A Game of Pool - Twilight-Tober Zone 

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Two of the best acting performances in the show's history. And this showed Jonathan Winters had dramatic acting skills that he rarely got to use. Two bits of dialogue from him stick out. "Dead? Not really. As long as people talk about you, you're not really dead. As long as they speak your name, you continue. A legend doesn't die just because the man does." That line gains more weight with Winters' own passing a few years ago. "Nothing's impossible. Some things are less likely than others, that's all." That could well be "The Twilight Zone's" motto.

What I like about this episode is that Fats gave a valid point to Jesse as to how to live your life. Yes it's okay to love the game of pool but not to obsession. I love the ending here better than the original because it shows that even though Jesse won big he also lost due to having to spend eternity playing against everyone to keep his legacy.

I immensely enjoyed the two actors and the key message that being the best at a particular skill isn't always what it's cracked up to be. The ending is bittersweet, in that while Fats can enjoy his afterlife without having to defend his title, while Jesse is stuck in a cycle of being the best.

Jack Klugman and Jonathan Winters were fantastic in the episode. The ending twist was great.

My favorite part of this episode is it actually took several years for the message to sink in for me. The idea of missing out on all the wonders of this life didn’t make sense when I was 14, playing XBox and watching wrestling every night of the week. As I have grown older and experienced more I see now the point Fats Brown was making.

I love how pool/billiards were basically the arcade machines of its heyday with players obsessed with outscoring each other and self-proclaimed champions.

i hope the 80' remake serie will be in the future twilight-tober zones cause there were a lot of gems

My favorite episode hands down. Sometimes the scariest feeling is living to your own expectations.

The best episodes take place in only one location, with only a few characters. Jesse and Fats really played off each other well, with the tension really escalating.

My favorite episode of anything. Simple, but the acting carries so much. Doesn't hurt I already loved The Odd Couple.

It’s 1989. I’m 6 years old and I watch this episode. It changed my life. 2 years later I saw the remake of this episode and somehow it hit harder. These were amazing shows.

This is one of my all time favorite episodes of twilight zone. It's simple and I love the dialog back and forth between the two characters.

Hearing talk of the 80's Twilight Zone actually has me excited for the possibility of a future Twilight-tober Zone of that specific version of the series.

I remember this episode. I was absorbed from start to finish as I usually am in the Twilight Zone.

One of my all-time favorites. Part of the reason I love it is something that nobody's really mentioned---that it's an absolute *clinic* on how to make a cheap "bottle" show great, by embracing it being small and leaning into the minimalism, putting all the weight on the story and the acting. Ironically, I always forget that the main set was as detailed as it was; I tend to remember this one as very expressionistic, almost to a 1920s German cinema level. Which just goes to my point--this episode wasn't about the sets, or the setting, or the wild high-concept stuff. It was as simple and minimalist as you can get--two men competing at a simple game, all by themselves, where the stakes can't possibly be any lower... or higher. Everything else is secondary; all you need is that conflict and their interactions. Kulik could have, almost, gotten away with just using the "afterlife" set for the entire episode; the set itself is that immaterial to the story. Want proof? Quick, don't look back at the episode or the review--how many pool tables were in the pool hall set? That's right. You probably can't remember without checking. All you needed were two men, one pool table, two cues, a set of balls, and a score rail. That's all anyone will actually remember, because that's all that actually matters.

Boy, I was waiting for this one. I recently became a lover of the game and I think this episode helped me realize that. Apparently, my aunt is a pool shark, so I have it in my blood. Jack Klugman, I think has become my favorite twilight zone actor. Yes, I know many people prefer Burgess Meredith, but any episode with Klugman is a winner. I love his acting, I love his range, and I even love him in other stuff, like 12 angry men. He is just great. Johnathan Winters was also wonderful. I love his wisdom and down-to-earth tone mixed in with his comedic delivery. It really gives the character a lot of dimensions. I stated before, that I love isolation stories. The stories where characters spend most of their time in one place and talk to one another. Not only that, but these characters are talking while playing Pool. It's a great setup. (Spoiler Alert for the episode) I like the ending where Jesse wins. The twist where he now has to spend eternity defending his title, where Fats gets to go fishing was great (I also love fishing). The other ending where he loses kind of takes away from Fats' fatherly advice. You think he is trying to teach Jesse lessons, but the original ending kind of makes him a jerk, and not in a good way. Also, the original ended with Jesse trying to be the best, which is what he was already trying to do. the original ending just made the whole story kind of pointless and empty. That's why I think the second ending is better. He teaches you the moral that if you try to be the best at something, you'll live the rest of your life being it. "Be careful what you wish for." I just think it gives the episode and all that talk about life more of a purpose than the other. That's why I love this episode and its message.

