The Twilight Zone‘s 1985 revival brought back the groundbreaking horror series for a new audience. While many reboots do not match the success of the original show, The Twilight Zone gained an impressive 85% positive audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Several installments come from recognizable writers, including A Song of Ice and Fire author George R.R. Martin.
Before writing the fantasy epic, Martin worked as a staff writer on The Twilight Zone, penning five episodes of the ’80s revival. As A Game of Thrones and its sequels often contain moments that appear to be straight out of a horror story, it may not be surprising that Martin’s best Twilight Zone episodes also contain a great blend of fantasy and horror elements.
Key Insights
- Audience Reception: The 1985 revival of The Twilight Zone achieved an 85% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Writer Background: George R.R. Martin contributed five episodes to the revival before his success with A Game of Thrones.
- Episode Themes: Martin’s episodes often blend elements of fantasy and horror, showcasing his unique storytelling style.
- Cultural Impact: The series remains influential, noted for its twist endings and creative narratives.
Lost And Found
Season 2, Episode 4
The Twilight Zone‘s twist endings made the show famous, and this drew Martin’s attention from childhood. He explained in an interview at the Toronto International Film Festival that his mother could predict the endings to virtually every show except The Twilight Zone. This forced him to get creative with his own endings for the show.
In the typical style of The Twilight Zone, the episode “Lost and Found” starts with a very simple premise, but one that could go in any direction. When college student Jennifer (Akosua Busia) arrives home and discovers that several of her possessions are missing, this sparks a paranoid search during which her roommate doubts her memory.
The episode leans into the popular Twilight Zone theme of time travel. Jennifer finds time travelers hiding in her closet, who are breaking the rules by taking souvenirs. It appears that she is destined to become the first president of Earth, and so she continues taking her political science class. “Lost and Found” lasts just over five minutes and is a solid episode, but nothing special.
Game of Thrones is all about intrigue, but there is very little in “Lost and Found” to hint that the writer would become one of the greatest epic fantasy writers of the age. Even the twist lacks the horror elements in many of the creepiest episodes of The Twilight Zone. That said, it is an episode still worth watching, even if it has less of the usual ominous tone.
The Road Less Traveled
Season 2, Episode 7
“The Road Less Traveled” was Martin’s last Twilight Zone episode, as the series was canceled due to low ratings. The show had covered the horrors of war before, with Leonard Nimoy’s Twilight Zone episode being one of the most haunting of all time. However, “The Road Less Traveled” arguably outshone it with its take on the Vietnam War.
The episode is about Jeff, who struggles with his guilt over avoiding the Vietnam draft and living a comfortable life with his wife. When both Jeff’s wife and daughter see a mysterious man in a wheelchair outside the house, Jeff thinks that his past has caught up to him, but the truth is different — and much more compassionate.
The Twilight Zone‘s “The Road Less Traveled” is directed by Wes Craven.
The man is Jeff from an alternate reality in which he fights in the war and is injured. The other Jeff is miserable, struggling with his choices just as the present Jeff is, and the two agree to merge memories, healing each other. Martin opposed the draft and is not a lover of real-life violence, and this episode highlights his own perspective in its themes.
While “The Road Less Traveled” is different from Game of Thrones at first glance, it reflects one of the most profound quotes in the series. Maester Aemon tells Jon Snow that the brothers of the Night’s Watch do not marry because “love is the death of duty.” Jeff fled to Canada with his wife, perfectly embodying this sentiment while avoiding a fate he later discovered.
The Last Defender Of Camelot
Season 1, Episode 24
Martin’s love of fantasy is clear in “The Last Defender of Camelot,” which is also the Twilight Zone episode that feels similar to his later works. The episode is an adaptation of a short story by Roger Zelazny and features an immortal Sir Lancelot preparing to defend Camelot from Merlin once more.
Martin’s works are unusual in that they contain very few traditional heroes. Most characters have significant flaws, often acting in unheroic ways, while even some villainous characters possess redeeming qualities like Jaime and Cersei Lannister. “The Last Defender of Camelot” explores this sort of characterization through Lancelot and Merlin.
The episode has an epic feel even while being largely set in modern-day London. Still, while it excites due to its parallel with Game of Thrones, “The Last Defender of Camelot” isn’t considered one of the best episodes in The Twilight Zone. None are bad by any means, making this a solid entry on the list.
While visual effects have not aged well at all, this episode shows early influence from its writer. However, it lacks emotional impact typical for Martin’s work and ends with two characters walking away into the sunset — not among the most shocking twists in The Twilight Zone, though it serves as a satisfying conclusion.
The Once And Future King
Season 2, Episode 1
“The Once And Future King,” while hit or miss for reboots, stands out as one of the best episodes in The Twilight Zone. While we don’t know what will happen next, we understand it cannot be good given Elvis Presley’s history. The episode follows Gary, an Elvis impersonator who finds himself transported back in time to meet the real Elvis.
Gary gets mistaken for Elvis’ twin brother but when they clash over career direction, Gary kills him and assumes Elvis’ identity thereafter. This episode combines fun elements with ominous undertones while exploring destiny’s malleability. Gary states that “Vegas killed Elvis,” yet prepares for death anyway.
"The Once And Future King", explores taking over another’s life without permission while intertwining events from Elvis’ life with Gary’s encounter. Martin skillfully incorporates recognizable lyrics from Elvis Presley songs without feeling forced — a remarkable feat considering how famous he was.
This episode offers its own interpretation on a “game of thrones,” albeit set differently with another king involved. It nearly ranks as Martin’s best contribution to this revival but there’s one that surpasses it.
The Toys Of Caliban
Season – 2 – Episode – 5
“The Toys Of Caliban,” rated at 7.5 on IMDb,is among highest-rated episodes written by Martinand considered one of scariest installments withinTwilight Zoneabout couple living fear their son Toby who can manifest imagined objects into reality .
Name Caliban references Shakespearean character imprisoned by father ; however , this narrative lacks truly evil characters , presenting tragedy instead horror story . Toby possesses mental disability unable comprehend danger posed by powers , inadvertently causing mother’s death .
This leads heartbreaking conclusion , not surprising knowing written by Martin , as devastating twists reminiscent some turnsGame Thrones .
While outdated language may not hold up today , episode representsTwilight Zoneat its finest . Show excelled transforming simple ideas into terrifying tales culminating inevitable yet disastrous outcomes . This installment from Martin perfectly embodies that .
Source : Toronto International Film Festival
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