twilight Zone Released Its Most Iconic Episode Ever (And It Starred a Batman Favorite)

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For more than six decades, The Twilight Zone has been a leading name in science fiction and a truly iconic TV show. Created by Rod Serling and debuting in 1959, it quickly became known as one of the most original programs of its time, and it profoundly influenced how stories were told on television and in movies for years to come. With its famous plot twists, thought-provoking themes, and unexpected guest stars, The Twilight Zone remains a cornerstone of television, inspiring numerous copycats and revivals.

Originally running for five seasons and totaling over 150 episodes (with an additional 128 from later revivals), The Twilight Zone and its creators, led by Rod Serling, produced some of the most enduring and impactful pop culture of all time. The series not only shaped the science fiction and horror genres by adapting stories from well-known authors, but also helped create entirely new subgenres that are still being developed today. What’s particularly noteworthy is that one of the show’s most important episodes first aired very early in its run, and today marks its anniversary.

“Time Enough at Last” Remains the Quintessential Twilight Zone Episode

Today marks the 66th anniversary of the premiere of “Time Enough at Last,” a classic episode of the original Twilight Zone. The eighth episode from the show’s first season aired on CBS on November 20, 1959, and starred Burgess Meredith. Interestingly, Meredith would later become famous for playing The Penguin in the 1960s Batman TV series. “Time Enough at Last” was immediately popular and continues to be a fan favorite.

The episode “Time Enough at Last,” adapted from a story by Lynn Venable, centers on Henry Bemis, a banker who loves to read. Bemis constantly gets in trouble – his boss scolds him for reading at work (he even makes a mistake counting money while reading David Copperfield), and his wife won’t let him enjoy reading at home. There’s a particularly upsetting moment when his wife lets him read poetry aloud, but he discovers she’s covered every page with scribbles, ruining the book. It seems like everything in Bemis’ life prevents him from pursuing his greatest pleasure: reading.

Bemis was having lunch in the bank’s vault when the H-Bomb dropped, wiping out the town and everyone in it – he even read about the attack in the newspaper moments before it happened. When he emerged from the vault, he discovered he was the only person left alive in a devastated world. For a brief, startling moment, a recording of his boss made him think everything was normal, but he soon realized the terrifying truth: he was completely alone.

Bemis struggles with the despair of being utterly alone and even contemplates suicide. However, he’s stopped by the sight of the public library, still filled with books. Suddenly, he has all the time in the world to read, and he excitedly plans years of literary enjoyment, stacking books for his future. But just as he’s about to begin, he trips, breaks his glasses, and realizes he’s still unable to indulge in his greatest passion, even as the last person on Earth.

He complained it wasn’t fair, standing amidst the ruins of a once-bustling city filled with people and their dreams. Henry Bemis’s self-centered actions and elaborate plan made him a perfect subject for The Twilight Zone, and Rod Serling’s closing narration perfectly summarized his fate, beginning with the line, “The best-laid plans of mice and men… and Henry Bemis.”

The Twilight Zone‘s Best Episodes Have Two Major Things in Common

When “Time Enough at Last” first aired, it was a huge success and continues to be one of the most beloved episodes of The Twilight Zone. It’s currently ranked #4 on IMDB among all episodes of the series, with an impressive 8.9 out of 10 rating based on over 8,800 user reviews. The only episodes ranked higher have slightly better scores – 9.0 or 9.1 – but have received fewer ratings overall.

As a big fan of The Twilight Zone, I’ve always thought “Time Enough at Last” is one of the very best episodes, and I think I know why. There are two key things that really make it work, and honestly, they seem to be a formula for a perfect Twilight Zone story. First, it gets straight to the point. The truly great episodes introduce a clear, relatable character and a compelling situation fast. What’s special about this one is that it does it mostly without Rod Serling’s voiceover narration, which is pretty unusual and really effective.

You can definitely hear the distinctive voice of The Twilight Zone‘s creator throughout the episode—at the beginning, end, and even during the story itself. However, this episode marks a time before he started appearing on screen. While he provides some extra background information, the story and main character of “Time Enough at Last” are immediately understandable.

The episode opens with a striking image: Henry Bemis’ large eyes, made even bigger by his thick glasses, and a bright, happy smile as he reads. These initial shots immediately reveal everything we need to understand about his character – his passions, and how those passions highlight his weaknesses. We quickly grasp who he is, even before his boss scolds him for reading at work.

A hallmark of the best Twilight Zone episodes, like “Time Enough at Last,” is a surprising twist ending that isn’t foreshadowed by the story’s beginning. While the ending always delivers a powerful emotional impact, often through irony, it’s never obvious how the story will conclude, even after the central conflict and main character are established.

“Time Enough at Last” remains a classic Twilight Zone episode because of its tight story and the captivating performance by its star. It tells a complete story in a short amount of time, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. Even after more than sixty years, many still consider it one of the best, and perhaps the very best, episode in the entire series.

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2025-11-21 02:11