The timeless tales of Rod Serling.
Hey Scribblers,
Let's reflect on Rod Serling, the OG of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. He was more than just a storyteller who freaked out multiple generations of TV kids. Serling was a visionary.
His narratives explored mental health, aging, racism, the proliferation of WMDs, and other societal issues. The way he told tales transcended controversy and political divides, making them relatable and relevant to everyone.
'The Twilight Zone' wasn't just a spooky show about strange happenings and eerie twists. It was a canvas for exploring the pressing issues of his tumultuous time – and ours. Serling cleverly wrapped his social commentary in the cloaks of popular genres.
Take "The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street." Serling masterfully portrays the hysteria and paranoia of McCarthyism, J. Edgar Hoover’s anti-Communist witch hunt. A suburban neighborhood turns on itself due to a suspected alien invasion, mirroring the real-world witch hunts for sleeper cells and traitors. It remains a brilliant allegory for the destructive power of suspicion and fear.
Sadly, this yarn is just as relevant today as it was in the 1950s.
In "Eye of the Beholder," Serling tackles society's obsession with beauty standards. The episode's shocking reveal – that the 'ugly' woman is actually conventionally beautiful, and it's her doctors and nurses who are deformed by our standards – flips our perceptions and challenges us to rethink our definitions of beauty.
Instagram and TikTok, anyone?
"The Obsolete Man" is a profound statement on the value of individualism in the face of a totalitarian regime. Set in a dystopian future where a librarian is condemned for obsolescence, the episode defends the importance of individual thought and the dangers of an all-powerful state.
Wait a minute, when was this written? Can they make the Twilight Zone required viewing for modern middle schoolers?
"Time Enough at Last" is a haunting ode to the double-edged sword of solitude and the value of literature. In this episode, we meet Henry Bemis, a bookworm who yearns for more time to read, only to find himself the lone survivor of a nuclear apocalypse. With the world's libraries at his disposal and time no longer an obstacle, a cruel twist of fate leaves him in a tragic irony that speaks volumes about the fragility of happiness and the deep human need for connection.
A poignant reminder of our own screen-addicted era's isolation, despite being more 'connected' than ever,
"To Serve Man" is a masterclass in the unexpected twist, which doubles as a critique of naivety and the dangers of blindly trusting those in power. When aliens arrive on Earth, promising peace and prosperity, humanity quickly embraces their benevolent guardians. The shocking discovery of the true purpose behind their visit serves as a dark commentary on manipulation, exploitation, and the potential perils of first contact.
Another timeless reminder about the importance of questioning authority. As rebellious middle schoolers, my pals and I wore “Question Authority” T-shirts. These were the “Obey” gear of our generation. The shirts don’t fit us anymore, but the message does.
Serling's adapted screenplay for "Planet of the Apes" is a landmark in science fiction, exploring themes of evolution, racism, and the folly of man. The iconic twist ending not only delivers one of cinema's most unforgettable shocks but also forces a profound reflection on humanity's self-destructive tendencies and the cyclical nature of societies.
As decades of geopolitical cooperation are replaced with conflicts, fundamentalism, and fear of all things Wuhan, the rant of Charlton Heston at the end of the flick feels more timely than ever.
One of my all-time favorite movies is "Seven Days in May" based on another of Serling's screenwriting achievements. This thrilling political drama dives into the depths of military overreach and the fragility of democracy. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, the film's plot about a military coup plot against the U.S. President is a gripping exploration of loyalty, patriotism, and the constitutional balance of power.
In 2024, it feels like we’re closer than ever to living through such a scenario.
The issues Serling explored sixty years ago are timeless, while the power of genre storytelling is boundless. His legacy of thought-provoking storytelling challenges viewers to confront and question their beliefs and the society they live in. His focus was on universal human values and experiences. His stories didn’t preach; they posed questions.
If only more scribblers applied Rod Serling’s model, maybe today’s media could generate more connection instead of conflict. His work reminds us great stories don’t just entertain; they enlighten.
For anyone interested in learning more about Rod Serling, I submit for your approval the episode of PBS American Masters that explores his life and oeuvre.
