"Twilight Zone companion" barely tosses this CLASSIC episode a bone. This is one of my all-time favorite episodes, and I've watched it countless times. When the big "reveal" goes down, at the end, "Pip" begins laughing aloud with demonic glee. Still chills me to the bone.
What makes Sebastian Cabot so effective is that he’s affable, friendly and helpful throughout the episode UNTIL the reveal he suddenly goes to menacing and dangerous. Somehow I suspect that if there’s a devil that’s how he’d be
In the beginning, we see a man who, through his own actions, doesn't deserve peace and serenity in the afterlife. Then we meet this sweet, amusing man, dressed in white, who gives the main character everything he's ever wanted...and more! Is there truly complete forgiveness after death? Or....is there a catch? We're not sure. In my opinion, the lesson learned here is: Be careful what you ask for. Love this episode for the simple fact the beautiful Sebastian Cabot plays someone completely opposite of his usual sweet roles.
Typically when people are lying in their death bed, the only thing they realize that really mattered were the people they loved and the people who loved them back. That’s it. Material things are all left behind when we go, but love is forever. Mr. Valentine was missing love.
However, make no mistake, we need God's love. Earthly love is not eternal. It has to be true, UNCONDITIONAL. If you CLING to earthly love, in the spiritual life it is called ATTACHMENT & earthly, carnal, physical attachment keeps one from rising up to Heaven. One stays in Purgatory until they leave behind all attachments. This is the teaching of the saints of many disciplines, Christian, Yoga & Egyptian Book of the Dead. Most people's love on earth is CONDITIONAL.
To me it says that we can't put a price on inner peace/serenity/happiness. It can take a lifetime to achieve, some never find it. That's the sad part here. He never found it. I used to wonder how a celebrity, or a Rock star could possibly be depressed or worse yet, commit suicide. As I got older, I understood. One episode that stands out in my mind is a stop at "Willoughby". Ahhhhhh to go back to a simpler time, and an easier way of life. That man went to Heaven in that episode. Rod Serling and the Twilight zone will Always be YEARS ahead of it's time. I still watch it on Netflix.. You Rock 👊
One of the most memorable viewing experiences of my childhood. How Pip went from friendly to fiendish gave me chills. This episode also “spoiled” the season one reveal of The Good Place for me. Watching that was Deja Vu all over again for me.
I dig that Beaumont named his demonic character “Pip”. It sort of reflects his specialty in tormenting his charges. Although, I couldn’t ever understand why Serling himself named little Billy Mumys character the same damn thing when he was jerking tears with Klugman 4 seasons later. Also... If I had to pick a form of Hell, this would definitely be it.
One of the best episodes of all time. What makes The Twilight Zone so great is not only the stories, but the greatness of their ACTORS. I'm now an actor myself and have actuallly worked with several of these actors, which was always a thrill for me.
Rick, Thanks once again for the review of this TZ episode. I like this episode, too. Blyden's performance was fine, especially in this unique genre of television, which was still in its infancy in the early '60's. That's what I liked about TZ. It used supernatural stories as the backdrop to motivate viewers to be introspective on natural moral issues. In this case, materialism and worldliness... Blyden was versatile too. He hosted "What's My Line" and appeared in Chayefsky's "The Bachelor Party." Rick, as always, love your platform and content. Best regards, Paul
It was a good one. My favorites are "One for the Angels" & "Nothing in the Dark" with the final episode, "Bewitchin' Pool" as the absolutely worst. "Eye of the Beholder" is the most impactful and the one that leaves you thinking long after watching it. The price to free a man held against his will by a cult only to discover you have released evil upon the world.
Thanks for the shout-out, man! This is a great Twilight Zone episode. Rod Serling was a genius writer, somehow mastering 'subtle' and 'in-your-face' at the same time. I really need to revisit this one. Actually, I need to revisit them all and really figure out what my personal Top 10 episodes are. (I think 'One for the Angels' might be my #1... I think.) Love these breakdowns, excited for more.