What I find interesting is how when truly funny comedians play straight there's usually some hint of sadness to them. And often It feel's like it from them themselves not just the character.

This and Masks were probably my favorites personally. It is the nature of competition that the greats eventually step down. But still being challenged even after dying seems like the worst kind of hell.

I love this episode 😎 The legendary Jonathan Winters is my favorite comedian

Love this episode. Phenomenal acting.

Been waiting for this one!!!! This episode is Easily in my top 5. I shoot billiards also, so that helps in me enjoying the episode... But you never ever see Jonathan Winters do serious roles.. more comedy. So he blows it out of the park with thiw performances 💯💯 and you can never ever go Wrong with Jack Klugman. Two Legends shooting a game of pool 🎱. Doesn't get better than that💯💯

Finally my all time favorite episode of this show, i love how they make such a deep conversation from something so simple like a game of pool

The coolest (or maybe the scariest) part is a fact that there can be only one best player of all the time, so that means that someone will stuck in that loop of events forever

To be the best, you need to give more than everyone else. When you have given everything, what Is left for you?

This is the Episode alongside “The Howling Man” that share the #2 spot on my list of favorite Zone episodes

I'm now 35 so not so young anymore. But I am clearly younger than than this series original viewing date. I've always loved Twilight Zone, back in the late 90s on cable TV there were XMas and New Years day marathons. Most of the episodes haven't stood the test of time. But the great ones are amazing and timeless! This one is in my personal top 3. Its why I nerd out about this series.

Johnathan Winters was an idol to Robin Williams.

Been marathoning all of these Twilight Zone episodes; really love them, super nostalgic.

They should have used the Jessie character in the Fats roll for the 80s version. I know they couldn't use the actor but if they'd have used the character playing against a new character it would have felt more like a sequel to the original instead of a remake and the ending of not winning and being haunted by the loss would have had even more of an impact on people who'd seen both versions.

Jack Klugman AND Jonathan Winters. Amazing.

I can see that Jonathan Winters and Robin Williams have something in common.

My fav zone episode of all time

Pool can be far more intense than you'd think!

The different endings are both fascinating when put together for comparison. They both work within the context of the story, as the moral still hit's no matter which one it is. So it really comes down to preference. It's rare that you can get a story so good it can work in multiple different way's. I'm honestly torn between which concept I prefer. Well done to the TZ.

Somewhere, sometime in Heaven: "God, you want WHAT?" "Yes, I want a pool table"

One of my Top 10 favorites 🔥

I remember that, right after the 80s version played, the original played as well. It was really cool seeing them back to back. Either version works for me.

You are so right about Jonathan Winters/Fats. He has such a good role to play in this...like a sort of Clarence the guardian angel or something. I love that angle of it.

I think they missed an opportunity in the 80s remake of this episode by not having it be a continuation of the original episode. Only Jack Klugman's character is the world-wise ghost and some new kid is the challenger. This time around we'd know what's in store for the challenger if he wins. A good ending would have had the kid winning and Jesse getting released from his duties to join Fats down at his fishing hole. Both Jack Klugman and Jonathan Winters were alive and acting during the 80s, so it certainly could have been done.

Jonathan Winters was Robin Williams’ comedy idol. Eventually Robin was in a position where he could have Winters play his alien son on Mork and Mindy.

Winters and Klugman are superb in their roles with an uncommon chemistry that fascinates the viewer. Directed by Buzz Kulik.

I find this story quite touching actually. Jesse is this underdog who is good at this one thing and so he obsesses over it. I can relate to that a bit. Fats is the more experienced guy who just enjoys pool but does not make his whole life about it. And he seems to want to teach that to Jesse. That there is more to life than being the best at something.

*A bit of trivia that was left out: that the writer of this episode (George Clayton Johnson) was the co-author of the novel "Logan's Run" - which the movie was based on.*

There’s some of the best dialogue in this episode!

