The Twilight Zone Season 1 (2019)

Many familiar faces grace each episode of the Twilight Zone giving some excellent performances

The recent updated and rebooted TV series of the classic anthology series The Twilight Zone had just concluded its season with 10 episodes. I am a fan of anthology series because I enjoy watching stand alone episodes with unusual story line and proper closure, unlike conventional TV series which often leaves audiences with cliff hangers each week and even worst, at the end of each season, providing an excuse to prolong the series for another season. Hence, I approached this new series with heightened anticipation.

The Twilight Zone was originally telecast in the late 1950's and 1960's when TV was still black and white. However, the series stood the test of time and became a cult classic with many memorable episodes which have since been remade in newer editions. This is not the first time the series has been rebooted. It was done once in 1983 when it was made into a feature length movie, and again in 2002 for a brief one season. Both attempts failed to make any lasting impression, although watching new episodes in colour offered some level of appeal.

So the big question is whether this brand new reboot which is produced and hosted by Jordan Peele is worthy of carrying the Twilight Zone trademark? The short answer is ... NO!

Firstly, Jordan Peels is nowhere near the league of Rod Sterling, the creator and host of the original TV series. Jordan's deadpan delivery as the narrator of each episode is painfully bland and wooden. Secondly, none of the stories presented in the new series worked for me. They often start off promisingly enough but always ends terribly with endings which are baffling leaving audiences with an unsatisfying conclusion. This even applies to the case when the story was a  remake of a classic episode  "Nightmare at 30,000 Feet". And finally, Jordan Peele has turned the current series into some sort of vehicle for him to express his political inclinations and propaganda, as practically every episode has often unsubtle messages on racism, gun control and generally anti-Trump. While I am not totally against stories having messages embedded in them, I do however, find it objectionable when this is done so blatantly and so obviously anti-Trump. There are many avenues for Jordan Peele to express his political beliefs and using a prime time series like Twilight Zone is certainly NOT the best avenue for this. He should stick to making movies as that form seem to have proven great success for him with his rather racist themed Get Out and Us.

Jordan Peele hosts the new Twilight Zones series. But he is no match to the original Rod Stering.

On the plus side, however, the series is undeniably very well made. In fact, every episode is very well directed with tight and imaginative camera angles, and the 5.2 stereo channels are fully utilised creating a very embracing atmosphere. The acting is also generally very good with an impressive cast list that includes Steven Yuen, John Cho, Greg Kinnear and Seth Rogen. We also get the chance to listen to the classic iconic Twilight Zone theme music to open each episode, which is a treat on its own. Too bad the end results of the series and materials failed to give justice to the excellent supporting cast and crew. My advice is to give this series a try but approach with reservations and without expecting too much.

I understand the series has been green lighted for a second season but with Jordan Peele still very much in control, we will probably get more of his political preaching.