Random Worst Episodes Of 'The Twilight Zone' (20 items)

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  (#8) The Whole Truth

  • January 20, 1961

  IMDb Score: 6.5

  Synopsis: A used-car dealer ends up purchasing a vehicle from an old man who says it's haunted. He doesn't believe it at first, but he soon finds himself compelled to always tell the truth. 

  Why it falls short: You may recognize this premise from the Jim Carrey movie Liar, Liar. And in all honesty, you're better off watching that film. This episode really doesn't go beyond the joke of "used car salesman must be truthful about the awful cars he's trying to sell." It's a one-note joke that gets played-out fast. Season Two was awash with comedic episodes, and while some hit, others missed by a mile. This episode, along with "Mr. Dingle, the Strong", are two of the season's weaker ones.
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  (#6) The Mighty Casey

  • June 17, 1960

  IMDb Score: 6.2

  Synopsis: A baseball team manager allows a robot named Casey to pitch for his team. The robot has the power to throw balls incredibly fast that they just can't be hit. Casey's inventor ends up giving him an artificial heart so that it can become more human. 

  Why it falls short: This episode is simply too schmaltzy. To add insult to injury, the tone varies significantly from one moment to the next. At one moment, it's a wacky comedy about a robot baseball pitcher, and the next, it's a rumination on what it truly means to be human. 
• 

  (#12) Mr. Dingle, the Strong

  • March 3, 1961

  IMDb Score: 6.8

  Synopsis: A meek vacuum cleaner salesman becomes part of an experiment from a two-headed Martian. Through the process, he's given incredible strength, though, obviously, he has no real idea how to put his newfound skills to good use. 

  Why it falls short: The premise for the episode just doesn't work. The man uses his newfound powers for most of the episode until they pretty much just fizzle out. Plus, the two-headed alien just looks goofy because you know it's just two guys in an extra-wide outfit. 
• 

  (#1) The Wunderkind

  • 2019

  IMDb Score: 4.9

  Synopsis: After struggling with a recent election defeat, a once-successful campaign manager decides to back Oliver, an 11-year-old boy, who's running to become the President of the United States. Naturally, Oliver wins the election, and as he's sworn into office all hell breaks loose.

  Why it falls short: What was likely intended as a light take on political commentary, "The Wunderkind" comes off as heaving absolutely no grounding in the modern world. Sure, we get what the writers were trying to say, but the sheer overkill (and ridiculousness) of this episode instantly drowns out any type of real political commentary. Going off the gird is kind of what The Twilight Zone is all about, but this episode was so ridiculous and so far-fetched that it's easily earned the reputation of being one of the absolute worst Twilight Zone episodes all time.
• 

  (#9) Mr. Bevis

  • June 3, 1960

  IMDb Score: 6.7

  Synopsis: After losing his job, being kick out of his apartment, and wrecking his car all in the same day, a guardian angel comes down to Earth to lend Mr. Bevis a much-needed helping hand. 

  Why it falls short: This is another example of The Twilight Zone attempting comedy and falling short. Once you know where it's going, the episode loses all of its steam. It feels more like an afterschool special than an episode of a prestigious television series. 
• 

  (#17) The Crossing

  • Oct 08 1988

  IMDb Score: 5.5

  Synopsis: An overstressed and under-appreciated priest is working overtime to try to fund a new children's wing at the nearby hospital. As work and stress start to get the better of him, he begins to see visions of a car crash with a burning child left inside.

  Why it falls short: The dialogue and acting are all top-notch, but the plot, in addition to being fairly predictable, is missing some crucial elements. The ending left more than a few viewers slightly agitated, although some viewers actually commended the change of pace.

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