Oh absolutely! How could I not? You guys inspired me to start on the show again. It’ll be so tough to get a Top 10 list. One for the Angels makes me tear up as well as the one where the old woman gets visited by Death (Robert Redford)
Hey Rick, I agree that this was a great episode! Rod Serling was brilliant, he really was able to provide a deep message & get you to really think!! Thanks for sharing another great video! 😷
@@ricknineg hey rick im obsessed with the twilight zone, ive studied all 157 episodes by name. Would love to to chat with you about the show, 217-433-2938 ask for Base. Take care.
This is my second favorite TZ (My first is A World Of His Own, Season 1, Episode 36). For what it's worth, my take on it is that Rocky's only problem was a profound lack of imagination.
Two things stuck out for me in this episode. The first is when Rocky asks Pip if he can see some of his old friends who have died. Pip explains that this is not possible, because the world he is in exists for him alone. It is at that point that Rocky realizes that, despite being surrounded by people, he really is all alone. Second was the question of what really had Rocky trapped. He is trapped because his interests are so incredibly narrow and simple. He could, in theory, make things more bearable (for awhile at least) by using his imagination. He doesn't, because he can't imagine that wine, women and winning might not be what life is all about.
Hi Rick. I never saw this episode but it looks so intriguing!!!! Super cool and yes so thought provoking.!! Rod basically was saying then and it still rings true today...... that greed, money , over indulgence...basically “having it all’ will not make you a happy person..... you have to be happy from within..... money and materialistic things do not bring happiness ..... Yes, of course, always strive to do better......but be a good person, be grateful and appreciate your life and what you have personally accomplished there are many others with so much less and guess what ..... they may also be happy campers.... they may have a great family and love but not the biggest bank account and thats ok too. Its all in the the individuals perception of their life and how they accept it .....whatever that may be.
i like the setting of this episode, the fancy comfortable looking hotel suite and the costumes and jewelry the women wore.. all the cast was great in this one
Mr. Valentine's character was too likeable. I think he should have been a little meaner. Larry Bliden is a likeable guy. Cabet's character was spot on. Great impression of Serling, Rick! Keep the TZ's coming. My favorite show besides I Love Lucy! Take care buddy.
I love the gorgeous blonde, her dancing, the dazzling smile, wish she had lines of dialogue! Sebastian Cabot is excellent as the "guide", Larry Blyden's character gets bored way too quickly, but that's simply because they only have around 20 minutes or a little bit more to convey the story! Then there's the maniacal laugh when the GUIDE says what's REALLY going on there! FABULOUS EPISODE!
I remember watching this episode, and thought it was really good, I guess the lesson to this episode is be thankful that you don't win all the time and if you did, you might be bored! 🙂
This is what happens all the time in real life. You see it since time has been recorded. “What’s next”. Eventually there is no “next”. Especially with silver spoon kids. I’m definitely going to look up this episode! Thanks!
This has long been one of my favorite episodes, too, and I was telling some of my friends about it last month. When I saw it the first time, I understood the premise---it isn't rocket science---although now, knowing there is no such thing as an "afterlife," I see it as just the philosophical entertainment it's meant to be. I believe Rod Serling was pretty much using the "Be very careful what you wish for....you just might get it" idea to make his statement.
At the risk of Over Simplifying or seeming Condescending,,, it's about Post WW2 American's OBSESSION with Materialism. A phrase became extremely popular in the nomenclature of the time: "Keeping up with The Jones's." Thank you for your work.
"Oh, Mr. Valentine, I dropped that fire and brimstone crap CENTURIES ago! Do you know how BORING that gets? I've pulled this trick maybe a million times now, and it STILL hasn't gotten old! BWAH HA HA!" And this compounds the irony, because ultimately, Pip WILL get bored with it, and he'll have to dream up some other trick, and eventually HE'LL run out of tricks--and then face the boredom which is just as hellish to him, as it is to Rocky Valentine.
@amrak63: Which means that eventually "Rocky" will go the "Daniel Webster" route and figure out a permanent way to outstrategize his diabolical companion!😂😏🎤📺B.W.
