The Trouble with Mr. Serling

 twilightzone1280jpg-b68ece_1280w Rod Serling today is rightly regarded as one of the true giants of television, a genius who conceived, innovated, and earned respect for a whole new type and genre of American entertainment.

There are few people today who don’t cherish the classic television show he created and the legacy he left behind. But back in the early days it seems that not everyone had the same positive view of the somewhat enigmatic Mr. Sterling.

Vance:  Oh no, Zane!  We’re just trying to sit in peace here in the CBS Commissary and grab a late afternoon snack and look who’s coming!

Zane:   Oddball Serling?  Well, what can you do?

Rod  One Zane Bernstein.  His close associate Mr. Vance Koslow.   Submitted for your approvalMay I sit with you guys?

Vance:  Umm … sure, Rod.  What’ve you been up to?

Rod:  A journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of the imagination.   Cleveland.   For the weekend.  With the missus.

Vance:  Sounds … uh … really fun.  Okay, let’s order, guys.   Gail, we’re ready!

Gail:  What’ll you fellas have?

Rod:  You’re here To Serve Man?

Gail:  And women too sometimes, Mr. Serling.

Vance:  I really like the food here. Wonder where they get their recipes from?

RodIt’s a cookbook!

Gail: And we always use ample seasoning in all our food.

Rod: Yes. Thyme Enough at Last.

Zane:  Rod, see those two women hobnobbing and stopping at every table?  You know them, right?  Now they’re coming over here!

Rod:  Next stop?  Willow, Bea?

Bea:  Nice to see you, Rod.  Love to talk, but Willow and I have to go.  Later!

Zane:  I think one of your friends was checking me out, Rod.  The one who I believe keeps bees?

Rod:  Yes, you caught The Eye of the Bee-holder.

Vance:  Think I’m gonna run to the Men’s Room before we eat.  Either of you guys see where ….

Rod: There’s the signpost up ahead!  

Vance:  Thanks, Rod.

Zane:  So, “Mr. Professor,” I hear you’re working on some kind of science fiction show. School us about it.

Rod: Lesson to be Learned:  the show is …. oops, just realized I’ve got to be home by nightfall!

Zane: What’s your rush?  At least tell us the name of the show.

Rod:  It’s already Twilight, Zane!

Vance:  He’s gone! Boy, that is one weird dude!  He’s never gonna make it in show business.

Zane:  Damn straight!  The day he makes it, Vance, I’ll believe in time travel, gremlins wrecking airplanes, and that William Shatner guy ever amounting to anything!
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4 thoughts on “The Trouble with Mr. Serling”

    1. “As sure as my name is Boris Karloff, this is a Thriller!” Yep, not all the episodes were good, but it could be very scary. And the opening could send me hiding under the bed! Actually just about anything could.

    1. That’s right, Bill. When I was a kid back when Twilight Zone was first on, I’d see Rod and reel too! It was 10:00 on Friday night and even though I loved the show, I’d be scared to death. And your rod and your staff did not comfort me.

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