In His Image

This is the first episode of season 4, when TW episodes became one hour long. It explores a frequent theme for the show: a person confused by his whereabouts and trying to figure out why things aren't as he remembers. Excellent nightmare material. It's one of the few episodes that touches on how annoying and/or scary someone who is ultra-religious can be. For regular Twilight Zone viewers, it will probably feel a bit drawn out at times, as though it was originally the usual 23 minutes but extended to fill the new longer time, but for someone not a regular viewer, it's a good, creepy story with plenty of surprises and it serves as a great introduction to the show.

Although I am just old enough to have seen many of the TZ episodes during their first run, it wasn't until the past few years that I have intentionally watched the original series in its entirety. I come to season four out of order after watching 1,2,3, and 5 in sequence because the source I was watching on didn't have the fourth season in its repertoire. I've long considered Twilight Zone to be similar to Monty Python... some truly memorable wheat in a big barrel of chaff. "In His Image" is definitely the former.

The story in this episode is a familiar one, particularly in the SciFi and suspense genres, with a man's bewilderment at finding familiar people and places wrenched from him as if he has never existed, but Charles Beaumont brings a unique storytelling style which never leaves you feeling like you've seen it all before. The pacing is masterful, without resorting to cheap shocks or rushing Alan Talbot's gradual journey to the truth. The extended one-hour format of TZ's season four provides enough time to tell this story properly, and the suspense is palpable as you learn along with Talbot that his life may not be what he thought it was.

Even with the terrific writing by Beaumont and deft direction by Perry Lafferty, this episode would probably rate an eight without the sensitive portrayal of Alan Talbot by George Grizzard, which elevates it to among the very best few TZ eps. At no time did I feel that Grizzard's Talbot wasn't truly bewildered by his predicament. Many TZ performances by established and famous actors are damaged by scenery- chewing or heavy-handed portrayals, but Grizzard was restrained and completely believable throughout, even during the concluding scenes when lesser thespians might have tended to histrionics.

Gail Kobe too turns in an excellent performance as a woman genuinely in love with a man she barely knows and who may be unravelling before her eyes.

As Serling's closing narration began I found myself literally thinking to myself... Wow! 10 out of 10.

A man and his girlfriend are on their way to what seems to be his home town. On the way, he suffers from painful headaches, brought on by a loud, intense sound. When he gets to his home, the house is now inhabited by a man he has never seen. The townspeople recognize some of the names he throws around, but they are names from the past, some even having passed away. The other thing is that he has a really violent side that exhibits itself when he is under stress. After he stops his car suddenly and receives an arm injury. he investigates something on the side of the road. While there he is again overtaken with pain, picks up a rock and heads toward his girlfriend. He is able to warn her to stay away, and, after hesitating, she runs for it. A man gives him a ride into town and he is suddenly drawn to a house. What happens there explains his pain and a secret that dumbfounds him. This is quite a unique episode if you don't think too much.

This is one of the best TZ episodes of many good ones. The reason I especially like this one is because it changes from creepy and/or macabre, to become a heartwarming charmer about second chances, self improvement, human loneliness, and how one must be lovable to be loved... if one works to be a better person, it's worth it because of the fruits of happiness resulting from being that better man...but in a much different way than you'd expect. Some other reasons I liked this episode are; The director took the more difficult road that resulted in a more entertaining experience. It really shows off the acting talent of George Grizzard, more than most of his other roles, even his previous appearance on the Twilight Zone 3 years earlier. They did not take the easy way out, the lead actor- Grizzard, did a GREAT job and is at his best. A true acting talent as seen in this episode. I give this one an A+

Watch it soonest!

Alan Talbot is a scientist that lives and works in Couerville's university. He met Jessica "Jess" Connelly a couple days ago in New York and they decide to get married in five days. Alan decides to travel to Couerville to show his town and his aunt to Jess. While waiting for the subway to meet Jess, Alan feels confused and throws an old religious commuter under the train. He forgets his murder and meets Jess at home. She drives her car with Alan to Couerville, but the town has differences from Alan's recollections and they find neither his aunt nor the university where he works. While returning to New York city, Alan feels desire to kill Jess and asks her to leave him on the road and go home. What is happening to Alan Talbot?

"In His Image" is the first episode of the Fourth Season of "The Twilight Zone" with a good sci-fi story. Alan Talbot is a mechanical clone of his creator, a talented but flawed inventor. The mysterious situations are explained when there is the encounter of creator and creature and Alan discovers his origins. This episode shows a new presentation of "The Twilight Zone", with 51 minutes running time. The conclusion is adequate for the good story. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "À Sua Própria Imagem" ("In His Own Image")