The Comedian

Considering the talent on offer (including Tracey Morgan) this episode about a struggling comedian was just not funny. You'd expect a few punchlines at least, but all you got was a predictable, boring run of the mill tripe.

The premise was set up in the first 10 minutes then dragged out for a further 45 reaching the obvious anticipated and formulaic conclusion with about as much twist as a titanium chopstick.

This is a promising start to the series. Taking a small yet still supernatural story and cramming it into stand-up comedy actually worked. Kumail Nanjiani was very good in it, and he was great in the last scene of the movie. Probably the best acting I've seen from him. I just wish that the actual lines were funny, like since his audience was dying of laughter, but I didn't even budge a smile. (Well maybe, they were under some kind of spell that-ohhhhhhhh!!!)Jordan Peele was barely in it, so I don't know what to say about him other than his voice is pretty soothing. All the supporting cast was great, and I think that all the loose ends were tied up at the end while still leaving some stuff up for interpretation. Also the episode looked really good, good shots, good use of color, just beautiful. 8/10.

Watched via YouTube.

This drags on too long. If you cut everything out that didn't work, stopped repeating scenes, ideas, and just cut to the chase this would have been a cool episode. The Original didn't have enough time to include that many unimportant scenes or stretch them out. It also did not give you an HOUR to figure out an obvious ending or know where it's going. If you guys were smart you would include edited versions of episodes. That way you can save what you made.

It's sad the show had to put Kumail in its opening episode . The otherwise funny and witty comedian actor was wasted in this episode . The story dragged and just felt labored , repeating " a well regulated " . That's just not funny , wasn't the first time and wasnt the fifth . It wasnt ironic or quirky it was just sad that they used Kumail Nanjiani in this drag of an episode .Hopefully it will gain some legs in the next few attempts ?

I was very conflicted about the announcement of a reboot of "The Twlight Zone" under Jordan Peele. Or anyone for that matter. I felt that the writing talent pool the original series had could not be replicated and therefore neither could the show quality. Granted, Mr. Peele has proven to be a gifted writer, and I heard he would be given real control over the series- something no writer was given on previous reboot attempts- so, I was hopeful. And with the first episode, "The Comedian", I'm confident the show is in good hands.

The episode focuses on a struggling stand up comedian who's given a new approach to take by a more successful comic, but with a warning, and it soon comes to pass that the success he wanted may cost more than he bargained for.

This is a classic Rod Sterling set up. Kumail Nanjiani plays the lead in question and really fits the part. He's believable and a competent actor. The episode is aided by the presence of Tracy Morgan as Kumail Nanjiani's benefactor, Morgan is very effective, I feel since his accident he's more grounded. He carries an aura of worldliness about him and it really shows here.

But, the acting is not the magic here. The camera work and lighting sets the mood well. The story is told in traditional Twlight Zone fashion with some striking differences- it's in color, which still irks me, and there is profanity which caught me off guard. But the hour long run time bugs me the most. It drags a bit, while still being entertaining. The original series' (mostly) half hour format made the tales more savory, I think. More enjoyable. Refreshing. This episode felt very heavy and too long. But, I don't know how it could be reduced to 30 mins and still work.

This was a solid episode that would compare well to the show's past entries, but would be decidedly average in the grand scheme of things. I'm glad they chose this as the lead off entry, it catches the spirit of the classic series and promises more to come. I fear too much sociatal and/or political commentary in the future, but the original series had plenty of that. So, maybe it's only natural that things head in that direction. But, for now, things are off to a good start. I hope for more- and better- things to come.