Customer Reviews

In the Zone: The Twilight World of Rod Serling

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1 star:		(2)

 

 

Don't even bother to read this book unless you have seen all or most of the TV shows and/or have memorized Marc Scott Zicree's Twilight Zone Companion. The author presumes extensive knowledge on the part of the reader. I've been a fan of Rod for almost 40 years, and I found this book difficult. The author does make some interesting points and new insights, but they get drowned in his stream-of consciousness style that is constantly jump-cutting from show to show and point to point without continuity. The book struck me as disorganized, even though he has chapters with names. Another irritant is his criticism of production errors, when his own writing and editing is inexcusably sloppy. He constantly gets details wrong, especially characters' names. This is important because he seems to find meanings in each person's name that I'm not sure Serling even thought of. He expounds on the meaning of the name Christopher, when the character is actually named Christian. In an episode involving two brothers, he mixes up the names repeatedly in discussing the plot. A character named "Jeff" he often refers to as "Jess"; unfortunately there is another episode with a main character named Jess, in which the same actor starred. He nitpicks about background noises from microphones and bandaids on actors' fingers until it makes you crazy. I also disagree with some of his premises. I think Serling did want the show to be about the paranormal rather than everything being projected in the characters' own minds. I believe in the paranormal; I get off the train right where Willoughby is supposed to be. Part of the wonder of the show is that the paranormal exists side by side with a very normal setting--the point is the episode could happen to you, with a little imagination. The author seems to lack this quality.

This book just rambles on with poorly explained ideas about a show I feel Wolfe barely watched. I found it very hard to read and understand. Please reconsider buying the other books mentioned above. Night Gallery: After Hours is very well researched (the authors were used for commentary on the Season 2 DVD set) and the Marc Scott Zicree Companion or the amazingly detailed "Unlocking the Door" Book by Grams are well worth the money. "Dimensions Behind the TZ" by Stanyard is also fun with many behind the scenes photos and interviews. But, beware, this book is the pit of your fears.

I was disappointed in Mr. Wolfe's effort. His knowledge of Serling appeared to be limited. I will reserve the right to keep away from Wolfe's work in the future.

It's sad when even Rod Serling's widow speaks publicly on a negative level about this book. Poorly researched, the author even consults other people's books rather than do his own research. Chances are, if you are looking at this book on Amazon as a possible purchase it is because you are seeking out a book about THE TWILIGHT ZONE or NIGHT GALLERY. If this is so, save your money and avoid this book and buy the two listed below. You'll do yourself justice and thank me in the long run.

ROD SERLING'S NIGHT GALLERY: AN AFTER-HOURS TOUR by Scott Skelton and Jim Benson offers 390 plus pages of behind-the-scenes critical analysis and facts with exclusive interviews with cast and crew.

THE TWILIGHT ZONE: UNLOCKING THE DOOR TO A TELEVISION CLASSIC by Martin Grams is 800 plsu pages and includes "everything" about the classic series. The details about Serling's writing career on radio, early television and Twilight Zone is well researched and highly detailed. Exclusive interviews with cast and crew and behind-the-scenes trivia will floor you.

Both books available on Amazon.com