As you probably know, The Twilight Zone isn't all about horror and science fiction, with some genuinely funny episodes and others which leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling inside. These are the feelgood episodes which aren't necessarily remembered as the best of Rod Serling's output, but the ones which are fondly remembered by fans.
This isn't an exclusive selection – far from it – of feelgood episodes, but the ones which sprang to mind first.
These are three which I picked, which are your favourite feelgood episodes?
One for the Angels (Season One)
Death has made several appearances in The Twilight Zone and, in his first, comes for Lew Bookman, a decent pitchman who is adored by the neighbourhood's children. When Lew doesn't believe Mr Death is who he claims to be and refuses to go with him, Death arranges for a truck to hit Maggie, a young girl. Knowing Death needs to be in her room at midnight, Lew persuades Death to let him make one big pitch – one for the Angels.
In choosing to give his life to save Maggie's, there is something wonderful about Lew (terrifically played by Ed Wynn) and the final shot of him walking away with Mr Death knowing Maggie is going to have a full recovery is a real feelgood moment.
The Fugitive (Season Three)
Another episode with a single old man who is loved by the neighbourhood children, only in this one Old Ben is mysterious and can seemingly transform himself into anything he wants. One of the children, Jenny, requires leg braces to walk and loves Old Ben, who carries her upstairs and keeps her entertained, much to the dismay of her alcoholic aunt. Noticing Old Ben is being followed by two strange men in suits, he confesses he is on the run and the men are after him.
Old Ben has a device which he must not use but, having decided to turn himself in, decides to activate it and heal Jenny's legs but, when the men come for him, they have quite a surprise waiting for them.
The Changing of the Guard (Season Three)
Season three ends with a couple of really emotional episodes, seemingly inspired by Frank Capra's perennial favourite, It's a Wonderful Life. The finale centres around Professor Fowler an elderly college lecturer who, just before Christmas, is told his services are no longer required. Just like George Bailey in Capra's movie, Prof Fowler thinks his life has been a complete waste and decides to commit suicide.
Walking back to school with a pistol, he hears a school bell and walks into his classroom where a number of deceased students tell him how much his classes meant to them and how they wouldn't be war heroes without the knowledge he imparted over the years. Just like It's a Wonderful Life, this has a beautifully feelgood ending and Donald Pleasance gives a superbly heartfelt performance which gives the film its emotional punch.
With Christmas approaching, these Twilight Zone sets would make perfect gifts for friends and family (or even for yourself!) and can be ordered by following the links below.
The Twilight Zone Season One (Blu-ray) -
Amazon -
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Play
The Twilight Zone Season One (DVD) -
Amazon -
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Play
The Twilight Zone Season Two (Blu-ray) -
Amazon -
HMV -
Play
The Twilight Zone Season Two (DVD) -
Amazon -
HMV -
Play
The Twilight Zone Season Three (Blu-ray) -
Amazon -
HMV -
Play
The Twilight Zone Season Three (DVD) -
Amazon -
HMV -
Play