It's a funny thing that today I watched "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" with Jonathan Winters" on the Criterion DVD commentary with one of the commentators mentioning him in the Twilight Zone. Funny yet unbelievable, isn't it???

I love how after endless years of defending his title the first thing Fats wants to do is go fishing with his first day of true peace. Almost like he was in purgatory and finally made it to heaven.

Its my favorite episode

I love Jack Klugman. Especially since I remember him in quincy which I recommend people watch since it can really hit hard at some points. The one thing I liked about the show the opening where he is showing a group of police officers how to do M.E work and one by one they all faint until quincy is the only one left. 😆

I loved this episode. The twist ending is a perfect "Be careful what you wish for" type of deal.

This was one of my favorite episodes of The Twilight Zone and kudos to you and this channel to revisit this and many other classic episodes!!! After rewatching this, I wonder if Fats spirit expertly "loses" that game so that his spirit doesn't have to be known as the world's greatest pool player and be "forced" to accept challenges from the living for all eternity. I might be mistaken but the obsession of something this greatly might be similar to pride, which is one of the Seven Deadly Sins in most religious beliefs.

Aa top notch episode showing Jonathan Winters in a fantastic dramatic role. A side of Winters we rarely saw. Jack Klugman is a great dramatic actor.

In pool the term "hustle" means to deceitfully conceal your true skill long enough to get your mark to play you for high stakes and lose. But Fats hustled Jesse in sort of an inverted manner, where the true nature of the stakes were withheld from the mark and the mark must win for the hustle to succeed.

Still one of the most thought-provoking TV shows out there.

Jonathan Winters killed it in this episode. And this is my personal favourite of the four Klugman episodes.

My favorite episode of the twilight zone

I haven't seen all the episodes, but this one is my all time favorite

No exaggeration but this is my favorite story. The final speech fats gives about keeping the flame is one of the most impactful moments of my life.

When I saw this episode I didn’t get the twist, but now Walter clarified, so thanks! I’m curious for the alternative endings, it sounds interesting and I might like it a lot more, but this episode is still great!

As a fan of westerns, this one had the same vibe for me as the numerous stories about quick draw shootists either chasing the title or now haunted by always having to be challenged for the title (sometimes both). Yet another great episode; I'll have to see the remake (especially knowing "Nero Wolfe" is in it)

Jack K always played... Jack K. Great solid pairing.

This is like a smaller version of “The Hustler”, but with Dr. Quincy/Oscar Madison with Jonathan Winters here. Their acting really plays well off each other & I like the message that Fats tries to tell Jesse that he won’t be happy if he wins because as we see in the twist, Jesse takes the mantle

Truly a great episode. And like many toilets and episodes that has a good message, which is don't get obsessed over insignificant things and forget to live your life.

Most important lines in the episode: "You see, the champions, the legends, they serve as a purpose, a challenge, an incentive. I don't need a challenge. Everyone needs a challenge, Jesse. Someone great out of the past to say, 'match what I've done, boy, and make it better.'"

This is my 3rd favorite episode in the series, after Walking Distance, and A Stop at Willoughby.

If anyone remembers *The Twilight Zone Movie.* This story here would be one of the episodes I would adapted to the big screen. Especially, with a dying sport like pool. Lot's of ways to take the story into an obsession of a man who wants to be the best of something on earth but knows nothing about the consequences he chosen for himself. Love all of Jack Klugman's appearances on this series. And Jonathan Winters plays the perfect pool hustler without knowing you been had. One of my Top Ten Twilight Zone episodes.

These rock Walter! Bat episodes and these five great dives! Thanks!

I watch Twilight Zone once in a while on MeTV at 12:30 am

First episode i ever saw as a little kid. This inspired me to get into pool in college and stick with it. I love the acting and teleplay, and how it shares themes but it separate from the film, The Hustler.

I can't be the only one that thinks that this episode of the Twilight Zone served as an inspiration for the anime film "Death Billiards" which was the precursor to the "Death Parade" anime tv series.

A simple yet well executed episode, my personal favorite.

Amazing

This ending along with a Nice Place To Visit are essentially the same. Be careful what you wish for.

I did not see this episode with the late Jack Klugman, however I did see “The Trumpet” episode of TZ. Great episode.

"A Game of Pool" is in my top 10.

