Government do not want critical thinkers and people of high intelligence, as they are a threat to the authoritarian system. Very prophetic episode of the twilight Zone. Authoritarianism needs people who never critically think or question the system.
You sound like a conspiracy theorist! Our overlords are benevolent, and by thinking for us they free up more of our time to do worthwhile things like watch TV and scour social media for people who question authority.
It seems like we are getting closer and closer to a society where those who can't think for themselves are going to be valued over those who think for themselves.
People who choose no to be individual are easier to fool and manipulate so, ya, a society free of "free thinkers" is preferable to one when the people question things the government does to them.
With all that is happening in the educational system, this episode of the Twilight Zone always springs to mind. What was Science Fiction some 30 years ago is sadly, quickly becoming a reality. This episode should be viewed at every PTA meeting...
I would not let my eight year old watch any of these episodes, nor any of the New Outer Limits. Too many were stories where evil wins. Too many were soul crushing.
I guess I'm in the minority but I think this is less true than ever, at least where I live. If we didn't want children to be smart we wouldn't insist they be educated. It's literally illegal for children not to be in school and it's completely free.
@@margaret6839 ya and why do you think they'd want your children, what other possible reason would the government want such control of them, HMMMmmmmMMmmmMM. The system serves to re-enforce the system. IE they get to program them to be good lil government sycophants, 20 years of Canadian schooling done wonders on that goal
This is honestly the most twisted Twilight Zone episode I've ever seen. Their reactions really sell it, too. Terrifying to think that this will actually happen in some countries.
I remember seeing this back when it first came out, before I was a parent. I find it a little difficult to watch now. But what a scary concept and a very well done episode. Actually seems a little scary in this day and age, like with people's views nowadays, this could someday be a possibility.
It already IS effectively occurring. Public schools have become so intellectually degraded that, unless you're among an elite that can send your kid to private schools, he or she IS getting a third-rate (or poorer) education. Even universities are capitulating to accommodate the "nouveau dumb."
This is an episode based on a short story by Henry Slesar. It was also called "Examination Day." I taught the story for many years in my high school English classes.
I remember seeing this in my freshman year of hs when my English teaching was introducing us to the genre of dystopian fiction... it stuck with me ever since
I read this short story then too, even before knowing the twilight zone covered it. was one of the things that inspired my love for fiction and short stories- now im an english major with a minor in creative writing!
I remember seeing this when it was first broadcast and thought it was a wonderful entertaining science fiction fantasy. Fast forward to a new century and and it now seems like an impending prophecy...
I love how all these 1980's sci-fi tv shows look like their production staff ran to the mall and bought everything at Spencer's gifts. Even the "staff" are wearing ugly, silver workout suits. Ugh!
I think thats part of the style of this episode? Although, the set pieces are pretty cheap looking too. For a 10 minute story they didnt have a big budget, maybe? The bad quality on youtube makes it even worse, too. Lol.
(Before you guys jump on me in the comments, I wrote these for fun. I think all Twilight Zone episodes should have opening and closing narrations.) Opening narration: "As you've probably guessed, we're not in the present day anymore. And Dickey Jordan is no ordinary 12-year-old. In a moment, we'll see just how special he really is. Time: The future. Place: The Twilight Zone." Closing narration: "A moment of silence for Richard 'Dickey' Jordan Jr. Like all children, young Dickey believed he had a bright future, full of possibilities and adventures. Sadly, that dream was cut short by a small-minded government. The hard lesson: Differences aren't always tolerated, much less celebrated. Neither inside - nor outside - of the Twilight Zone."
Oh my, what a great memory jog for me. I remember talking to a girl from the NY/NJ region named Donna, BEFORE the age of the internet, who said that she was David Mendenhall's cousin (?) !! Whether that was true or not, this actor, David Mendenhall, played Sylvester Stallone's son in the movie, Over The Top! Great movie and great child actor! 👍
I'm so glad I'm able to properly immerse myself in tv shows and movies and I don't notice stupid, pointless crap like this (much less feel the need to make a comment on youtube about it)
Always one of my favorite episodes! Love the way all the hints are right there in costuming & set design...if you just had the insight what values are implied...
Yup! Those who want to tear down those above them to make everyone equal..instead of working harder to elevate themselves. I call them…”socialists”. Hard to believe that crap gets any traction, but never underestimate the power of envy.🙄
Oh my God, if this is what I think it is, it was read to my class in a terrifying voice when I was maybe six or seven. Never got over the trauma! EDIT: It is!!! *shiver*
The little boys from the Sylvester Stallone movie over the top. Thank you for sharing I have only seen a few of the 80s Twilight Zone episode love the original with Rod serling
When this first came out, I thought the idea to be utterly ridiculous, albeit entertaining as a story. But look at our world now; fiction is slowly but surely becoming fact. Intelligence is now belittled and ridiculed while ignorance is seen ss courageous.
