The Twilight Zone – Season 1, Episode 2 – One For the Angels – Review

The beauty of Rod Serling’s “The Twilight Zone” was its ability to transport audiences to other dimensions, using the seemingly ordinary to convey the extraordinary. “One for the Angels,” aired as the second episode of the series, encapsulates this magic splendidly. Through its narrative, this episode touches the realm of fantasy, adds a dash of existential contemplation, and melds it with the pathos of everyday human experience.

Plot Deep Dive

Lou Bookman, brilliantly portrayed by Ed Wynn, is a street vendor selling toys, ties, and trinkets. Lou’s life takes an unexpected turn when Death, personified as Mr. Death (Murray Hamilton), pays him a visit with the news that it’s his “time to go.” What ensues is a battle of wits between Bookman and Mr. Death, with Bookman negotiating for more time. The central premise is Bookman’s desire to make a significant sales pitch before he departs, “one for the angels,” as he calls it.

In the tug-of-war between life’s inevitable end and the human desire to make one’s time count, “One for the Angels” explores profound themes. When Bookman successfully evades Mr. Death, the consequences are dire for a little girl. Bookman’s realization, sacrifice, and the eventual ‘sales pitch’ he delivers stand as metaphors for life’s unpredictability, the impact of our choices, and the human capacity for redemption.

Behind the Scenes Brilliance

Rod Serling, the creative genius behind “The Twilight Zone,” penned this episode. His sharp writing is evident in the seamless blending of light-hearted moments with philosophical depths. It’s also worth noting that this episode was one of Serling’s personal favorites, a testament to the love and care poured into its creation.

Ed Wynn’s casting as Lou Bookman was an inspired choice. Predominantly known for his comedic roles, Wynn brought a delightful levity to Bookman. Yet, beneath the cheerful exterior, Wynn adeptly conveyed the character’s depth, fear, and eventual acceptance. This delicate balance between humor and emotion was crucial in preventing the episode from becoming overwhelmingly dark or unbearably light.

Murray Hamilton, as the stoic and bureaucratic Mr. Death, is the perfect foil to Wynn’s Bookman. While Death is often depicted as fearsome or malevolent in pop culture, Hamilton’s portrayal is refreshingly different. Here, Death is simply a being performing his duty, neither inherently good nor evil. This nuanced take adds layers to the episode, prompting viewers to ponder the nature of life and death beyond conventional binaries.

Production-wise, “The Twilight Zone” was operating at a time when television was still finding its footing. Despite budget constraints and the lack of advanced technologies, the episode managed to craft an otherworldly ambiance, thanks in part to its moody lighting, tight shots, and a haunting score by Lynn Murray.

Enduring Legacy

“One for the Angels” stands as a shining example of “The Twilight Zone”‘s ethos. While the series as a whole is renowned for its twist endings and moral lessons, this episode resonates because of its heart. It reminds viewers of the transient nature of existence and the timeless urge to leave a lasting mark.

With its poignant narrative, memorable characters, and production ingenuity, “One for the Angels” secures its place not just in the annals of “The Twilight Zone,” but in the broader television landscape. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling, proving that even within the confines of a 30-minute episode, tales can be spun that resonate, reflect, and remain with audiences long after the credits roll.