I'll be honest I am shocked by the ending. That delivery from the dead player made me think the twist was gonna be that the champ lost to give the new guy his chance to be happy with victory and go out and do things he only wished he could have when he was alive. Especially after the clip of the guy talking about all the great things in life he didn't get to do. The other ending works well as a darker twist with addiction of being the best and the alternate ending is also good so I guess this one really could have gone anyway.

I've been binge-watching these compilations. Well done, sir! I love Twilight Zone so much Thanks for the great content! 🌝👍

Two things about the final shot in the game. One - Jack Klugman leaped across the table and grabbed the cue ball while it was still rolling. This would result in a penalty point and loss of shot. Two - in a game of 14 ball one rack, there would never be only one playable ball on the table. When you get down to one ball the other 14 balls are reracked before the next shot.

..i love this episode of much i have that picture of Jon Winters as James Howard Brown on my wall behind the TV....:D

One of my favs.

Wait, I'm confused with the ending the original episode went with. Klugman's character was supposed to die if he lost, but he still died when he won? Or was that years later after he lived out the remainder of his life? I'd say the other ending is the better one. It's more straightforward while leaving the ending somewhat open ended. Will the cocky new guy become more toxic now that he beat the best? Or will he let it go and get an actual life like the spirit hinted for him to? It's your choice.

Klugman had zero misses on the TZ. Dude was a hella of an actor.

Very well presented. Congrats. Excellent acting from these two.

I think I like the original story's ending, and thus the 1989 one. It had a more mentor feel to it, and encourage one to live life.

I think if the main character lost, he would learn he cannot be better than everyone. Being competitive can make people toxic. Overall, awesome episode. 😁

That twist threw me. I neverxaa this episode so I had two otherctheories. Loser dies, winner lives or Fats is kije Ckarence from It's A Wonderful Life. A guadian angel teaching this guy there's more tp life than pool abdcthus earning his wings. That twist totally blew my mind.

Young Oscar from the odd couple!

This and "Time Enough At Last" remind me of "Changing of the Guard." Fats was trying to save Jesse from his own Hell. Jesse Cardiff wasted his life being a one trick pony and really has nothing to show for it. I cannot wait to see your take on "Changing of the Guard," which looks similar to me, but the main character is saved from his own torment after realizing his hand dealt to him by the Fates.

There was an almost identical plot device on Bonanza. The "Fastest Gun in the West" is sick of killing, but he's followed from town to town by all the wanna-be gunslingers, as a man will inherit his reputation by out-drawing him. He's ready to die, but he doesn't want to pass the curse of "Fastest Gun" over to another man. How he manages the situation is the plot twist.

Until Jack Klugman's death on December 24, 2012, this was the final TZ episode from which all of actors who appeared in it were still alive. Not counting Rod Serling, of course. Sadly, only less than four months later Winters also passed away on April 11, 2013.

There is nothing wrong with being the best or wanting to be, but it's a very fragile position. It's one vs millions and all it takes is one mistake to lose that position. One of my favourite video game quotes puts it best: "There's always someone out there a little faster than you are, and sooner or later they're gonna catch up." - Need For Speed Carbon. Having the drive to become the best is okay because it's a goal you work towards. But it shouldn't be one's sole purpose in life; Obsessing over being the best isn't healthy. Billy Mitchel is obsessed with his title as the best arcade gamer and he showed the world what he'd do in order to stay relevant and remain as king... by cheating.

I prefer Johnson's original ending, but Klugman and Winters elevates this episode. Be careful what you wish for stories are a dime a dozen. The original script showcase the importance of rivals/mentors to get us to strive to greatness, a more unique and not over-used moral. Heck, Serling himself reused the rewrite ending with boxing instead of pool in a Night Gallery episode.

These are great thank you so much for doing these. I’m a big fan of the 80s twilight zone. Would love to see you review them.

They remade this episode in 1986 with Easi Morales and Maury Chaykin.

one of the better twists

Good episode. I will say that I liked the audio drama version more

Up until Jack Klugman's death in December 2012, this was the final episode in which all of the actors appearing in it were still alive, as Jonathan Winters would pass away in April 2013. Not counting Rod Serling, of course, who does not count as an actor.

Great script and excellent acting. Notice how there is no Fancy Set etc. The show relied on the Script and Acting and it worked.

1:03 “My name’s Johnny and though it might be a sin . . .”

*¡enjoyed at 7:26 pm Pacific DayLight Savings Time on Saturday, 8 October 2022!*