Rod Serling’s The Twilight Zone frequently tackled heavy social issues, using its lens to scrutinize society and its flaws in influential episodes such as “The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street.” However, it was not these types of episodes that caused the most controversy. In fact, the show rarely touched topics so sensitive as to stir up much controversy. There were very few episodes that tested the boundaries of what was acceptable for network television. Nonetheless, a few episodes did spark debate at the time, and some might still today.
The fact that only a small number of episodes caused controversy then, and still today after sixty years, demonstrates the remarkable ability of Serling’s show to navigate a delicate balance. This balance enabled it to deliver its messages effectively, while avoiding content that might be deemed inappropriate or distasteful over half a century, which was quite unusual for a 1960s television program.
1) “The Big Tall Wish” (Season 1, Episode 27)
Similar to George A. Romero’s “Night of the Living Dead”, featuring a Black actor as the lead character in a “The Twilight Zone” episode was not accepted by all viewers during the 1960s. Although having a predominantly Black cast might not cause much controversy today, it did to some extent at that time.
This episode, along with others featuring Black actors in prominent roles such as “The Night of the Meek”, significantly contributed to “The Twilight Zone” receiving the Unity Award for Outstanding Contributions to Better Race Relations in 1961. Rod Serling was particularly proud of his show’s diversity. In discussing the topic of casting Black actors, he stated, “Television, much like its bigger sibling, cinema, has been accused of the sin of omission…it has failed to recognize a rich reservoir of exceptional talent that lies right under its nose.
2) The Chaser (Season 1, Episode 31)
In general, when The Twilight Zone opted for comedy instead of horror or sci-fi, it didn’t resonate as effectively. While humor can be subtly incorporated, it shouldn’t overshadow the main themes. For the most part, the comedy fell flat and seemed incongruous. However, there is an exception to this rule: “The Chaser,” which unfortunately attempted to approach a heavy subject matter with a comedic tone.
The story unfolds around a man who employs a love potion on a woman, causing her to become deeply smitten with him. However, as time passes, his manipulated “love” becomes bothersome, and he plans to use another potion on her – this time intended to end her life. He abandons this idea when she informs him that she’s pregnant, claiming he couldn’t have carried out the act regardless. Yet, whether or not he would have acted upon it is immaterial; he had taken away her free will, grew weary of her, and then sought to take her life. Despite a humorous approach, this tale remains far from amusing subject matter. Tales from the Crypt later adapted the same original story (John Collier’s short story) but exacted a steeper penalty for the scheming male protagonist.
3) The Mirror (Season 3, Episode 6)
In this rendition, the sentence becomes: “Peter Falk, prior to his portrayal of Columbo, appears in ‘The Mirror’, an episode of The Twilight Zone. While it may have been acceptable by ’60s norms, modern viewers might find it less appealing. The story offers a thought-provoking exploration of the fleeting nature of dictatorships and the heavy cost of autocratic rule. However, it’s important to note that a white actor donned brownface in portraying a Cuban man.
This episode has faced criticism in contemporary times due to its overly stereotypical depiction of Latin American characters. The characters seem to lack individuality as they are not distinct from one another. Despite the storyline being engaging, it could have been crafted more effectively.
4) Death’s Head Revisited (Season 3, Episode 9)
Showing great courage, The Twilight Zone chose to broadcast an episode centered around Nazism, a mere fifteen years after the conclusion of World War II. This particular episode, titled “Deaths-Head Revisited,” focuses on a former SS officer who confronts the haunting memories of the concentration camp where he had caused immense pain, suffering, and death for countless people.
In this rephrased version, I’ve aimed for a more conversational tone while maintaining the original’s essence:
In the trial, he faced consequences for his heinous actions against the camp prisoners, as portrayed by the shots of his victims. His punishment, a sequence of custom-made illusions reflecting his cruel deeds, was part of his guilty verdict. Although Americans found satisfaction in witnessing a Nazi receive justice, the episode remained unbroadcasted in Germany. The episode, although rooted in a specific era, carries an undeniable timeless quality. One can’t help but wish that those who inflict pain should experience their actions’ repercussions firsthand; however, such situations are rare in reality. Thankfully, The Twilight Zone exists in a realm separate from our own.
5) Black Leather Jackets (Season 5, Episode 18)
While most episodes of “The Twilight Zone” are generally well-received, given its extensive collection of 156 episodes, some instances of less successful storytelling can’t be completely avoided. For example, the last two episodes, “The Fear” and “The Bewitchin’ Pool”, fall into this category.
However, there may not be a more fitting illustration than the somewhat foolish “Black Leather Jackets” episode. This installment initially drew sighs and disapproval at its airing, and even after 61 years, it hasn’t gained much favor among fans. The show occasionally managed to make extraterrestrials work, such as in “To Serve Man”, but the portrayal of a trio of aliens dressed like the Fonz was simply misguided. In essence, “Black Leather Jackets” is not offensive in the conventional sense; instead, it stands out awkwardly among episodes that are usually either excellent or very good.
6) An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge (Season 5, Episode 22)
The short story “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” stands out, especially for its shocking twist finale (which is a hallmark of “The Twilight Zone”), but it has sparked debate due to several reasons. One reason is that it shares similarities with “The Outlaw Josey Wales,” as its main character is a Confederate soldier. It can be challenging to empathize with the struggles of characters who are on the wrong side of historical events.
Contrary to common belief, ‘An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge’ isn’t an original episode of The Twilight Zone. Instead, it was originally a French short film that won the Cannes Film Festival in 1962 and other international awards. Rod Serling, in his introduction, explained that this was a unique presentation, as it was filmed in France by others and was only given to The Twilight Zone when the show was still in development. Despite having a twist ending, it doesn’t quite align with the typical style of The Twilight Zone episodes.
7) The Encounter (Season 5, Episode 31)
This episode of “The Twilight Zone,” titled as one of the most contentious, was prohibited from television broadcast for over five decades, with its sole airing occurring in May 1964. It wasn’t until 2016 that it reappeared on TV screens. Essentially, this episode could only be seen if you owned the DVD collection of “The Twilight Zone.” The reason behind this is rooted in its uncompromising portrayal of racial dynamics. The story revolves around George Takei’s character, young Japanese-American Arthur Takamori, who believes he has found employment upon meeting WWII veteran Fenton.
In Fenton’s untidy attic, he extends an invitation to Arthur for a drink, where a captivating katana is hidden among the chaos. Initially, their encounter remains amiable, but as time passes, Fenton begins spouting hateful remarks and Arthur keeps finding himself clutching this sword. To make matters worse, there’s no lock on the attic door, yet they can’t leave. They’re forced to stay until they can resolve their disagreements or follow the instructions of the katana – slay Fenton. However, neither solution presents itself, and in the end, both men meet their demise.
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2025-05-24 02:04