social commentary
 

The Twilight Zone often used science fiction as a means of expressing the writers’ and creators’ opinions on serious topics of the time. The likelihood of nuclear war in the late 1950s and early 1960s is examined in ‘The Shelter’ and ‘Time Enough at Last’ while the consequences of mass hysteria and social prejudice are explored in ‘The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street’ – a particularly effective episode which was one of several highlights of the first season.

Several episodes focus on the question of whether or not there is life after death and whether there is a heaven and hell – ‘Escape Clause’ and A Nice Place To Visit are both enjoyable episodes. The are also several other common themes, including America’s 1950s obsession with space travel in ‘Third From The Sun’, ‘The Lonely’, ‘I Shot An Arrow Into The Air’ and ‘People Are Alike All Over’ an especially effective episode starring sci-fi genre staple Roddy MacDowell. A couple of episodes – ‘What You Need’ and ‘Execution’ – intelligently examine the theme of justice.

So was it just entertainment or what it more than that?

I think what makes The Twilight Zone so timeless is it's brilliant social commentary. Aside from the threat of nuclear war, all the themes still remain current.

Just look at Number Twelve Looks Just Like You. Nearly 50 years on the point of that episode remains true to this day. Incredible when you think about it.

Even Eye of the Beholder has some themes that can carry into today's society.

What makes The Twilight Zone so clever however is that it wasn't every episode that was laden with social commentary. Because Serling and his team sloted them in within episodes that were there to entertain, a regular audience member wouldn't notice the sub-text and will find it an enjoyable show.

I just watched Eye of the Beholder yesterday! great episode. I think the twist was a bit too easy to spot but it was still very good. as for nuclear war no longer being a threat.... are you sure???:shocked: