Creator(s) – Simon Kinberg (Cinderella, Deadpool), Jordan Peele (Get Out, Big Mouth), and Marco Ramirez (The Defenders, Daredevil)
Starring – Jordan Peele, David Epstein (Son of Bigfoot, The Chronicles of Lei Gong), and Kelly Ann Woods (Supernatural, Supergirl)
Release Date – 2019
Rating – 4/5
Tagline – “What dimension are you even in?”
I can trace my love for television to my grandmother. My dad worked out of town a lot growing up so I spent many nights are her home with my uncle and sister watching television. She was a fan of the original Sci-Fi Channel and I could remember watching shows like Red Dwarf, Doctor Who, Lexx, Roswell, and so much more. Aside from those she often watched shows like Unsolved Mysteries, The Twilight Zone, Murder, She Wrote and many more. These are shows that I still love and often revisit when I get the time.
When I heard that Jordan Peele was bringing The Twilight Zone back I was confused. How did the star of Key and Peele become Rod Sterling’s replacement? I know Get Out and Us made waves through the horror community but I was curious how a known funny man turned horror director would take over this iconic role. Regardless, I was still intrigued and when I was presented with a review copy of the film on blu I couldn’t turn it down.
**Spoiler Alert**The series features 10 episodes ranging from a struggling comedian that always has the last laugh, to social justice, to time travel in a sense. Each episode features a moral dilemma and the outcome is always based on the antagonists actions. **Spoiler Alert**
I loved the original run of The Twilight Zone along with the 1985 series. I wasn’t a fan of the 2002 reimaging but it did have some moments that was enjoyable. The Twilight Zone: The Movie is another memorable moment of my childhood so I wanted to give this new series the benefit of the doubt. At the end of the day it stood out as an amazing show but just didn’t feel like the classic Twilight Zone that I grew up on.
The acting in this one is absolutely fantastic. Jordan Peele was a fantastic host. His voice and demeanor is no replacement for Sterling but it is evident that they knew that. He borrowed the tone but gave his own flare which worked. Each episode has an amazing cast that really brings these bigger than life stories to life.
The episodes for this season is fun and very enjoyable. They are all very entertaining and hold your attention very well. Some are more straight forward while others tackle hot button topics of racism, sexism, and politics. Each and every episode will draw you in and hold your attention. With that being said, they feel like modern takes on Amazing Stories rather than The Twilight Zone. I could be more behind these being new episodes of Amazing Stories rather than The Twilight Zone.
Finally, the series is visually stunning. We get some great practical effects, visual effects, and sets that are unforgettable. Hell, we even get some blood in one or two of the episodes. No gore but the effects for these episodes are still great to look at. Overall, Season 1 of The Twilight Zone is a must watch for fans of the series. Sure, it doesn’t feel like the classic series but it does fill the void. Peele gives the viewer something extremely entertaining and for that I am very thankful. Check it out now on DVD and blu!