Great minds think alike! 😀 I love his tough guy Exterior! And I love how Pip makes Rocky is in heaven! P.S. if you haven't done this other episode can you please do "Prime Mover" 🎲🎲 please. Thank you God bless you 🙏 ❤️ And can you do the bank robbers who sleep for 100 yrs and wake up. ⏰️ with Gold bars but end up dying of thirst! 💰 🤑 "Be hopeful" My daughter & I favorite show of All-time! "I Love Lucy" 🏆
Reminds me of the old joke where St. Peter meets a dying man on Earth. Tells him that He's going to Heaven. He can bring one thing and one thing only with him to Paradise. Dying man has amassed a nice bankroll over the years. He gets to Heaven and opens up a giant bag of gold bars. St. Peter: (after He stares intensely at The Streets of Gold) "Pavement?! Why in the World would you bring Pavement?"😂😇💰💲🛣📺B.W.
I agree with you. I think Sterling was trying to say that money Fame and Fortune are not everything. Once you have everything then what? It's a sort of well I wanted these cookies and now I've eaten the whole bag of cookies will now what? There's no excitement there's no Thrill of the chase I believe you mentioned something to that effect. I've not seen this episode but I like the Twilight Zone as an adult because it does make you think and I like that. I miss that show it was so good.
I just watched this episode again recently I could tell he was in hell from the first little bit my first time watching, and knew that would be the reveal but I love the episode.
@zoperplex: And not to be confused with David Q. Lewis who Played the visiting "Reverend Harrison Breen, from New York City" on the "Sermon for Today" Episode of "The Andy Griffith Show."🤔🎤👮♂️👮♂️📺B.W.
Removing the uncertainty in life also removes one's validity. There is no chance for making a difference in the outcome of events. There is no reason for existence.
Sebastian Cabot played the part of a very convincing devil in A Nice Place to Visit. He also played the part of the Devil in Escape Clause. He was given the role of Mr. French in a T.V. series from the 60’s along with Brian Keith, who played the part of Buffy and Jody’s father. I can’t remember the name of the program. If anyone knows, please leave the answer in the comments section. Also, does anyone know whatever happened to Sebastian Cabot ?
I have never seen this episode but based on your commentary about the episode and your excellent re-telling of the story, I feel I have enough information to provide my personal take on it. I feel the entire story is similar to a parable, as the listener (or in this case where it's acted out, the watcher), interprets and applies the meaning in a such way that it has a purposeful affect upon that individual's life. There truly is no one correct moral being given. Again, based on this R9G video alone, I see Rocky as a man accustomed to making choices for his life albeit good or bad. His quest for "the good life" was based upon his need for survival and his desire for instant gratification was a means of false security against adversity. The one thing Rocky had overlooked was his free will. He made his life choices, no one made them for him. Once he was in "the other place" his free will was gone and all choices were no longer his own. Thus his realization of what he once had and what he lost forever was brought to light in this dark place and the true condemnation began. Hopefully I can catch this episode in the future as your video brought life to it in my eyes. Plus your Rod Serling impression wasn't bad either! :) Keep up the great work! PS: Don't know if the backstory to the other characters in Rocky's tale was ever given, but it'd be interesting to see how and why everyone involved became interconnected.
I love this episode for that reason...extreme boredom can be hell in itself..it's the thrill thats exciting..and loved Cabot as Mr pip...was he Satan or just a demon ..doing the menial crap like dealing with this scumbag lol
I'm with Mark on this one. An average episode IMO. The ills of instant gratification. Well maybe not, look at the millions of dollars spent on lottery tickets, horses, casinos etc. We all dream of hitting it big! Yes, Rocky was in his hell. I tend to believe heaven and hell are here on earth
Larry Blyden and Sebastian Cabot awesome episode...moral. u get everything u want and it gets boring very fast..another type of hell..no fun when it's all handed to u..no heaven
What if Rocky asked Pip for a typewriter, some writing talent and paper? What if he asked for true love or a French tutor? What if he tried to be something besides a murderous burglar?
I think he still would have been unhappy because he would not have needed to work hard for those things or work or grow towards those goals. Pip would have granted his wishes instantly. So there would have been no satisfaction or sense of accomplishment in the end 🤷♀️
Oh my god!!! This particular episode IS one of my absolute favorite from THE TWILIGHT ZONE. And, because this is still America as far as the constitution describes everyone is entitled to his opinion. My next favorite like this one is the one with Julie Newmar where she plays the devil. For some odd reason it’s not included on Netflix.
